In Focus: November 2017

ULEVs

GO ULTRA LOW CITY

PROCUREMENT

VOLUME 1 NOVEMBER 2017

TOP 10

THE GREEN REVOLUTION We examine the local authorities motoring towards cleaner driving and more sustainable fleet management

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TELEMATICS

GETTING ON BOARD WITH TELEMATICS How exploring driver data can keep fleet costs down

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GO ULTRA LOW CITY

PROCUREMENT

VOLUME 1 NOVEMBER 2017

TOP 10

THE GREEN REVOLUTION We examine the local authorities motoring towards cleaner driving and more sustainable fleet management

Comment

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TELEMATICS

GETTING ON BOARD WITH TELEMATICS How exploring driver data can keep fleet costs down

The importance of fleet management Government Business is proud to announce the inaugural inclusion of our In Focus supplement for government fleets.

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Business Information for Local and Central Government

This specialist focus for fleet professionals in local and central government will provide a comprehensive guide to the very best and most innovative methods of efficient, compliant and cost effective fleet management.

With the greater pressures faced by fleet professionals across the public sector, we will show examples of best practice throughout public services, and address key issues such as best use of telematics, benefits of leasing, fuel use and emissions reduction, improving driver behaviour and reviews of the most sought‑after cars, vans and trucks in the government sector.

This issue takes on a ULEV-theme, with a Top 10 list addressing the local authorities leading the way in clean driving, as well as a featured article from Nottingham City Council, one of the chosen Go Ultra Low cities. See this article on page 19.

Additionally, the Fleet Industry Advisory Group look at how on board telematics can play a significant role in keeping those costs in check.

Follow and interact with us on Twitter: @GovBusiness

Our next In Focus publication will be printing at the start of 2018, but in the meantime I hope you enjoy the first issue.

Michael Lyons, editor

P ONLINE P IN PRINT P MOBILE P FACE-TO-FACE If you would like to receive 6 issues of Government Business magazine for £150 a year, please contact Public Sector Information, 226 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055, Fax: 020 8532 0066, or visit the Government Business website at:

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226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITOR Michael Lyons PRODUCTION EDITOR Richard Gooding EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Marianna Chrisostomou PRODUCTION CONTROL Ella Sawtell PRODUCTION DESIGN Jo Golding WEB PRODUCTION Victoria Casey PUBLISHER George Petrou ACCOUNT MANAGERS Kelly Devoto, Dean Cassar ADMINISTRATION Vickie Hopkins REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

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We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint please contact Michael Lyons or Angela Pisanu on 0208 532 0055. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk

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Contents

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Contents In Focus Volume 1 07 Top 10: fleet management

07 15

As part of a wider Government Business Top 10 series, In Focus details the top 10 local authorities who are making great strides to lower their carbon footprint by slim-lining and greening their fleets.

While much more needs to be done to encourage greener driving, this Top 10 list celebrates the local authorities who have pledged and pursued greener driving measures in the last few years and are leading the way in creating a more sustainable UK in which to live and travel

10 News

19

Local authorities paying millions in excessive mileage allowance; Khan announces next stage of London’s ULEZ as T-charge comes into force; Edinburgh to consider diesel surcharge; and hydrogen-fuelled buses to be given green light

15 Telematics

Driver influenced costs are the single largest drain on a company’s in‑life fleet vehicle expenditure. On board telematics can play a significant role in keeping those costs in check, says Geoffrey Bray, chairman of the Fleet Industry Advisory Group

19 Go Ultra Low: Nottingham City Council Nottingham City Council is committed to improving air quality in the city through a series of ambitious projects that will result in cleaner air for its citizens. Sally Longford explains how the authority is exploring a transport agenda to improve air quality in the region

23 ULEVs

With UK registrations of ultra low emission cars (ULEV) topping 100,000 and government support still very prominent, perhaps now is the best time for public fleets to take the plunge, says Andy Eastlake, managing director of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership

26 Fleet procurement

The Crown Commercial Service’s Kim Harrison discusses the organisation’s recently launched Dynamic Purchasing System, which enables public sector fleet managers and buyers to access a wide range of vehicle conversion services

29 Registrations

New SMMT figures show that UK new car market declines again in October, reflecting losses for diesel engines and overall registrations. In Focus looks at the figures and the trends it shows

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Sponsor’s Message

The fleet benefits of iPerformance Positioned at the forefront of sustainable motoring, BMW is renowned globally for coupling pure driving pleasure with its efforts in reducing emissions, having been named the world’s most sustainable automotive company in 2016 by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index BMW have recently combined electric motors with the petrol engines of a variety of popular vehicles in the range, to create the BMW iPerformance range.

Remaining every inch a BMW, these cars have the power to significantly reduce emissions and running costs for fleets.

Available models include: BMW 225xe iPerformance Active Tourer; BMW 330e iPerformance Saloon; BMW 530e iPerformance Saloon; BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance; BMW 740e; and 740Le xDrive iPerformance Saloon.

50 years of research The range of models on offer today is the culmination of over 50 years of research and development, from the electric BMW 1602 in the 1960s to the recent refinement of sophisticated BMW i and iPerformance technologies.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, like the BMW iPerformance models, use a combination of petrol and electric power to ensure optimum efficiency. Innovative systems such as Predictive Energy Management and BMW ConnectedDrive give drivers all the information they need to make their plug-in hybrid work for them.

via the supplied standard charging cable – 100 per cent power can be achieved in approximately 3.5 hours.

For a faster and more convenient charge, there’s the wall-mounted BMW i Wallbox Plus, which reduces charging time to just over two hours for a full charge – whereas 80 per cent charge can be achieved in as little as 1.6 hours.

What’s more, via BMW Green Energy and our partner Good Energy, there is also the option to switch to a greener energy contract, ensuring that the energy you use is produced sustainably.

Frequently asked questions How long does it take to charge? Depending on the model and charging method, restoring the battery from empty to fully-charged can take between two-four hours.

What is the MPG? The most fuel efficient model in the BMW iPerformance range, the BMW 330e Saloon, can achieve up to 148.7mpg. This means one tank

of fuel could take you 400 miles.

How much does it cost to fully charge the battery? This varies depending on your energy supplier and tariff, but can be as little as 60p.

Does the battery have a warranty?

BMW guarantees to rectify any battery issues for the first 60,000 miles or five years.

Public charging With over 11,000 charging points to choose from across the UK, the systems and infrastructure are already in place to make charging easy and convenient.

All iPerformance models are compatible with AC Fast Charge for an even quicker turnaround.

For added convenience, you may like to consider the ChargeNow card, which enables you to set up monthly payments instead of using cash. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.bmw.co.uk/iPerformance

What are the benefits?

By default, the car’s energy management system identifies the optimum combination of petrol and electric power, depending on the driving scenario.

In addition, eDrive mode can be activated for emission-free driving. And because CO2 emissions start at just 44g/km, company car drivers can benefit from BIK rates as low as nine per cent.

How does it work?

