Letters to Fleet News editor Martyn Moore.

Joe Bloggs is feeling neglected

Considering the dire state of car sales I’m not convinced that manufacturers or dealers are helping themselves.

I am a prospective new (grey fleet) car customer. I have so far had two extended road tests from two mass market manufacturers.

The result? No follow-up from them or the local dealer.

I have applied online for three specific model brochures from three other manufacturers, giving full contact details.

The brochures arrived but nobody has bothered to make a follow-up call.

In fact, the only follow-up was an automated email from one manufacturer saying ‘Dear Joe Bloggs (yes, seriously), thank you for requesting a brochure....”

I suppose I’ll just have to phone and plead with one of them to sell me something.

 

STEVE JOHNSON
Director of communications,
DriveTech

Parking levy is not a solution

You ran an article – Nottingham sticks with workplace parking levy (November 13) – about the workplace parking levy (WPL), which is a real bone of contention in Nottingham.

The Federation of Small Businesses and the Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce are against this form of tax.

Some businesses are threatening to relocate out of the city because of the levy.

Unfortunately, Nottingham City Council is not listening to reason.

It is obsessed with having more trams, at any cost.

Central government will contribute 75% towards two more tram lines, making three in total.

But Nottingham will have to find 25% (£100 million-plus) for its local contribution and this is why the city council wants to introduce a WPL.

It has nothing to do with reducing congestion.

There have been many road alterations to try to deter the motorist from entering the city.

The number of vehicles entering Nottingham is down but congestion is up.

Some of the most congested areas are where the trams run.

When the tram stops for passengers everything behind it also stops, causing traffic problems.

So if a WPL is introduced and the Department for Transport gives the go-ahead for two more tram lines at £437 million, expect Nottingham to come to a grinding halt and cities on Nottingham’s doorstep to prosper.

Trams and WPLs are not the answer to congestion. They only add to it.

ALAN PHILLIPS
Company buyer, Morris Vermaport

Mixed funding is way forward for major fleets

I read with interest the article in the FN50 supplement, which aired the views of the pro-ECO and anti-ECO brigade.

The problem for fleet operators has always been to find a balance between the ECO and company cars, so that individual drivers are pointed towards the most appropriate funding type.

From an administration perspective, this can be a nightmare, which is why an integrated fleet management solution – showing each individual driver the net monthly cost of the available funding options – is worthy of serious consideration

Mixed fleet funding has to be the only way for a major fleet to operate, particularly in times of economic pressure.

It is financially beneficial and sustainable, and drivers have an informed choice.

ECOs will see future growth when used in this way.

PETER ELDON
Managing director, Toomey Opticar