The eye in the sky will be watching delivery drivers who break the rules under a new scheme being used by a local company.

Butterfield and Vallis have installed a tracking system in their fleet of 30 vehicles which allows them to monitor the exact movements of their vans across the Island.

The equipment uses global positioning satellite technology to beam data from the vans back to their offices -- providing information on its location, speed, and whether it is switched off or on.

Alun Hughes, general manager, food services division, said the main aim of the system was to improve efficiency and customer service -- not to watch over staff.

But he said the Trak Manager installation, from local company Telecom, had been well received by the drivers, who had all taken a safety course as part of the programme.

"Because of our size we have an obvious presence on the roads, he said.

"We already refuse permission for trucks to be taken home at night and weekends,'' he said.

"This is about trying to monitor, if somebody reports an incident with a vehicle, with GPS we can tell within 25 yards where the vehicle is.'' Mr. Hughes added that the system was part of an effort to offer a "corporately responsible'' service.

It is also planned to fit temperature gauges in the vans to help ensure food is transported in a safe way.