Fleet200 Insight

Fleet discussion...

Autonomous shuttles currently operating in two UK locations may soon become a more familiar presence on British roads.

AI – artificial intelligence – has become a buzzword among many fleet suppliers to describe many of the products being offered, but what does it really mean?

Forthcoming changes to the benefit-in-kind tax for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and double-cab pick-ups are among the obstacles fleets will need to navigate, says Peter Dobson, group head of tax at Amey.

Beverley Bell, a former senior traffic commissioner, has criticized the outdated restricted operator’s license system, emphasized the need for O-licensing updates and questioned the relevance of Driver CPC, suggesting it has been compromised.

Fleet decision-makers have shared their experiences of decarbonization challenges, including the lack of EV charging infrastructure funding and the high cost of electrifying fleets. 

Bringing together multiple industry stakeholders is crucial to the UK delivering transport net zero, delegates at a Fleet200 Strategy Network meeting were told.

Progress in reducing road traffic deaths and serious injuries in the UK has flatlined since 2010, prompting calls for Government to take more action.

Fleet managers taking part in a roundtable discussion in Leeds talked about their use of data both now and in the future.

The ‘big freeze’ in fuel duty lasting more than 10 years has cost the Government about £80 billion in lost tax revenue. 

To future proof the role of fleet management, the evolving role of fleet managers now requires a broader skill set, including strategic planning, communication, and leadership.

As electric vehicles slowly become mainstream in the fleet sector, fleet decision-makers are working with new challenges when EVs requires servicing.

Are EVs proving more or less costly for fleets to operate in terms of SMR/accident repairs?

Cybercrime has become a real threat to vehicles because of the increasing amount of software used in the latest vehicles. 

The use of telematics data and AI can enable fleet managers to make informed decisions, predict component failures, and optimise maintenance schedules.  

With the new Government now bringing the ban on ICE cars (at least) forward to 2030, how are you as a business prepared for this?

Is hydrogen an option for fleets? Fleet decision-makers at the September meeting of the Fleet200 Strategy Network discussed this question.  Read the key points from the debate.

Fleet decision-makers debated the impact of commerical vehicle payloads, the changes to the rules on weight limits and challenges to decarbonising van fleets at the May meeting of the Fleet200 Strategy Network in Daventry.

Guidance - and areas of annoyance - from fleet decision-makers on salary sacrifice schemes were shared at the May meeting of the Fleet200 Strategy Network.

Fleet operators heard how success stories and demonstrating how the technology is in their own interests can win buy-in for the system.

Addressing root courses of driver distraction, from working hours to pay, are critical to maximising fleet safety. 

One fleet said they tested HVO on their fleet and didn't see "massive benefits" and highlighted that the cost of the fuel was also an issue.

Robust data collection and analysis continues to be key for fleets to improve operations, costs and safety.

Fleet decision-makers and suppliers were asked the question: what challenges are you having to overcome to decarbonise your van fleets?

Fleet management software: how do fleets use it and what developments would help improve your operations?

Company cars continue to be an emotive subject for employees, but rising vehicle prices mean they may not be eligible for the same vehicles they were several years ago.

Fleet managers have questioned whether they give road safety more attention when it's too late.

Electric vehicles have levelled the playing and removed a lot of the badge snobbery among company car drivers, according to fleet operators.

How is the role of the fleet manager evolving and how are they responding to technological advancements in the electric vehicle market?

A debate at the Fleet200 Strategy Network meeting in May saw fleet decision-makers asked about their use of driver and vehicle data. Here is selection of comments made.

With Ford introducing hands-free technology, BlueCruise, fleets have revealed their thoughts and concerns on how they can integrate the semi-autonomous tech into their policies.

Fleets at the Fleet200 Strategy Network meeting in Sheffield debated whether to include maintenance in leases or embrace a pay-as-you-go model.

Fleet managers share their views on what's working with their SMR policies when it concerns in-house workshops and outsourced maintenance.

Drivers are looking for more flexibility in their company car schemes at the same time as benefit-in-kind tax rates make the schemes more attractive.

Using telematics data to identify which vehicles could be switched to electric and "changing the narrative" on risk management were two recommendations from fleet managers.

Vehicle supply issues, charger incompatibility and a Treasury that's out of touch with business needs were issues aired by fleet decision-makers attending the September Fleet200 Strategy Network as they transition to EV.

Manufacturers have been accused of exploiting EV transition to maximise profits and reneging on contract agreements at the last minute by fleet decision-makers.

National Highways provides insight into how it will address fleet concerns including improvements to smart motorways and roadside facilities for HGV drivers.

The West Midlands is becoming a testbed for future mobility solutions as it seeks to implement its own strategy for reducing congestion and emissions.

What are the solutions and benefits of reducing incident reporting times?