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The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association has set out its key ambitions for 2016 in terms of the action it would like to see Government take to induce cleaner, safer and more cost-efficient motoring for its members.
The association has published four policy papers covering business car taxation, safety, air quality and intelligent mobility, offering policy recommendations constructed in the wake of a series of round-table events attended by senior BVRLA members, policy specialists, manufacturers and large fleets.
A reform of the company car benefit-in-kind system is a major proposal of the business car taxation paper, with the BVRLA calling for a "wholesale review of the current system and levels of company car taxation, recognising the benefits of company cars in terms of reduced emissions and revenue to HM Treasury".
The association would like to see the 3% diesel supplement abolished for vehicles meeting the Euro6 emissions levels, and graduated boundaries for lower-emission cars to encourage drivers to take up the cleanest vehicle they are able to, as well as a new system for electric vehicles where they are taxed on the basis of potential range before recharging.
The BVRLA was also vocal on the potential for low-emission zones in cities across the UK, warning that the absence of a national framework could result in "a lack of clarity and be financially problematic for fleet operators".
Different cities with differing emissions limits would create major issues for national organisations, the association warns, which could lead to higher-emitting vehicles being moved to areas that didn't previously have a pollution problem.
The BVRLA also sought recognition that "there is no obvious practical, plentiful and environmentally friendly alternative to diesel for commercial vehicles travelling long distances". In addition, it is concerned about insufficient lead-in periods for LEZ regulations, given the longer operation periods of commercial vehicles in particular, and therefore buying decisions needing to be made earlier ahead of new laws.
On safety, the BVRLA called for further encouragement of the take-up of technology that is proven to cut accidents, and "strongly recommended" making Autonomous Emergency Braking systems mandatory on all cars and vans. It would like to see cash incentives for drivers choosing a car fitted with AEB, as well as Government taking a lead by making it mandatory for all vehicles procured for its own fleet.
The final policy paper surrounded intelligent mobility, and in it the BVRLA pushed for a common set of data standards established by a new UK body and cyber security ratings for all new connected vehicles.
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