The set-up varies slightly by model, but the foundation of the powertrain is the same across the range. A petrol engine sits at the front of the vehicle, while an electric motor and batteries can be found at the back.

The drivetrain automatically distributes the power depending on the situation, so drivers can relax and let the car do the work.

Home and office charging All BMW iPerformance models can be easily charged at home through a conventional household power socket

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The Ultimate Driving Machine

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Flying the flag for greener fleets As part of a wider Government Business Top 10 series, In Focus details the top 10 local authorities who are making great strides to lower their carbon footprint by slim-lining and greening their fleets At the Smarter Travel Conference in Milton Keynes last month, Roads Minister Jesse Norman announced further funding for local authorities to install chargepoints in residential areas where cars are parked on the street. As part of the government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions from transport and its continual aim for nearly all cars and vans to be zero emission by 2050, the announcement was the latest in a long line of efforts by the Department for Transport to cut air pollution and lower emission levels through changing our driving habits.

At the start of 2016, Go Ultra Low announced the four UK cities who become international pioneers of green vehicle technology, after winning a share of £40 million to boost the number of plug-in cars on their roads. The winning Go Ultra Low

cities – Nottingham, Bristol, Milton Keynes and London – were heralded as examples of the UK’s thriving green vehicle sector and released proposals to revolutionise electric motoring in their regions.

With Whitehall challenged on needing to do more to cut the high levels of air pollution in the UK, and local authorities themselves continuing to seek ways in which they can make savings and become more efficient, the idea of electric motoring no longer seems quite so futuristic. Organisations up and down the country, including councils of all sizes, have adapted their fleets and set low emission targets.

While much more

Top 10

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needs to be done to encourage greener driving, this Top 10 list celebrates the local authorities who have pledged and pursued greener driving measures in the last few years and are leading the way in creating a more sustainable UK in which to live and travel.

Oxford City Council In October this year, Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council released a joint proposal to introduce a Zero Emission Zone in Oxford city centre. Thought to be the world’s first Zero Emission Zone, the proposal would ban emitting vehicles from the city centre in phases, starting with some vehicle types and a small number of streets in 2020 and all vehicle types across the whole city centre in 2035.

To highlight the impact that such measures would have, Oxford City Council predicts that the city centre’s most polluted street, George Street, would see a 74 per cent reduction in toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels by 2035.

Oxford City Council, which proclaims itself as a cycling city, is leading the way in seeking further powers to tackle air pollution in the region, vocally at least.

Following the government’s Draft Air Quality Action Plan in June, the council urged the government to introduce a scrappage scheme to encourage drivers to take high-emitting vehicles E

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Dundee C Counci ity implem l has also STARS Dented ECO help fle undee to improv et operators e ef and redficiency emissiouce ns

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Top 10

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 off the road and fund enhanced subsidies to encourage the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles. More recently, Bob Price, leader of Oxford City Council, wrote to Chancellor Philip Hammond asking him to increase vehicle excise duty on new diesel vehicles from April 2018, and then use the money raised to help fund a diesel scrappage scheme for those on low incomes. The scheme would see drivers financially compensated for scrapping their diesel vehicle and replacing it with a more economically-friendly version.

Holding Go Ultra Low Company status, the council currently has 17 electric vehicles in its fleet, along with nine electric bikes and 22 hybrid electric vehicles, with plans to purchase more. Furthermore, the council’s recently-published draft Vision 2050 set out plans to create accessible cycling routes across the city to help tackle congestion and reduce air pollution, while it has also begun a programme to install nearly 100 electric vehicle charging stations in Oxford’s residential streets to help people go electric. tinyurl.com/y8s969e5

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Dundee City Council Alongside the announcement of the first four Go Ultra Low cities in January 2016, the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) also announced £5 million of funding for four other regions to kick-start a country-wide clean motoring revolution. Even prior to the OLEV investment, Scottish councils generally topped lists for having the most electric vehicles on their fleet. According to a Intelligent Car Leasing study, Dundee City Council had the highest number of purely electric vehicles, with 38 in local operation during the last quarter of 2014. The council was then one of the secondary four regions receiving government funding and has since focused on greening its fleet and transport systems even further.

Dundee has put an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) in place which aims to improve air quality in the areas of concern by exploring the provision of Park and Ride facilities, developing cycling strategies (pledging five per cent of transport funding towards cycling), installing electric charging facilities in car parks (investing £600,000 for new EV chargers in September 2017 and creating electric vehicle-only parking bays) and developing a fleet management plan to improve fuel efficiency are part of the proposals.

In addition to this, Dundee City Council has also implemented ECO STARS Dundee, a free environmental recognition scheme which rates individual vehicles and overall fleet operations on their levels of environmental performance. The scheme has been set up to help fleet operators improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions in order to improve local air quality while making cost savings. tinyurl.com/y855tbyc

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Nottingham City Council Alongside London, Milton Keynes and Bristol, Nottinghamshire

and Derby councils pledged to use their £6.1 million of OLEV funding to install 230 chargepoints and offer ULEV owners discounted parking and access to over 13 miles of bus lanes along key routes across the city, as part of a wider attempt to support the anticipated growth of 8,000 new ULEVs, including both electric and plug-in-hybrid vehicles, in Nottingham.

Since introducing a Workplace Parking Levy, which incurs a charge on employers who provide parking at work, the council has been able to reinvest into and extend the NET tram network, which now has more than 30 trams, and introduce 56 electric buses serving the city’s ‘Link’ network. So far, the council has 20 ultra low emission vehicles in its fleet.

Having met its climate change target four years ahead of schedule, Nottingham City Transport has unveiled a new £17 million double-decker fleet of buses that will be powered by biomethane, believed to be the ‘greenest buses on the road’, and has also revealed plans to ‘green’ its taxi fleet and make the service a customer-friendly part of the city’s world-class transport network. The council has successfully bid for £702,000 of money from the OLEV which will see 32 connection points installed at eight locations around the city from early next year, which constitutes wider plans to make taxi drivers more willing to convert their vehicles to low-emission.

You can read more about Nottingham City Council’s Go Ultra Low journey on page 19.

commitment to investing £71 million in 284 new ultra-low emissions buses for the city.

tinyurl.com/y7ohy6lr

tinyurl.com/ybprmvtm

Leeds City Council Since being identified as an area that would require a Clean Air Zone by 2020, Leeds City Council has switched 70 of its fleet over to zero or ultra-low emission electric vehicles and has extended its free parking offer to owners of low emission vehicles at all council-run car parks or on‑street parking bays until at least March 2018.

Additionally, the council is currently planning the creation of an alternative fuel station, which would allow them to convert 180 fleet vans to compressed natural gas (CNG), including 70 refuse collection trucks. Like many other local authorities, Leeds City Council has announced the introduction of free parking for ultra low emission vehicles.

Leeds City Council is leading the way for electric bus innovation, pledging in December 2016 to invest £71 million to provide a fleet of 284 low-emission buses to the city of Leeds by 2020. It is reported that the move will improve air quality levels in the city by reducing nitrogen oxides and dioxides emissions by 87 per cent. In addition to this, only last month First Leeds launched its trial of a new fully electric double-decker bus, following a successful trial in York.

