We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time
The start point for the best source of fleet information |
Minister of state for transport Robert Goodwill told BVRLA members that the Government will work alongside fleets to address the UK's key transport issues in a speech at the Houses of Parliament in mid-December.
Speaking to rental industry figures and fleet end users - plus a selection of MPs including transport representatives from the three main political parties and the Transport Select Committee - Goodwill recognised the importance of fleets in setting an example and raising awareness regarding issues such as air quality and new car technology.
"As we look at how far the vehicle manufacturing industry has come in the last few decades, we must also recognise that pioneering fleet managers in the private sector have been great agents of change," he stated.
The parliamentary reception held in the Strangers' Dining Room saw BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney present Goodwill with the industry's six main recommendations. First of these was encouraging the uptake of autonomous emergency braking systems and considering making these mandatory for new vehicles, in an attempt to cut the number of low-speed crashes.
A national framework surrounding Clean Air Zones should also be introduced, Keaney stated, to give fleets certainty over emissions rules across the country. Looking into the possibility of adapting road designs to promote smoother traffic flow - reducing the number of collisions and the consequent hold ups, which contribute to increased emissions - was the BVRLA's third recommendation.
Other issues raised by the rental and leasing body concerned making sure that ultra-low emission electric vehicles continue to be supported by the plug-in car grant with in-life incentives for drivers of these vehicles considered - including free or subsidised parking charges and potentially the introduction of green express lanes in congested areas. Meanwhile, Keaney also called for additional support for car clubs across the UK's largest cities, with the aim of minimising unnecessary car journeys.
"Acting upon these recommendations would have a major impact in terms of reducing congestion, emissions and accidents while promoting the take up of new, safe and sustainable transport," he said.
Following the announcement of changes to the plug-in car grant in mid-December - which means that from March vehicles with a zero-emission range of more than 70 miles will be eligible for a £4500 grant - Keaney commented: "We are delighted that the Government has addressed this issue, which has been one of key policy priorities during 2015. This commonsense decision gives rental and leasing companies the confidence they need to continue leading the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles."
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
