Fleet software firm Jaama has added a new driver pool vehicle booking module to its Key2 management system.
Fleets using the system are now able to encourage drivers to go online and book a pool vehicle for a specific journey.
The portal then asks drivers a number of questions about the booking, with their answers fed back into Key2.
It asks drivers for information including if they can car share, the number of passengers and if it’s a suitable journey for an electric vehicle, then allocates the most suitable pool vehicle.
It also displays any requirements for out-of-hours key collection, automatically displays and monitors vehicle availability and status, and records if any passengers are over 65 years old or disabled.
If a suitable pool vehicle isn’t available, the portal will issue the driver with a mileage claim reference number for a personal mileage claim to be made.
Employees with the appropriate permission can also book vehicles on behalf of colleagues, and the system can also store Section 19 Permit numbers.
Jaama says the portal has been designed to help reduce grey fleet mileage, by encouraging employees to use pool cars instead.
Managing director Martin Evans said: “Vast amounts of fleet industry research over many years suggests that grey fleet management is a major headache for fleet decision-makers notably in respect of cost, risk management and corporate social responsibility.
“Jaama has always provided Key2 users with tools to undertake compliance checks on grey fleet vehicles and their drivers as we believe they should be as robust as in respect of drivers at the wheel of company-provided vehicles and those cars and commercial vehicles.
“Amid concerns about employees driving their own vehicles on business trips, the launch of the Key2 pool vehicle booking system is designed to make booking a pool vehicle as easy as possible for drivers and simultaneously banish grey fleet usage.”