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  • Is your eyesight good enough to be on the road

    When it comes to safe driving, good eyesight is not just a requirement but a necessity.

    Each time we get behind the wheel, we rely on our vision more than any other sense to guide us, react to changes, and make split-second decisions.

    It’s not just about legal compliance; it’s about ensuring the safety of yourself and others.

    Shockingly, it’s estimated that every year at least 2,900 casualties are caused by poor driver vision, and around 1.8 million drivers don’t meet the basic legal standard for vision.

    In this post, we’re delving into the importance of making sure your eyesight is good enough for driving, we’ll cover the minimum vision standards set by authorities, and provide practical guidance on how you can assess your own eyesight to ensure you meet these vital requirements.

    What is the Minimum Vision Required for Driving?

    In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) sets specific standards that drivers must meet.

    Understanding these requirements is the first step in assessing whether your eyesight is roadworthy.

    According to gov.uk at the time of publishing this, the standards for driving in the UK are:

    “You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres.

    You must also meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye.

    You must also have an adequate field of vision – your optician can tell you about this and do a test.”

    Bus and Lorry Drivers

    Bus and lorry drivers “must have a visual acuity at least 0.8 (6/7.5) measured on the Snellen scale in their best eye and at least 0.1 (6/60) on the Snellen scale in the other eye.

    This standard can be reached using glasses with a corrective power not more than (+) 8 dioptres, or with contact lenses. There’s no specific limit for the corrective power of contact lenses.

    Drivers operating these types of vehicles must have an uninterrupted horizontal visual field of at least 160 degrees with an extension of at least 70 degrees left and right and 30 degrees up and down. No defects should be present within a radius of the central 30 degrees.”

    How Can I Test My Vision is OK for Driving?

    Regularly checking your vision is a key part of maintaining driving safety. It may even help you detect potential eye conditions early on as well.

    Some organisations will have processes in place to have their drivers check their eyesight periodically, but it’s often left for drivers to take personal responsibility.

    While professional eye examinations are the most reliable method, there are also simple tests you can perform at home to gauge whether your eyesight meets the basic requirements for driving.

    As already mentioned, the legal requirement in the UK is being able to read a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres.

    You can pace out the correct distance yourself and check if you can read the number plate easily without squinting or screwing up your eyes.

    How Can I Check My Drivers’ Eyesight Is Good Enough?

    As a fleet manager, it’s good compliance to periodically check if your driver’s eyesight meets the legal requirement.

    All you need to do is have your drivers read a number plate from 20 metres and check they’re not squinting or struggling to read the plate.

    If you have a driver who is struggling to read the plate, you can suggest they seek a professional assessment from an optician.

  • Cyber security strategies seeing more fleets move to specialist software, reports FleetCheck

    Cyber security strategies are seeing more businesses move to specialist fleet software in order to protect sensitive data, FleetCheck is reporting.

    The need for more sophisticated digital strategies means there is a shift away from fleets using general purpose software such as spreadsheets towards dedicated products, explained managing director Peter Golding.

    He said: “Over the last year, we’ve seen an increasing number of new customers come to us and adopt our software as a direct result of the introduction of comprehensive corporate cyber security strategies.

    “The most well-known of these is probably the Cyber Essentials certification scheme from the National Cyber Security Agency, which aims to introduce protections against common types of cyber attacks, and is increasingly being used by organisations operating vehicles.

    “From a fleet point of view, this is a very positive development. Businesses running cars and vans hold all kinds of sensitive data – including driver personal details – and there need to be measures in place that ensure a high degree of resilience against malicious parties.”

    Peter said that specialist fleet software tended to take into account the specific potential cyber security weaknesses of fleets and provide appropriate protections.

    “Most business coming to us for fleet software who are in this position will have been using some kind of general purpose software tool such as a spreadsheet. Now, most well-known spreadsheet packages have a reasonable degree of cyber security build in, but they are not as sophisticated in their approach to protecting fleet data as a specialist product.

