Cameras in vans

[Deadly]

It’s been pretty common in commercial fleets for a few years now. RM are always slow with technology uptake but I think it will happen sooner or later, better stop picking those noses boys and girls

[SpacePhoenix]

Overkill. Having a forward facing one - ok. But recording us is ridiculous. What for - to check we aren't snorting cocaine?

Seatbelts.

Also that you're not touching the PDA or a mobile whilst driving.

Is it possible that whoever insures RM's vehicles has decided to insist on all vehicles having dashcams and in-cab cameras?

Is there not a camera on both sides of the PDA? If it was sat in its cradle?

Dashcams record audio PDAs don't. It'll be interesting to see if RM do start installing/requesting Dashcams within the fleet

PDAs can record audio, remember they can be used as mobile phones so the hardware is already in them, all that would be needed is a little new software or the existing software updated.

[michael147]

My lord, it goes from bad to worse.
Talking to myself on my rural will have to stop.
Phone call from the wife during my break will have to go outside.
Also they would have has some very interesting footage of me desperately trying to get
something out of my eye for a full 15 minutes one day last week.
I know a driver years ago who had very bad eczema around his groin area, used to apply cream
sat in the drivers seat if it flared up at work (could hardly do it outside).
Is nothing sacred?

[Mr Rush]

If they bring this in then I believe that renders taking your break out on delivery in your van completely unacceptable. Back to the unit and into the canteen where we will conduct private conversations away from the employer's live microphone.

Do you remember when depictions of the future as envisioned in the 60s were full of optimism? This is our glittering dystopia.

[postslippete]

I know of a postie who used to take a pee in a bottle in the back of the van. But why would they need to watch and listen to us specifically while we are in the driving seat? Feels less like a safety measure and more like surveillance to me. I'm sure other employers install dash cams with the audio turned off by default due to privacy.

[postslippete]

If they bring this in then I believe that renders taking your break out on delivery in your van completely unacceptable. Back to the unit and into the canteen where we will conduct private conversations away from the employer's live microphone.

Do you remember when depictions of the future as envisioned in the 60s were full of optimism? This is our glittering dystopia.

Yeah, that would slow things down, reduce flexibility and ironically hurt productivity

This is 1984 with a tracking number

[SpacePhoenix]

If they bring this in then I believe that renders taking your break out on delivery in your van completely unacceptable. Back to the unit and into the canteen where we will conduct private conversations away from the employer's live microphone.

Do you remember when depictions of the future as envisioned in the 60s were full of optimism? This is our glittering dystopia.

If there's CCTV in your canteen then chances are it's also recording audio

[Clappedoutpostie]

I know of a postie who used to take a pee in a bottle in the back of the van.

Doesn’t everyone do this

[stars2025]

what a load of shite, they canna even give us vans that are less than a decade old, good grief get a grip, running about in 16 year old vans as it is

[TopperGas]

Overkill. Having a forward facing one - ok. But recording us is ridiculous. What for - to check we aren't snorting cocaine?

Seatbelts.

Also that you're not touching the PDA or a mobile whilst driving.

Is it possible that whoever insures RM's vehicles has decided to insist on all vehicles having dashcams and in-cab cameras?

Is there not a camera on both sides of the PDA? If it was sat in its cradle?

Dashcams record audio PDAs don't. It'll be interesting to see if RM do start installing/requesting Dashcams within the fleet

PDAs can record audio, remember they can be used as mobile phones so the hardware is already in them, all that would be needed is a little new software or the existing software updated.

Perhaps we should also install them in MC's to make sure nothing untoward is happening there as well?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

AI generated answer

In the UK, employers can have inward-facing cameras to film drivers and passengers in company vehicles, but they must comply with strict data protection laws, primarily the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Here's a breakdown of the key considerations and requirements:

1. Legitimate Purpose and Justification:

Employers must have a clear and justifiable reason for using inward-facing cameras. Common reasons include:

Driver safety: Monitoring for fatigue, distraction (e.g., mobile phone use), or dangerous driving.

Incident evidence: Providing footage for insurance claims, accident investigations, or to protect drivers from false claims.

Security and theft prevention: Deterring theft or vandalism of the vehicle or its contents, or ensuring passenger safety (especially in public transport/taxi services).

Training and performance monitoring: Identifying areas for driver improvement.

The monitoring must be necessary and proportionate to achieve the stated purpose. This means it should be the least intrusive way to achieve the goal. For example, continuous audio recording is highly intrusive and generally only justifiable in exceptional circumstances with strong justification (e.g., threat to personal safety).

2. Transparency and Notification:

Inform employees: Employers must clearly inform drivers and any regular passengers (e.g., employees who regularly travel in the vehicle) that cameras are in use, what data is being collected, and why. This should be done in writing, ideally in employment contracts, company policies, or a specific privacy notice.

Consent (limited role): While explicit consent isn't always the primary lawful basis for employer monitoring (due to the power imbalance), transparency and clear communication are crucial. If consent is relied upon, it must be freely given and employees must be able to withdraw it.

3. Data Handling and Security:

Personal data: Any footage that captures identifiable individuals (drivers, passengers, members of the public) is considered personal data under UK GDPR.
Secure storage: The footage must be stored securely, with access restricted to authorised personnel only.
Retention periods: Data should only be kept for as long as necessary for the stated purpose. Employers should have clear data retention policies.
Subject Access Requests: Individuals have the right to request access to any footage in which they appear. Employers must be prepared to provide this, potentially redacting or editing out other individuals' data.
ICO Registration: If processing personal data for commercial reasons (which includes using dashcams), the employer may need to register with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and pay a data protection fee.

4. Proportionality and Employee Rights:

Privacy Impact Assessment (DPIA): Before implementing such systems, employers should conduct a DPIA to assess the risks to individuals' privacy and how these can be mitigated.

Less intrusive alternatives: Consider if the same objectives could be achieved through less intrusive means.
Avoid covert monitoring: Covert surveillance (secret cameras) is generally only justifiable in very exceptional circumstances, such as when there's a strong suspicion of criminal activity or serious malpractice, and it's a last resort after other options have been exhausted. It must be targeted and for a limited period.

Impact on morale: Employers should be mindful of the potential impact on employee trust and morale. Open communication and clear justification can help alleviate concerns.

In summary: While it is legally permissible for employers in the UK to use inward-facing cameras in company vehicles, it is not a "free pass." They must navigate a complex web of data protection laws and ethical considerations, prioritising transparency, justification, and the protection of individuals' privacy rights. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines from the ICO and claims of unfair treatment or dismissal.

[stars2025]

what exactly does our current trimble system do? does it have audio installed in it???? or is it just to catch us speeding or not

[Tman]

Perhaps we should also install them in MC's to make sure nothing untoward is happening there as well?

Almost a "nah nah ne nah nah" response there.
MC's have had them since there's been MC's.

[Roadie8282]

Overkill. Having a forward facing one - ok. But recording us is ridiculous. What for - to check we aren't snorting cocaine?

Haha well last year a bag of cocaine was found in one of our vans. Think it was a Sunday driver or something.

[Beanyjazz]

Really can't see this. The cameras would be worth more than some of the vans.