A groundbreaking smartphone app that scores drivers on their ‘green’ driving style has won a share of £20m funding in a Government trial.
Technology firm Cloud Amber is one of 20 winners in the Low Emission Freight and Logistics Trial and secured £410,000 of government cash aimed at pioneering ways to cut emissions and improve air quality,
Its project is based on smartphone application Greenwave, which it says is the only solution of its type in existence.
Drivers will be scored on how they approach traffic lights
The application uses traffic signal data to change fleet driver behaviour by encouraging them to drive in a more efficient manner via gamification – a technique that uses game design elements in non-game applications.
Drivers are awarded a ‘green’ score each time they drive, based on both their driving style and how they approach traffic signals. Points accumulate over a month with a monthly league board rewarding the driver with the highest score.
Transport minister John Hayes said: ‘It is fantastic that Cloud Amber is willing to explore low and zero emission technologies, which will help improve air quality and reduce pollution in towns and cities.
‘This is yet another important significant step towards this Government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions from transport to help tackle climate change.’
Cloud Amber’s head of transport, Richard Thurbin, said: ‘There is no known solution of this type in existence – which uses data feeds from existing infrastructure to provide drivers with live updates enabling them to change their driving style. We are excited to see what the future will hold for this type of innovative, transport management solution.’
The system will be deployed as a trial on 12 vehicles equipped with Masternaut telematics in Amey's Birmingham Highways utility contract over a six-month period to monitor the impact on fuel consumption and emissions.
Last week, Transport Network reported on Amey’s plans to develop its use of data in Birmingham, in partnership with the city council, as part of the Government’s hopes of a ‘data revolution’ from local authorities.
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