Technology, technology, technology…

Technology is set to have a huge impact on the way the fleet industry chooses, operates and manages its vehicles, according to a survey by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).

Findings from the fleet technology survey show that 45% of fleets consider themselves to be early adopters of new automotive technology. A further 47% would describe themselves as taking a cautious approach, while just 8% felt they were stragglers in their uptake.

Record Breaking Low for Road Casualties

The latest Department for Transport (DfT) road casualty statistics released today show a decrease by 2% compared with 2012 – the lowest figure since national records began in 1926. Read More

Diesel drivers paying more than they should

Diesel drivers are paying up to 3p a litre more than they should for their fuel, research for June’s AA Fuel Price Report found. Not only is that taking up to £1.5 million a day extra from diesel drivers’ pockets, but the inflated cost of business transport is passed on to their customers and then […]

Fines for motorists could increase by 300%

Maximum fines for motorists that break the law could increase by up to 300% under new Government plans, it has been revealed. The top offence level, which includes motorway speeding, could increase from £2,500 to £10,000. Meanwhile, so-called level three offences, such as using a hand-held mobile phone while driving and speeding on a dual […]

Call for contract hire companies NOT to automatically pay fines

Fleet managers have called on contract hire and leasing companies not to automatically pay and recharge parking fines incurred by company drivers.

Members of ACFO, the fleet-decision-makers’ organisation, say that availability of technology – text and email – should enable contract hire and leasing companies to immediately notify customers when a Penalty Charge Notice or Parking Charge Notice (in respect of vehicles parked on private land) has been imposed on a driver.

A survey by ACFO in advance of its “Another Fine Mess?” seminar at the Henry Ford College, University Way, Loughborough, discovered that 48% of leasing companies automatically paid the fine and then recharged the cost to fleet customers with 86% adding an administration fee..

However, once a Penalty Charge Notice or Parking Charge Notice has been paid it cannot be appealed.

15% congestion charge increase unjustified?

The London Congestion Charge increased from £10 to £11.50 on the 16 June – fleet and CC Auto Pay customers continue to benefit from a £1 reduction and pay £10.50 per day – but the rise has been branded “unjustified”. Transport for London (TfL) said the increase, the first since 2011, would ensure that the […]

Company car drivers fail to check tyre pressures

Fleet managers have been urged to take action over tyre pressures after new figures revealed company car drivers were worse than private motorists at maintaining the correct inflation.

Andy Fern, Michelin’s recently appointed head of fleet, said he was shocked to discover businesses and public sector organisations had a poorer record of tyre pressures than the general public.

Survey on alcohol and driving for work produces worrying results

Less than half of employers (44%) would dismiss an employee for driving over the legal alcohol limit, and 55% never test employees for alcohol, according to a survey by Brake. Brake has described the survey of 228 employers as “desperately worrying” and is urging employers to implement “zero-tolerance policies on at-work drink- and drug-driving”.