    “Fleet cyber vulnerabilities – like any specialist area of business – tend to be quite specific. Organisations such as ours know from years of experience where potential weaknesses may lie, and the kinds of issues that occur when it comes to vehicle operations. We have developed strategies over time that have proven highly effective and are regularly updated.

    “Certainly, we’ve been highlighting for many years that fleets shouldn’t rely on general purpose software such as spreadsheets simply because they are not particularly useful tools for fleet management, but it appears that it is the question of security rather than effectiveness that is starting to gradually drive them out of use.”

  • How Fleet Management Software Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

    In today’s environmentally conscious era, businesses across the UK are continuously seeking ways to minimise their ecological impact.

    For those managing vehicular fleets, this emphasis is even more pronounced given the transportation sector’s significant contribution to carbon emissions.

    Modern technology, particularly fleet management software, offers an array of tools and insights that can play a pivotal role in shrinking a fleet’s carbon footprint.

    By intertwining the need for efficiency with ecological responsibility, this software not only boosts a company’s bottom line but also contributes to a greener planet.

    In this article, we’re going to explain how you can reduce your fleet’s carbon footprint while reducing costs using FleetCheck Management Software:

    Why Reducing Our Carbon Footprint is Important

    The urgency to address climate change has never been more palpable. Over the last century, human activities have led to unprecedented levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere.

    These gases trap heat and result in global warming, leading to erratic weather patterns, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity.

    For the UK, this manifests as increased flooding risks, heatwaves, and adverse effects on agriculture.

    If left unchecked, these changes will leave lasting impacts on our environment, economy, and way of life.

    For businesses, particularly those in the transport sector, reducing carbon footprints isn’t just about global responsibility.

    It aligns with evolving consumer preferences for sustainable brands, upcoming regulatory mandates, and the inherent cost-savings in adopting more efficient, eco-friendly operations.

    How Fleet Management Software Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

    Here are just five of the ways you can reduce your fleet’s carbon footprint using FleetCheck:

    Optimised Routes

    One of the fundamental features of fleet management software is route optimisation.

    By determining the most efficient paths for vehicles, unnecessary mileage can be eliminated, leading to significant reductions in fuel consumption and, consequently, emissions.

    Vehicle Maintenance Alerts

    Regular maintenance ensures that vehicles operate at peak efficiency.

    The software can alert managers about maintenance schedules, ensuring that issues like under-inflated tyres or engine inefficiencies, which can increase fuel consumption, are promptly addressed.

    Eco-Driving Feedback

    Modern fleet management systems can monitor driver behaviour, providing insights into actions like rapid acceleration or hard braking.

    By educating drivers based on this data, they can adopt more eco-friendly driving habits, further reducing fuel consumption.

    Idle Time Reduction

    Excessive idling is a silent fuel-waster. Fleet management software can provide reports on vehicle idle times, prompting actions to reduce unnecessary engine operation and the associated emissions.

    Electrification Planning

    As fleets consider transitioning to electric vehicles, these software tools can help plan the shift.

    By analysing routes, charging station locations, and usage patterns, businesses can make informed decisions about when and how to incorporate EVs most effectively.

    In essence, fleet management software equips businesses with the data-driven insights needed to make both small tweaks and larger strategic changes.

    Each adjustment, while possibly minor in isolation, can accumulate to create substantial reductions in a fleet’s carbon footprint, steering us all towards a more sustainable future.

    To find out how FleetCheck can help you achieve this and more, call our sales team on  01666 575900 or click here to book a free demo.

  • Should You Have An Electric Fleet – The Pros and Cons Explained

    As the world – and organisations – grapple with the rising challenge of climate change and the pressing need to reduce carbon footprints, the transportation sector has found itself at the forefront of this global discourse.

    A key decision a lot of UK businesses are facing right now is whether to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) for their fleet operations.

    This move isn’t just about being environmentally conscious; it intertwines with a number of economic, operational, and even branding considerations.

    As such, understanding the implications and benefits of an electric fleet becomes imperative for informed decision-making.

