Author: Fuel Card Services

tailgating

10 injuries a week ’caused by tailgating’

Posted on | by Fuel Card Services

As many as ten injuries are caused every week across the UK by van drivers tailgating other vehicles, new figures have shown.

This is according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles based on data compiled by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Dangers of driving too close revealed

Overall, the DfT data revealed 4,256 accidents are classified as ‘drivers following too closely’ each year, resulting in 6,184 injuries and 19 fatalities.

Eight per cent of cases involved a light commercial vehicle, meaning van drivers are causing ten injuries from tailgating every week.

Businesses are therefore encouraged to ensure their drivers are up to speed in terms of driver training and are fully aware of the consequences of this bad motoring behaviour.

Individuals found guilty of tailgating other drivers face a fine of £100 and three penalty points on their licence.

Responding to the findings, Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Tailgating is the biggest single bugbear that motorway users in particular report. Surveys suggest almost half of drivers feel scared and get angry about it.

“Keeping your distance means you can observe what is happening around and ahead of you much better and gives you time to react to the unexpected.”

Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “Road users must ensure they are maintaining a suitable distance to other vehicles ahead. It’s important for all motorists to give each other space – that means always leaving a gap.”

UK automotive sector

UK automotive sector ‘risks missing out on skills and talent’

Posted on | by Fuel Card Services

Members of the UK’s automotive industry risk missing out on essential skills and talent if issues of diversity and inclusion (D&I) are not addressed.

This was the warning posed by attendees of the ‘Making Diversity and Inclusion a Business Reality’ event earlier this month.

D&I must be a top priority for businesses

Held in London and organised in partnership between Auto Trader and executive search specialists Ennis & Co, the one-day conference saw a range of industry leaders take part in panel discussions around the subject of D&I.

Three key themes were touched on during the day: selective focus, brand engagement and commercial benefit.

Speaking at the event, Auto Trader’s manufacturer and agency director Rebecca Clark said: “D&I isn’t simply a ‘nice-to-have’. Without a diverse, representative workforce with the skills, the talent and fresh thinking to help businesses adapt to future technologies and customers, they will be at a huge disadvantage in an already highly competitive marketplace.”

Ms Clark added the number of high-ranking attendees at this year’s event – now in its second year – highlights just how seriously the automotive sector is taking this issue.

Indeed, more than 80 HR directors, managing directors, CEOs and change leaders from many of the UK’s major automotive retail and manufacturing brands took part.

Jenny Smith, general manager for Tele-Gence, commented: “Organisations across the automotive sector must act to ensure they are placing diversity and inclusion at the top of their agenda. Failure to do so could see businesses missing out on top talent, and the industry at large suffering as a result.”

Your business can benefit from affordable telematics with no hidden start-up fees or long-term commitments. Find out how at www.tele-gence.com

UN Global Road Safety Week

British firms back UN Global Road Safety Week

Posted on | by Fuel Card Services

More than 100 UK business leaders have taken part in a summit as part of UN Global Road Safety Week.

The Driving for Better Business Private Sector Leadership Summit was held earlier this month. It aimed to highlight the efforts of UK businesses and bodies to reduce the number of deaths seen on the nation’s roads each year.

Businesses at the centre of UK road safety

Speaking at the event, chief executive of Highways England Jim O’Sullivan stated: “We expect drivers who use our roads for business to have the highest standards of driving and compliance. There is no doubt that their companies have a role to play in this, not just for their own employees but right through their supply chains and business networks.”

A host of representatives from some of the largest automotive manufacturers and UK transport-focused bodies were in attendance.

Guests included Mandeep Dhatt, executive director of HR at McLaren Automotive, chairman of the Health and Safety Executive Martin Temple and James Haluch, managing director at Amey Highways.

“Promoting safe, sustainable mobility is now more important than ever as companies look to reduce both business risk and their impact on the environment,” argued Simon Turner, campaign manager for Driving For Better Business.

He concluded that leaders must now be seen to be upholding the most robust policies to ensure compliance with existing legislation and have a firm grip on their fleet activity.

Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “Safety should be a top concern for every fleet manager in the UK. Businesses have a crucial role to play in maintaining the standard of their vehicles and ensuring their drivers are responsible road users.”

Volvo most dependable brand

Volvo named ‘most dependable brand’ by UK drivers

Posted on | by Fuel Card Services

Volvo has been named the UK’s ‘most dependable premium brand’ in the J.D. Power 2019 UK Vehicle Dependability Study.

It’s quite the accolade for the manufacturer, with the result based on the responses of more than 11,000 UK car owners.

Capturing the imagination of UK drivers

Mark Lendrich, head of research at J.D. Power Europe, commented: “Long-term reliability has a direct impact on today’s sales and tomorrow’s brand loyalty.

“The 2019 UK Vehicle Dependability Study premium brand award underlines that Volvo was able to satisfy the demanding group of premium customers when it comes to vehicle dependability.”

Responding to the award, Volvo Cars UK managing director Jon Wakefield stated the advocacy of those who purchase and drive the brand’s vehicles is a “perfect affirmation” of what the company is aiming to achieve.

It represents a confirmation that the marque’s efforts to provide outstanding service, quality and support for its customers is now paying off, he argued.

Indeed, Mr Wakefield went on to add the company has truly “captured the imagination and enthusiasm of Britain’s motorists”.

Jenny Smith, general manager for Tele-Gence, commented: “This is an impressive victory for Volvo and one that highlights the continued popularity of the brand. It provides impressive recognition for the company’s efforts to maximise build quality and to create cars that UK drivers find truly dependable.”

Your business can benefit from affordable telematics with no hidden start-up fees or long-term commitments. Find out how at www.tele-gence.com

Pixel Inspiration

Our expert support helps you get the best deal

Posted on | by Fuel Card Services

The knowledge and expertise of our staff is what helps to set us apart from our competition, so it’s great to see clients getting in touch to share their thanks when our account managers go above and beyond.

This was a case in point for Pixel Inspirations.

 

Getting the best deal

Jane Harvey, office manager at Pixel Inspirations, highlighted the excellent support she’s received from her account manager Lindsay Taylor.

Lindsay suggested the company switched its fuel card in order to make savings and Jane was extremely happy with the results.

“She promptly answered my many questions, was happy to supply details on areas where I had no knowledge of the workings of the fuel card system,” Jane noted. “She was extremely helpful and I appreciate this.”

Pixel Inspirations is based in Altrincham and is a leading UK digital signage agency. It has partnered with a host of major names since the company’s launch in 2004, including the likes of O2, Halifax Bank, Argos, Thomas Cook and Volvo.

The business operates a fleet of 15 vans and makes use of our ShellOne fuel card. It has a monthly spend of approximately £4,000 on diesel fuel.

Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “It’s great to see our partners benefitting from the knowledge and professionalism of our expert account managers. Well done, Lindsay, keep up the great work!”