RUC Law Change in New Zealand: Biggest Road Funding Shake-Up in 50 Years and What It Means for Your Fleet

Biggest change to how we fund our roading network in 50 years

In August 2025, the New Zealand Government confirmed that by around 2027, all light vehicles, including petrol cars, will pay Road User Charges (RUC) through a fully digital system. This marks the end of the traditional petrol tax and the beginning of a distance-based model for funding road maintenance.

This announcement follows earlier changes in April 2024, when electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) began paying RUC for the first time. But the August 2025 decision goes much further: it will eventually bring all 3.5 million light vehicles in New Zealand into a single, modernised RUC system.

For everyday drivers, this will mean a shift away from paying at the petrol station to paying based on kilometres driven. For fleet managers, it represents a major compliance shift and an opportunity to embrace Argus’ Smart ERUCs solutions, which simplify operations, reduce costs, and eliminate paperwork.

In this blog, we’ll cover what the new law means for drivers and fleets, the considerations being discussed, and how Argus Tracking can support businesses through the transition.

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What Is RUC and Why Is It Changing?

How RUC Works Today

Currently, New Zealand has a dual system for road funding:

1. Petrol vehicles pay a fuel excise tax (about 70 cents per litre) at the petrol station, which goes toward maintaining roads.

2. Diesel vehicles, EVs, PHEVs, and heavy vehicles pay RUC based on distance travelled, using either paper licences on windscreens or electronic systems (ERUCs).

Why Is the Change Happening?

The government says the current model is no longer sustainable, mainly because:

• Electric vehicle adoption is growing: EVs don’t use petrol, so they bypass fuel tax completely under the old system.

• Petrol vehicles are becoming more fuel-efficient, which reduces excise revenue.

• Road maintenance costs are rising, and funding is no longer keeping pace with demand.

In short, the government’s plan is to create one fair system where road costs are tied to the distance you drive, whether your car runs on petrol, diesel, or electricity.

Factors Still Being Discussed

While the new system is widely seen as fairer and more modern, a few points are still being discussed:

• Fewer incentives: Some say this reduces financial perks for low-emission vehicles such as EVs.

• Practical details: How payments and providers will work is still being defined.

• Adjustment period: Drivers new to RUC may take time to adapt.

Overall, industry groups recognise that a unified, digital-first RUC system is the right step forward. For businesses and fleets, these discussions highlight why it’s important to plan ahead and why choosing the right RUC management partner, like Argus Tracking, matters - and the earlier you can do this, the more prepared you will be.

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How Does the New Law Affect Everyday Kiwi Drivers Like You?

The change impacts all drivers, not just businesses. Here are the major points:

1. EVs and PHEVs Already Paying RUC

• Since 1 April 2024, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have been required to pay RUC.

• Rates are currently $76 per 1,000 km for BEVs and $38 per 1,000 km for PHEVs (discounted for partial petrol use).
  

2. A Digital-First System Is Coming

• The current paper-based system of RUC licences and windscreen stickers is being phased out.

• According to the recent announcement, by 2027, the government plans to have a fully digital RUC system in place, with electronic records instead of physical labels.

• This means, no more lost paper licences, no stickers on windscreens, and fewer trips to the Post Office.
  

3. Petrol Vehicles Will Also Move to RUC

• Petrol-powered light vehicles will transition away from paying fuel excise duty (FED) at the petrol station and instead pay RUC based on distance travelled.

• NZTA will step back from selling licences directly. Under the new framework, NZTA will step back from being both regulator and retailer, opening the way for approved third-party providers to manage RUC.
  

Example for Drivers

• A petrol hatchback owner who currently pays through fuel tax will, by 2027, pay RUC per kilometre instead.

• An EV driver already paying RUC today will simply move onto the same streamlined digital platform as everyone else.

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What Does This Mean for Fleet Managers Across New Zealand?

For fleet managers, the RUC law change is a fundamental shift in daily compliance and cost management. With a fully digital system, paper licences will vanish, NZTA will step back from direct sales, and every vehicle in your fleet (petrol, diesel, or electric) will fall under the same framework.

Planning ahead is critical. Fleets that prepare with Argus Tracking will be in the best position to take advantage of digital tools and streamlined reporting, while minimising compliance risks.

