Guelph continues improving fleet management and operations

Press release.

On Monday, Guelph City Council received a report showing how the City has improved fleet performance, regulatory compliance and driver safety since conducting an audit of fleet operations last year.

Of the audit’s 20 recommendations, 16 have been completed and two more—the City’s fleet policy and driver handbook—are well underway.

“Our drivers must continue being diligent to ensure their own safety, and the safety of others out there on the road,” said Derek McCaughan, Executive Director of Operations Transit and Emergency Services. “As expected, hiring a Driver Safety Trainer made a very positive impact. We’ve made great progress since last year, and we’ll continue working to ensure effective and consistent fleet management practices across the organization.”

The City requested an internal audit of its fleet operations after receiving a warning from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation in the fall of 2012. At the time, Guelph’s Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) safety violation rate of 38.6 per cent was higher than the Ministry’s satisfactory threshold of 35 per cent.

Since then, the City has made significant progress addressing inconsistencies and deficiencies in driver training, disciplinary programs, record-keeping, reporting and corporate policies.