Ride-sharing company Uber may soon be forced to use biometric data to store details about its drivers or risk losing its place in some of the world’s biggest markets.

This week, the firm was stripped of its licence to operate in London after an investigation found an incredible 14,000 trips had been taken with drivers who had faked their identity on the app.

 

Make or break talks

Negotiations immediately took place between Uber and Transport for London (TfL), during which it was decided the ride sharing firm had failed to satisfy appropriate safety standards and would no longer be able to operate.

TfL had demanded that Uber implement systems to ensure drivers using the app are who they say they are and are not sharing log-in details, but the American-based company has so far failed to do so.

However, Uber cars will not disappear from London’s streets immediately, as there is set to be an appeal. Technology experts have also suggested that Uber may bow to pressure to either implement biometric vetting or less controversial measures, such as multi-layered passwords or codes.

If this is the case in London, then it is likely that it will also occur in other cities and countries across the world where Uber has a presence.

Jenny Smith, general manager for Tele-Gence, commented: “Uber has been reluctant to use biometrics as a way of identifying drivers, but it could be that it soon has no choice. Protecting passengers in the best way possible is obviously paramount.”

 

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Jaguar is pioneering revolutionary new technology that aims to prevent the issue of drivers falling asleep at the wheel.

According to a poll by the AA last year, one in eight drivers admits to having nodded off while driving at least once, but Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety statistics show this can cause up to 25 per cent of fatal accidents.

New system to provide alerts

With this in mind, Jaguar developed its Drive Condition Monitor, which receives data as regularly as every thousandth of a second to detect tell-tale signs of drowsiness.

For instance, the pedal inputs and power steering are checked for use and movement, while general driving behaviour is ‘observed’ by the system for anomalies.

Driver Condition Monitor can then issue a warning for the motorist to take a break using a coffee cup icon on the control panel.

The system is to be fitted as standard on the E-PACE and across the manufacturer’s range going forward.

Jaguar spokesperson David Willey said: “We continuously review the latest advances in vehicle safety and develop innovative technologies to improve the driving experience, making it safer and more enjoyable.”

Driver Condition Monitor has already been praised by Edmund King of the AA, who pointed out that the shocking figures surrounding drowsy drivers are probably under-reported.

Jenny Smith, general manager for Tele-Gence, commented: “It is great to see Jaguar coming up with such a great solution to save lives on the roads. However, we would also warn motorists that the best way to prevent falling asleep at the wheel is to stop and rest at the first signs of fatigue.”

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A new report has suggested we may no longer need road signs by the end of the next decade as technology progresses in favour of digital infrastructure.

The UK Connected and Automated Mobility Roadmap to 2030 research from Zenzic said British drivers may be able to enjoy ‘naked highways’ from around 2027, as road initiatives move away from existing assets towards new, fully-automated systems.

Are naked highways the way forward?

The research predicts improved vehicle connectivity will negate the need for traditional road signage, with decommissioning potentially starting in just eight years’ time.

Zenzic also said drivers can expect to see the widespread adoption of in-car signalling by 2028, which means vehicles themselves will be able to receive and digitally display the speed limits, junction exits and traffic updates we currently see at the roadside.

However, the organisation acknowledged that having the infrastructure in place to facilitate the development of autonomous cars will be key to unlocking this scenario.

Chief executive at Zenzic Daniel Ruiz said: “The ‘naked highway’ concept aims to bring economic benefits as well as tangible benefits to public mobility, including improved safety and better routing through centralised communication with drivers.”

Transport Focus may be pleased to hear this, as it recently warned Highways England that one in five drivers have performed a dangerous manoeuvre at a motorway junction because the signage was obscured.

Jenny Smith, general manager for Tele-Gence, commented: “Technology is moving in the right direction to enable many of the benefits described by Zenzic, but we do wonder if their timescale for naked highways is somewhat optimistic. We’re looking forward to seeing more driverless cars first of all.”

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Fleet owners have been advised to do all they can to protect their vehicles from theft after the number of vans being stolen increased significantly last year.

According to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles using official police statistics, 32,056 vans were taken over the last four years, with almost 10,000 thefts in the past 12 months alone. This marked a four per cent year-on-year rise for 2018-19 and a 45 per cent increase since 2015-16.

In terms of areas most affected, the Metropolitan Police reported the most commercial vehicle thefts, but Leicestershire saw the biggest yearly increase. North Wales saw a doubling of van thefts and police records in West Yorkshire showed a 67 per cent rise.

Extra security measures may help

Volkswagen urged fleet managers to take extra precautions to look after their vehicles, such as fitting lockable racking solutions and storage boxes to house expensive tools that could tempt opportunistic criminals.

Tracking devices are also available that could allow owners to find out where their vans are and aid police in the event of a theft.

Other tips from the company included always parking in well-lit areas, positioning vans where their doors cannot be opened and adding security film to windows so thieves cannot smash them.

Volkswagen‘s David Hanna said: “Vans are the lifeblood of so many businesses and it’s not only the emotional stress of replacing the vehicle but also the days and weeks of letting customers down and the cost of replacing tools, often worth thousands of pounds, before you can get back to ‘business as usual’.”

Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “It’s shocking to see on paper just how many commercial vehicle thefts are taking place up and down the country. We’d also advocate taking extra security measures to protect your vans if you’re in a position to do so.”

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