Wed, 14 July 2021
Using a vehicle tracking system helps improve business performance, but it can get your company in trouble if you don’t follow the law.
There are some important things you need to do to ensure your business uses fleet tracking legally. Here, we explain exactly what they are, so you can stay on the right side of the law.
Discover the key legislation of GPS tracking and find out where you can get the right devices for your business.
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Vehicle tracking is the monitoring of vehicles and/or other moving assets. A vehicle tracking system uses a transmitting device in the vehicle together with a website or app and other data to show you where the automobile is on a live map, in real time.
GPS technology is a vital part of vehicle tracking. A GPS device is fitted inside a vehicle and linked to satellite receivers, which transmit the location of the automobile to a tracking provider. This then transfers the information to the device that displays the vehicle position for you.
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GPS tracking is 100% legal in the UK. Fleet businesses are allowed to track any company vehicle they use, so you’re aware of where they are at all times.
However, the key is all the data you collect must be used for fleet management reasons. This means you must ensure the tracking devices aren’t used to track your employees at their place of work.
Because GPS tracking is legally allowed, so long as it’s carried out correctly, you must be aware of the following legal issues that can come from using this technology:
GPS jamming: this is the process of using a device to block communications and your business cannot employ this. While it’s legal to buy GPS jamming devices, it’s illegal to use them and you could be subject to a £5,000 fine if you use a jammer.
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GPS tracking is completely legal but there are some legislative issues for you to manage if you want to use trackers to help your fleet management.
These are the key legal issues and how you can manage them:
Credit: Wikimedia
It’s totally legal for you to use GPS tracking on your company vehicles. There are two key pieces of legislation that relate to UK vehicle tracking laws: the Data Protection Act and the Human Rights Act.
These are the things you need to know about these two pieces of UK legislation (in respect to vehicle tracking):
Vehicle tracking can give you a bird’s eye view of your fleet at all times, making it quick and easy to manage all your drivers. You can deal with breakdowns or accidents immediately and even check the driver dashcam footage or speeding incidents from your mobile phone.
As a free comparison site, iCompario can help you find the right system for the right price.