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We've just bid farewell to 2010 which was another eventful year for the fleet industry so now it's time to look to the year ahead and pick out some of the things that will be making the headlines.
One of the first things that will have an impact this year is the increase in VAT from 17.5% to 20%. Not a great way to begin the year as the cost of purchasing a vehicle increases as well as pretty much all other operating costs. All of which will make smart purchasing decisions a must.
EU emissions targets for manufacturers need to be hit in 2012 so the big brands will continue to refresh their ranges with cleaner and greener models throughout the year. One of the most hotly anticipated is the Nissan Leaf electric car, but expect a raft of new hybrids and electric vehicles to compliment the cleaner petrol and diesel powered cars coming onto the market.
Legislation and regulation will continue to impact fleets and their drivers. Continuous Motor Insurance regulations hit early in 2011 and it's a safe bet that the year will see new rules related to environmental and health and safety performance.
The new government will also have a big role to play. While we don't know exactly how policy will go throughout 2011, what we do know is that there isn't a great deal of money in the pot so more vehicle-related taxation is likely, and expect much of it to be linked to environmental performance.
A workplace parking levy has already been introduced in Nottingham and don't be surprised if it becomes more widespread. Authorities including Bristol, York, Devon, Hampshire, Leeds, Bournemouth, South Somerset and Wiltshire are considering introducing levies in an effort to raise funds and cut congestion and while it will spark strong opposition it can't be ruled out.
Safety will remain high on the agenda this year and rightly so. It has recently been announced that drivers given points for an offence will have to produce their licene within 28 days rather than the current 12 months. There is also mounting pressure to reduce the drink drive limit in a bid to warn people off the perils of drinking and driving.
So plenty going on in the year ahead, and no doubt there will be the odd-curve ball that we're not expecting, so prepare for an eventful year for the fleet industry.
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