Key Implications for Fleet Managers

1. Unified RUC Across Mixed Fleets
   By 2027, petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles will all fall under the same RUC system. This creates a single, consistent approach to compliance across your entire fleet.
   
   

2. End of NZTA Point-of-Sale
   With NZTA stepping back from selling licences directly, fleet managers will need to work with approved providers. Argus Tracking offers integrated solutions to simplify this transition today.
   
   

3. Less Paperwork
   The removal of paper licences will streamline compliance, while Argus Tracking’s Smart ERUCs go further by automating the entire RUC process to keep fleets compliant and prevent costly manual compliance errors.
   
   

4. Cash Flow Flexibility
   The move to digital RUC is expected to introduce flexible payment options, such as monthly billing and consolidated invoicing. This will give businesses better control and forecasting ability.
   
   

5. Adopting the Right Tools Early
   Automating RUC with Smart ERUCs is essential for modern fleet management. Early adoption reduces administrative workload, eliminates compliance risks, and ensures fleets are ready for the 2027 changes.

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How Argus Tracking Can Support You

At Argus Tracking, we’ve always focused on making compliance and reporting simple, reliable, and stress-free. With the upcoming RUC law changes, our Smart ERUC solution is designed to keep fleets ahead of the curve.

Why Choose Smart ERUCs from Argus?

1. Stay Compliant Without Costly Mistakes
   Manual licence management is prone to errors that can result in fines or downtime. Smart ERUCs update instantly whenever RUCs are purchased, ensuring your fleet is always displaying the correct and current licence.
   

2. Cut Out the Paperwork
   No more waiting for licences to be delivered, sorting through paperwork, or manually distributing stickers to each vehicles. With Smart ERUCs, the process is fully automated, giving your team more time to focus on higher-value tasks that grow the business.
   
   

3. Smart, Practical Hardware
   Our NZTA-approved display screens are compact, energy-efficient, and easy to mount on the windscreen. For vehicle distance tracking, our GPS tracking measures distance with precision, offering a more affordable and reliable alternative to e-hubos. No external power or constant connectivity required.
   

4. Future-Proofed for the 2027 Shift
   With petrol vehicles joining the RUC system by 2027, now is the time to get ahead. Argus Smart ERUCs are designed to scale across diesel, EV, PHEV, and soon petrol fleets, so you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.
   

Device Key Features:

• Auto-update RUC purchases with NZTA.

• Are wireless, SIM-enabled, and self-installing (no technical expertise needed).

• Connect your vehicles within minutes, keeping them compliant from day one.

With Argus, your fleet will be compliant, efficient, and future-ready without the stress of system overhauls later.

Learn more about Smart ERUCs and download our info-sheet from below.

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Summary

New Zealand’s RUC law change represents the biggest shift in road funding in 50 years. EVs and PHEVs began paying RUC in 2024, and by 2027 petrol vehicles will also transition from fuel tax to a digital, distance-based charging system.

This marks the end of fuel tax and the beginning of distance-based road charges. For fleet managers, it opens the door to new compliance standards, digital-first systems, and smarter ways to streamline operations.

At Argus Tracking, we’re ready to help fleets prepare now. Our Smart ERUCs solutions reduce costs, eliminate paperwork, and future-proof your operations so you remain compliant and efficient as the new system rolls out.

Ready to simplify RUC compliance? Get in touch with our friendly team at Argus Tracking today about preparing your fleet for the road ahead.

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FAQs: RUC Law Change in New Zealand

Q: Do petrol cars pay RUC now?
A: No. Petrol vehicles still pay fuel excise at the petrol station. They’ll move to RUC around 2027.

Q: What happens to paper RUC licences?
A: They are planned to be phased out. From 2027, all records will be digital.

Q: How much will RUC cost me?
A: It depends on your vehicle type and how far you drive. Currently, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) pay $76 per 1,000 km and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) pay $38 per 1,000 km. Rates for petrol vehicles will be set closer to rollout in 2027.

Q: Do fleet managers need new systems?
A: Most likely, yes. With the RUC system moving fully digital, NZTA is opening the door for private providers to deliver electronic RUC solutions. Once paper licences are phased out, fleet managers will need to adopt a Smart ERUCs or a similar service to remain compliant.