The zero-emission and fully electric ‘Metrodecker EV’ has the capacity to carry 99 passengers and has a range of nearly 150 miles from one overnight charge, and is being trialled as part of First Leeds’s

Bristol City Council In March last year, former Bristol Mayor George Ferguson signed up to a package of measures which aimed to have 5,000 more electric vehicles on its roads by 2020.

Having received £7 million from the OLEV, Bristol pledged as part of its Go Ultra Low city status to offer residents free residential parking for ULEVs, access to three carpool lanes in the city, over 80 rapid and fast chargers across the city and a scheme encouraging people to lease a plug-in car for up to four weeks to help them better understand the range of benefits that electric vehicles bring.

Like Leeds City Council, the Bristol city region has pursued greening its bus fleet. In August, Marvin Rees, current Mayor of Bristol, welcomed a further £4.79 million fund that could see a fleet of more than 100 new low-emission buses powered by gas introduced in the next few years. The new buses, which could start running by 2019, will help Bristol make progress in reducing harmful air pollution to meet legal limits and will help introduce 110 new gas powered buses, 30 of which will be introduced into MetroBus services.

A month previously, more than 4,000 residents signed a petition in support of rolling out a clean air zone in Bristol.

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tinyurl.com/ybftwqk2

Top 10

At the start of 2016, Go Ultra Low announced the four UK cities who become international pioneers of green vehicle technology, after winning a share of £40 million to boost the number of plug-in cars on their roads

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Milton Keynes Council As part of the Go Ultra Low city funding, Milton Keynes, in which the first Nissan Leaf electric vehicle was launched, received £9 million to open a city centre Electric Vehicle Experience Centre and open up all 20,000 parking bays for free to electric vehicles and co‑brand bus lanes as low emission lanes, giving plug-in vehicles the same priority at traffic lights as local buses. In July this year, the aforementioned UK first EV Experience Centre opened it’s doors to the public, offering local residents the opportunity to ask any questions about how much electric vehicles cost, where to buy, how to charge a vehicle and try one for themselves.

A council report in October 2016, ten months after the funding announcement, revealed that Milton Keynes had witnessed a tripling of the use of electric vehicles across the region, thanks to the roll-out and implementation of low-emission infrastructures in the city. In fact, the council claims that the number of electric vehicles being used in Milton Keynes shot from 220 in July to 661 by the end of September 2016. tinyurl.com/y7vu39z5

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Hackney Council Hackney Council supports the principles of the Mayor of London’s ultra low emissions vehicle delivery plan, particularly supporting the 50 per cent ultra-low emission vehicles target in London car club fleets by 2025, which matches its own target.

With London announced as one of the winners of the OLEV Go Ultra Low city

scheme, awarded £13 million funding to drive the uptake of ultra low emission vehicles for from 2016 to 2020, Hackney, alongside the London boroughs of Islington and Tower Hamlets, is leading the City Fringe Neighbourhood of the Future.

The scheme has committed to delivering at least six electric streets, as well as electric vehicle priority for servicing and delivery, motorbikes, pay and display and residential parking.

The council was also awarded £380,000 of funding from the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund in 2015 to assist with the greening of the fleet. Nearing the middle of the programme, the council remains on target to add an additional 35 electric vehicles to create a fleet of over 50 electric cars and vans, as well as installing 15×7KW and 20× 24 volt electric charger on council sites (13 of which have already been successfully installed), whilst exploring home and estate charging options in the process. tinyurl.com/yc67ad9e Southampton City Council Part of Parliament’s plan to improve air quality, Southampton is one of five UK cities to implement a Clean Air Zone by 2020, now 2019, to discourage the most polluting vehicles entering the city through the levying of a penalty charge. The subsequent Clean Air Strategy for Southampton 2016‑2025 highlighted Southampton City Council’s plans to improve transport and freight delivery systems through efficient infrastructure; increase the uptake of new and innovative technologies; and increase the uptake of public transport, cycling and walking.

The council has also pledged to have 20 per cent of its fleet electric by 2020 by exchanging vehicles that need replacing for electric ones.

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(including the taxi) and four vans in the city.

This follows the success of the council’s flagship hydrogen programme which introduced H2 vehicles to the city’s car club, making the cars available for public use on a pay-as-you-go basis. Aberdeen City Council was the first in Scotland to add electric cars to its fleet and, at the time, had the largest electric fleet of any UK car club.

The council also allowed residents owning electric vehicles to charge their electric vehicles at no cost apart from the on-street or car park charge, with the council,absorbing the cost, in an attempt to incentivise and stimulate interest in greener vehicles. tinyurl.com/yaeehuyh North East Lincolnshire Back in February, North East Lincolnshire Council, in partnership with ENGIE, took delivery of 11 new Nissan e-NV200 electric vehicles, forming part of its fleet covering security and neighbourhood operations. The vehicles, which are more cost effective and are expected to have a much longer lifespan and a greater payload capacity than their diesel counterparts, will be used primarily for frontline council operations such as waste services, grounds maintenance,and pollution control, as well as security services, run by ENGIE. The council has also purchased some of the eNV200 Combi vehicles which have been adapted to accommodate wheelchair users and vulnerable children.

North East Lincolnshire Council has also set a target of becoming the UK energy capital by 2032, launching RenewNEL, an umbrella brand for all energy-related council projects.

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tinyurl.com/hrv6j3g L

tinyurl.com/ybucjj39 Aberdeen City Council Scotland’s first hydrogen taxi, a Hyundai ix35 hydrogen fuel cell car, is to begin a one year pilot in Aberdeen after receiving a private hire taxi licence

by Aberdeen City Council in September.

The taxi, which forms part of the Aberdeen Region Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2025 which plans to trial a range of vehicles with different users across the region, joining a fleet of 10 buses, 14 cars

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News

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MILEAGE ALLOWANCE

Authorities paying millions in excessive mileage allowance The TaxPayers’ Alliance has revealed that councils in England, Scotland and Wales are paying their staff millions more than they should be in mileage allowance payments.

Despite evidence that reducing their mileage payments to the approved rate is an easy way of saving councils money, the alliance’s new report finds that too many are still paying more than they should, costing taxpayers millions.

Local authorities made £223 million in mileage allowance payments to their

employees in 2016-17, with the average council rate sitting at 48.92p over the period. This is 3.92p higher than the HMRC approved rate – 45p for first 10,000 miles. Lincolnshire County Council paid £6.9 million in mileage allowance payments in 2016-17, the most of any authority.

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, commented on the figures: “Driving is extremely expensive in Britain thanks to sky-high rates of fuel duty and vehicle excise duty, but there’s

no excuse for councils to pay more than HMRC’s approved rate for mileage.

It’s simply not credible for local authorities to plead poverty and raise council tax while paying over the odds for basic expenses, especially when the government has been telling them to rein in these payments for the past five years.”

