John Pryor, chairman, ACFO, looks at the uncertainty surrounding policy in 2015.

The general election could trigger a series of major policy changes impacting fleet managers after a period of relative calm, apart from a  few blips. The blips have included the introduction of  online services by the DVLA – with whom ACFO has worked closely in recent months – and changes at the Dartford Crossing.

However, while ACFO sees little in the way of new  challenges before the election on May 7, the new  Government’s in-tray could be full of issues impacting on fleet operations.

Top of the agenda could be changes to the CO2-based company car tax regime amid well-documented air quality concerns not helped by the popularity of diesel vehicles. However, with the CO2-based system being simple to operate and easily understood, ACFO is urging caution in respect of any wholesale changes.

The Autumn Statement signalled the necessity for a further tightening of public sector finances and in that respect grey fleet vehicles could be in the spotlight.

The recent Fleet News-led ‘Fleet Industry Manifesto 2015’, to which ACFO contributed, proposed an audit of public sector reliance and expenditure on grey fleet usage and  it remains a management cost challenge. All employers should analyse whether paying employees to drive their own cars on business delivers value for money, while also acknowledging compliance issues.

Meanwhile, ACFO will continue to evolve and in 2015 that is likely to see the launch of a new programme of clinics aimed at helping vehicle manufacturers and other suppliers to better understand fleet operator needs. Additionally, the UK fleet market is the world’s most mature and, to disseminate ACFO membership’s wealth of knowledge and  experience, we are investigating the prospect of launching an international division.

For UK-based members ACFO will continue its popular seminar programme tackling major issues of concern. The New Year promises to be one of change for fleet managers and ACFO.

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