KDR Powerlines starts using Kinesis Telematics

KDR Powerlines, contractors to the electricity industry, including network operator UK Power Networks, has implemented vehicle tracking from Kinesis, to boost the safety of field staff and the security of its assets.

KDR Powerlines provides a range of construction and maintenance services to the electricity industry across the UK and is a specialist in wood pole overhead powerlines. KDR operates a fleet of vans, cherry pickers and an HVG for site works, from its headquarters in York. Kinesis updates every 30 seconds to help team members get visibility of each other when meeting onsite. The system can be used to monitor lone workers operating in isolated locations and KDR Powerlines’ staff sometimes operate alone and in remote locations.

“We decided to install vehicle tracking for a number of reasons including driver safety, asset security and cost control,” commented Kevin Forth, director at KDR Powerlines. “Using Kinesis we can accurately locate vehicles and therefore by deduction the driver. This helps site operatives find each other in remote locations and gives the company and staff peace of mind when working alone. Vehicles and other high value mobile assets can also be easily located if they are stolen.”

Integrated with fuel cards from Kinesis’s sister company UK Fuel Cards, the telematics solution is also helping KDR monitor driver behaviour and performance. The telematics system records instances of speeding, harsh breaking, accelerating and idling and according to Kinesis provides accurate MPG calculation, allowing users to monitor planned journeys versus actual journeys, with a view to improving driving habits and reducing fuel costs.

“Kinesis was a natural choice for our business based on the price of the system, the quality of service and support, and the ease of integration with our existing fuel cards,” added Forth.