    What Does It Mean to Have an Electric Fleet?

    An electric fleet refers to a collection of vehicles, used for commercial purposes, that are powered primarily or entirely by electricity rather than conventional fuels like petrol or diesel.

    These vehicles, ranging from compact cars to vans and larger vehicles, are equipped with electric motors and batteries.

    They can be charged at home, work, or public charging stations, eliminating or significantly reducing the need for conventional fuel.

    As the technology has advanced and more charging infrastructure has been established, many businesses are seriously considering the switch.

    But what advantages do electric vehicles bring to the fleet? Are they right for your business?

    Advantages of Having Electric Vehicles in a Fleet:

    Lower Operational Costs

    One of the primary benefits of electric vehicles is the potential for reduced operational costs. Charging an EV can be significantly cheaper than filling up with petrol or diesel.

    Furthermore, with fewer moving parts than traditional combustion engines, maintenance costs can be reduced, leading to further savings over the vehicle’s lifespan.

    Environmental Benefits

    By adopting electric vehicles, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon emissions.

    Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning they don’t release harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides or particulates.

    Additionally, as the UK’s grid becomes greener with more renewable energy sources, the overall carbon footprint of EVs decreases further.

    Positive Brand Image

    Operating an electric fleet can enhance a company’s image, signalling to clients, partners, and the public that the business is forward-thinking and environmentally responsible.

    This can offer a competitive edge in markets where consumers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious.

    Tax Incentives and Grants

    The UK government has been encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles by providing various tax incentives and grants.

    The legislation is always changing, but at the time of writing this there is a Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) helping businesses with the upfront cost of charging point installations.

    Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels

    Electric fleets are not subject to the volatile prices of petrol or diesel. This can help businesses forecast and manage their operational costs more effectively.

    Moreover, by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, companies can insulate themselves from potential future fuel shortages or geopolitical instabilities affecting fuel supply.

    Disadvantages of Having Electric Vehicles in a Fleet:

    Higher Initial Purchase Cost

    While prices have been coming down, the initial purchase price of electric vehicles, especially for advanced models with longer ranges, can be significantly higher than their petrol or diesel counterparts.

    This can make the upfront investment challenging for some businesses, especially those with tight capital budgets or those needing a large number of vehicles.

    Range Anxiety and Charging Infrastructure

    One of the primary concerns fleet managers have with EVs is the limited range compared to traditional fuel vehicles.

    While advancements in battery technology are steadily increasing the distance EVs can travel on a single charge, range anxiety remains a concern, especially for fleets that require long-distance travel regularly.

    Coupled with this is the challenge of finding adequate charging infrastructure. In many areas, especially outside major cities, charging stations can be sparse.

    Longer Refuelling Time

    Unlike filling up a petrol or diesel vehicle, which can take just a few minutes, charging an electric vehicle, especially from a depleted battery, can take significantly longer.

    Fast chargers can recharge an EV battery to 80% within 30 minutes to an hour, but these aren’t always readily available.

    Standard chargers might require several hours for a full charge. This can pose operational challenges, especially if vehicles are needed round the clock or if there’s limited access to fast-charging infrastructure.

    In Summary

    Electric fleets stand as a testament to the progressive shift towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

    On the one hand, they offer the promise of lower operational costs, significant environmental benefits, an enhanced brand image, potential tax incentives, and reduced dependence on fluctuating fossil fuel markets.

    Conversely, there are concerns about the higher initial costs, range limitations, and lengthier refuelling times when compared to traditional fuelled vehicles.

    With all of this in mind, only you are in the best possible position to decide if bringing electric vehicles into your fleet is the right decision for your organisation.

  • What Is Grey Fleet?

    In the dynamic landscape of fleet management, various terms and concepts have come to the forefront, reflecting the nuances of this industry.

    One such term you may have heard of is ‘grey fleet’.

    But what exactly does this term mean, and why is it crucial for businesses and organisations to understand how to manage their grey fleet effectively?