READ MORE tinyurl.com/y9pgowtw

CONGESTION

AIR QUALITY

Majority of UK drivers think traffic is worsening

Liverpool plans to improve air quality

The 2017 RAC Report on Motoring has revealed that one half of UK drivers believe traffic on major roads has increased.

Of the 1,727 drivers questioned over traffic levels on motorways, A-roads and high-speed dual carriageways, 56 per cent were convinced congestion had worsened. Approximately 65 per cent of vehicle miles are driven on these types of road.

Specifically, 61 per cent of respondents claimed that journey times had increased on motorways – which carry 21 per cent of UK traffic despite accounting for just one per cent of the network.

Government figures estimate that 252.6 billion vehicle miles were driven in 2016 – a 2.2 per cent increase on

the previous year. The RAC says it is vital that proposals included in the second Road Investment Strategy tackle the most congested stretches of the network.

David Bizley, RAC’s chief engineer, said: “We believe tackling congestion in the UK’s towns and cities can make an important contribution to improving air quality. The RAC urges local authorities to consider all possible measures – including better traffic light sequencing and installing speed cushions for traffic calming in preference to speed humps – to improve urban traffic flow and average speeds.”

READ MORE tinyurl.com/yatw9m5s

Plans to install 100 electric vehicle charging points across the city are among a series of measures being driven forward to improve air quality in Liverpool.

An update reported that work is underway identifying council car parks, supermarkets, leisure centres and streets in areas such as the Baltic Triangle. It follows a request from Mayor Joe Anderson for the prioritisation of walking, cycling, electric vehicles and clean fuels in order to reduce the impact of air pollution on residents under an initiative known as ‘Breathe Liverpool’.

The council is already planning to introduce a diesel-free fleet of council vehicles in the city centre by 2019 and across

the city by 2024. They would be replaced by electric and compressed and natural gas vehicles. New buses are being introduced in 2018 on the 26/27 Sheil Circular route in north Liverpool and will be able to do 130 miles on one charge.

Additionally, a pilot scheme is being planned to encourage drivers to switch off idling engines near schools. The council is also working with the Combined Authority to determine the costs of introducing a Clean Air Zone, which will be completed by March 2018.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/y8dewtmh

SURCHARGES

Edinburgh to consider diesel surcharge Edinburgh’s Parking Action Plan will present a new consultation on whether diesel vehicles should incur a parking permit surcharge in Scotland’s capital.

The council is currently reviewing parking permits in Edinburgh in an attempt to improve air quality and enhance quality of life, and will consider the growing evidence that diesel engines contribute to poor air quality and reduce life expectancy.

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The three-month consultation, which runs until 28 January 2018, seeks feedback on a proposal to add a surcharge on to residents’ parking permits for diesel vehicles, with many believing that diesel vehicles are no longer suitable to city driving.

Paris and Madrid have pledged to ban diesel vehicles entirely by 2025, with at least nine London boroughs also introducing a diesel surcharge on residents’ parking permits.

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

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News

LONDON

PENALTIES

Khan announces next stage of London’s ULEZ

12 million penalties given to drivers each year

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced the next stage of London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), to be introduced on 8 April 2019.

Following the Toxicity Charge (T-Charge), introduced last month, the ULEZ will replace the T-Charge and operate 24/7 in the same area, alongside the congestion charge.

This tightening of standards will affect up to 60,000 vehicles a day.

Emissions from cars and vans are expected to reduce by eight and 12 per cent respectively as a result of the early introduction of the ULEZ. Additionally, 19 schools in central London and 42 schools across London will no longer be in areas exceeding legal limits in 2019 as a result.

All revenue raised will be used

by Transport for London to help maintain a greener transport fleet and reduce pollution across the transport network.

The announcement follows the implementation of the £10 T-Charge which will see drivers of older, more polluting vehicles now have to pay almost twice as much to drive into central London.

Mainly applying to diesel and petrol vehicles registered before 2006, the charge covers the same area as the existing congestion charge zone, bumping up the cost to £21.50 for those affected.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/ybesumr3

New research by the RAC Foundation has revealed that up to 12 million driving licence holders receive a penalty notice each year.

The 12 million, roughly a third of Britain’s 40 million drivers, is broken down as eight million local authority parking penalties, 2.5 million local authority bus land and box junction penalties, as well as 500,000 late licensing and insurance penalties and one million speeding and red light penalties.

The figure does not include the annual figure of 1.2 million

drivers now undertaking a speed awareness course instead of receiving a penalty and points on their licences.

Automated Road Traffic Enforcement: Regulation, Governance and Use, produced by the RAC Foundation and Liverpool Hope University, argues that real-terms reductions in police budgets is ‘perhaps the main driver for the increase in the importance of automation’.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/y7d5rk2t

CLEANER FLEETS

Aberdeen unveils first hydrogen taxi in Scotland Scotland’s first hydrogen taxi is to begin a one year pilot in Aberdeen.

The Hyundai ix35 hydrogen fuel cell car was granted a private hire taxi licence by Aberdeen City Council in September and has now been handed over to Aberdeen

Taxis who will run the vehicle. The taxi, funded by Transport Scotland, will form part of the Aberdeen Region Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan 2015‑2025 which plans to trial a range of vehicles with different users across the region.

It joins a fleet of 10 buses, 14 cars (including the taxi) and four vans in the city.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/y8l3ss96

ZERO EMISSIONS

Hydrogen-fuelled buses to be given green light Birmingham City Council cabinet is being asked to approve a pilot scheme that involves at least 20 new cleaner, zero emission hydrogen-fuelled buses taking to Birmingham’s roads.

The scheme aims to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels on key bus routes, supporting the council to reduce air pollution and become compliant with air quality legislation.

The pilot is designed to test the potential of developing a hydrogen market to encourage

the uptake of zero emission transport fuels, with the buses set to be the first hydrogen vehicles in the city. They will be fuelled by hydrogen produced at Tyseley Energy Park, which will continue to be developed as the first UK zero-emission refuelling hub for commercial and public sector vehicles. The park will become operational by September next year, with the new buses being re‑fuelled there from March the following year.

Funding for the £13.4 million pilot

includes contributions from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCHJU), the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) Local Growth Fund and approved Future Council Programme resources.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/yc9mnkvz

PARKING

Cambridge tackles congestion and air quality Cambridge City Council is seeking to reduce congestion, improve air quality and produce lower carbon emissions by changing the cost of parking in the council’s car parks.

Whilst Cambridgeshire County Council plans to end charging for cars at Park and Ride sites, the city council is proposing a charging change

to incentivise drivers not to enter central Cambridge car parks between 8am and 10am.

The council is also consulting on proposals for its off-street parking policy, including frozen prices at a number of pay and display car parks, the return of a single tariff across the working week, the

introduction of a ‘Peak Time Congestion Trial’ for a period of 12 months and an evening tariffs for parking starting at 6pm.

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NATURAL SELECTION.

