SOARING fuel prices have left many fleets out of pocket because decision-makers failed to introduce measures to counteract the hikes seen last year, it is claimed.

This could mean a 100-strong fleet has seen costs rise by up to £22,000 over the past 12 months, claims vehicle leasing and fleet management group Velo.

Sales and marketing director Tony Johnston said: ‘One of the core objectives of managing a fleet is to minimise running costs, without compromising safety or efficiency. Fleet operators are keen to track the impact of rising fuel prices on overheads but many are unsure of how to combat the situation.

‘Velo has calculated that for a typical business car driver, covering 25,000 miles a year in a vehicle delivering 30mpg, fuel costs have risen by about £225 in the last 12 months. This is obviously a significant amount when scaled up for a 100 or 200 car fleet.’

Fleet decision-makers who have not taken account of fuel price increases should act now, according to Johnston.

He believes an evaluation of fuel use should look at fuel bills cross-checked with mileage and mpg, monitoring use of super unleaded fuel, evaluating journey plans, looking at using more economical vehicles and assessing other forms of transport.

He added: ‘As demand outstrips supply, due largely to global political and economic instability, oil prices will continue to rise. It is clear the situation is going to get worse before it gets better, if it ever does, and in a few months that additional £225 per car could double.’