CameraMatics keeps Maritime safe and secure
Fleet and driver risk management solutions provider CameraMatics has been appointed to provide video safety systems to leading UK logistics operator Maritime Transport.
Established in 2001, Maritime Transport has grown into one of the largest privately-owned intermodal transport operators in the UK, its blue and white truck livery instantly recognisable on the UK’s motorways and transport networks. It operates over 2,000 LEZ-compliant vehicles from a national network of 40+ strategically placed depots across the UK.
To ensure the safety and security of drivers and vehicles, Maritime’s fleet is now equipped with new technology – including connected cameras from CameraMatics
Maritime takes the safety and security of its 2,000 drivers extremely seriously, and protecting drivers was a key factor in the search for a fleet video safety solution.
“We want to ensure that the safety of our workforce – predominantly drivers – is as good as it can be,” said Ross McNicol of Maritime’s IT and telematics team.
CameraMatics points to a range of benefits that on-board cameras can provide – from improving driving quality to providing incontrovertible evidence against fraudulent claims in the event of an accident or incident.
Equipping trucks with cameras is not new to Maritime, but there were frustrations with the previous setup, leading to the search for a more comprehensive and future-proof solution.
One of the frustrations identified with the previous system was retrieving video footage. Driver administrators having to physically be in a vehicle to download footage caused headaches – it was time-consuming and impractical, especially with multiple depots and vehicles being in use much of the day and night.
Remote access and download from CameraMatics changed all that; footage can be accessed and downloaded from anywhere, instantly.
In the event of an incident or collision, the speed of video footage retrieval is crucial.
“We need to get footage as quickly as we can to aid in any insurance investigation,” said driver administrator Chris Kirk. “With the CameraMatics system, it’s instantaneous.”
The 360˚ CameraMatics solution, along with Direct Vision Standard compliant exterior sensors and turning alerts, significantly increases the driver’s visibility and alerts other road users to the presence of an HGV. The nearside camera is also neatly integrated into the vehicles’ on-board infotainment system screen.
The firm reports that drivers like the extra eyes and ears that cameras and sensors provide, and are also overwhelmingly positive about protection provided by in-cab cameras. In the event of an incident or accident, the footage can provide clear evidence of the quality of driving – proving non-fault.
This on-demand video – both live and historic, alerts and notifications and the fact the system integrates existing technologies were all important features for an operator like Maritime when managing thousands of vehicles and drivers every day.
The on-board hardware technology is only half the story, says CameraMatics.
“The user-friendly software platform is the heart of the system,” said the company.
“CameraMatics is far more than video – indeed far more even than video telematics. CameraMatics customers benefit from a complete end-to-end solution for fleet risk management. Video and telematics play an important part but the ability to understand, predict and mitigate risk is what makes CameraMatics stand out from the crowd.”
The CameraMatics system also plays an important part in ongoing driver training and coaching, the company adds.
“Video footage and real-time visibility over the fleet is invaluable and the CameraMatics system is put to daily use by the team who use real life footage to help coach and train drivers.
“Watching video clips allows drivers to reflect on incidents and review what they did well, and what they could have done better. “
James Andrews, Maritime’s IT director, commented: “Running a business of this size, we need technology support in order to get the efficiencies out of the business and to make sure we’re working as smartly as we can.
“We wouldn’t have bought the CameraMatics solution if we didn’t believe in what it is doing, and what it can add to the business.”
Ross McNicol added: “In a supplier we look for loyalty, reliability, and future-proofing of products. We believe the CameraMatics product will stand us in good stead as we move forward with the business.
“CameraMatics is very important to us and will become more and more important over the coming years.”
Commenting on the partnership, Simon Murray, CameraMatics co-founder and director, said: “We’re delighted to be Maritime’s fleet video based safety technology partner, and we look forward to growing and working together fruitfully for many years to come.”
