Jan/Feb 2006

Free London congestion charge alerting has been added to the GPS-based fleet tracking systems offered by Overview Mapping. Operators can set up their systems so that they are sent an automatic email whenever one of their vehicles enters the zone - without paying anything extra for the facility, or for the emails that it generates.

Various other tracking systems already offer congestion zone alerting, but this is one of the first to make the facility available without any charge. It does not actually prevent drivers entering the zone, or warn them if they are about to do so, but should ensure operators know a charge has been incurred, and can pay promptly and avoid the £100 fine they would otherwise face.

Operators can additionally request to have a text message sent to them, although in this case they have to pay a standard 25p SMS charge.

Overview has also refined the geofence capability which forms the basis of the alerting system. Operators using it to define their own geofences can now set up their own "alert" locations, and can edit their geofences more easily.

The GPS tracking service is offered by Overview alongside the GSM cell-site tracking system it operates under the Verilocation banner, and is aimed more at fleet operators. One of its latest developments is the capability to generate more sophisticated mileage expense forms and time sheets, using industry-standard Crystal Reports software.