Since installing GPS systems on 89 vehicles used by the city of Wilmington’s stormwater, streets and solid waste divisions in the fall of 2013, the city crews have saved both time and money, according to a news release from city spokeswoman Malissa Talbert.

“Supervisors can now track the speed, idling times and location of the vehicles,” Talbert said in the release. “A two-year comparison found the city’s Public Services Department drove 113,029 fewer miles and saved $71,462 in fuel costs.”

Because the system enables city officials to zero in when a driver is going too fast or too slow, or idling too long, it becomes much easier to correct the problem, Talbert explained in a phone interview Tuesday afternoon.

The biggest impact GPS has had, however, Talbert said, is its impact on enhancing customer service in the solid waste division while still improving efficiency.

"If there is a missed pickup -- for, example, when a customer forgets to put out the trash can before the truck goes by -- if the customer calls our River Road facility, they can figure out very quickly where the closest truck is, so it can swing by and pick up the trash, or, at the end of the day, provide pickup most efficiently," she said.

The GPS report was part of a presentation to city council outlining a number of things the city is doing to become more environmentally friendly and energy efficient, Talbert said. Other actions include the use of LED lighting and solar energy.