Coatham Coaches preps for ER with CPT and TruTac compliance software
Coatham Coaches, the long-established family-run PSV operator, switched to CPT Tacho Analysis software to improve compliance control and driver awareness. Now, say the company, Earned Recognition status is well within their sights.
Formed in 1980, Coatham Coaches installed CPT Tacho Analysis powered by TruTac’s compliance control software over two years ago. The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) selected TruTac as commercial partners 4 years ago and now have various joint products which all provide significant discounts to CPT members.
As each new vehicle is added to their fleet, analogue equipment has given over to digital but even with the latest technology, says Managing Director Mark Hodgson, whilstadministration is reduced and analysis is improved, driver professionalism still lies at the heart of the business.
“The main reason we moved to TruTac software, was the excellent CPT Tacho Analysis product” explains Mark, “as far as we could see this was the best way to improve all-round driver monitoring and two-way consultation regarding all aspects of driver duties and standards. Moreover, the system isfully approved and compatible with DVLA’s EarnedRecognition scheme – a direction in which the business is heading.”
Mark and his team have also made full use of TruTac’sintegrated TruDriver module, to educate and inform drivers on tachograph records, infringements, compliance and working time so that each driver fully understands the general rules and can help to police their own performance.
Coatham Coaches have also benefited from the flexibility which the cloud-based CPT Tacho Analysis brings, through real-time access to clear and concise compliance data, including manager and driver dashboards with KPI reporting, from any PC or internet connected device.
“This makes life easy when it comes to accessing data” adds Mark, “either for DVSA or routine operational requirements it really does enable true compliance control. Plus, with this system we get unlimited vehicle and driver downloads with no hidden charges.”
Furthermore, Coatham Coaches were pleasantly surprised by the seamless transfer from their old system to the new software.
“We’ve come from a notebook and pen to smartphone and web portal in a relatively short time. The previous system was comparatively labour-intensive because the data had to be manually entered. Now, as CPT members and using the TruControl web portal, we can access various TruTac software applications all in one place, which makes it simpler and faster to monitor and control – factors which combine to make us well prepared for our objective of achieving Earned Recognition status.”
All Coatham Coaches drivers are CRB checked, trained to NVQ level 2 and meet the DoT requirement for Continual Professional Development in Driver CPC. The fleet comprises 25 luxury and midi coaches.