How to Show Leadership the Value of Fleet Management

In today’s tough economic climate, every department is being asked to do more with less, and fleet operations are no exception. As a trusted partner to organisations of all sizes and industries across New Zealand, Argus hears the same question from time to time:

“How do I show my leadership the value of fleet management?”

If you're a fleet manager or responsible for vehicles and operations, you may be feeling the pressure to defend your budget, justify your daily tools, or even explain the importance of your role. But the good news is that with telematics in place, you already have the insights needed to clearly show the value your fleet delivers.

At Argus, we help fleet professionals like you turn raw data into real-world impact. This blog will show you how to use the insights from your Argus reports to confidently demonstrate your value to leadership.

Why Fleet Management Matters to the Whole Business

Fleet management isn’t just about keeping vehicles on the road. It touches almost every corner of the business including cost control, compliance, safety, sustainability, and customer service. Done right, it can become a genuine competitive advantage.

With the right story and the right data (like the insights you already get from Argus), you can show leadership how you’re:

• Cutting costs through better utilisation and fuel efficiency

• Reducing risk with safer driving and automated compliance

• Contributing to big-picture goals like sustainability and digitisation

And importantly, you can present this in a language that leadership understands.

Focus on the Metrics That Matter Most

Executives don’t just want data, they want insights that align with business objectives. That means focusing on high-level outcomes and ROI. Here are some key areas to highlight:

1. Operational Cost Savings

Use your Argus data to highlight:

• Reduction in fuel usage

• Fewer unnecessary trips from route optimisation reports

• Lower maintenance costs through timely service alerts

• Opportunities to reduce fleet size through vehicle utilisation analysis

Here’s what one of our customers had to say about this: "I reduced fuel costs by 14% last quarter by identifying fuel usage inefficiencies and rerouting based on GPS location data. Automated service alerts also cut maintenance costs by $XX, ensuring 100% of vehicles were serviced on time.”

2. Fleet Utilisation

Leadership often want to know whether corporate assets are being used effectively. These factors often draw attention to questions like:

• How many vehicles are actively used each day/ week?

• Which vehicles are underutilised?

• Where are the opportunities to consolidate or share fleet resources?

Tips: Argus Utilisation Reports highlight vehicle downtime, making it easy to spot operational inefficiencies. Paired with our Pool Booking solution, you can proactively manage underused vehicles through reallocation or shared use.

One recent customer told us: "25% of our vehicles are used less than 3 days a week. I can reduce our fleet size by 10 vehicles, saving $XX annually."

3. Driver Behaviour & Risk Management

Unsafe driving affects employment safety and insurance costs. With Argus you can highlight:

• Speeding and risk points

• Driver safety scores compared to national average (exclusive data provided by Argus!)

• Reduced incidents, fines, and claims

A grateful customer told us: "Since launching driver coaching based on Argus data, I have seen a 40% drop in speeding events."

4. Compliance & Downtime Reduction

Missed RUCs, WOFs, COFs, or vehicle services can lead to unexpected downtime and fines. Let Argus help you avoid this through our:

• Automated reminders ensuring nothing slips through the cracks

• Automating the entire RUC process eliminating manual handling and reducing admin time

• Smarter scheduling reducing surprise breakdowns and unplanned repairs

Tips: Learn more about Smart ERUCs HERE

Another successful customer informed us: "I have maintained 100% WOF and COF compliance for 18 months, avoiding $XX in potential fines and unplanned downtime."

5. Sustainability & EV Readiness

If your organisation has sustainability targets, this might be your time to shine using Argus as your reporting tool to show you:

• Emissions reports pulled straight from telematics data

• Plans or simulations for EV transition using real usage data

• Numerically show how much fuel consumption you’ve reduced

Tips: Through our partnership with Power Trip, Argus can help you plan and create an EV transition strategy for your fleet.

We heard recently from a customer: "I have managed to reduce our average vehicle CO2 emissions by 11% over the past year."

Speak Their Language: Turn Data into Executive Insight

Now that you have the data, the best way to get leadership on board is to speak their language. That means focusing on outcomes, not just activities.

• Cost savings: "We saved $XX"

• Efficiency: "We’re doing more with less"

• Risk mitigation: "We’ve reduced exposure to [X]"

• Corporate goals: "This supports our sustainability/digital roadmap"

Visuals help. Use charts, dashboards, and clear summaries – all easily exported from Argus! Avoid technical terms unless your audience knows them. Keep it clean, concise, and focused on outcomes that matter to the broader business, and especially your leadership team.

