Toll says "multiple business units" are showing interest in using in-vehicle cameras.
In-vehicle cameras used to monitor truck drivers working in Toll’s linehaul and bulk liquid operations may be introduced in other parts of the business.
After its “great result” in gaining the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) support for the use of two-way cameras in Victoria, Toll’s attention has shifted to getting the units up and running in the State.
Toll has also indicated the cameras, called DriveCam, may not be limited to the linehaul and bulk liquid divisions.
“I think multiple business units are looking at it,” Toll spokesman Christopher Whitefield says.
“We’re keen to look at it. It will be a business unit by business unit decision. We’re always looking to improve what we can.”
The cameras record what is happening inside and outside the truck in the lead-up to incidents and for four seconds after.
They begin recording when they detect a G-force event such as harsh braking, but drivers can also manually record incidents.
Toll’s NQX operation in Queensland has been using the cameras since 2011 and has credited them for improving safety.
The Victorian branch of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) opposed the use of driver-facing cameras and labelled them an invasion of privacy.
However, the FWC ruled Toll was within its rights to monitor its drivers.
“The recent Fair Work Commission ruling was a great result. We recognise in-vehicle camera technology as an important tool to assist us in our safety journey and are pleased the commission did also,” Whitefield says.
“We look forward to continuing our rollout of in-vehicle camera systems across the country, now including Victoria.”
Toll already has two-way cameras fitted to some of its Victorian fleet but has limited them to recording incidents outside the cabin due to the TWU’s stance.
The FWC has required Toll to explain to its Victorian drivers how the cameras will be used before switching them on.
Whitefield says this may involve toolbox sessions, staff meetings and distributing guidelines stating what Toll can and cannot do with the cameras.
Toll’s win in Victoria comes as NQX plans to hold a free industry webinar next week to outline why it installed cameras in its fleet and what the company has gained from using them.
“The webinar will share some of the insights gained from our use of telematics and cameras in our ongoing effort to prevent incidents and to protect drivers and the communities they travel through. We’re pleased to share our knowledge with the industry to help make our roads safer,” Whitefield says.