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Businesses and SMEs set to be affected by emissions reduction targets deserve more fleet industry support to stay ahead of regulatory and legislative changes, says the AA's fleet and SME division.
From yesterday, vehicles driving through central London must meet minimum exhaust emission standards or pay a £10 fee as part of London Mayor Sadiq Khan's new Toxicity Charge, or T-charge, in addition to a daily congestion charge.
Between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, it will now cost businesses £21.50 to drive each pre-Euro 4 vehicle in their fleets - typically diesel and petrol models registered before 2006 - into London.
With other UK cities such as Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Derby and Southampton considering following London's lead in introducing emissions charges for polluting vehicles, the AA is calling for the automotive industry to increase its support for its SME customers.
According to the second annual Operational Fleet Insight report produced by the AA and BT's Fleet Solutions, SMEs are increasingly worried that manufacturers don't always treat them as a priority when it comes to advice and support due to their small fleet size.
Only 26% of SME fleet managers and decision-makers say their role involves focusing on long-term fleet strategy, such as a switch to alternative fuels, compared with an already low average of 29% across all sectors.
"As emissions reduction becomes a focus for the UK's large cities, businesses are under pressure to future-proof their fleets to ensure they comply with any future targets," said Stuart Thomas, head of fleet services and SME at the AA. "Fleet managers feel required to investigate alternative fuel sources, but they may not have enough information to make strategic decisions, or feel supported by the industry to take an informed step forward.
"Small businesses which will be affected are likely to be hit hard by the introduction of the T-charge, which almost doubles the cost of driving a vehicle through London during peak hours. Fleets are the backbone of British business, and need more guidance to help them to make the most of the upcoming EV revolution. We urge the automotive industry to provide the support businesses require to help them to anticipate upcoming legislation and reduce costs."
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