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Advertisement Feature

Making our roads safer, cleaner and less expensive by encouraging better driving Lightfoot is an award-winning, government-supported technology that is helping to make our roads safer and our environment cleaner, along with reducing the cost of our fleet operations to free up funding for front-line services Bad driving has huge costs, but Lightfoot helps fix these by creating and rewarding better drivers. This means lower costs, reduced risk and accidents, and increased driver well-being and motivation.

It has two core components. Firstly, a small device that listens to the vehicle’s engine and provides the driver with visual and verbal feedback to enable them to stay within the engine’s ‘sweet spot’ (optimum efficiency).

Secondly, where permissible, an exciting rewards platform that enables drivers to benefit personally from better driving (whether at work or at home) through competitions, prizes, discounts and other incentives.

What is Lightfoot?

Described by many as the ‘Fitbit for cars’, Lightfoot has pioneered a new standard and way of measuring efficient driving.

It has been developed alongside leading driver-behaviour experts at Bath University and has the continued support of IAM Roadsmart. It uses advanced, real-time engine analytics to provide live, in-cab coaching to help drivers improve both efficiency and safety – and then get rewarded for it.

Every driver with Lightfoot has a score and when they stray outside of the engine’s ‘sweet spot’, they receive gentle nudges in real-time to guide them back into a smoother driving style.

Those who achieve a score of 85 per cent and above are Elite Drivers and receive a range of benefits and the chance to win prizes for their good driving.

What are the benefits?

Organisations using Lightfoot achieve rapid and measurable improvements in driving styles, as well as improved welfare and safety of drivers. Changes are sustained over time because of ongoing in-cab engagement and there is minimal management input required – Lightfoot gives results, not lots of data.

Lightfoot typically generates fuel and emissions savings of 12-15 per cent, as well as claims reductions of up to 60 per cent, as validated by Allianz Insurance Plc. Additionally, wear and tear on vehicles is reduced, as is vehicle downtime – by up to 45 per cent. Tracking, Driver ID and Business versus Personal Mileage recording are all available and easy to use.

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So, how does Lightfoot work?

Lightfoot delivers lasting behaviour change through the unique interplay of three basic components: technology, psychology and motivation. This means that Lightfoot listens to the engine and gearbox and constantly measures how efficiently the vehicle is being driven, gives the driver real-time verbal and visual nudges exactly when they need to adjust their driving style and turns efficient driving into personal rewards, discounts and incentives.

Rewarding better drivers Lightfoot has pioneered the idea of ‘Rewarding Better Drivers’ and believes good driving needs to be recognised and championed. Lightfoot’s Fleet Driver of the Week competition, sponsored by Allianz, awards a prize every week to a fleet driver who has exceeded Lightfoot’s Elite Driver KPIs. Prizes include a year’s supply of pies, supercar track days and race training with Nigel Mansell.

These prizes fully engage drivers and further encourage safer, more efficient driving.

There is a rapidly expanding network of partners offering rewards and special deals to drivers meeting their KPIs at work, including discounted premiums for drivers’ private motor insurance based on their driving performance at work.

Supporting managers We know that most fleet managers spend much of their time managing fuel spend, consequences of accidents, insurance claims, vehicle downtime, servicing and maintenance costs, brand reputation, asset value and

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time management. Lightfoot’s philosophy is simple – if we improve driver behaviour in a simple and sustainable manner, many of these areas of cost and risk will self-manage and reduce – delivering significant benefits to the organisation and the individuals within it.

The device works in-cab as a driver-training aid, encouraging and enabling your drivers to improve and then rewarding them for doing so – creating a self-managing, self-improving fleet of drivers, all empowered to do the right thing. This saves money in reductions on fuel spend, accident rates and downtime, along with freeing up more management time, because Lightfoot removes the pressure to manage the reams of data typically provided by traditional telematics systems.

Lightfoot quickly identifies the small number of drivers who aren’t meeting their KPIs and remedial action is often very straightforward.

Lightfoot’s simple emailed league table and optional driver app are used to create competitions, reward good drivers and identify weaker performers.

Insurer endorsement Lightfoot is already working successfully with many unionised public sector organisations and is recommended by major UK insurers.

For example, Allianz Insurance recognises that Lightfoot has a significant impact on accident rates. In 2016, they designated Lightfoot as their official Risk Management Partner, actively promoting Lightfoot to their fleet customers (with no financial incentive from Lightfoot). L FURTHER INFORMATION www.lightfoot.co.uk

Employers must harvest data from vehicles

Powell told the workshop: “Employers must harvest data from vehicles and use the information gathered to analyse both driver and vehicle performance.”

Written by Geoffrey Bray, chairman, Fleet Industry Advisory Group

The connected car FIAG believes that only by effectively managing vehicles, drivers and journeys can fleets truly deliver cost savings as employee abuse of company cars and vans is endemic in many organisations as there is no fleet decision-maker insight as to what is happening on the road.

Contract hire and leasing companies Driver influenced costs are the single largest drain on a frequently highlight that customers will company’s in-life fleet vehicle expenditure. On board telematics ‘fight them’ for a pound or two reduction can play a significant role in keeping those costs in check, says on a monthly rental, but have no idea how their employees are driving when on the Geoffrey Bray, chairman of the Fleet Industry Advisory Group road. As a result, if they had that insight they could save significant sums of money.

Investing in telematics solutions and All fleets are striving to reduce their cost on overtime claims due to improved driver using the information from in-vehicle base, but the Fleet Industry Advisory records which also aids compliance with ‘black boxes’ to strategically and tactically Group’s (FIAG) autumn workshop, ‘Fleet analysis of working hours; productivity increase fleet efficiency is proven to deliver Policy – Challenges and Influences’, heard increases due to improved journey scheduling savings of 10 per cent across many areas that nine in 10 businesses that fitted and drivers travelling directly to their and sometimes as much as 15 per cent. telematics to vehicles were ‘nowhere near’ destination first time every time – also Telematics has its roots in the HGV sector maximising the potential of the technology resulting in reduced driver stress and fatigue; and ‘black boxes’ have filtered down into to obtain a full return on investment. the compilation of a thorough driver and the light commercial vehicle sector and However, as Phil Powell, sales director at vehicle audit in accordance with health and can occasionally be found in company Matrix Telematics, told the FIAG workshop, safety related at-work driving legislation; cars as retro-fit or aftermarket devices. companies that used telematics-derived and improved customer relations as accurate While ‘black boxes’ continue to be fitted to data to effectively manage driver behaviour response times and delivery and call vehicles, the emergence of web-based apps and vehicle performance reaped significant scheduling can be achieved with available on smartphones and other financial benefits. This was notably seen in the office in direct contact mobile devices also linked to the terms of reduced fuel bills, lower maintenance with the vehicle’s driver.

