Category: Fleet News

Decarbonisation is a truly global trend with which many governments are engaged. Only through limiting the amount of carbon produced by industry can we look to slow down the rate of global warming and protect our planet, and the concrete actions that must be taken by UK organisations in particular are now starting to be outlined.

The UK government has recently released their roadmap for decarbonisation; a 216-page report which seeks to promote the idea of ‘a better, greener Britain’.

In this article, we’re going to summarise what this report entails, while also touching on our area of expertise; fuelling commercial fleets, and also explore how this industry in particular is likely to be affected.

Why are we decarbonising transport in the UK?

There’s a strong consensus within the scientific community that greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to global warming, and there’s consequently a clear need for an initiative to reduce carbon emissions. Did you know, though, the transport sector in the UK is actually the worst offender?

In 2019, 27% of all greenhouse gas emissions produced by the UK came from transport, and so it’s no surprise that exploring more sustainable transport solutions is a priority in the proposed decarbonisation plans.

While there are various sub-sectors of transport, such as aviation and residential vehicles, the commercial fleet sector is proving to be a potentially huge opportunity area where progress can be made. Imagine if, for example, the thousands of petrol-powered lorries travelling hundreds of miles to deliver commercial goods were to switch over to the cleaner electric power offered by electric roads.

So, what is the plan?

The government’s proposal contains a lot of detail around how society as a whole can minimise its carbon footprint; from promoting walking and cycling regionally to reducing maritime carbon emissions. The key aims of the report, though, are to:

• Outline the principles by which the UK will operate; determining which core values and goals will underpin the UK’s approach for the foreseeable future.
• Explain the wider benefits of net zero carbon emissions.
• Map out the UK’s pathway to achieving net zero transport.

Some key takeaways include:

The decarbonisation of the freight sector

The latest data (2019) indicates that HGVs alone are responsible for 16% of the UK’s domestic greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this, up to £700m has been pledged to support the manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles, such as electric HGV fleets, which could revolutionise the transport sector.

Beyond vehicles, though, the government are also prioritising roads; promising £20m of investment into trialling zero emission road freight solutions. What exactly this will look like is yet to be determined, however we could plausibly see heavy goods vehicles powered by overhead electrified wiring on UK motorways, or potentially even charging infrastructure embedded into road surfaces that remotely charges vehicles.

There are also plans to prohibit the sale of non-zero emission HGVs entirely by 2040, which is also expected to yield benefits around noise pollution and air quality.

Improved infrastructure around electric vehicle charging

Beyond making the fantastic electric vehicle charging technology the UK currently has access to more widely available, it’s key that the UK remains at the forefront of research in this area. That’s why the government’s roadmap also commits up to £2.8 billion in support of R&D, the implementation of charging infrastructure, and financial incentives to help businesses and residential drivers make the switch to emission-free transport.

It’s expected that zero-emission vehicle manufacture could see around 60,000 new jobs created by 2030, particularly in Midlands and North East England manufacturing heartlands.

How will fleet operators be affected?

As a person responsible for the operation of a commercial fleet, whether that’s a consumer-facing taxi service or a freight operation, you’re likely to feel the real-world impact of new government legislation and policy over the coming years, which may include:

• The electrification of fleets.
• New electric battery technology.
• Bans or taxes on carbon-emitting vehicles.

It could be advantageous to keep a keen eye on any news relevant to your operation, and consider whether there are changes you can make to your business now, that could see you reducing costs, maximising profits, and improving on the sustainability front to ensure that your business model is fit for the future as much as the present.

How can Fuel Card Services help?

At Fuel Card Services, we completely understand the motivation of fleet operators to make efficiencies and reduce costs as much as possible. That’s why we’ve partnered with the UK’s leading fuel providers to offer a quality range of fuel cards that can save your drivers money on every litre.

Our fuel cards offer a range of unique benefits, with some including nationwide coverage while others offer flexible payment terms. Read our article on how to compare fuel cards if you aren’t quite sure which product is right for you, or contact our experts for further advice or a consultation that takes into account your business’ specific needs (and routes).

