Beacon Foods has installed traffic navigation technology inside its trucks to help tradesmen dodge snarl-ups.

Five refrigerated vans and three lorries - which cover an average of 120,000 miles a year – will be fitted with the Fleetstar vehicle information system.

The technically-advanced system combines tracking technology with detailed reports on vehicle movements.

The firm has invested in the ingenious computerisation in a bid to reduce the company's rising transport bill, which currently stands at £800,000 a year.

Beacon chiefs were excited about the changes, claiming the system would reduce logistical difficulties at all stages of the process.