Suffolk County in New York has selected Vehicle Tracking Solutions (VTS) to provide real-time fleet monitoring for its Department of Public Works vehicles.

“Our DPW fleet is a substantial public asset and we must ensure our taxpayers it is being used in the most effective manner,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.  “I implemented GPS tracking in the Town of Babylon when I was Supervisor and found it saved taxpayer dollars and improved efficiency and accountability.”

Under the terms of a five-year agreement, VTS will provide onboard GPS devices for Suffolk County DPW vehicles along with access to a Web-based system that will enable the County to monitor real-time locations of its entire fleet, and speed, direction, routes, stops, idle status, and hours of operation of any vehicle with an installed unit.

Local municipalities (towns, villages, school or fire districts) can also purchase or lease VTS monitoring equipment and services off this Suffolk County contract, company founder and President John M. Cunningham, Jr., noted.

The system also provides speeding notifications based upon posted speed limits on highways and local roads, Android and iPhone apps to track usage, and e-mail or text message alerts.

According to Cunningham, real-time monitoring of speed and idling allows a fleet manager to quickly address poor driving habits. Additionally, knowledge that their speed and idling is being monitored can lead to driver self-correction and prevent unauthorized use of vehicles. This can lead to significant fuel savings.