Record rises in the cost of fuel

Diesel prices have seen the highest month-on-month increase this century according to the AA. Fleets operating petrol vehicles have also been hit hard with the rises in the cost of petrol at the second highest level since the start of the millennium. Read more about cost of fuel

Business motorists short changed by the Treasury

Many business motorists are being short changed because of the dogmatic approach to travel-related mileage payments by the Treasury and the taxman. That’s the view of a management consultancy firm which has researched motoring costs for the RAC. Read more about the treasury

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. Read more about enviromental focus

American firm building on recent fleet success

US carmaker Chrysler is hoping its new Dodge Journey will help to build on the company’s recent popularity with UK fleet operators. The company says it has seen strong business interest in the 300C since it was launched in 2005 and more of its Grand Voyager models are bought by fleets than by private customers. Read more about fleet success

RoadSafe backs driving qualification

Plans to develop qualifications for at-work drivers have been welcomed by an organisation at the centre of promoting occupational road risk management to British business. The Department for Transport has published proposals to reform the way people learn to drive and how they are tested. It also says it wants to create a culture in which the driving test was a milestone towards lifelong learning. Read more about driving qualification

RoSPA honoured by fleet industry

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has been recognised by the fleet industry for its work in promoting the management of occupational road risk. The organisation was honoured at the 2008 Fleet World Awards when it was presented with a Safety Award. Read more about RoSPA

Fleet leaders hit out at licence check delays

An organisation representing UK fleet operators is calling for swift action over delays to proposals to check employees’ driving licences directly with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). According to the Department for Transport and the Health and Safety Executive’s, best practice guide, driver licence checks form a key part of organisations’ occupational road risk management responsibilities. Read more about licence check delays

Holistic approach to accident investigation

Fleet managers should take a more holistic approach to accident investigation as many employers are still failing to address contributing factors, such as company culture and journey planning. That’s the view of Dr Will Murray, research director at Interactive Driving Systems (IDS), who says that an increasing number of organisations are implementing accident investigation processes but are just focusing on the driver. Read more about holistic approach

Report predicts return of company cars

A new report confirms that more businesses are returning to company cars and away from cash alternatives. According to a report into UK fleet services by market research specialists Market & Business Development, the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter Act earlier this month is driving firms away from cash schemes. Read more about company cars

Fleet managers invited to see hydrogen at work

Fleet managers are being invited to visit the UK’s first hydrogen fleet facilities. The University of Birmingham claims that its hydrogen gas fuelling station is the only one of its kind in England and it is hoping that other fleets will benefit from its knowledge and experience. Read more about fleet managers

Fleet fuel costs continue to rise

Increasing fuel prices are forcing fleets to pay thousands of pounds extra at the pumps just to cover the same number of miles. According to new figures, operators with diesel-powered vehicles have been hit hardest, as the cost of this fuel is rising far more rapidly than that of petrol. Read more about fuel costs

Vauxhall announce Vectra replacement

Vauxhall has finally revealed the successor to the Vectra - one of the UK’s most popular fleet cars. The Insignia is the latest in a long line of business-oriented Vauxhalls stretching back to before the Cavalier. Read more about vauxhall

Hidden danger for company car drivers

Defective or badly worn tyres could be the Achilles’ heel of many corporate fleets and could result in prosecution under the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007. The legislation, which came into force at the beginning of April, stipulates that employers have a Duty of Care to ensure the safety of employees driving for work. Read more about the tyre safety

Lexus a favourite with chauffeurs

Already a favourite among CEOs in the city, the top of the range Lexus LS 600h L has been named Chauffeur Car of the Year. The Lexus fought off stiff competition from German flagship saloons made by Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, to win in the toughest category for the most popular vehicles chosen by the chauffeuring industry. Read more about the lexus

Government failing to lead by example

Government ministers are under fire for not practicing what they preach as their own fleet of vehicles contains some of the highest polluting cars on the road. Currently, 30 of the 85 cars assigned to ministers and permanent secretaries sit in VED Band F - the second most polluting band for cars that emit up to 225g/km of CO2. Read more about the government

Carbon ignorance hitting fleet costs

Business drivers who do not understanding of the links between CO2, taxes and fuel costs could be hitting fleet budgets as well scuppering as their company’s attempts to reduce carbon emissions. According to a recent survey of more than 2,000 drivers - most of whom were company car drivers - found that just 17% think that they will save on fuel costs if they change their driving habits to produce less carbon dioxide Read more about carbon ignorance