Be Ready for the Tough Questions

To help you even further, we’ve collated some of the questions we regularly hear from the leadership teams we work with:

• Can we reduce the number of vehicles in the fleet?

• What return are we getting from our telematics investment?

• How are we improving safety?

• Should we consider EV transition?

Argus reports give you the data to confidently answer all of these. Use them to track improvements, make comparisons over time, and show how your decisions are driving real value.

User our free ROI calculator to discover how much you could save with Argus or get in touch with your Account Manager today!

What Sets Great Fleet Managers Apart?

From what we've seen, the fleet managers who consistently earn leadership’s trust and support have two habits in common:

1.They’re Proactive Problem-Solvers

They not only report the numbers, but they also recommend action:

• Suggest phasing out underutilised vehicles

• Propose changes based on fuel and route data

• Show how a modest investment could lead to bigger savings

It shows you're not just maintaining the status quo, you're always thinking ahead and improving the organisation.

2.They Collaborate Across the Business

Great fleet leaders don’t seem to work in silos. They make sure to:

• Partner with finance to align cost metrics

• Work with health & safety teams to track risk improvements

• Help sustainability teams track emissions and plan EV rollouts

This cross-functional mindset earns respect and reinforces your role as a strategic contributor.

Final Thoughts: Your Role Is Strategic. Make Sure They See It!

Fleet managers are problem-solvers, data champions, and crucial to operational success. But leadership won’t always know that unless you show them.

Use your Argus data not just to manage vehicles, but to tell the story of your impact. Share the wins. Back your decisions with numbers. And let your reports speak the language that matters in the boardroom.

At Argus Tracking, we’re here to help you get the most from your data. If you’re preparing a report or getting ready to share insights with leadership, we’re more than happy to show you where to find the key metrics that matter on the Argus dashboard, and how to turn them into meaningful stories. You've got the tools, and we’re here to help you make the most of them!

Current Argus Customers: Reach out to your Account Managers HERE

New to Argus? Get in touch with our friendly team and explore the powerful data and insights we can provide for your fleet!

What’s More Expensive: A Dashcam or Not Knowing the Truth?

Why Video Telematics Is the Future of Fleet Management

If your fleet is already using GPS vehicle tracking and fleet management software, you're ahead of the game. Real-time location tracking, driver behaviour insights, and automated NZTA compliance are the backbone of efficient operations.

But there’s a new standard emerging that’s reshaping how smart fleets operate: Video Telematics. This is the beginning of 4D GPS vehicle tracking.

With rising insurance costs, increased compliance requirements, and greater demand for road safety, video telematics gives fleet managers something they’ve never had before—full visibility into what really happened.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What video telematics is

• The difference between GPS tracking and video-enabled insights

• Key benefits for fleet managers (like driver exoneration)

• Why the Argus Vision AI Dashcam is your next must-have fleet solution

What Is Video Telematics?

Video telematics combines high-quality dashcam footage with GPS vehicle tracking and telematics data to provide a complete view of your fleet’s activity, both on the road and inside the vehicle. This hybrid approach offers real-time visual context to events like harsh braking, speeding, and collisions.

Instead of just reading data points, you see the full story, helping reduce false claims, coach drivers more effectively, and speed up incident resolution.

GPS Vehicle Tracking vs Video Telematics: What's the Difference?

GPS vehicle tracking has long been the foundation of smart fleet management. It gives you real-time location data, route optimisation, driver behaviour monitoring, and cost-saving insights that are essential to running an efficient, compliant, and safe fleet.

Now, video telematics builds on that foundation, offering additional clarity and context through high-definition video footage and AI-powered insights.

Think of it as more than an either-or, it’s next-level visibility. It’s 4D GPS tracking.

Here’s how they work together:

By combining GPS vehicle tracking with video telematics, you get a more complete picture of your fleet’s performance. It allows you to make faster decisions, support your drivers better, and protect your business with real-time evidence.

Three Key Benefits of Video Telematics

Integrating a fleet dashcam like the Argus Vision AI Dashcam unlocks powerful new capabilities for commercial fleets:

1. Safer Driving and Better Coaching

   Our built-in AI detects fatigue, distraction, and unsafe behaviour so you can take proactive action before incidents occur. Use real video clips for more effective driver training and feedback.

