ACFO 'surprised and disappointed' by BVRLA membership plan

Fleet representative body ACFO says it surprised and disappointed by the decision to open up membership to end-user fleets by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).

Jay Parmar, director of policy and membership at the BVRLA, made the announcement at the annual Fleet Industry Forum, organised by BT Fleet Solutions, last week (Thursday, September 20).

He told delegates that having met with fleet decision-makers, while discussing plans for clean air zones with local authorities, the BVRLA could ensure fleet views are heard at the highest level of Government.

However, ACFO chairman John Pryor told Fleet News: “ACFO has been established for more than 40 years and is acknowledged as the UK’s premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation giving voice to independent fleet operators across small, medium and large fleets as it engages with other fleet and motor industry organisations and government departments and agencies on key issues. That will continue.”

He said that ACFO has worked closely with the BVRLA on numerous issues, holding joint discussions on many topics of common interest and making co-ordinated representations to government departments and other organisations.

“Most recently, for example, that has included the BVRLA taking part in ACFO’s successful campaign for an Advisory Electricity Rate for all plug-in cars to be introduced by HM Revenue and Customs and, only this month, both organisations jointly attended a pre-Budget 2018 meeting with (HMRC), HM Treasury and Department for Transport officials,” continued Pryor

“However, it has to be acknowledged that, as the BVRLA’s name suggests, it represents vehicle leasing and rental companies. ACFO can see that, at times, there is bound to be conflict when an organisation attempts to represent both suppliers and customers in the same industry.

“ACFO will continue to represent the independent voice of the fleet operator, while also continuing to work in partnership with other industry organisations, which include the BVRLA and ICFM (Institute of Car Fleet Management) with whom it also has strong links.”

Read more on this story in the next edition of Fleet News, published October 14.