Telemetry Deployment Principles
During 2023 Royal Mail initially engaged with the CWU on discussions around replacement of the various Telemetry systems in use across the business (Trimble, Microlise and Isotrak) as all were approaching end of life. The proposal was to trial a new telemetry system, which included forward-facing cameras. Although Terms of Reference (TOR) discussions began, given the prevailing attitude in Royal Mail at that time in the aftermath of the dispute the business refused to agree a TOR and proceeded with the trial independently.
The Telemetry trial took place in Swindon across a variety of vehicles, the trial included the installation of forward and rear-facing cameras, along with audible in-cab prompts to warn drivers of hazards. During the trial the data showed 70% of drivers improved their driving and RTC’s decreased from 20 to 2 year on year.
Based on this activity the business went out to tender to the market for a Telemetry System with Forward Facing Cameras, CameraMatics has now been chosen as the supplier of the new technology, and activity to roll out the new system will commence in November 2025. The business estimate it will take them up to 2 years to completely fit this technology to all Royal Mail Group vehicles, including Parcelforce. Every office will be notified of when the Telemetry will be fitted and training will be given to all drivers.
An initial meeting took place with the business on this activity and attached for your information is an agreed letter from the business covering the fitting and deployment of the new CameraMatics technology. As has become the norm in recent times the contents of the letter from Nick Dunn, National Distribution and Fleet Director has been the subject of discussions and agreement and effectively documents the agreed way forward that will support joint activity on the new telemetry equipment.
The new CameraMatics telemetry solution will replace all current telemetry systems, however as the process of fitting the new technology will take 2 years to complete, it has been confirmed with the business all current agreements relating to Telemetry and Forward-Facing Cameras will continue to apply to both remaining existing telemetry equipment, where still in use and importantly the principles and safeguards will fully apply to the new system. Discussions will commence within 6 months of the deployment completion to reach a revised overarching agreement covering the new technology which will apply to all business units.
The business has also confirmed that the introduction of the new system is without prejudice to the ongoing national discussions in relation to the appropriate use of data in setting KPI’s within My Performance in Delivery or any other function/business unit in the future.
The new telemetry system will support drivers with real-time alerts and insights that help reduce daily driving risks. In the event of an incident, it provides valuable evidence with the provision of forward and rear facing cameras. The system has a range of smart features to enhance safety and driver awareness, including:
- Real-time driver support with Audible voice prompts for:
- Forward collision alerts
- Pedestrian collision warnings
- Tailgating alerts
- Camera support:
- Forward and rear-facing cameras
- Rear visibility via a high-definition monitor or integration with the vehicle’s existing screen
- A Driver Event button to record immediate risks identified by the driver
Royal Mail have committed to full engagement with the CWU on the deployment and development of the use of the revised Telemetry equipment and to this end a Telemetry Joint Working group will be formed to ensure we are fully involved in all aspects of this deployment. This JWG will meet regularly to discuss all aspects of the planned migration including the calibration of in vehicle prompts, parameters for pushing data to managers and to share user feedback, etc.
Where new vehicles are entering the operation, they will come fitted with the new technology, the business have confirmed this technology will not be switched on until 17th Novemberand drivers will be trained on its use before it can be utilised.
Attached for the information of Branches and Representatives are the letter from Nick Dunn, outlining the agreed way forward and the WTLL Royal Mail intend to roll out. We will re-circulate the relevant existing agreements (Trimble, Microlise, Isotrak and Forward Facing Camera) separately along with the initial site by site deployment plan once this is confirmed.
Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to:
Parcelforce/Distribution: Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org; quoting reference LTB 237/25
Deliveries/Collections: Tony Bouch, Assistant Secretary, email: pharacz@cwu.org; quoting reference LTB 237/25
Fleet: Bobby Weatherall, A/Assistant Secretary, email hMaughan@cwu.orgquoting reference LTB 237/25
Yours sincerely,
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary
Tony Bouch
Assistant Secretary
Bobby Weatherall
A/Assistant Secretary
LTB 237/25 – Telemetry Deployment Principles
Attachment: FINAL to CWU_Telemetry Deployment Principles 2025
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
Leave a comment