Fleet operators 'encouraging better driver habits to save fuel'

Date: 8/5/2012

Many fleet operators in the UK are investigating ways of encouraging change among their drivers in a bid to reduce fuel consumption.

Prakesh Patel, a patrolman for RAC, explained research conducted by his firm shows the price of fuel has gone up by 48 per cent in 2009, meaning petrol now costs around 141p a litre.

As a result, fleet operators are trying to change driver habits to save money.

While some have advised their drivers to adopt a smoother, slower style of motoring, others have gone further by fitting speed restrictors to vehicles so they can only reach 60 or 70mph.

"I think the most key thing is driving style and having your vehicle serviced regularly, as then you'll get regular updates on the car's software to get more out of the fuel," Mr Patel stated.

Safety is something else fleet operators may be giving a lot of thought to, as companies attending the Annual Best of the Best Fleet Safety Forum Conference in March were advised to fit cameras and blind spot mirrors to their vehicles to try and reduce collisions with cyclists.

Posted by Mary Treen