If you’re serious about making efficiencies, you may also enjoy our range of professional fleet services that are designed to make it easier for you, as an operator, to manage and overcome everyday challenges on the roads. Our services include:

• MyService.Expert – simplifying your vehicle maintenance and servicing. With our service, you can select from a range of garages near you and book in to gain access to our pre-negotiated servicing and maintenance rates.
• MyDriveSafe.Expert – Our app which enables the quick and hassle-free reporting of vehicle defects, and allowing your drivers to run through a series of easy-to-follow checks.

View our fleet services to sense-check your operation and see how we could help save you money.

Branding your vans with some appealing signage is a great way to advertise your business, but does it have a negative impact on your insurance?

Many businesses might not think about the consequences of adding signwriting to their vans, since the change is only cosmetic. However, it is still a modification. Different insurance companies take different stances on whether additional branding should increase or decrease your premiums, so it is important to check with your insurer.

Why you should let your insurer know if you add branding

Whatever your insurer’s stance is on van branding, you still need to let them know – even if this means additional costs.

Van signage is still classed as a modification. If your insurer were to find out you’d added a new spoiler without letting them know, they would be within their right to void the insurance. Well, it’s the same for van signage.

If your vehicle was damaged in an accident and your branding needed repairing, but your insurer didn’t know about it, they could refuse to pay for any of your repairs.

So, regardless of your insurer’s stance on van branding, it is in your best interest to let them know about it.

Will you need to pay more for insurance with van branding?

To complicate things, this depends entirely on which insurance company you are with.

Traditionally, any modification will increase your premiums. This is because, regardless of the mod itself, they generally mean increased costs during repairs.

Since it is just cosmetic, branding may not have too much on impact on repair costs, but since they fall under the same category as other modifications, it’s safe to assume you will have to pay more to have them.

However, there are additional considerations.

Certain insurers take the stance that your branding makes your van more of a target for thieves. By advertising your business, it leads thieves to believe that there must be valuable goods inside, such as tools and equipment.

Since certain insurers think that your van is more likely to be broken into, they will raise your insurance premiums.

On the other hand, some insurers take a completely different stance. They view branding as a deterrent for theft. Perhaps a potential thief will see the signwriting and believe that any crime committed against that business would be taken more seriously by the police, so it isn’t worth their time.

On top of this, there is an argument that business owners driving a vehicle with their business advertised on it will drive more carefully. If a van with their branding was involved in an accident, that could damage the business’ public image.

For those two reasons, it’s possible that an insurance company would look favourably upon van signwriting.

Do your research

If you are already insured with a particular company, get in touch with them. It’s important to understand the implications of adding signage to your vehicle. You don’t want to spend £500 on well-designed signwriting, only to find you’ve completely voided your insurance!

On the other hand, if your vehicle has signwriting on it and you are looking for insurance, you’re in the best position. You can find a company that will look favourably on the branding, rather than charge you more.

Is it even worth getting van signwriting?

Given that it can be confusing to discern how van branding can impact our insurance, you may decide to just leave your vehicle blank.

However, there is an argument that signwriting is some of the best, cost-effective advertising you can get.

Put it this way – imagine you’ve spent £365 on some simple signage. You’re driving this vehicle most days, and when you’re not driving it may still be visible to those driving past it.

That’s £1 per day to get your business seen by hundreds, if not thousands of people every single week. Perhaps paying a little extra for van insurance is worth this incredible advertising boost.

How can Fuel Card Services help?

Putting signage on your van is a great way to boost business and revenue. However, if you haven’t been making the effort to save on fuel costs, this revenue could be being wasted!

With a fuel card from Fuel Card Services, you could save up to 10p per litre on fuel. You’ll also save time with consolidated HMRC approved invoices.

Get in touch today and see how we could help your business.

As of summer 2021, the UK is transitioning from E5 petrol to E10. This change will not impact drivers of diesel vehicles, but will affect users of petrol.

What is E10 fuel?

This petrol contains 10% renewable ethanol, as opposed to E5 which only contains 5%.

All petrol cars made after 2011 are compatible with the newer fuel, and most vehicles made before that will also be compatible. You can check if your vehicle is compatible with E10 on the government website.  Classic cars are not likely to be compatible with this fuel, so it is worth checking before filling up!

