Fylde Council goes digital with Fleetclear Connect
Fylde Council is digitalising its waste and cleansing fleet by switching to the Fleetclear Connect software platform.
The council, whose Lancashire jurisdiction incorporates towns such as Lytham St Annes and Kirkham, has been using Fleetclear camera systems on its waste, recycling and sweeper fleet for over a decade to enhance safety and enable quicker investigation of claims or complaints.
Clare Blyth, service director for operations at Fylde Council, explained: “The cameras have been a real asset in helping us to improve the safety of crews and the public. We are also able to resolve any incidents quickly. For example, if we receive a claim for damage to a vehicle or property, we can investigate properly to find out if any of our vehicles were involved. In most cases, we find that our vehicles are not responsible and we can use the footage to dispute false insurance claims.
“The cameras are also popular with the crews. If they are subjected to any abuse by members of the public, we can check the footage and deal with the situation tactfully.”
The council operates around 80 vehicles in total on a rolling five-year replacement programme.
The refuse vehicle and sweeper fleet comprises over 20 vehicles and any new vehicles are being equipped with the latest Fleetclear camera systems.
Clare Blyth added: “We are in the process of transferring onto Fleetclear Connect to transform and digitise our operations to improve efficiency, safety and compliance with the latest regulations.”
For those vehicles that are not yet due for replacement the council is looking to retrofit them with the updated camera systems.
Clare commented: “Value for money for our residents and the taxpayer is a major consideration. Therefore, we are transitioning our fleet in the most cost-effective way possible.”
To date six vehicles have been switched to Fleetclear Connect, soon to be followed by eight new vehicles, and feedback on the new system is said to be very positive.
According to Clare: “My team report that the new system is easier to navigate and it’s much quicker to locate and download the required footage for incident resolution. The after-sales support from Fleetclear is great. We can call at any time and get support. Any problems are quickly rectified, and the training is also very good. We are very happy with the service.”