The on-board diagnostic port has led costs due to employees’ adopting a Highlighting that emergence to the creation of the phrase smoother driving style, fewer road traffic in vehicle technology of web-base ‘the connected car’. The rapid crashes and reduced insurance premiums. and so-called d apps availab advancement of technology Telematics also delivers a wide range of ‘big data’ was le on also means that some of E other spin off benefits, including: savings the future, sma

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rtphon other mobil es and e de has led to th vices creation of e th ‘connected e car’

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Advertisement Feature

Telematics to solve business problems

Darryll Finch

In Focus chats to Darryll Finch from O2 Smart Vehicle about how fleets can make the most of telematics data and whether fleets have a moral and legal obligation to act on information that flags up poor driving Fleet managers will see most benefit by understanding and utilising all intelligence available to them. They also need the right support from their telematics partner. What post-sales support does that entail?

First and foremost, it’s essential that fleet managers use telematics to resolve the larger business problems they face in running a vehicle fleet. This helps justify the investment and improve the originations operation – everything from efficiency, productivity and safety to utilisation and cost savings.

To give customers the expertise they need to make all of that a reality, the O2 Client Manager meets with them on a regular basis.

These meetings can cover a pretty wide range of topics, but primarily, the focus on: making sure customers are getting the maximum business benefit from their telematics solution and keeping informed of any relevant solution developments, new services and technologies that could be of further benefit. Discussions with an O2 Client Manager would also help customers review the service, support and operations – with the option to invite relevant experts or hold separate reviews.

They would also carry out regular customer satisfaction surveys and understand all relevant changes and developments in their organisation and determining the best way we can respond to them.

We’ve worked with businesses of all types and sizes in the private sector and organisations across the public sector, and we always do our best to leave no stone unturned in helping them solve challenges and make the most of unique market opportunities. Every customer is different, and no matter how brilliant the solution, you can’t just assume one size fits all.

Is there a moral responsibility here also for fleet managers to act upon drivers that are consistently flagged for poor driving behaviour?

Absolutely. No question about it. The driver behaviour insights that telematics unlock allows fleet managers to go beyond a gut feeling or sometimes subjective reports to develop a clear, concrete driver profile.

Put simply, drivers with poor driving behaviour are a potential risk to the business

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brand, finances and the general public.

Because of that, it’s the responsibility of every fleet manager and the wider business to measure the performance of their drivers, consistently. And then act on that information to manage risk.

This reduces the risk of accidents, so employees are safe, company assets are protected and members of the public aren’t put in harm’s way.

Even the best drivers could probably still use some additional driving tips, or a few handy reminders. In fact, the best drivers will maintain or even further develop their approach through in-vehicle coaching delivered by the telematics driver behaviour module. And drivers identified as having poor habits need to be retrained, urgently, to ensure they drive smart and stay as safe as possible.

If and when they can become better drivers, the benefits to the business are significant: reduced accidents, claim costs and admin, more affordable insurance premiums, and less risk to the brand.

As a result, is there still the old mentality (especially amongst drivers) of telematics being a big brother operation?

I’m inclined to believe that, by now, telematics is an established and generally accepted part of the driving experience solution among drivers.

And for the most part, I’ve found that drivers tend to expect at least an element of telematics to be involved with driving a company van or truck.

What drivers have realised is that if they embrace telematics, the solution can work in their favour. Whether it’s overtime claims, shift patterns, vehicle faults, service requirements, driver safety and their level of involvement with an accident, they stand to benefit.

And for drivers that object to telematics,

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Darryll Finch, Smart Vehicle product owner, O2 As solution specialist for O2 Smart Vehicle, which is powered

by Geotab, Darryll is passionate about the ever-evolving possibilities of vehicle telematics.

Darryll has worked with fleet telematics for over 20 years. it’s hard not to think there may be a reason for concern. They may not be hiding something (taking time off, going home, over‑claiming mileage and overtime), but if your job is to drive, wouldn’t you want to know if there was a way you could do it safer and better? Seems like a simple choice to me.

How have you seen the consensus among sceptics change to realise the full positives it can have on their operation?

I think it comes down to the simple fact that everyone stands to benefit.

A properly installed and well managed telematics solution has the potential to cut across every aspect of a business running a fleet of vehicles. That could mean benefits like fewer paper processes, which can slip through the cracks and be slow to action. It also means easier reporting capabilities, compliance and utilisation, which helps boost efficiency and productivity. Better, happier drivers, coupled with an optimised fleet will demonstrate short and long-term cost savings.

When the customer sees outcomes like these, which can be enjoyed by everybody, they start to understand how the business can be truly transformed. That makes it easy to justify the investment, and secure a return – quickly and easily. L FURTHER INFORMATION o2smartvehicle@o2.com

 today’s sophisticated vehicles already have some form of in-built recording device in them – event data recorders (EDRs), which are typically located in the airbag control module, which record information during a road crash and for a short time, typically less than a minute, before and after a collision for future assessment.

There are also Journey Data Recorders (JDRs), which monitor driver behaviour.

That transformation is continuing at pace with a ‘massive revolution’ with the introduction of the ‘connected car’ and the arrival of so-called ‘big data’. In-vehicle technology will enable fleets to predict the future in terms of vehicle service, maintenance and repairs and driver behaviour as a result of data analysis thus taking away fleet operation uncertainty – and thereby reducing costs.

Transparency and accountability However, looming large in the rear view mirror of fleet operations and rapidly advancing is the May 2018 introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). GDPR builds on existing data protection legislation with a particular focus on digitalisation and technology. Core to the 1998 Data Protection Act are eight data protection principles and GDPR reforms those and introduces new principles of transparency and accountability with the ability to ‘prove consent’ a significant pillar of the new regulations.

Key to using ‘big data’ is businesses having an ethical approach and that means transparency in how the information is used.

Critically, businesses must be clear about what data they are gathering and why, where it is going and how it is being used, as well as gaining the consent of drivers. If information is personal and identifies who a person is and how that employee is using their vehicle and their behaviour then it impacts on their privacy and requires sign-off.

Furthermore, it pays to work within the new GDPR law. Penalties for breaching the core principles of GDPR are potentially huge with a maximum fine for companies of €20 million or four per cent of total worldwide annual turnover of the preceding financial year, whichever is the higher. There is also reputational damage of businesses misusing data or losing it to consider.

Nevertheless, as highlighted above, there is huge value in gathering data, but it is essential that fleet decision-makers are not swamped with the volume of information emerging from telematics system. FIAG believes it is critical to both centralise and compartmentalise information and focus on highlighted errors and weaknesses measured against established key performance indicators so drivers and vehicles are managed by exception.

Too frequently, fleets have so much information emanating from telematics devices that ultimately critical data can be ignored. However, by initially targeting a couple of specific fleet operating areas for improvement and ‘harvesting’ the appropriate data will deliver benefits. For example, exact petrol or diesel usage on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis across the fleet can be compared, enabling the identification of

Telematics

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Investing in telematics solutions and using the information from in-vehicle ‘black boxes’ to strategically and tactically increase fleet efficiency is proven to deliver savings of 10 per cent across many areas and sometimes as much as 15 per cent fuel-hungry vehicles. That could result in a vehicle maintenance lapse being identified and subsequently resolved or driver training for a particularly heavy right-footed driver being introduced.