    In this article, we’ll explain exactly what a grey fleet is and how you can cost-effectively manage your own grey fleet.

    What Is Grey Fleet?

    Grey fleet refers to any vehicles that are not owned by a company but are used for business-related activities.

    Typically, these include vehicles that are privately owned by employees but are utilised for company tasks, perhaps with the company reimbursing the employee for mileage or other expenses.

    These vehicles can pose unique challenges for businesses, particularly in terms of liability, cost management, and environmental impact.

    Unlike a traditional company fleet where businesses have direct control over the vehicles, maintenance, and usage, grey fleets operate in a more decentralised manner.

    This lack of direct oversight can sometimes lead to grey areas (pun intended) in terms of responsibility and management.

    How To Manage Grey Fleet

    The most effective way to manage a grey fleet is by leveraging a fleet management system like FleetCheck.

    Fleet management systems provide fleet managers and organisations with the tools and insights needed to maintain control over grey fleet vehicles, even when they are not directly owned by the company.

    By integrating technology like GPS tracking, reporting analytics, and automated mileage capture, fleet management systems offer a centralised platform to monitor and manage all vehicles, whether they are part of the traditional fleet or the grey fleet.

    Employing a robust fleet management system not only reduces potential liabilities and costs but also ensures that the company adheres to regulatory standards and environmental commitments.

    In an era where every operational facet matters, effectively managing grey fleet becomes paramount to both efficiency and responsibility.

    If you’re interested in finding out more about how FleetCheck can help you manage your organisation’s grey fleet, while also reducing costs, you can book a free demo here.

    Risks of Operating Grey Fleet Vehicles

    Operating a grey fleet presents a range of risks to companies and organisations. Some of these risks include:

    Legal and Compliance Risks

    Since the vehicles in a grey fleet are not directly owned by the company, ensuring that they comply with all necessary laws, regulations, and standards can be challenging.

    This can include MOT certifications, road tax, and necessary insurance coverage.

    If an employee’s vehicle doesn’t meet legal requirements, the company might face legal implications.

    Safety Concerns

    A grey fleet vehicle’s maintenance is typically up to the individual owner, so the company has less control over the vehicle’s condition.

    If regular safety checks are not conducted, it might pose a risk to the driver and others on the road.

    Environmental Impact

    Corporate fleets often upgrade their vehicles to newer, more environmentally-friendly models.

    However, grey fleet vehicles, which might be older personal cars, can have higher emissions and a more substantial environmental footprint.

    Financial Implications

    Without a centralised system to manage expenses, companies might end up reimbursing employees more than necessary.

    There might also be hidden costs, such as wear and tear or excessive fuel consumption.

    Insurance Liabilities

    There’s potential for significant insurance liabilities if a grey fleet vehicle is involved in an accident while on company business.

    The lines between personal and business usage can become blurred, leading to complications in insurance claims.

    Reputational Risk

    If a grey fleet vehicle, associated with a company, is involved in an accident due to poor maintenance or is found in violation of regulations, it can damage the company’s reputation.

    Lack of Oversight

    With grey fleet vehicles, companies often lack a clear overview of their entire fleet’s whereabouts, conditions, and activities.

    This lack of transparency can pose operational challenges.

    Data Protection Issues

    If companies use tracking systems or apps to monitor the use of personal vehicles for business purposes, they need to be wary of data protection laws and ensure employee privacy.

    Given these risks, it’s crucial for businesses that rely on grey fleets to have a robust fleet management system.

    Proper policies, regular checks, and the integration of fleet management technology can help mitigate these risks and ensure smooth operations.

  • Manufacturers should aim to avoid disorderly EV market as potential for price war emerges, says FleetCheck

    Motor manufacturers should aim to avoid the electric vehicle (EV) market becoming disorderly despite pressure in the sector that could lead to a potential price war, says FleetCheck.

    Peter Golding, managing director, said that sudden, dramatic price reductions in recent days in some markets could soon spread to the UK, something which was not necessarily good news for fleets.