Charity says business drivers more likely to break the law

Working drivers are more likely to tailgate and speed on motorways and in towns than other drivers, according to new research published by a national road safety charity. The study by Brake and a leading breakdown insurance company revealed that six out of ten business motorists admit leaving less than a two second gap between their vehicle and the vehicle in front. Read more about drivers breaking the law

ESP research reveals fleet safety concerns

Reliability, safety and duty of care are the three prime concerns of fleet buyers when it comes to choosing vehicles for their company. That’s according to new research by components manufacturer Bosch that has also found that these safety concerns do not always readily translate into initiatives to improve the work-relating driving safety. Read more about fleet safety concerns

Safety charity offers free BTEC to at-work drivers

Drivers who have already passed RoSPA’s prestigious advanced driving test for business motorists are being offered the opportunity to upgrade their qualification free of charge. For the first time, successful candidates who have carried out three days of RoADTest training with the safety charity can apply to Edexcel to have their qualification recognised at BTEC Level. Read more about charity offers

Fleet managers need formal qualifications

Fleet managers should hold formal qualifications in their field of expertise according to the association that represents the fleet industry. Speaking at the Institute of Car Fleet Management’s fifteenth annual conference, the organisation’s chairman, Roddy Graham, urged businesses to insist that their fleet managers have formal qualifications to carry out the role. Read more about formal qualifications

Temporary relief from fuel duty rise

The Chancellor’s decision to defer a two pence per litre increase in fuel duty until October will only provide fleet managers with temporary relief from spiralling costs, according to the AA. According to AA President Edmund King, the decision should quell any panic at the pumps as the proposed tax increase would have taken fuel prices to new record levels. Read more about fuel duty rise

Fleets warned of fuel thefts

Fleet operators and drivers are being warned to be on their guard against fuel thieves following a spate of crimes in which vehicles’ fuel tanks were drilled and emptied. The increase in fuel theft from stationary vehicles is being blamed on the record price of petrol and diesel, which both now cost well in excess of £1.05 a litre. Read more about thefts

Opting for a company car is good for the environment

Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions could be saved if employees who opted for cash alternatives switched to a company car. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs figures indicate that since 2006, 400,000 employees have opted out of company car schemes in preference of purchasing their own vehicles. Read more about the environment

Load safety campaign launched

A new campaign aims to encourage fleet managers to ensure vehicle loads are properly secured. According to the Fleet Safety Forum - a division of road safety charity Brake - every year 4,000 successful prosecutions for unsafe loads are brought against drivers and operators in the UK. Read more about loads

Company image driving green initiatives

New research suggests company image rather than genuine concern for the environment is the driving force behind initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. Although almost half of the companies questioned in a recent survey said cost savings were also a major motivating factor with 60% of those surveyed saying image was the main reason for adopting environmental fleet policies. Read more about Company Image

Citroën targets fleet market

Citroën is hoping that its new C5 model will offer a credible alternative to established fleet marques. The French manufacturer believes that C5 is a key fleet vehicle, with business sales expected to make up 70% of all registrations when it is launched in April. Read more about Citroen

Fleets urged to drive for better business

Major leasing and fleet companies are being encouraged to support a government-backed programme to improve road safety. As part of Driving for Better Business, they can sign up for a free monthly eNewsletter which will provide useful and up-to-date information on subjects related to safer driving for work. Read more about Better Business

Quality mark will help fleets go green

Fleet operators who want to go green by offsetting their carbon emissions have been told they can rely on a new code of practice and quality mark that will ensure offset companies actually provide the services they claim to offer. Environment secretary, Hilary Benn, has said that it is important that consumers who want to buy carbon offsets with confidence can do just that. Read more about Green Fleets

European proposals signal escalating costs for fleets

New European proposals could mean fleet operators could soon be paying significantly more for their new cars. From 2012, the European Commission plans to fine manufacturers who fail to meet stringent CO2 emission targets. Read more about fleet costs

Speeding ticket most common fine for fleet

Speeding is costing business drivers twice as much money than all other motoring offences combined - according to the latest research. A recent survey of the 55,000-strong fleet by a major finance company found that the majority of fines collected over the past year resulted from drivers breaking the speed limit. Read more about fines

Company car drivers spending less time on the road

Company car drivers appear to be spending less time behind the wheel according to new research. A study by Skoda has revealed that 40% of people who drive for work now spend less than 10 hours a week behind the wheel and just 10% spend longer than 30 hours a week driving. Read more about spending less time