Equally, by comparing the data from the telematics system with key business performance indicators, new company practices could be introduced to realign previously established methods to boost corporate efficiencies and customer service.

Having got to grips with those areas, businesses, by adopting a step-by-step approach, can then move on to target other areas of the fleet operation for improvement. Information is power, but effectively and efficiently managing the flow of data being delivered by telemetry devices to fleet decision-makers can prove to be a resource nightmare.

Being in receipt of the plethora of data and not acting on it can, in many cases, be as high-risk as not having the information.

For example, in the event of a serious road crash, having information highlighting that a specific employee was ‘high risk’ due to regular speeding occurrences but not taking action could land the business in trouble.

Some businesses have specifically recruited staff to manage the flow of data and compile reports and recommendations.

Historically, ‘black boxes’ were viewed as ‘big brother’ and a ‘spy in the cab’ by drivers, but attitudes have softened perhaps due to the approach taken by employers in ‘selling’

the implementation process to employees.

A direct spin-off benefit is reduced driver stress and fatigue. Drivers’ health and well-being is critical to their behaviour on the road and the FIAG workshop heard from John Sunderland Wright, training director at Performance on Demand, that employees suffering from stress were 50 per cent more likely to drive dangerously and thus be involved in crashes.

Wright said: “Stress can inhibit personal performance. High levels of stress causes the brain to do far too much and that causes problems, which for drivers manifests itself in road crashes.”

It is vital that employees that drive on business are given advice and information on how to relieve stress and be less tired.

Information should not just be written into a company vehicle policy, but there should be conversations and drivers should be empowered to speak up.

Drivers are not simply the problem, but part of the solution to improving fleet performance and telematics can help in delivering that and simultaneously reducing operating costs. L

The Fleet Industry Advisory Group is a notfor-profit organisation created to develop and share best practice in the fleet industry. It has published a guide ‘Telematics Explained’, which can be found here: tinyurl.com/ybknxakj FURTHER INFORMATION www.fiag.co.uk

Volume 1 | IN FOCUS FLEET SUPPLEMENT

17

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Visit threedaytestdrive.co.uk Fuel consumption information is official government environmental data, tested in accordance with the relevant EU directive. Grandland X range fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km): Urban: 44.1 (6.4)-60.1 (4.7), Extra-urban: 57.6 (4.9)-80.7 (3.5), Combined: 51.4 (5.5)-70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions: 127-104g/km.

Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. 2017/18 tax year. Vauxhall Motors Limited does not offer tax advice and recommends that all Company Car Drivers consult their own accountant with regards to their own tax position.

Grandland X Elite Nav 1.2 (130PS) Turbo Start/Stop model illustrated (P11D of £26,445) features Topaz Blue two-coat metallic paint (£565), silver-effect roof rails (£100) and black roof and door mirrors (£320), optional at extra cost. 3 Day Test Drive terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please call 0330 587 8221 for full details. Vauxhall are not responsible for the provision of OnStar services or Wi-Fi services. OnStar Services require activation and account with OnStar Europe Ltd, (a GM Company). Wi-Fi services require additional account with OnStar Europe Limited’s mobile network operator supplier. All services subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Use of OnStar services (except Wi-Fi) is free of charge for 12 months from registration date or delivery of vehicle, whichever comes first. Wi-Fi trial has a time limit and capped data allowance. Charges apply after expiry of applicable trial periods. Check vauxhall.co.uk/onstar for service limitations and charges. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (November 2017). * = Standard on all models except SE.

Nottingham: becoming a ULEV-friendly city

Written by Sally Longford, portfolio holder for Neighbourhood Services and Local Transport, Nottingham City Council

resulted in an award-winning public transport network, including electric trams and buses.

Nottingham is well known for excellent public transport, including integrated bus and tram services. Not one to rest on our laurels, we’ve been investing in low emission and sustainable transport for some years, and many of the city’s bus passengers will have ridden on a bus powered by electricity or biogas.

These developments have been possible thanks to the Workplace Parking Levy, which continues to fund service improvements on a city-wide scale. By introducing a charge In July 2016 Nottingham City Council received national on employers who provide parking at work, Go Ultra Low Company status in recognition of its efforts there is incentive to consider more sustainable travel options, and so reduce congestion. Since to adopt ULEVs into its fleets. Here, Sally Longford explains its introduction in 2012, the income from how Nottingham City Council is exploring a transport the levy has enabled us to develop and agenda to improve air quality in the region extend the NET tram network, which now has more than We’re 30 trams, and introduce leading 56 electric buses serving Air pollution is a problem in all cities, we take seriously and are our ‘Link’ network. not only in the UK but around the world. making strenuous efforts the wa These provide vital The clean air agenda is a big priority for to improve. Without the creating y in services to people everyone, from businesses and local councils, action to tackle congestion a s m arter, more su wanting to get into to governments and world leaders. that we’ve already environ stainable At Nottingham City Council, we’re the city to shop or taken, pollution levels m e committed to improving air quality in the work, for education would be much higher. n t , reduced w city through a series of ambitious projects and for healthcare, We realised early on conges ith t and im that will result in cleaner air for our citizens. and include our we can make the biggest proved ion Regular air quality monitoring across the city park and ride sites. impact on pollution levels by air qua has shown the levels of harmful pollutants In addition to this, we’ve providing high quality, more lity to be above the amounts deemed safe supported Nottingham City sustainable alternatives to the by the World Health Organisation, and Transport – the city’s largest car, enabling people to move away the limits set by central government. bus operator – to introduce more from petrol and diesel-power and get For us, the problem is mostly concentrated than 50 biogas vehicles. Together, these around in a cleaner, greener way. We’re proud in a handful of hotspots but it’s something initiatives have all contributed to helping E of our pioneering work in this area, which has

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Go Ultra Low City

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 the council exceed our climate change target four years early, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 33 per cent from 2005 to 2016. But there is still a lot of work to do.

ULEV-friendly city Supporting the take up of electric vehicles is one of our biggest projects at the moment.

We’re leading the way in becoming an ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV)‑friendly city, creating a smarter, more sustainable environment, with reduced congestion and improved air quality. The best way to lead is by example, and we began investing in ‘greening’ our own fleet several years ago. We’re already well on the way to making sure at least 20 per cent of our fleet are ULEVs before 2020.

In recognition of the council’s commitment, in 2016 we were awarded Go Ultra Low company status from the government and successfully bid for £6.1 million funding from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles to support the uptake of more environmentally‑friendly transport. While we continue to practise what we preach, our next steps are to engage businesses and the wider public with lower emission vehicles – our role is to ensure the infrastructure and information is there to make ULEVs a viable option.

As the owner of an electric car myself I’ve seen firsthand the benefits and cost savings they can bring, but I’m also well aware that a lack of chargepoint infrastructure is one of the main barriers to greater ownership of electric vehicles. With this in mind, our largest investment is the development of a network of around 230 charging points in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to cater for the growing number of electric vehicles we expect to see on our roads, and to encourage others to make the change.

