What GPS-tracked gritting actually means, what proof-of-service reports contain, and how this documentation protects your business in a slip-and-trip claim.
The phrase "GPS-tracked gritting" appears on many contractor websites, but what does it actually mean in practice? And more importantly — what documentation should you be able to access, and in what timeframe?
What GPS Tracking Actually Involves
Every vehicle in a GPS-tracked gritting fleet is fitted with a telematics device that records the vehicle's position, speed and movements continuously throughout each operational period. This data is stored on a central system and can be accessed by both the contractor and — importantly — the client.
- Timestamped entry and exit for each site visit
- Route taken across the site, mapped to your treatment plan
- Duration on site
- Time between callout and arrival for reactive visits
- Vehicle identification for every visit
What a Proof-of-Service Report Includes
A proper proof-of-service report is more than a GPS log. It should combine telematics data with treatment-specific information to produce a complete service record for each visit.
- Date, start time and end time of visit
- Site address and treatment areas covered
- Quantity of salt/de-icing material applied
- Weather conditions at time of visit (air temperature, road surface conditions)
- Treatment method (pre-treatment, reactive, snow clearance)
- Any site conditions noted (blocked drains, hazards, missed areas due to obstructions)
- Operator signature or digital authentication
You should be able to request a complete proof-of-service report for any visit within 24 hours. If your current contractor cannot provide this, that is a service gap worth addressing before next winter.
How This Documentation Protects You
When a slip-and-trip claim is filed against your organisation, the claimant's solicitor will request your maintenance records for the 48-hour period around the incident date. This is the moment when having a complete, timestamped, GPS-verified service log transforms your position from vulnerable to defensible.
- Proves your contractor attended site within the SLA window before the incident
- Shows which areas were treated and confirms the incident area was included
- Demonstrates a systematic, professionally managed winter maintenance programme
- Reduces the probability of settlement where your system clearly operated correctly
- Provides evidence that the incident was not caused by failure of your management system
West Yorkshire Gritting Co provide GPS-tracked service on every contract, with digital proof-of-service reports available on request. All records are retained for three years — the full limitation period for personal injury claims.
Ready to Secure Your Winter Maintenance Contract?
West Yorkshire Gritting Co offer free site surveys and fixed-price seasonal contracts across Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. GPS-tracked, fully documented, CHAS accredited.