Lightfoot has secured Government funding for a £1.8m project to further develop its in-cab technology that helps promote smoother driving styles, cut fuel bills and lower emissions.

The current system connects to the vehicle’s engine and analyses efficiency, providing visual and sound alerts to prompt the driver to drive more economically. If ignored, the driver receives a penalty, which is then visible through the firm’s reporting system.

Results suggest that when Lightfoot, which has been installed in over 10,000 fleet vehicles in the UK, is used CO2 emissions reduce by 10-20%, NOx emissions by 20% and particulates by 15%.

The project, which commences on 1 May 2017, will allow Lightfoot to further develop this technology and help the company identify and sign up strategic partners to deliver more functionality and provide rewards for drivers that perform best when using the system.

Commenting on the funding, Mark Roberts, managing director of Lightfoot, said: “The Government grant is a huge endorsement for our technology, which has been transforming the way fleet vehicles are driven across the UK.
 
“We’ve found the key to instantly and consistently cutting pollution and fuel bills in fleets is by combining rewards for better driving with connected car technology.  Now drivers can adapt their driving based on real-time feedback from the engine and get great rewards for being smoother drivers in our Fleet Drive of the Week leagues. It’s the ‘Fitbit for fleets’ that’s fun, social and addictive, delivering cleaner, greener, safer and cheaper motoring for businesses across the UK.”  
 
Transport minister John Hayes said: “I am absolutely committed to improving air quality and reducing pollution in towns and cities, which is essential for people’s health and the environment. This Government is investing just over £109m to support British businesses in developing innovative, important technologies which will greatly reduce our emissions footprint.”