Navman Wireless calls on Government support for eco-friendly driving

Navman Wireless is urging the Government to incentivise businesses to invest in eco-friendly driving.

It suggests the use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is not the answer to help UK businesses meet fuel economy and carbon reduction targets.

Instead, the Government should back the use of technology and training to enable eco-friendly driving as a solution to manage fuel costs and lower CO2 emissions across vehicle fleets, because it is “practical, widely available and affordable.”

Steve Blackburn, European vice president, Navman Wireless, said: “Businesses are under increased pressure to green their fleets, but current plug-in hybrid electric commercial vehicles are not advanced enough to help the industry right now.

“The low uptake of the plug-in vehicle scheme in the commercial sector proves that it is not an effective incentive. Concerns over range anxiety, the limited choice of electric commercial vehicles and the cost have all been sighted as reasons why electric commercial vehicles, right now, are not viable alternatives for most businesses.

“Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will play a huge part in reducing CO2 emissions but won’t be advanced enough to play a key role for a few years yet. 

“What businesses need now is practical and realistic help. Improving driver behaviour, through the use of in-vehicle telematics and driver training is a practical alternative and is widely available and affordable.”

Navman Wireless believes that businesses that can prove they have reduced their carbon footprint through eco-friendly driving should be rewarded.

Blackburn said: “Financial incentives, such as reduced road tax, for businesses utilising technology and training to improve driver behaviour and prove CO2 emission reductions will likely see more focus from the fleet community.” 

Navman Wireless’s approach is supported by the Environment Council and the two organisations are currently developing a project to promote the impact of driver behaviour on business and the environment.

Nigel Homer, CEO of the Environment Council, said “Understanding how to drive efficiently not only saves money and cuts carbon emissions, it is also one way in which drivers can learn about environmental issues generally and adopt new behaviours in other areas of their lives.”