    He said: “Big EV price cuts are very much a double-edged sword for fleets, sometimes prompting immediate surges in demand but also potentially hitting residual values (RVs) and simply making it difficult to know when to buy.

    “There is a lot of news on a global basis about major EV manufacturers such as Tesla and BYD cutting prices in major markets and it is understandable they should want to do so. They have created huge manufacturing capacity and sometimes have considerable inventory. It’s imperative from a business point of view that they keep sales moving at a point in time where there are some indications that global demand has momentarily plateaued.

    “Cheaper EVs are obviously a positive on one hand but this kind of disorderly marketing does create issues for fleets. At the most basic level, it becomes tricky to know whether now is a good moment to buy? For example, if Tesla decided to cut UK prices this month but still have high levels of stock, will they do the same again in the summer and should businesses wait to see what happens?

    “At another level, any kind of price war makes setting RVs very difficult. There is already a medium-long term expectation that we will see EV prices fall as the technology becomes more accessible and production volumes increase, but there has perhaps been an assumption that this will happen gradually. What we have instead are quite sudden, headline grabbing price reductions.”

    Peter said that fleet confidence in the EV sector would be easier to maintain if manufacturers took a responsible attitude towards making sure that the market was as orderly as possible, despite the impetus to reduce prices.

    “If fleets feel like as though a manufacturer is possibly going to suddenly take several thousands pounds off the price of a car, it potentially makes them less rather than more likely to buy. Smaller, regular reductions that appear part of a long-term strategy are more sustainable than immediate, dramatic cuts that have something of an air of panic.

    “This is not just essential for the new car market but the used sector, too. While there are some signs that we are seeing a normalisation of the used EV market following the huge falls in values seen in 2023, any kind of new EV price war will fuel wariness among both dealers and used car buyers. The importance of a properly functioning EV market for fleets undergoing large scale electrification cannot be overstated. ”

  • Do I Need the Paper Part of My Licence?

    There is often some confusion around whether or not you need the paper counterpart of your driving licence, and what you need to do – if anything – if you lose your paper part.

    The DVLA made a change to the legislation in 2015 that you need to know about, here’s what the most current rules and regulations are regarding the paper counterpart of your driving licence:

    As of 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence is not valid and is no longer issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Prior to this date, the paper counterpart was used to display information such as any penalty points the driver might have. However, now all the driver details, including any points, are stored electronically. This means that you no longer require the paper part, and the DVLA advised drivers to destroy the counterpart after the aforementioned date. However, obviously, it’s essential to ensure you still hold onto the photocard part of your licence.

    Do I Need a Paper Counterpart If I Get Penalty Points?

    No, you don’t need a paper counterpart, even if you receive penalty points. After the abolition of the paper counterpart in 2015, all penalty points are recorded electronically on your driving record. If you receive penalty points, they will be digitally added to your record. If you wish to view this information, you can do so online, by phone, or by post through the DVLA’s services.  Employers or car hire companies that need to check your driving record can do so with your permission, using the DVLA’s Share Driving Licence service.

    What If I Have Not Renewed My Licence Since June 2015?

    If you have not renewed your licence since June 2015 when the counterpart was abolished, it makes no difference.

    From the 8th June 2015, any new penalty points (endorsements) are recorded electronically and won’t appear on photocard driving licences or the paper licence. If you still have your paper counterpart, it will no longer hold any legal status and you are able to destroy it. Any existing penalty points or endorsements recorded on paper counterparts before 8th June 2015 are still valid until they reach their expiry date.

    However, they have since been recorded online and can be viewed via the DVLA’s online services.

    How Can I Find Out If A Driver Has Penalty Points on Their Licence?

    If you’re in the UK and want to find out if you or one of your drivers has penalty points on their driving licence, you can check online through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) or by using FleetCheck LicenceAssured.

    If you want to use the DVLA’s View Driving Licence service you’ll need some information from the driver, then the driver will need to request a code to give you access. This takes around 15 minutes on average. It’s time-consuming and becomes unmanageable if you have a large fleet.

