Arriva’s EcoManager project has been recognised at the annual Fleet Safety Forum Awards, presented by road safety charity Brake.

The company was named a winner in the ‘Company Driver Safety’ category for its work in developing EcoManager, the dashboard-mounted LED display which encourages safer and more efficient driving techniques, in partnership with technology provider 21st Century.

Successfully trialled at the group’s Runcorn depot in the North West, the system gives drivers real-time feedback on their driving performance, and is being deployed across all of Arriva’s UK bus operations during 2010. As well as reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions the adoption of ‘eco-driving’ techniques has delivered a simultaneous improvement in accident rates.

Eco-driver training included roadshows, leaflets, posters and one to one discussions which explained to drivers how driving using “the accelerator to go and to slow” and using greater emphasis on forward planning and anticipation would help reduce stress, fatigue and ill health.

Lynne Beale, group risk manager at Arriva, said: “Improving safety and fuel efficiency are always high on Arriva’s priorities. This award recognises everyone’s hard work in the successful delivery of EcoManager, which was made possible by our drivers who fully embraced the technology and have adopted eco-driving styles. This helps Arriva
reduce its CO2 emissions, and also provides a smoother and more comfortable journey for customers. The change in driving style has helped Arriva significantly improve its safety performance.”

The awards, sponsored by ARVAL, recognise the achievements of organisations setting excellent standards for fleet safety and risk management. In addition, EcoManager was also highly commended alongside Gateshead and Liverpool City Councils in the Eco Fleet category.