The chancellor’s decision to cancel the planned 1.89 pence per litre rise in fuel duty, planned for September, is welcome news for fleets looking to manage their already restricted budgets, but the importance of fuel efficiency should not be overlooked, says Trimble.
From April 2013, pump prices will be 13 pence per litre (ppl) lower than under the previous Government’s plans, and are forecast to be 18ppl lower by the end of the Parliament.
Reduced fuel costs will be evident for fleet businesses, but many are still unaware of how to operate fully efficient fleets to drive these costs down even further, suggests Trimble.
Ian Featherstone of the Energy Saving Trust, said: “Most businesses are aware of how much they spend on fuel across their fleets, however, we are surprised how few of those we have worked with initially understood individual vehicle efficiencies.
“Without this it is extremely difficult to measure the impact of driver training or other interventions. Telematics technology is an enabler which can help mitigate fuel cost increases and aid planning for a sustainable future.”
Fleet management and telematics technology have come to the fore as solutions able to tackle the efficiency challenge and a number of organisations already utilising such technology have reported fuel savings of as much as two gallons per vehicle per day.
Businesses are able to optimise schedules and route planning, helping to reduce unnecessary mileage and improve fuel efficiency and driver proficiency, says Trimble.
By enabling companies to monitor fuel consumption, miles per gallon and CO2 outputs, the technology can ultimately help to reduce fuel use and improve a company’s carbon footprint.
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