The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) is calling for the next government to review company car taxation and introduce a diesel scrappage scheme.

The two initiatives are among six included in A Fleet and Mobility Services Manifesto which, ahead of the general election on June 8, outlines how the fleet and mobility services sector can enable policymakers to drive down emissions, improve road safety and make road transport more cost efficient.

The document covers emissions, air quality, road safety, Brexit, red tape and connected cars. The association will be sending copies to each of the three major political parties.

The BVRLA’s six-point plan for the incoming government is :

  1. Carry out a wholesale review of company car taxation, recognising the benefits of company cars in terms of reduced emissions and revenue to HM Treasury
  2. Build on the recently published Clean Air Zone Framework for England by providing additional guidance to ensure consistency in terms of standards, enforcement, timescales for introduction and penalties for non-compliance
  3. Introduce a flexible and targeted diesel scrappage scheme, which provides assistance for companies looking to replace or retrofit older, more polluting commercial vehicles. This scheme should also incentivise private car owners to swap their existing car for a pure electric alternative, or give up their vehicles to use more sustainable modes of transport, such as car rental and car clubs
  4. Encourage and incentivise the fitment of Autonomous Emergency Braking and other technology proven to have a demonstrable impact on reducing road accidents
  5. Remove the need for commercial vehicle examiners to be directly employed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, and provide HGV testing via the same MOT testing model available for private cars and light commercial vehicles
  6. Set up a Mobility Data Hub to provide a neutral voice advocating and providing guidance to realise the full potential of connected vehicles and their data. This would ensure fleet operators, OEMs and third-party suppliers can share data in an open, secure and fair way

Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive, said: “It is essential that the new government understands the vital role our members’ huge purchasing power can play in delivering safer, sustainable and more cost-efficient road transport.

"Policymakers face a real challenge, not just in terms of Brexit, but also in how the UK embraces the move towards data-driven mobility services.

"We believe this manifesto will ensure the big issues for our industry aren’t forgotten about – regardless of the make-up of the government after June 8.”

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