Central Coast Council has been awarded the 2022 Fleet Safety Award at the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA) Annual Networking Dinner and Fleet Awards Ceremony.

The award was received on behalf of the Council by Unit Manager, Plant and Fleet, Peter Armour at the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said: “Achieving this award is very special for our Council, as it is clear recognition that the systems and processes implemented for our drivers are not only innovative for local government, but of a high standard, aimed to reduce risk and support a safer and more accountable system of work and driving culture. This award is something that we are all extremely proud of."

“Central Coast Council’s dedication to establishing a safer and more efficient fleet meant implementing a wide range of initiatives including incorporating GPS and its many uses into their fleet assets including driver identification, pre-start checks and defect reporting," Mr Hart said.

Mr Armour said: “The incorporation of GPS into the fleet was an important part of Council’s fleet safety strategy, as it enabled us to begin managing fleet in a more proactive manner than at any time in our Council’s past with ability to easily produce safety reports in a timely manner."

“Council also worked closely with our Vehicle Sub-Committee during 2020 to develop data usage terms of reference to safeguard against privacy concerns and were regularly kept abreast of the program roll out," Mr Armour said.

Driver training and a rigorous review process had also been a key part of the Council’s safety strategy.

“We have conducted GPS driver and system user training for over 800 staff members, and we continue to implement driver compliance and vehicle utilisation reviews which are then reported to stakeholders," Mr Armour said.

“Furthermore, Council has also implemented systems to deliver significant changes in the safety of our fleet including new work order management systems and defect triaging processes, key access systems, centralised pool car management, and electronic vehicle booking."

The AfMA Award success follows on from Council’s nomination as a finalist in eight NSW Local Government Excellence Awards, with winners to be announced later in the month.

Mr Hart added: “Council is moving ahead in many areas of the business in an innovative, responsible and strategic manner as we achieve financial recovery, with community and employee benefits at the forefront of our planning.”

ENDS