Venson Automotive Solutions has supported the BVRLA's call for grey fleet best practice guidance and highlights salary sacrifice schemes as a possible solution.
New figures from the Energy Saving Trust (EST) show that employee-owned cars cost British firms more than £5.5 billion a year in mileage claims and car allowances*. With the UK's grey fleet comprising 40% of all vehicles on the road, the British Vehicle Leasing and Rental Association (BVRLA) is calling for businesses and the government to tackle the issue.
"We welcome this report and the BVRLA's call for businesses to take action and the government to offer much-needed support," explains Samantha Roff, MD of Venson Automotive Solutions.
"The figures reveal the scale of the problem, which is the first step to recognising the need to act now. We believe that salary sacrifice schemes (SSS) can offer a part way solution to reducing the burden of grey fleets. However, our own research of grey fleet drivers reveals that almost 60% would not take up the offer of such as scheme, if their employer offered one. This suggests that the wider cost and environmental benefits are not, generally, understood so businesses and fleet managers need to undertake a greater role in educating employees.”
The EST's report 'Getting to Grips with the Grey Fleet' reveals that the average grey fleet car is older, more polluting and potentially more dangerous than alternatives, such as rental cars. With an average age of 8.2 years, grey fleet cars emit 8,156 tonnes of Nox, which is twice the emissions of a London bus.
"The government has a role to play in promoting the alternatives to grey fleet use and should be delivering best practice guidance, helping the public and private sectors make positive changes,” concluded Roff.
“Employees driving SSS cars will have new cars with lower CO2 emissions, supporting best practice and duty of care, as well as the environmental objectives of the business.”
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