Record fuel prices prompt environmental focus

With fuel prices at an all time high, the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) says it is seeing more of its members focusing on the environment.

ACFO chairman Julie Jenner says the environment is now at the forefront of fleet decision-makers’ agendas.

This was not only because by operating low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles fleets can keep fuel bills and budgets in check, but because an increasing number of organisations are seeking to demonstrate and expand their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes by reducing their carbon footprint.

However, with experts predicting that fuel prices could reach £1.50 a litre within the next few months, efficient and effective fleet management is more crucial than ever.

Speaking at ACFO’s annual AGM and Conference at Volkswagen UK’s National Learning Centre in Milton Keynes, Jenner said that ACFO needs to continue to evolve to meet the varying needs of its members and the changes to the UK economy - not least of which has been the very significant increases in fuel costs.

If ever there was a time for ACFO members to share best practice in reducing fuel consumption, this is it.

The sharp increase in fuel costs has made fleet operators more aware than ever of the implications of the vehicles they run and how they run them, she added.