Firms 'flippant' over grey fleets

Businesses are in danger of resting on their laurels when it comes to grey fleets, according to new research from Thrifty Car and Van Rental.

A recent poll of 3,000 drivers by the company revealed that employers are missing basic duty of care responsibilities when it comes to employees using their own vehicles and overlooking the benefits of using rental vehicles as an alternative.

The survey shows well over a third of grey fleet drivers (43%) have never been asked by their employer to demonstrate their vehicle is fit to drive, whether it is insured or even if they have a driving licence.

It also seems British drivers are increasingly relying on their own vehicles to do business, with 76% admitting to travelling up to 1,000 miles each month in their own vehicle for business purposes. Almost half (49%) also admit this figure has increased by as much as 300 miles a month in the last two years.

Furthermore, only one in ten employees surveyed now has access to a company car. This means businesses may be missing a trick when it comes to seeing the benefits of using rental vehicles, according to Linda Malliff, director of central services at Thrifty Car and Van Rental.

She said: “Despite the turbulent economic climate, people are driving more than ever for business. While the majority are doing so in their own vehicles, companies shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that renting can provide an equally viable and often more manageable and cost effective alternative for their employees.

“Regardless of whether drivers use their own car or a rental vehicle to seek out new business opportunities, it is ultimately crucial that employers take duty of care responsibilities seriously and monitor the effectiveness of their fleets accordingly.”

The survey also reveals some interesting differences between the motivations of men and women when it comes to their increased business mileage. 41% of women admit that being away from the stress of the office is the main motivating factor, while men, it seems, feel the need to be more sociable, with 46% highlighting they need to get out of the office and meet people.