The gas and electricity supplier British Gas operates approximately 15,000 vehicles in the UK. The company currently spends approximately £7.7 million per annum on repairing its fleet following road traffic accidents and £14 million on fuel.
In November 2006, the company decided to develop a road safety programme aimed at reducing the number and cost of incidents and improving the fuel efficiency of its drivers. It was also hoped that promoting sound driving practices at work would extend to private driving.
The company has developed a five-year business case for improving its driver safety and the programme will cost some £1.1m.
The programme includes the following actions:
• detailed fuel monitoring with feedback and practical advice for drivers;
• detailed incident analysis;
• speed-limiting technology on all new vans restricting their speed to 70 mph;
• young driver safety initiative;
• multi-media driver risk assessment; and
• Permit to Drive scheme where all employees who drive company cars or their own vehicle at work, sign a Safe Driving Pledge being permitted to drive for work purposes.
Based on conservative figures, the company suggests the programme has a payback period of just two years.
Between 2005 and 2007 British Gas has cut the number of collisions its drivers are involved in by 14.6 per cent and has reduced its total incident costs by well over £300,000.
As well as the road safety and financial improvements, the programme is also expected to help reduce British Gas reduce its carbon footprint through better vehicle utilisation and more fuel-efficient driving.
Source: Welsh Audit Office
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