Challenges
by PETER GOLDING
The past 10 years has created some challenges , how do we manage this ?
This is an important year for FleetCheck as
T we celebrate our 10 th anniversary . As the founder of FleetCheck I have attended hundreds of meetings over the years and worked with people operating fleets of all sizes . Of course , fleets and their structures vary considerably , but one thing is abundantly clear : regardless of fleet size , vehicle types or industry sector , all companies face the same set of challenges .
One of the greatest difficulties for fleet operators is that they are dealing with a constantly changing sector . Changes to legislation , technology and ‘ best practice ’ are frequent , and fleet managers must stay ahead of the game . Furthermore , the dramatic impact of the financial crisis left many companies endeavouring to manage fleets with diminished resources and expertise .
Some of the most critical changes affecting fleets in the recent past revolve around legislation . The much talked-about Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 transformed fleet management , and was closely followed by a series of further changes , culminating in the new sentencing guidelines that came into force in February 2016 . The scale of change has left many companies fighting to keep up . So it ’ s no wonder that they feel vulnerable .
October 2014 saw the end of the paper road tax disc , and in June 2015 the paper counterpart of the driver ’ s licence disappeared . These moves were meant to reduce ‘ red tape ’ and save the Government money , but the aftermath created monumental challenges for companies . A 100 % increase in untaxed vehicles has led to a dramatic increase in fines , and no-one could have anticipated the headaches associated with finding new ways of inspecting drivers ’ licences . But it ’ s not all doom and gloom : one very positive advancement in the past decade is the evolving accessibility of online data . Fleet managers benefit enormously from new capabilities to access vehicle data from DVLA , road tax and MOT records , driver licence information and much more .
What else has changed ? Advancements in mechanical technology and engine lubricants has seen widespread extension of manufacturer service intervals . Consumers and fleet managers alike are enjoying the resulting savings , but don ’ t forget that tyres , brakes and other components still deteriorate at the same rate . The overwhelming consequence of extending service intervals - often up to 30K miles and two years – is that the primary responsibility for maintenance has shifted from the garage to the company operating the vehicles .
It ’ s now more crucial than ever that advisory repairs identified at a service or MOT are recorded and actioned by the company . Failure to do so could easily result in legal breaches – consider the consequences of a vehicle driven with worn tyres or brakes that you have failed to replace , and it ’ s easy to see how a simple oversight could very quickly snowball .
“ One of the greatest difficulties faced by all fleet operators today is dealing with the ongoing number of changes that have been imposed on us all . “
With infrequent visits to garages , it is more important than ever that your drivers conduct pre-use safety inspections . I know from first-hand experience that ensuring drivers complete these checks can be difficult , but this is a great example of where we can turn to technology . Smartphones are commonplace among most companies , and you can use a simple online solution that not only records that the check has been completed , but can also generates photographs of vehicle damage . In 2014 FleetCheck launched its own mobile solution , and we are pleased to say it has been adopted by thousands of drivers . Another great use of technology to solve a common , very real fleet problem . �
Peter Golding is the Founder and MD of FleetCheck , the fleet management software
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