Fleet Logistics believes now is the perfect time to train drivers that are experiencing downtime or have been furloughed as a result of Covid-19.

The Birmingham-based fleet management specialist is offering support to fleets with one of its health and safety partners, which offers free training for a period of three months.

The deal, with Applied Driving Techniques (ADT), includes three training modules on Driver Fatigue, Speed Awareness and Emotional Distractions, which also includes reporting, an audit trail and ADT customer service. 

Oliver Stockhecke, chief sales officer of Fleet Logistics Group, said: “Social distancing is a reason to strengthen communities and focus on the safety and wellbeing of those around us. That is why ADT and Fleet Logistics are offering free access to three driver safety modules. We want to support staff during the current crisis or when returning to work.”

Review fleet policies

Fleet Logistics says now could also be an ideal time to review fleet policies and look at introducing a number of new, tax-efficient vehicles to choice lists for drivers to consider when the country comes out of lockdown.

From a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) perspective, this measure should also help mitigate against the higher CO2 ratings that the new WLTP emissions system will bring in, it says.

New, low-emitting, tax-beating vehicles could encourage cash drivers back into the corporate fleet, which could help to improve company control and reduce the risk posed by grey fleet vehicles.

Sue Branston, country head for Fleet Logistics UK and Ireland, explained: “The key thing is to speak with your fleet management provider and get as much advice as possible on your specific fleet and circumstances.

“Given the myriad of options available, your provider should be reviewing every area of spend – large and small – as well as looking at mileage parameters and contract extensions to reduce and manage costs.

“Ensuring that actual mileages are being used to write lease contracts, not simply relying on pooled mileages to manage excess of under mileages is crucial for accurate budgeting - particularly if you find yourself in an ongoing rolling credit basis, but never actually receive the credit.”

Support your drivers

The impact of Covid-19 on household incomes could mean that some drivers may not want to have the responsibility for a leased car or salary sacrifice car and have this as a monthly outgoing.

Currently, HMRC rules allow for employees to opt out of a salary sacrifice car arrangement where a lifestyle change, such as marriage, divorce or a partner becoming redundant or pregnant, significantly alters their financial circumstances.

The Government has now changed its ruling on salary sacrifice and allowed drivers who opted for a car under this type of scheme to hand it back in favour of having the cash sum previously sacrificed instead, provided their circumstances have changed as a direct result of coronavirus.

Companies may need to be prepared to support their drivers in any way possible during the current crisis and be as sympathetic as possible to their position, even if it means that they may face early termination charges from their leasing provider, says Fleet Logistics.

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