Sainsbury’s, one of the UK’s leading supermarkets, has started trialling advanced camera systems in a small fleet of its delivery vehicles, prompting concerns among drivers about privacy and monitoring.
The trial involves installing dual-facing cameras inside vans: one facing the road and another directed at the driver, complemented by a reversing camera. Unlike previous systems, these Samsara cameras can record video footage, although audio recording is excluded. According to a BirminghamLive report, the cameras will only activate during incidents such as collisions, with drivers alerted to recording status by a red light indicator.
Beyond incident recording, the driver-facing camera provides real-time notifications—“nudges”—to warn drivers of hazards, including distractions or failure to wear seatbelts. While Sainsbury’s states the technology is designed to enhance safety and support, some drivers have voiced apprehensions about feeling constantly “spied on.”
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The supermarket clarified that the trial is limited to select grocery vans and follows prior announcements regarding facial recognition technology rollouts. Although Sainsbury’s claims to have consulted with drivers and unions, some drivers report not having been involved in discussions or signing off on the system.
A company spokesperson emphasized that such camera technology is widely adopted in the delivery industry, governed by strict policies limiting when cameras can record. “This initiative is about protecting colleagues and ensuring their safety on the road,” the spokesperson said.
Usdaw union’s national officer, Bally Auluk, responded positively to the safety intent but stressed close monitoring of the trial’s impact on staff privacy. “Delivery drivers face significant risks from road rage, antisocial behavior, and theft. We welcome measures to mitigate these dangers but insist on transparency and respect regarding monitoring,” Auluk stated.
As the trial proceeds over 16 weeks, both Sainsbury’s and Usdaw will evaluate the technology’s effectiveness in improving safety whilst addressing driver concerns.