Using Driver Location Tracking Apps Fairly and Legally

A location tracking app is becoming an essential tool to keep on overview over your fleet operations. Find out how to avoid misuse.
Location Tracking: Why does it matter?

In addition to tracking fleet vehicles, businesses should consider installing driver tracking software as well. Monitoring driver behaviour has many benefits, including improved productivity, lower fuel costs, reduced vehicle wear and tear and reduced fleet operation costs. However, there are strict laws in place to protect drivers’ privacy and their personal information. 

This article will explain which laws businesses must adhere to when utilising driver location tracking software, the difference between vehicle tracking and driver tracking, and how to introduce drivers to new tracking software. 

Read More: Why It Matters To Monitor Drivers In Fleets

UK Driver Location Tracking Laws  

In the UK, there are several laws in place to protect the privacy of employees and their personal data:

Learn about the best practices for location tracking

Before installing any kind of driver location tracking software, you must first inform drivers that they’re going to be tracked. It’s recommended that you explain how and why they’re going to be tracked, and how it can benefit them. 

Drivers have a right to know exactly what information is being collected and processed about them. To ensure drivers understand how they’re being tracked and what data is being collected, it’s recommended that you create a driver tracking policy document. Clear communication is key when introducing driving tracking software. 

Finally, whatever driver location tracking software you install must be GDPR compliant. It’s the law, so you need to abide by it. 

Read More: Location Tracking Apps and Solutions: Best Legal Practices

Driver Tracking vs. Vehicle Tracking 

Driver tracking and vehicle tracking software perform similar tasks, but vary in the kind of data they collect. 

Vehicle tracking software, like Fleet Geo, is used to track individual fleet vehicles, not drivers. Vehicle tracking software is used expressly for business purposes. 

The most common data collected by vehicle tracking software includes: 

Location tracking is important for your fleet
  • Real-time vehicle location
  • Vehicle routes  
  • Fleet mileage 
  • Vehicle usage outside of a set time frame (such as working hours) 
  • Drop-off and pickup times 

Conversely, driver tracking software, such as Driving Style Analysis, tracks driving behaviours to prevent unsafe and inefficient driving. The data collected by driver tracking software is used to improve driver safety, reduce a fleet’s carbon footprint and minimise vehicle wear and tear. 

Common data collected by driver tracking software includes: 

  • Speeding
  • Acceleration
  • Idling times 
  • Phone usage

Learn More: What Are The Biggest Driving Risk Factors For Fleets?

Introducing Drivers to Driver Tracking Software 

Drivers may initially be suspicious of driver location tracking apps. Even though business owners can see the benefits of using such technology, drivers may not. 

Here are our top tips for easing the transition to installing driver tracking software: 

  • Tell your drivers you’ll be installing driver location tracking software prior to actually doing so. This is legally required of all business owners. 
  • Document all questions and concerns drivers have about the tracking software and answer honestly. 
  • Explain how the tracking software will benefit drivers as well as the business. 
  • Outline the rules around the driver tracking software. This is where a policy document comes into play. 
  • Explain the legal rights drivers have under UK law so they feel more comfortable being tracked. 

Choosing the Right Driver Location Tracking Software 

The easiest and most efficient way to legally track drivers is via a location tracking app like Driving Style Analysis (DSA). DSA provides full transparency to both drivers and business owners. 

DSA tracks drivers using a mobile app that they must self-install. The software scores drivers based on their driving efficiency and the straightforward data can be shared directly with them. Drivers will know exactly what type of data is being collected on them and can access it at any time. 

Most importantly, DSA will only track drivers during business hours. Businesses may only legally track drivers when they’re on the clock, so having a privacy setting that drivers can turn on and off is vital. 

Tracking Drivers Legally & Efficiently 

Properly and legally tracking drivers and driving behaviours is of the utmost importance to Vimcar. In addition to following the UK driver tracking laws, businesses should inform employees that they’ll be being tracked, what type of data is being collected on them and what their legal rights are. 


You May Also Like