    The more efficient way to check if a driver is using our FleetCheck LicenceAssured service.

    We have found that it takes a driver five minutes and an administrator one minute to set up an electronic mandate for three years.

    Each check thereafter takes ZERO time for the driver and one minute for the administrator to view the licence check.

    You can find out more about FleetCheck LicenceAssured and book a free demo by clicking here.

    Why Was the Licence Counterpart Abolished?

    The paper counterpart of the UK driving licence was abolished in 2015 as part of the UK government’s initiative to digitise driver records and reduce bureaucratic processes.

    Here’s a deeper dive into the reasons behind its abolition:

    Digital Transition

    The move to abolish the paper counterpart was aligned with the broader trend towards digital governance and the UK government’s aim to modernise its services. By digitising driving records, the DVLA aimed to offer a more streamlined and efficient service to drivers.

    Reduced Administrative Burden

    The paper counterpart was traditionally used to record details that didn’t fit on the photocard, such as penalty points and certain types of vehicle entitlements. However, maintaining and updating these paper records was time-consuming and had the potential for errors or discrepancies.

    Easy Access to Information

    With the DVLA’s online services, individuals and companies can now access driving records more quickly and securely. This eliminated the need for drivers to present the counterpart when hiring a vehicle, for instance.

    Environmental Considerations

    Reducing the production and distribution of paper counterparts has environmental benefits, decreasing the amount of paper used and the associated resources required for its production and disposal.

    Reduced Risk of Fraud

    Digital records reduce the chances of fraudulent counterparts or alterations to them, ensuring that the DVLA and any legitimate enquiring parties have access to accurate, unaltered driving histories.

    Cost Efficiency

    Over time, the digital system, by eliminating the need for paper production, distribution, and processing, has the potential to be more cost-effective for the DVLA and, by extension, for taxpayers. The abolition of the paper counterpart in favour of digitised records has undoubtedly made the system more accessible and straightforward for most drivers, though there was an initial period of adjustment and learning for many.

  • “Zero servicing” would present huge dangers for fleets, says FleetCheck

    Working towards towards “zero servicing” – with vehicles never having to visit workshops unless a fault was detected – presents huge dangers for vehicle operators, says FleetCheck.

    Peter Golding, managing director, was responding to recent news that Tesla is recruiting staff for a project called “Zero Service” under the banner, “At Tesla, we believe that the best service is no service.”

    He said: “This sounds like a very Tesla idea where the vision is perhaps racing ahead of the technology, and where the reality is a lot more complex and likely to remain so.

    “The fact is that, as all competent fleet operators know, employers are responsible for the safety of their employers behind the wheel of any vehicle being used on business. If Tesla says that its cars don’t need proactive servicing, where does the liability lie in the event of an accident caused by a mechanical fault? I’m guessing that they won’t want to admit cause.”

    Peter said that precedents existed in the motor industry that could serve as a warning of lengthening the time spent out of workshops.

    “Some years ago, when manufacturers introduced synthetic oils, they started to extend servicing intervals to 30-40,000 miles. However, most eventually moved them back to an annual servicing model and intervals of around 20,000 miles.

    “A key reason was that this proved just too long for a vehicle to be out of a workshop because all kinds of other faults would develop in that time, some of them dangerous. Those cars and vans needed to be seen by technicians more regularly.

    “Of course, we’ve also just undergone an official review where the existing MOT test system was retained, something that was very much a recognition of the need for regular checks.”

    Peter said that he understood the Tesla argument would be that there was less to go wrong on an EV than and ICE car, and that future fault systems would recognise any issues, but remained unconvinced.

    “For example, even with good diagnostic systems, you could have a largely unpredictable issue arise, such as the current pothole crisis. Cars with low profile tyres and sporty suspensions are crashing into sizeable holes in the road, sending shocks through the entire structure. Now, that might knock out the tracking but also the castor and camber, and affect wheel balance. There are a whole series of variables potentially affected.