Testing reveals depth of drug problem

Fleet operators are being urged to introduce robust drug policies following an alarming study that found 40% of employees tested at one company had been abusing illegal substances or alcohol. The results of the study have been published in the fleet trade press although the company itself – which operates a fleet of 5,000 vehicles – has remained anonymous. Read more about drug problem

Fleets drivers going green quicker than private motorists

Fleets are going green faster than the general motoring public and are also reducing emissions faster than the national average - new research suggests. According to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) British fleets have reduced their carbon footprint by three million tonnes over the past three years - the equivalent of one-and-a-half tonnes for every car run by its members. Read more about fleet drivers

Hands-free phones add to road congestion

There have been fresh calls to ban employees from using hands-free phones while driving following new research from the US that reveals chatting drivers could increase traffic congestion. The research found that motorists talking on mobile phones while driving on dual carriageways and motorways were slower and less likely to overtake Read more about hands-free phones

Weather warnings from Highways Agency

As the winter weather sets in, business motorists are being advised to take extra care on the roads and to check weather forecast and driving conditions before they travel. High-sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable to strong winds and already this year the Highways Agency has issued several amber alerts for lorry drivers in the north of England. Read more about weather warning

Gloves needed when filling up

Fleet operators could be at risk of facing compensation claims running into thousands of pounds unless they provide gloves for drivers to use when filling up with diesel. The warnings follow a recent court case that resulted in a company being ordered to pay £1,800 to a driver who was injured as he filled his work van with diesel at his employer’s premises. Read more about diesel spills

One in ten business drivers nod off behind the wheel

One in ten business drivers have admitted falling asleep at the wheel in the past year, according to new research by road safety charity Brake and Green Flag. The shocking figure is more than twice as high as the number of drivers who don’t drive for work but who say they have nodded off behind the wheel. Read more about business drivers nod off

Safety pledges for business drivers

Fleet managers are being urged to encourage their drivers to sign safety pledges before the Corporate Manslaughter Act comes into force. A number of large companies have already asked their drivers to sign documents saying that they agree to abide by the rules of the road and drive sensibly. Read more about safety pledges

Device cuts risk of drink driving at work

Fleet managers can eliminate any risk of their drivers getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of alcohol thanks to an innovative new device. The new in-car alcohol tester utilises a police-standard breathalyser to test a driver’s alcohol level and, if necessary, uses a wireless system to automatically stop the car or van’s engine starting. Read more about drink driving

Operators urged to contribute to safety enquiry

Fleet operators are being urged to contribute to a new enquiry into road safety by the Commons Transport Committee. The committee is calling on interested parties, including fleets and road risk training companies; to submit written evidence before 18 February 2008, on areas of road safety they feel need addressed. Read more about safety enquiry

Third of drivers fail to take a break

More than a third of commercial drivers are not taking breaks from driving due to the pressures of work. That is the shock finding of a new survey that has also revealed many more drivers are not conducting important checks on their vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy. Read more about drivers failing to take a break

Survey reveals threats to business drivers

Almost a quarter of fleet managers believe that other road users present the greatest risk to their drivers. According to a new survey, 24% of managers said that other motorists presented the biggest threat to their employees’ safety while driving for business. Read more about business drivers

Charity uncovers shock statistics

More than one in four road deaths in Britain involves someone driving for work according to a national road safety charity after studying Department for Transport (DfT) statistics. After studying the figures, Brake found that last year 858 people were killed and 6,622 were seriously injured in crashes involving at-work drivers. This equates to 16 deaths and 127 serious injuries every week. Read more about shock statistics

Commercial drivers still breaking the law

Van and HGV drivers are the worst offenders when it comes to using a mobile phone whilst driving new research has revealed. Although the study found that the umber of car drivers using handheld mobiles had fallen by 40% to just 1% of motorists, many commercial drivers are still breaking the law. Read more about drivers breaking the law

Tyre tread depth warning

Business drivers are being urged to check their tyres following a survey revealing that two thirds of motorists are unaware of the legal minimum tread depth. According to the research, conducted by the road safety charity Brake and recovery service Green Flag, 68% of drivers did not know that the minimum tread depth for cars and vans is 1.6mm. Read more about tyre tread

UK at bottom of motorway league table

New research has revealed what business motorists and other commercial drivers have known for years – Britain has the worst motorways in Europe. The UK’s motorway network languishes at the bottom of a European league table based on the number of cars per motorway mile. Read more about motorway league table