If you have been filling your vehicle with E10, but go to fill up at a station where only E5 is available, it is safe to mix the two. They are very similar substances, but one contains more ethanol than the other.

The UK is actually a late adopter of E10. It has been rolled out in many EU countries such as France and Germany, and the US also uses it to fuel their  vehicles.

In fact, E10 is now the reference fuel that new cars are tested with when measuring emissions and performance.

E5 E10 fuel differences

The main difference between E5 and E10 unleaded fuel is their ethanol content. E5 contains up to 5% ethanol, while E10 contains up to 10%. The higher ethanol content in E10 makes it a more eco-friendly option, reducing carbon emissions.

Is E5 or E10 fuel more efficient?

Statistically, this newer petrol can reduce fuel economy. Compared to E5, you’ll see a 1% reduction in efficiency. It’s worth being aware of this, but it shouldn’t impact your fuel costs too much.

How long does E10 fuel last?

If your fleet does a lot of miles, this 1% could add up over months and years. It’s worth getting hold of a fuel card to counter-act this extra cost. You could even save up to 10p per litre.

You should also be aware that if your drivers are prone to harsh accelerating and braking, or if your vehicle is not maintained well enough, your fuel economy could be greatly reduced with this newer fuel.

 

Does E10 fuel damage engines? E10 petrol additives can help

E10 petrol, with up to 10% ethanol, is eco-friendly but can be more corrosive, potentially affecting older vehicles not designed for it. If your fleet vehicle isn’t compatible, you must use E5 super unleaded, which is pricier. 

To protect your engine and ensure reliable starts after periods of storage, using an additive like STA-BIL E10 Ethanol & Fuel Stabilizer can be beneficial. This product prevents fuel degradation, corrosion, and gum formation, making it particularly useful for fleet vehicles not regularly used. 

E10 petrol price – is it more expensive than E5?

E10 petrol won’t be more expensive than the E5 unleaded fuel it replaces. However, for drivers of fleet vehicles that can’t use E10, the cost of filling up will rise because they’ll need to switch to super unleaded fuel, which will continue to be E5.

Why has this change been made?

Since E10 uses 10% renewable ethanol, less fossil fuels are required. This will make a big difference towards reducing the country’s CO2 emissions.

According to the government, switching to this newer fuel will cut the country’s CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year. This is the equivalent of removing all the cars in North Yorkshire!

Whilst E10 does reduce our carbon emissions, it does not do much to improve air quality and public health.

What else is the country doing to reduce emissions?

The change to a petrol with fewer fossil fuels is just one of the many steps the government is taking to lower the overall carbon emissions of the transport industry.

Petrol and Diesel car ban

We will see fewer and fewer fossil fuel-burning cars on the road as we approach this ban. In conjunction with the introduction of lower-emissionfuel, this will help to push our emissions down even further.

When is the ban on petrol and diesel cars?

In 2030, the government will be banning the sale and production of petrol and diesel cars. They, of course, won’t be outlawed straight away. You can still buy a new petrol car in 2029 and get a few years of use out of it.

What is a low emission zone?

Low emissions zones, or LEZ, are areas where the local council has decided to limit access to vehicles that do not meet certain requirements.

Vehicles must meet an emission standard to drive through an LEZ freely. Otherwise, they will have to pay a charge.

These zones achieve two things. Firstly, they keep drivers out of areas with high congestion which reduces air pollution; this is a great benefit to public health. Secondly, those who need to drive in these zones will consider acquiring a vehicle that meets the emission standard. For example, they might look into purchasing an electric vehicle, as they do not emit harmful greenhouse gases.

How to pay low emission zone?

For a petrol car to drive in the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London, for example, it must achieve a Euro 4 minimum emission standard. If it does not, the driver must pay a daily charge of £12.50 to enter.

To pay for driving in a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), you typically need to visit the official website of the city or region operating the LEZ, such as Transport for London (TfL) for London’s LEZ. You can pay online by entering your vehicle’s registration details and paying the applicable charge. Some areas may also allow payment via mobile apps or over the phone. Make sure to pay within the required timeframe to avoid fines. 

For specific instructions, check the relevant local authority’s website.

 

What is EV?

