Fleet operators are getting much more support at board level, according to delegates at the Fleet News roundtable briefing in association with Aviva.

The seven fleets in attendance at the Edinburgh event, with job titles ranging from fleet manager and road transport manager to planning and resource manager and senior finance officer, all felt that finance directors and HR directors were more engaged with the running of company cars and vans.

Their views back the results of a recent Fleet News poll in which 50% of fleets said they were getting greater support from their company boards.

Cost and health and safety legislation are the two main reasons why directors are putting fleet activities into a brighter spotlight.

Tim Muir, planning and resource manager at ECG Facilities Services, said: “Legislation has pricked their ears up to their responsibilities – they are very aware of the importance of the fleet. It’s made it easier and quicker to get decisions agreed.”

David Lang, road transport manager at Babcock Rail, agreed.

He has a bigger voice within the company which is making his job easier.

“For example we reported a six-figure sum on unreported damage to them and they recognise that it needs to be addressed,” he said.

Alasdair McDougle, Aviva underwriting manager for Scotland and north east England, added: “Five years ago at the Fleet News Hit for Six conference a question was asked about who doesn’t feel supported by your board.

"All bar a couple of hands went up. Now it would be the opposite response.”

Directors paying closer attention to fleet activities can result in change.

Local councils in Scotland are split over whether to retain fleet management in house or to outsource everything, according to Tom Robertson, transport at Fife Council.

“Some think that by getting shot of fleet responsibilities they will get rid of all their problems,” he says.

“It gets rid of issues with unions over drivers and liability will fall.”

However, companies can not outsource all their health and safety liabilities.

McDougle warned: “You can’t get away from cause and permit; you can’t absolve yourself of all responsibility.”