2. Faster Incident Resolution and Fewer False Claims

   Dashcam video with timestamped GPS data provides clear, reliable evidence in seconds. This significantly reduces time-consuming investigations or costly disputes, and more importantly protects your team with driver exoneration when they’re not at fault.

3. Greater Accountability and Cost Control

   With eyes inside and outside the vehicle, you gain unparalleled visibility that reduces fuel waste, improving asset utilisation, and creating a stronger culture of accountability.

Why Choose Argus for Video Telematics?

Argus Vision AI Dashcam is a premium fleet dashcam designed specifically for commercial fleets. It’s 4D tracking in action!

Key features include:

• Crystal-clear video quality

• Dual lens system for monitoring both the road and driver

• Built-in AI for real-time driver expressions and behaviour monitoring

• Seamless integration with your Argus dashboard

• GPS tracking with live data and historical playback

• Automated incident detection and recording

• And more!

What truly sets us apart in the market is affordability without compromise. Argus delivers a high-performance video telematics solution at a significantly lower price point than many comparable options without sacrificing functionality.

Is Video Telematics Right for Your Fleet?

If any of the following apply to your fleet, it’s time to consider upgrading your fleet technology:

• You’ve dealt with claims or incidents with no clear evidence

• You’re focused on improving driver safety

• You want better insight into daily operations

• You’re aiming to reduce insurance costs and liability

• You’re building a culture of safety and responsibility

Video telematics is not just a “nice-to-have”. It’s the new standard for responsible, data-driven fleet management. And if you're already using GPS vehicle tracking and a fleet platform like Argus, the Argus Vision AI Dashcam is the next natural step – we’re moving you from 3D to 4D GPS Vehicle Tracking.

Contact Argus today to book your FREE product demo and see how video telematics can transform your fleet operations!

New Season, New Strategy: Unlocking the Value of Modern Fleet Management

“Is GPS Tracking & Fleet Management Software Worth My Time and Investment?”

If you’re asking yourself, “Is GPS vehicle tracking and fleet management software really worth the time and investment?” — the short answer is: YES, absolutely!

Telematics — which combines GPS tracking with real-time vehicle data — powers modern fleet management systems to deliver far more than just showing where your vehicles are. These technologies help reduce operating costs, automate compliance processes, improve driver safety, lower CO2 emissions, and reduce manual paperwork — all while unlocking the insights you need to help your business thrive.

But before we dive into real-world examples, let’s clear up a few of the terms that can cause confusion:

• GPS tracking is the eye of the system — it tells you where your vehicles are.

• Telematics is the nervous system — it collects and transmits a wide range of data from each vehicle, usually to a cloud-based fleet management platform.

• Fleet management software is the brain — it organises that data and turns it into actionable insights to help you make smarter, faster decisions.

This month, in the spirit of Matariki and new beginnings, we’re exploring how GPS vehicle tracking, fleet management, and telematics technology can elevate people, performance, and planet — and improve how your team works together. Whether you’re a business owner, operations manager, or fleet lead, we hope this blog gives you clarity on the value of these tools, the challenges they solve, and the confidence to embrace a smarter way of working in the year ahead.

Matariki, the Māori New Year in New Zealand

How Argus Fleet Management Software Helps “People”

1.Cuts Down Administration Time

Fleet managers can say goodbye to much of the time-consuming manual work that comes with managing a fleet. With the Argus fleet management system, you can automate key tasks like Road User Charges (RUC), claim back off-road RUCs, receive proactive maintenance alerts, and simplify day-to-day reporting. Less time on paperwork means more time focused on people and performance — and fewer costly manual errors that can lead to compliance breaches, fines, or downtime.

ERUCs Display Screen

At Argus, one of our most popular solutions is Smart ERUCs. This is an in-vehicle digital RUC display screen that automatically stays up to date in real time. Fully NZTA-compliant, it’s one of the easiest ways to cut back mundane (but highly important) administration and stay on top of your compliance.

2.Protects Lone Workers

For teams working alone, including in remote or high-risk areas, GPS tracking can be a lifeline. Know where your team members are at all times, to make sure they’re safe and where you expect them to be. With the ability to use Argus’ geofences, you can get alerts when they enter or leave dangerous areas, to make sure you’re kept up to date on their safety.