EV stands for electric vehicle. These vehicles are powered by electric motors and batteries rather than internal combustion engines. They are known for their potential to reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

How long do EV batteries last?

Electric car battery life is a significant consideration for many drivers when deciding whether to switch to an electric vehicle. 

The battery experiences cycles of “discharge” during driving and “charge” when plugged in, which over time can affect its capacity. As a result, the range of the vehicle and the frequency of required charging sessions can decrease. 

Most manufacturers offer a battery warranty of five to eight years, but advancements in technology suggest that modern electric car batteries are expected to last between 10 to 20 years before needing replacement. 

This extended lifespan is largely due to ongoing improvements in battery technology, which continue to enhance the durability and efficiency of electric vehicle batteries.

EV charger grants

The government also offers grants to those considering purchasing an electric vehicle. When deciding on their next vehicle, drivers might consider this, as they could potentially pay less than they would for an ICE vehicle.

The plug-in vehicle grant will pay for 35% of a vehicle’s purchase price, up to a maximum of £2,500.

 

How can Fuel Card Services help with E10 fuel costs?

There are many upcoming changes to our roads, so it’s often difficult for fleet managers to know when they are making the best decisions for their businesses.

With help from Fuel Card Services, you can rest assured that you are keeping costs as low as possible. We can help you find the right fuel card for your business, and our additional fleet management services can help you increase productivity and cut costs even further – get in touch today!

An increase in vehicle crime earlier this year has been attributed to a rise of keyless car theft. Figures from the National Police Chiefs’ Council show that there was a 3.1% increase in vehicle related crime in May and June of 2021.

Car theft has been much lower than it was in the 1990s, which saw 36 of every 1000 car owning households being a victim of vehicle related crime.

So how are thieves exploiting this new technology, and could your vehicles be at risk?

What is keyless entry?

Whilst cars still need keys (in some form) to open, they no longer need to be inserted into the car, or have their button pushed. Keyless entry means that there is less fumbling around trying to find your keys in your bag or pocket.

When you put your hand on the handle, the car will send out a signal. That signal will be received by your keys and sent back, telling the car it is safe to unlock. As long as your keys are on your person or in your bag, they will have no issue sending the signal to your car.

The same goes for ignition. Many cars simply have a “start” button. When pressed, the same signal will be sent out. If your keys are in range, the car will start.

Some cars even use this feature for the boot. Drivers can wave foot under the base of the car to open it; this is great when loading items as you don’t have to drop anything to open the compartment.

How are thieves exploiting keyless entry?

Whilst many drivers have been enjoying this new technology, so have thieves. If car owners no longer need to physically use their keys to open their vehicle, this also provides new opportunities for thieves.

By using relay technology, they are able to trick vehicles into opening. This works by standing by a house and using a device that picks up the signal from the car keys, which are often left near the front doors of a house. The device then relays the signal from the keys to the car. The car will then be unlocked, as it is receiving the signal that tells it the keys are close by.

This method of theft usually requires two people – one to stand by the house with the relay device, and another to open the vehicle.

Tips for keyless car theft prevention

Firstly, it’s important to note that vehicles using keyless entry do not lock or turn off when the key goes out of range. This is to avoid complications with battery life – if the key fob’s battery died whilst driving, the vehicle would assume it is just out of range, so you wouldn’t want it to turn the engine off and lock the doors in this instance!

So, it is important that you double check your vehicle is actually locked when you leave it unattended. A survey found that many drivers were unaware of this.

Storing your keys as far away from the vehicle as possible is a great way to prevent keyless car theft. The key fobs typically have a range between 5 to 20 metres. If you need to park on the street, consider parking a little further away from your home. This will keep your key fobs out of range of the vehicle.

Of course, this may not be possible. If your keys must be stored within that range, there is another option. You can store your keys in a blocking pouch. This is a container with a metallic lining that stops the fob from transmitting. Even if your key was stored right by your front door, the thieves’ relay device would not receive a signal.

Other tips to prevent theft include installing car alarms, not leaving valuable items visible in the vehicle and using a wheel locking mechanism.

How can Fuel Card Services help?

