Biffa is one of the largest domestic and business waste collection operations in the UK. Matt Bailey, Operational Development Manager has worked for the company for over 20 years and is responsible for the implementation and management of the connected technology on board the fleet of Biffa vehicles. His role has led him to become a Municipal waste expert, using his experience and the adoption of new technology to drive operational efficiency and enhanced customer outcomes. Using data recorded from the installed vehicle technology, Matt can clearly identify any trends or issues and is able to make recommendations for value-add improvements.
Matt explains that “Biffa has been working with Contel for over 5 years and we have cameras fitted on 85% of our municipal fleet. We have live, full 360° cameras, DVRs fitted in cab and SIMs in each vehicle to bring the data back in real time.
“We decided to move the management of our vehicle cameras to Contel as we were impressed with their level of after sales service and clear customer-centric approach. Contel put service first.”
“Having the camera data available to us allows us to better understand what is happening on the rounds, monitor driver behaviours and identify areas that require adjustment or improvement.”
Integrated with Biffa’s IVMS software, Biffa are able to track their fleet of vehicles, run historic route reports, view live location data and access Contel cameras to get a contextual understanding of activities being undertaken.
Matt explains that “we have several key objectives when installing vehicle safety and security technology. The first is being able to manage the behaviours of our drivers and crew. This is vital to managing their safety and the safety of other road users.
“Secondly, having the technology allows us to investigate spurious insurance claims. Having access to the data gives us and claimants a true picture of what, if anything, has happened. Since using the cameras, we’ve seen a reduction in claims and ultimately claim pay-outs. We’ve also noticed an improvement in staff engagement, and it gives us the opportunity to recognise good performance and say well done.
“The camera systems from Contel have also been a vital part of the Driving Recklessly on Pavements (DROPS) campaign. We’ve been able to capture shocking incidents of road users driving dangerously and putting our operatives at risk. We’ve worked with Gavin Williamson MP and the Crime Commissioner to share this data and campaign to warn drivers of the risks.”
The Contel vehicle camera solution is also being used by Biffa in Manchester to manage street cleansing operations. There are 30 mechanical sweepers in use across the city and Matt explains that “we use the front and rear cameras to perform cleaning audits. This wasn’t part of the initial project scope, but it has become an important tool for managing our street cleaning team.”
Commenting further of the Manchester operation, Matt explains that “we have base our Control Centre in Manchester, which is the first of its kind. It monitors 800 crews per week across the UK, managing all street cleaning and since implementing, has helped reduce near misses.”
Contel worked with Bartec Municipal Technologies to create a software platform to help bring efficiencies and scalability to the Control Centre’s processes. This was done by creating an online data form with Contel’s cameras embedded into it, so videos can be quickly captured and evidenced as part of a safety audit process. This has since become part of Bartec’s Collective waste operations software. Matt explains that “this includes a set of safety and quality questions to be answered, using still images of footage captured on the cameras to accurately answer. Manual handling, reversing protocol and other key factors are audited and captured in a document that is then produced as a PDF scorecard.”
Other Councils are now interested in having access to this joined up solution. Recent authorities to contract their audits to our Control Centre include Lichfield and Tamworth, Newcastle under Lyme and North Warwickshire.
Commenting on the relationship with Contel, Matt says that “we’ve always had a positive relationship. Andy and his team have always fulfilled and never over-promised.
Their aftersales service is great and they’re always keen to listen to ideas and opportunities to innovate.
Ultimately, we consider the relationship between Biffa and Contel as a partnership.”
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team about how we can help you to implement fleet safety solutions, you can find our details on the contact page!