In addition, our integration with GetHomeSafe enhances lone worker safety with SOS alerts activated by in-vehicle panic buttons and rollover sensors.

3.Improves Driver Safety

More visibility means better driving. With telematics, you can track individual driving behaviours like harsh braking and speeding. This enables you to recognise and reward safe drivers and deliver training where needed — all backed by real, visible data.

How Argus Fleet Management Software Helps “Performance”

Fleet management systems don’t just make admin easier — they help you get more done with fewer resources, meaning you can focus on truly value-add activities in your business.

1.Reduces Fuel and Operating Cost

Fuel is one of the biggest line items in any fleet budget. With real-time insights into driving behaviour, route efficiency, and fuel usage, you can cut waste and optimise every trip.

Argus Fuel Watch pulls transactional data directly from providers like BP, Z Energy and Mobil giving you full visibility over fuel spend and consumption by vehicle. Take control of your costs, find out where you can improve and what education you might need to take the team through.

2.Minimises Vehicle Downtime

Every idle vehicle is a missed opportunity or expensive resources not earning their keep. With smart pool booking, you can ensure every asset is in action — no more vehicles sitting around unused!

At Argus, our deeply integrated partnership with Fleetwise automatically records vehicle pick-ups and drop-offs, giving you real-time visibility into who’s been driving and whether a vehicle is available. This helps reduce downtime and keeps your fleet running at peak efficiency.

Over time, this visibility helps you to right-size your fleet by identifying and removing underused vehicles. This leads to lower fuel and maintenance costs, improved overall performance, and more money back in your business.

How Argus Fleet Management Software Helps the “Planet”

Looking after your fleet also means looking after the environment.

The Argus fleet management system can help significantly reduce CO2 emissions by cutting fuel use, optimising routes, and aiding in right-sizing your fleet. Fewer kilometres, fewer vehicles, and less impact — all while improving your company’s productivity.

It’s a meaningful way to support your organisation’s sustainability goals and contribute towards New Zealand’s Net Zero Carbon future.

So, Is It Worth It?

GPS vehicle tracking, fleet management software, and telematics aren’t just worth it — they’re transforming how modern fleets operate. The benefits are real: less admin, lower costs, safer drivers, and a lighter footprint on the planet.

Ready to kick off your new fleet management journey? There’s no better time to begin, so get in touch right now!

A Time For New Beginnings
– Your First Invoice Is On Us!

Matariki marks the Māori New Year, a sacred time when the star cluster rises in the winter sky reminding us to honour those who have passed, appreciate the present, and set hopeful intentions for the year ahead.

At Argus, we recognise the significance of this season and the values it embodies: whanaungatanga (connection), kotahitanga (unity), and manaakitanga (care). In the spirit of giving back to our community and supporting those who keep Aotearoa moving, we’re covering your first month free with Argus. Put that saving towards something meaningful — like sharing a meal with your team.

It’s our way of acknowledging your hard work and helping you start the new year with purpose and confidence.

Offer ends on Matariki — 20 June 2025!

Wondering What Impact Argus Could Have for Your Fleet?

Try our free ROI calculator to see the potential savings and improvements in real numbers.

Or, if you'd prefer a quick chat to explore how we can solve your specific fleet challenges, or to see the platform in action, get in touch today.

Our friendly experts are here to help.

Road Safety Week 2025: 3 Practical Tips from Argus to Enhance Fleet Safety

12-18 May is Road Safety Week!

At Argus Tracking, we’re proud to support safer journeys through smart technology and real-time insights. To mark Road Safety Week, we’re sharing the Top 3 Ways Argus Tracking Can Help Enhance Your Fleet’s Road Safety. Let’s take a look!

The United Nations Global Road Safety Week, running from 12–18 May, is a timely reminder to focus on making our roads safer for everyone. Led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the campaign brings together individuals, businesses, and communities to raise awareness and take meaningful action to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths.

Let’s look at the numbers. According to the WHO website, every year, nearly 1.2 million people lose their lives, and 50 million more are injured in road accidents globally. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for young people aged 5 to 29, with pedestrians and cyclists making up over 25% of all road deaths.

Here in New Zealand, the impact is just as real. Between 2021 and 2023, trucks were involved in 18% of all crashes, including 7% of serious injury crashes and 6% of minor injury crashes, according to the Ministry of Transport.

