THE first independent vehicle fair wear and tear guide designed to defuse end of contract disputes and legal wrangles between fleets and leasing and rental companies has been launched.

The 'Fair Wear and Tear Guide', by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, uses RAC-approved standards covering fleet manager responsibility, driver responsibility, servicing, accessory fitting and vehicle exterior, interior and underside conditions. The guide should become the industry benchmark for assessing fair wear and tear charges on fleet vehicles reaching the end of their rental or leasing life.

It summarises reasonable and acceptable deterioration, and aims to end suspicions of poor practice in the industry. The BVRLA says the guidelines will kill the notion of contract hire companies capitalising on cut-price contracts by loading fair wear and tear charges at the 'back end' when vehicles are returned.

Len Clayton, managing director of Hertz Leasing and chairman of the BVRLA's leasing committee, said: 'Fair wear and tear has long been an area of debate with failure to define wear and tear often leading to misunderstandings and poor service. The Guide principles represent as clear an indication as is possible of impartial standards to provide protection for both customers and suppliers.'

The booklet costs 25p plus postage for BVRLA members from Doreen Lear, BVRLA Operations Manager on 01494 434747. BVRLA development manager Derek Jones said: 'We want members to distribute copies to their fleet customers and put a copy in every car so company car drivers understand the situation.'