    “Any one of those issues could cause a car to mishandle or for potentially dangerous tyre wear to occur over time of a kind that it’s not easy for lay person to spot. How good would a fault tracking system be at spotting those errors?

    “It is, of course, entirely possible that the rise of EVs means that vehicles start spending less time in workshops but I don’t yet see any evidence yet to suggest that there should be fewer actual workshop visits. Safety should remain the number priority for fleets and that still involves vehicles being regularly checked by experts.”

  • Dacia Spring pricing could place downward pressure on fleet EV pricing, says FleetCheck

    Sub-£15,000 pricing for the new Dacia Spring could place considerable downward pressure on electric vehicle (EV) prices for fleets, says FleetCheck.

    Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software specialist, pointed out that the price almost halves that of the cheapest EV currently on sale in the UK, and is not far from being the cheapest car overall.

    He said: “This does feel like a potential watershed moment for EV pricing. While the Spring is too small and too limited for many fleet applications, it does show that a modern EV with a 137-mile range can be brought to market at a very attractive price.

    “The key here is that it immediately makes every other EV look like poor value and could lead to a domino effect. Suddenly, 200-mile range superminis at around £30,000 appear overpriced and they will probably need to readjust. This could impact on the next class of car up and so on, having a domino effect.

    “It is certainly possible that, by the end of the year, we will see lower EV pricing overall as a partial result of the arrival of the Spring.”

    Peter added that there was also a potential place for the Spring on some fleets, a role made possible by its pricing.

    “Larger fleets could operate a couple of Springs as potential pool cars for local journeys while they might also find a place in, for example, fleets that undertake home visits on a local basis such as health and social care providers.

    “It’s even possible that the low cost will mean fleets that have so far held out against electrification acquire buy a Spring just to dip a toe in the water. The purchase price and potential lease rates are low enough that this represents a very limited financial risk.

    “Importantly, residual values are likely to be strong. This is exactly the kind of EV that a certain type of used car buyers will want to buy in 3-4 years. Demand is likely to be strong.”

  • Fleets need to redouble efforts on drug-driving, says FleetCheck

    Fleets need to redouble their efforts on drug-driving, FleetCheck is warning, as a leading police officer reported that the issue was a bigger problem than drink-driving in some constabularies over the Xmas period.

    Speaking to the BBC this week, chief constable Jo Shiner of the National Police Chiefs Council said there was a “social acceptance” of drug taking and driving, particularly among younger people, and that some forces made more arrests than for drink-driving during December.

    Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck said the trend was a warning to fleets who needed to ensure that employees realised that a zero-tolerance culture was in place.

    “Generally, drink-driving has now become completely unacceptable socially but there are some signs that the same is not necessarily true of certain drugs, especially when it comes to people in their 20s, 30s and even 40s. This is something that the BBC reporting suggests but which we additionally occasionally hear from fleets on an anecdotal basis.

    “Also, many people do not realise that drugs such as cannabis tend to stay in the system for a much longer time than alcohol. An employee could be using these drugs socially on a Friday or Saturday and then climb into a car or van on Monday morning and be unaware that they are unsafe to drive.

    “Certainly, what the police are saying indicates that this is an area where fleets need to redouble their efforts to ensure that drivers are educated about the dangers of drug use and driving, and that anyone convicted will lose their jobs.”

    Peter said that there was a perception among some fleets that prescribed medication was more of a problem than illegal drugs when it came driving, but that these latest reports suggested this was not necessarily the case.

    “There is an assumption by some employers that use of illegal drugs among drivers is very limited but there are increasing signs this maybe untrue. It appears that legal drugs prescribed for medical use and those taken for recreational purposes are both potential issues.

    “Arguably, these are two different problems that require quite different approaches from fleet managers in terms of the actions taken. Medication is something that needs to be declared and checked to ensure that employees are safe to drive; illegal drugs mean educating drivers about the risk and adopting a zero-tolerance approach.”