These figures highlight why fleet safety matters—and why it’s more than just a compliance checkbox. Businesses that operate fleets have an unique opportunity to lead the way in road safety. By using tools like GPS tracking and fleet management systems, fleet managers can reduce risk, respond faster, and make informed decisions that protect your team and others on the road.

Top 3 Ways Argus Tracking Can Help Enhance Your Fleet's Road Safety

1. Protect Your Lone Workers with GPS Tracking

At Argus, we believe road safety means supporting your team both on the road and wherever their work takes them — including those working independently, off-site. Lone workers often face unique risks, especially in busy or remote environments. That’s why Argus partners with GetHomeSafe, a leader in lone worker safety software. Their platform helps give peace of mind that your team is safe and accounted for, while also supporting your business to meet obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Through the seamless integration of Argus Tracking and GetHomeSafe, you can take safety management to the next level.

Here’s how:

• Real-Time GPS Vehicle Tracking: Monitor the location of both your vehicles and lone workers in real-time, ensuring you always know where they are and can respond quickly in case of an emergency.

• SOS Alerts and Panic Buttons: In the event of a distress situation, the panic button sends SOS alerts directly to the GetHomeSafe platform, ensuring faster emergency response and better safety for your workers.

• Comprehensive Safety Management: All this data is centralised in one dashboard, allowing businesses to manage health and safety protocols effectively and provide real-time updates to supervisors.

By integrating GPS vehicle tracking with lone worker safety systems, you ensure the security of your team members while enhancing operational efficiency.

2. Reduce Driver Accidents with Fleet Management System Insights

Accidents are a significant concern for fleet managers, and we are here to help you reduce them! At Argus, we provide detailed Driver Behaviour Reports that give deep insights into your fleet’s performance and individual driver behaviours.

With fleet management system insights, fleet managers can compare their fleet’s safety performance against the national average (which data is exclusive to Argus!) and quickly identify areas for improvement.

Here’s how these reports help:

• Fleet Behaviour Insights: These insights help you see how your fleet is performing in terms of safety. By comparing your fleet’s safety scores against national benchmarks, you can spot trends, identify risks, and implement corrective actions.

• Driver Behaviour Insights: Understand where your drivers may be most at risk. These insights help you pinpoint the behaviours that need attention, allowing you to reward good driving habits and address areas for improvement. By motivating good drivers and providing targeted training to those who need it, fleet managers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

To further improve safety, the Driver Behaviour Report offers actionable data that empowers your team to take proactive steps in driver coaching and accident prevention.

3. Ensure Drivers Are Taking the Required Rest to Avoid Fatigue-Related Incidents

Fatigue is a major cause of accidents, with long hours behind the wheel putting drivers at risk. Argus Tracking’s Fatigue Reports help your team stay compliant with legal and company rest period policies. Our Fatigue Reports tracks total drive time, ensuring your drivers don’t exceed safe limits. Multiple short trips can easily add up, and fatigue is a hidden danger.

Here’s how our reports keep you on track:

• Daily Fatigue Report: This report tracks the total driving time for each vehicle and driver, ensuring they don’t exceed safe limits. By monitoring this data, you can prevent fatigue-related accidents and ensure your drivers are well-rested and safe on the road.

• Fatigue Trip Report: This report identifies trips where drivers may have exceeded safe driving limits without adequate rest. It helps you take corrective action, such as adjusting schedules or providing more frequent breaks.

Ensuring your drivers get adequate rest and manage their fatigue effectively not only helps reduce accidents but also improves overall fleet productivity and driver satisfaction.

Join Argus Tracking This Road Safety Week!

As the colder months roll in across New Zealand, road safety becomes more important than ever. Our data reveals that risky driving behaviour spikes from April, peaking in July and August. That’s why now’s the time to monitor your fleet closely and make informed decisions backed by reliable data.

At Argus Tracking, we’re all about giving you accurate insights into your fleet’s performance, empowering you to make data-driven decisions that improve safety. Our cutting-edge technology is trusted for its precision, while our dedicated customer support ensures you get the most out of every feature. And with our tailored pricing plans, you’ll only pay for what you need most.

Ready to take your fleet’s safety to the next level? Get in touch with us today to learn how Argus Tracking’s GPS vehicle tracking and fleet management system can make a real difference!