Satellite tracking to aid vehicle removals
London body to outsource IT for vehicle pounds
Transport for London (TfL) is to outsource the IT systems that run its vehicle pound operations to enable the introduction of satellite tracking technology.
TfL wants to hand over the installation, maintenance and support of a vehicle pound management, removals dispatch and control system.
It says the five-year contract must incorporate global positioning systems (GPS) capability to enable the nearest removal vehicle to be dispatched rapidly.
John McArdle, TfL’s on-street operations manager, says traditionally parking wardens have issued tickets and radioed details to a control centre, which then calls for a removal vehicle.
‘We have issued wardens with handheld PDAs that enable them to send ticket details using GPRS,’ said McArdle. ‘Now we want a state-of-the-art system that will automatically use GPS to determine which removal vehicle is closest.
‘It will flag priority removals, determine which removal vehicle is in the best position to pick it up and clear red routes without any manual intervention.’
The Removals Management Information System will also identify the nearest pound with available space, calculate and process fines, handle the disposal of unclaimed vehicles and manage movement of impounded vehicles.
McArdle says increased fines generated by more efficient vehicle removal should pay for the system while creating benefits for other motorists.
TfL removes about 10 vehicles a day, but that number could increase significantly.
The contract, to be phased in over the next two years, includes all hardware, software, support and maintenance.
Butler Group analyst Mark Blowers says outsourcing offers significant benefits when introducing new technologies such as satellite tracking.
‘TfL can call on companies with proven skills and draw on their level of expertise,’ he said.
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