Business drivers targeted in test reforms

Business motorists could be offered continual development as part of a complete overhaul of the learner driver system. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) says that plans to radically reform the way new drivers learn will have additional focus on developing drivers’ skills after they have passed their test. Read more about drivers targeted

ACFO names Golf as Car of the Year

The Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) has named the Volkswagen Golf as its Car of the Year. ACFO was impressed by the Golf’s reputation for delivering operational performance; wholelife cost control and driver appeal as well as its environmental credentials. Read more about Car of the year

Changes to company car tax likely

Government plans to reduce carbon emissions are almost certain to result in changes to company car tax in the Chancellor’s next budget. The influential King Review – the second part of which will be used by the Chancellor when considering policy decisions – has indicated that tax should be used to incentivise the adoption of efficient vehicle technology. Read more about company car tax

Public transport no match for the company car

A totally inadequate public transport system means that the majority of businesses travellers still rely on their car. According to a new study by the Royal Automobile Club Foundation and the British Chambers of Commerce, 94% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) use the road for their business travel. Read more about public transport

Blackmail charge over road pricing

A House of Commons transport committee has warned the government that it risks being accused of blackmailing local authorities into introducing road pricing schemes. The committee was also highly critical of the Government’s actions in relation to publishing its draft Local Transport Bill, which contains proposals to expand road charges. Read more about blackmail charges

Diesel prices will rise again before they fall

Fleet managers could soon see their fuel bills rise still further despite the fact that diesel has already broken the £1 per litre barrier. Industry analysts believe that demand for heating oil over the winter will put even more demand on already stretched reserves. As a result, prices at the pumps are likely to continue to spiral until well into the New Year. Read more about Diesel prices

Prepare for winter says the AA

Business motorists are being urged to check their speed and to take into account worsening weather conditions as winter sets in. AA Business Services has put together some simple tips to help company car drivers prepare for travel following the end of British Summer Time (BST). Read more about winter warning

Views sought on roadside facilities

Business drivers are being asked for their views on motorway services and other roadside facilities. The Highways Agency has recently published a new draft policy for providing such facilities on England's strategic roads and drivers can now comment on the document which covers provision of motorway rest areas, lorry parking, service areas on trunk roads and the use of lay-bys. Read more about roadside facilities

Firms fail to check private vehicles used for business

A damning new report reveals that fleet managers are still failing to check the details of staff who use their own car for business. In a recent study, a leading fuel management company found that while it is routine procedure to check an employee’s driving licence before handing over the keys to a company car, more than a third of businesses fail to carry out similar checks for employees who use their own vehicles on company business. Read more about insurance

Short-sighted view of eye tests

New research has revealed that nearly half of all company car drivers have not had an eyesight test in the last three years and, even more alarmingly, 30% had not had one in the past five years, if at all. The shock statistics have been revealed in a study of 340 drivers from some of the country’s largest fleet operators who recently completed an online risk assessment. Read more about eye tests

New telematics technology will help fleet managers

Rapid advances in new technology should help fleet managers to meet growing demands to prioritise safety - as well as to tackle insurance and green issues. Delegates at a recent industry conference heard that real-time management of drivers’ fuel consumption and purchase trends, for example, will be made easier with the advent of new swipe proximity technology for credit cards. Read more about telematics

Call for speed limiters on company cars

All fleet cars should be fitted with high-tech speed limiters according to an influential body that advises Parliament on road safety issues. In a new report, the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) is calling for the introduction of intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) systems that utilise GPS technology and speed limit databases. Read more about limiters

Operators urged to take part in Road Safety Week

Fleet operators are being urged to take part in a major road safety initiative in November. More than 100 major players in the UK fleet industry have already signed up to be a part of this year’s Road Safety Week, which runs from 5-11 November. Read more about safety week

Chancellor overlooks company cars in statement

Fleet industry leaders say that company cars have been overlooked by Chancellor Alistair Darling in his pre-budget statement. Although the industry has made significant improvements in its environmental performance, accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers says it is surprised not to see any definitive new announcements on company car policy in relation to capital allowances and CO2 emissions Read more about pre budget

More risk of points for company drivers

Business motorists could be hit hard by a raft of new offences which have come into force. The new measures, introduced under the Road Safety Act, include an increase from three to six penalty points for people who fail to provide information about the identity of a driver caught speeding. Read more about new laws

New weather alert system for drivers

The Highways Agency has teamed up with the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Road Haulage Association (RHA) to launch a new system to warn drivers about severe weather conditions. The Severe Weather Alert has been developed in response to severe storms that hit the UK earlier in the year when nearly 50 goods vehicles were blown over on major routes. Read more about weather warning

