Well-established Landsdale transport operator J.J. Hawkins & Co has become one of the first Australian companies to introduce Scania Zone, a telematics-based system designed to automatically regulate truck speeds in defined areas.
The location-based technology allows operators to set vehicle limits not just by geography, but also by time of day. This is particularly effective around schools, where speed limits vary during drop-off and pick-up times.
Scania Australia Director of Truck Sales, Benjamin Nye, said the initiative sets new benchmarks for proactive safety.
“By integrating technologies like Scania Zone into everyday operations, we’re not just meeting regulatory requirements, we’re setting new benchmarks for proactive safety measures,” Nye said.
A family business focused on safety
For David Hawkins, who runs the 51-year-old family business alongside his father Joe and son Troy, the benefits are immediate.
“It’s not just about setting speed limits to avoid speeding fines,” Hawkins explained. “It gives our drivers and our management confidence that a moment of inattention won’t lead to a fine or cause an incident.”
The company has activated Scania Zone across all nine of its Scanias, with plans to extend it to the new R 620 V8 on order.
Hawkins said it has proven valuable in multiple scenarios:
- Risk areas – such as a straight road with a history of speeding incidents, where trucks are automatically kept under 70 km/h.
- Private yards and depots – to avoid upsetting clients by exceeding site speed limits.
- Community expectations – setting lower speeds through country towns and adhering to shire council restrictions on truck operating hours.
“From a corporate perspective, our trucks are painted bright red and are well signed, so if we’re seen to be doing the wrong thing people notice. Scania Zone helps reduce this potential and enhances our reputation as courteous drivers,” Hawkins said.
Technology that goes beyond compliance
Unlike sign recognition systems, Scania Zone gives operators control to designate problem areas and enforce compliance automatically, without driver input. If a driver does breach the rules, the event is logged in Scania’s Fleet Management Portal (My Scania) for review.
Scania WA Aftersales Account Manager Adam Brockman said Hawkins’ adoption reflects broader industry values.
“By adopting Scania’s exclusive technologies like Scania Zone, J.J. Hawkins & Co is not only prioritising safety but also highlighting how innovation can reinforce timeless values of care and responsibility.”
Operational benefits beyond safety
While the focus is road safety, Hawkins noted that Scanias are also delivering operational gains.
- Fuel economy: R 620 V8s return 1.8–1.9 km/litre, saving about 100 litres of diesel per 1,000 km trip.
- Maintenance: Trucks are turned over after 4–4.5 years and 650,000 km on Scania repair and maintenance contracts, ensuring access to the latest safety and efficiency systems.
The fleet operates combinations up to 36.5 metres and gross weights of 120 tonnes, transporting everything from road-base to machinery.
Driving safety further
For the Hawkins family, the decision reflects both operational discipline and community responsibility.
“Safety has always been a top priority for our business,” Hawkins said. “With Scania Zone, we are working to ensure our trucks operate safely and responsibly, especially in areas where children and families are present.”