With Tele-Gence, our smart telematics service, you’ll gain an added level of security for your vehicles. With notifications of out-of-hours movement and alerts when your trackers are disconnected, you’ll know instantly if your vehicles are being tampered with. For fleets, this is a great comfort, especially if your vehicles are being left at the workplace overnight.

Get in touch today and see what we could do for you.

Motorways make up 13% of roads in the UK, with many drivers travelling on them multiple times per week. Which motorway is the safest to drive on in the UK, and which ones might be worth avoiding?

Are UK roads safe?

Whilst it is interesting to understand which roads are statistically the safest, it’s generally understood that the UK is a very safe place to drive.

Figures from the ACEA reveal that the UK is the second safest place to drive in Europe! Per million inhabitants, the UK has 28 road traffic deaths. Sweden is the only European country that is safer, with 25 deaths per million inhabitants.

Thankfully, the number of road traffic deaths have fallen drastically since the early 2000s. The EU unfortunately saw 54,900 road related fatalities in 2001, but this figure has more than halved since then.

Thing like mandatory speed limiters should make driving even safer in the coming years. However, most road traffic accidents are linked to some form of human error.

Which motorway is the safest in the UK?

Despite the high speeds and high volume of traffic, motorways are considered to be the safest roads in the UK.

New drivers are often anxious about driving on them, simply because they are not taught how to do so during lessons. In fact, a large number of drivers plan their routes so that they avoid motorways, even if the drive will be longer.

However, drivers around the East Midlands area might be pleased to know that the M42 is considered to be the safest UK motorway.

This stretch of road runs from Bromsgrove in Worcestershire to Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire, circling the underside of Birmingham.

The M42 is a relatively simple stretch of road, and is around 40 miles long. This is quite short compared to the M6, which is the longest motorway in the UK, stretching over 230 miles from the Midlands to the border of Scotland.

Interestingly, some sources site the M621 as being an equally safe stretch of motorway. However, another source argues that it is a hotspot for accidents. The worst stretch of this road is between J2 and J2a in Leeds.

Which motorway is the most dangerous?

At the other end of the scale, there are certain stretches of motorway that account for a large number of accidents and fatalities.

Between 2007 and 2016, the M25 saw 7,673 accidents reported, with 80 deaths occurring as a result.

The M1 on the other hand had fewer accidents with 7,617 reported during the same time period. However, it is the deadlier of the two motorways. 154 fatalities were reported as a result of these accidents.

The M6 saw 160 deaths during that time period, which arguably makes it the most dangerous motorway in the UK. However, since it is the longest, it may just be that there is more room for error along the 230 mile road.

Do smart motorways make driving safer?

First introduced in 2006, a smart motorway aims to reduce congestion. It does this by using applying speed limits when there is a high volume of traffic, or using the hard shoulder as another lane.

Certain motorways have scrapped their hard shoulders in place of a permanent extra lane. Others still operate with the gantry signs dictating whether the lane can be used for driving or not.

Statistically, a smart motorway is actually safer than a normal one, perhaps because of the increased capacity they offer.

However, accidents over recent years have sparked serious debate over their safety. It’s argued that removing the hard shoulder causes a great deal of accidents.

In one instance, two drivers pulled over to exchange insurance details after a minor collision. However, the hard shoulder was being used as an extra lane. A lorry driver using said lane failed to see the obstruction, which resulted in a fatal collision.

A survey by the RAC shows that nearly 70% of drivers believe the removal of hard shoulders to be unsafe. However, it could just be a case of taking the time to become used to this new feature on our roads. After all, drivers are familiar with the hard shoulder, and it might just take some time for drivers to adjust.

Keeping your vehicles well maintained is key to motorway safety

Even if you were driving on the safest motorway in the UK, having a poorly maintained vehicle will still increase your chances of breaking down or having an accident.

Drivers of HGVs must do walkaround checks of their vehicle before every journey. By doing so, they are ensuring their vehicle is in good condition and driving it won’t put other road users in danger.

With MyService.Expert, we make vehicle maintenance easy and painless. You’ll get access to pre-negotiated rates with thousands of nationwide dealers and garages. You also can manage your maintenance from the online portal, as well as set reminders and alerts so you never forget when you’re vehicles need a service.

Get in touch with Fuel Card Services today, and see how we can keep your costs low and your drivers safe!