Fleet managers an endangered species

The number of people employed as fleet managers has fallen dramatically since the turn of the century according to new research by a leading academic. A study by Peter Cooke, professor of automotive industries management at the University of Buckingham, reveals that despite a small upturn over the past two years, more than half of all firms still have no one on dedicated fleet duty. Read more about endangered species

Government hints at road pricing U-turn

Fleet operators are likely to welcome hints by the new Secretary of State for Transport that the government may be rethinking plans to introduce national road pricing - but there is still concern at alternative proposals. Ruth Kelly is reported as saying that congestion is a real economic issue for British business and the government was committed to looking at plans to limit it. Read more about road pricing

Rising fuel costs drive fraud says report

A new report warns that firms may be at a greater risk of fraud as a result of rising fuel prices. Although pump prices have levelled off in recent months, crude oil costs are spiralling and increased demand is likely to put pressure on fuel markets later in the year. Read more about fuel fraud

Poor quality service stations undermine safety campaign

The poor quality of motorway service stations is undermining a government initiative to encourage company car drivers to take regular breaks according to a leading motoring organisation. GEM Motoring Assist claims the government’s Take a Break campaign is being compromised by a lack of relaxation facilities and expensive refreshments at UK service stations. Read more about take a break

Prison threat to mobile phone users

Company car drivers caught using a mobile phone when behind the wheel could soon face a prison sentence. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is currently considering the findings of a public consultation and is preparing a raft of changes to the way drivers are prosecuted. Read more about prison threat

Extra £1.2million to help white van man go green

An extra £1.2 million has been set aside by the government to train van drivers in greener, safer driving techniques. Aimed at encouraging driving techniques that save fuel – and therefore cut costs and CO2 emissions - the Safe and Fuel Efficient Drivers (SAFED) scheme has already trained nearly 7,800 drivers. Read more about safety training

Floods provide boost for commercial vehicle sales

This summer’s appalling weather may have been bad news for holiday-makers, but it has provided a welcome boost for sales of both new and used commercial vehicles. According to EurotaxGlass’s, the prolonged spells of heavy rain have contributed to an overall increase in sales over the summer months. Read more about flood sales

Small fleets not learning accident lessons

Just over one in ten operators of small fleets have failed to learn the lessons from the case of a van driver who caused a fatal accident when he fell asleep at the wheel. That’s the shock finding of new research that has revealed 88% of fleet brokers have received no enquiries from customers on how to combat driver tiredness. Read more about accident lessons

Women prefer a company car to a pension

Women have now overtaken men when it comes to the value they place on having a company car - according to new research by a high street bank. The study by the Bank of Scotland reveals that female drivers see a company car as even more important than other benefits such as a pension scheme. Read more about what woman prefer

Company car drivers in Wales targeted

Company car drivers and fleet managers in Wales are to be targeted as part of a campaign to highlight the dangers of work-related speeding. The initiative by the Mid and South Wales Safety Camera Partnership aims to give both employers and employees information about why they should stick to the speed limit and the consequences if they don’t. Read more about Speed in Wales

Exclusive Mercedes for company car drivers

Company car drivers are being offered their own, exclusive Mercedes Benz. The German luxury car-maker has introduced an E-Class model tailored for the needs of business drivers. Read more about Mercedes

Diesel premiums to rise again say experts

Fleet managers are once again facing rising fuel costs as a result of terrorism concerns and diminishing oil supplies. According to the AA, in early August the average price of petrol was 96.6p per litre and the cost of diesel 97p – a difference of 0.4p. Read more about fuel prices

Charity urges fleet support for Road Safety Week

A national road safety charity is urging fleet managers to get involved in Road Safety Week by ordering a free company action pack. The main theme of November’s Road Safety Week is child pedestrian and cyclist safety. And, according to Brake, fleet operators can play a key role by encouraging employees to slow down around communities and ensuring they are not under pressure to speed or drive too fast for the conditions. Read more about safety week

Fleet scepticism over new parking regulations

Fleets could miss out on the chance to recover thousands of pounds worth of parking fines if the government does a U-turn on plans for fairer enforcement. Due to be introduced in March next year, new regulations will give independent adjudicators more powers – including the right to ask local authorities to scrap fines for motorists who have mitigating circumstances Read more about parking fines

Industry calls to scrap fuel duty rises

Fleet industry leaders are calling on the government to scrap planned rises in fuel duty in the face of rocketing oil prices. Increased demand from America and China - together with concerns about a drop in North Sea oil production and attacks on facilities in Nigeria - have led to dramatic increases in oil prices in recent weeks. Read more about fuel tax

Stubborn drivers failing to display no smoking signage

Many fleet managers are facing a backlash from drivers following the introduction of new laws governing smoking in company vehicles. Stubborn company drivers are refusing to display no-smoking stickers in their company vehicles despite the new legislation introduced in July 2007. Read more about smoking backlash

Fleet managers urged to join safety benchmarking project

Poor accident analysis is hampering efforts to improve fleet safety according to new research. Fleet managers are being urged to benchmark their levels of work-related road safety against other companies. Read more about safety benchmark

Sleep disorder threat to fleet safety

New research has revealed that an alarming number of company motorists drive whilst tired and even fall asleep behind the wheel. Research by a major insurance company has found that 86% of motorists claim to have either nodded off or driven while sleepy despite studies which show tired drivers are as dangerous as drink-drivers. Read more about sleep disorder

Volvo offers aimed at attracting corporate customers

Volvo hopes to attract more fleet customers with a range of new initiatives including a trim level upgrade offer. The Swedish manufacturer aims to target smaller fleets with a raft of measures intended to make the brand a more attractive choice. Read more about Volvo

Fleet drivers to benefit from communicating cars

Fleet drivers look set to be amongst the first to benefit from new technology that allows vehicles to talk to each other about the road conditions ahead. Vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V) is definitely on the way say bosses at General Motors (GM) who have revealed details of a pioneering system which promises to reduce accident rates and cut journey times. Read more about talking cars

Trust to expand following demand from green fleets

So many fleet buyers are turning green that the Energy Saving Trust (EST) says it may need to double the number of consultants it employs to meet demand. Sara Pearce at the Energy Saving Trust (EST) is reported as saying that a surge in interest for Green Fleet Reviews has led to the need for more green fleet consultants. Read more about green fleets

Fleet share down as vehicle sales recover

After three years of falling sales, the new car market is finally showing the first signs of recovery although the fleet share of the overall market is down slightly by 0.1%. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that June’s total sales were 1.5% up on the same month last year - continuing a four-month period of growth. Read more about fleet share

Website reveals fleet safety concerns

The findings of a benchmarking website launched earlier this year have revealed that a third of fleet operators are failing to meet their safety obligations. The Fleet Safety Benchmarking project is run by the Fleet Safety Forum, a division of road safety charity Brake, in partnership with risk management company Interactive Driving Systems. Read more about fleet safety concerns

Lexus revamps website for corporate customers

Luxury carmaker Lexus has revamped its corporate sales website to allow drivers, fleet managers and leasing companies easier access to information. By visiting www.lexus.co.uk and clicking on the company cars section, visitors can access specification model comparisons, price lists and BIK tax costs for drivers, SMR and running costs for leasing companies and an amalgamation of the two for fleet managers. Read more about the new lexus website

Car schemes remain popular with employees

Company car schemes are still popular with employees although emissions-based benefit-in-kind changes have knocked it off top spot in the league table of staff perks. The provision of a car - or an allowance - is still among the top 10 most popular employee benefits according to a new survey. Read more about employee benefits

Summer presents skin cancer risk for business drivers

Business drivers could be at a higher risk of developing skin cancer due to long hours behind the wheel during the summer months. A recent study found a link between skin cancers and the side of the body most exposed to sunlight whilst driving. Read more about skincare warning

Survey finds drivers still breaking mobile phone laws

Nearly three quarters of company car drivers still use their mobile phones while on the move and many of them refuse to use a hands-free kit. Those are the shocking findings of a study carried out by fuel management company Arval. Read more about ignoring the phone law

Calls for psychological testing welcomed

Calls for compulsory psychological testing for new motorists have been welcomed by a company that specialises in providing training for fleet drivers. The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), executive director, Robert Gifford, is reported as saying that the current driving test failed to root out drivers prone to breaking rules. Read more about psychological testing

DVLA accused of highway robbery

The director general of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has blasted the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for what he believes is highway robbery. The outburst by John Lewis comes as first registration fees are set to increase from £38 to £50 on 1st May. Read more about the highway robbery

Fleet safety scheme launched

Fleet operators are being encouraged to help cut work-related road casualties by signing up to a groundbreaking new scheme. The project being launched by the Fleet Safety Forum - a division of road safety charity Brake - and Interactive Driving Systems has the backing of the government. Read more about the fleet safety scheme