We launched our Taxi Strategy earlier this year to modernise the taxi fleet and improve the offer for customers, not just around comfort and safety, but also around the environmental impact of taxi emissions. We aim to have the newest and most economical fleet of hackneys in the country by 2020 and, with £702,000 funding from the Office of Low Emission Vehicles, we’re installing 32 connection points from early next year to help remove obstacles for taxi drivers to convert their vehicles to low emission.

A new policy means that all taxis licensed in Nottingham must be either Euro 6 or ULEV by 2020, and a new government Plug-In Taxi Grant will allow vehicle dealers to claim a grant, making the vehicles cheaper for drivers. We’re also looking at bidding for money to buy electric taxis, which we can then lease to taxi drivers.

More appealing and more affordable In Nottingham, it’s predicted there will be around 8,000 electric cars by 2020, and that number is only going to increase as government progresses its plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040.

We’re working with Nottinghamshire County Council and Derby City Council to support businesses and the wider public so that ULEVs are a realistic choice for them. Some of our

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Next year Nottingham will be opening the UK’s first shared priority lane for buses and ULEVs, providing further incentive to invest in greener, cleaner technology, and easing congestion on a major route into the city work is around myth busting – addressing the misconceptions that exist around electric vehicles. We already have a great network of enthusiasts in the city – known as our ‘ULEV Champions’ – and employers on board who are helping to spread the word.

A common criticism of promoting low emission vehicles is that not everyone can afford an ULEV, and this is true.

However, only be encouraging those

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who can to make the switch to a more environmentally-friendly car can we gradually open up a second hand market, making ULEVs more affordable over time.

That being said, everyone shares in the benefits of ULEVs. Those who don’t need a car, or can’t afford to invest in an ULEV, can enjoy cleaner air as a result of less polluting cars on our roads. In Nottingham, we have two key areas that are recorded

as exceeding the air quality threshold, both of which are near trunk roads. If we can reduce pollution from transport emissions in those areas, communities living near those roads will really benefit.

One way of reducing pollution on our major roads is to help businesses and employers who operate large fleets in the area.

Our recently launched Workplace Travel Service offers advice and financial support

to businesses to spend on measures that will reduce their emissions, ranging from installing EV charge points at their premises to facilities such as cycle shelters and showers, to encourage staff to consider more sustainable ways to travel.

Working with local dealerships, we also offer businesses a ‘try before you buy’ option, so employers can get a sense of how ULEVs can work for them.

Only be encouraging those who can to make the switch to a more environmentally-friendly car can we gradually open up a second hand market, making ULEVs more affordable over time

Go Ultra Low CIty

Cllr Sally Longford

Clean Air Zones Another way to reduce pollution on major routes is through Clean Air Zones.

In December 2015, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) identified Nottingham as one of several cities needing to take measures to tackle air pollution. The department identified nitrogen dioxide as the main problem for air quality, and the main source of this pollution is the transport network, in particular diesel and petrol vehicles.

The recommended measures included encouraging change to low emission vehicles, support for alternative modes of travel such as cycling, walking and public transport, and implementing Clean Air Zones.

Initial analysis carried out by DEFRA showed that Nottingham, along with several other cities, is unlikely to comply with legal limits for the levels of nitrogen dioxide by 2020 and, as a result, we’ve been asked to implement a Clean Air Zone. This would set a charge for vehicles that emit over a set limit, and would most likely affect heavy goods vehicles. We’re currently carrying out a series of studies to explore our options, and will be setting out our proposals early next year.

In another example of leading the way, next year we’ll be opening the UK’s first shared priority lane for buses and ULEVs. Located on one of the key corridors into the city centre, the lane will be open to drivers of ultra low emission vehicles, providing further incentive to invest in greener, cleaner technology, and easing congestion on a major route into the city.

Of course there’s only so much we can do locally, and we are reliant on central government to continue to invest in infrastructure nationwide. So far, the signs have been very positive, but we need further financial support to continue to make progress.

Meanwhile, we will continue to focus our attention on improving local and regional infrastructure for ULEV motorists, further developing our public transport network and carrying out studies into Clean Air Zones to provide high quality alternatives to conventional vehicles, reduce pollution and allow all our citizens to benefit from cleaner air. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk

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GOVERNMENT POLICY IS CHANGING

NOW IS THE TIME TO TALK

TALKING FROM EXPERIENCE

WE DON’T JUST TALK THE TALK WHEN IT COMES TO ALTERNATIVE FUELS OUR GO ULTRA LOW COMPANY STATUS SHOWS WE WALK THE WALK PARTNERING WITH MOBILITY EXPERTS HAS NEVER BEEN SO IMPORTANT WWW.ALDAUTOMOTIVE.CO.UK

Fleet of Foot! Are you ready to lead the ULEV charge?

In the latest report to government, the Committee on Climate Change highlighted that transport is now the largest contributor to UK greenhouse gas emissions and continues to grow. There is no doubt that pressure to change our transport fleet to lower carbon options is only going to increase.

Air quality concerns also remain high on the government and public agenda and for many fleets, particularly those in the public sector, deciding what vehicles to buy next is proving to be very challenging. With diesel being pilloried as the root of all air quality issues (but still with lower carbon emissions), the headlines scream of exponential sales increase of electric vehicles (EVs) and companies like Tesla are the darling of both the financial and technology industries alike. But in the real world, the truth is somewhat different, and for fleet operators ensuring that the vehicles they buy will continue to deliver the operations expected of them can be a more difficult decision.

The reality is that sales of pure battery electric vehicles have been stable at around 0.4 per cent of all cars for the last two years.

The UK built Nissan Leaf has been the biggest selling battery electric vehicle throughout that time and with the new Leaf just around the corner (with teaser photos emerging every other week) it is hoped that Nissan can maintain that leading position, in what is hoped to be a rapidly expanding market.

But the real growth in ULEV numbers over the last few years has been the Plug-in Hybrid, many of which deliver dramatic tax savings for the company car driver. However, unless they are regularly plugged in, they do much less for fuel savings. And this is the real heart of the challenge; any electric vehicle, be it pure battery, range extended or plug-in hybrid (the differences are substantial), must be combined with the appropriate duty cycle and complementary charging infrastructure.

This tripartite approach of the ‘Right Car,

Right Cycle, Right Charging’ can deliver dramatic benefits, but if any one of these is wrong or missing, it can all fall rather flat.

However, some fleets have embraced this brave new world of ULEVs wholeheartedly, such as bus operators. Uptake of low emission buses was almost 50 per cent of total bus sales last year (compared with just 3.3 per cent of cars classified as ‘alternatively fuelled’).

Some e av fleets h ed embracallenge.

V ch the ULE ke of low Upta uses was nb emissio 50 per cent almost al bus sales of tot year last

Written by Andy Eastlake, managing director, the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership

With UK registrations of ultra low emission cars (ULEV) topping 100,000 and government support still very prominent, perhaps now is the best time for public fleets to take the plunge, says Andy Eastlake, managing director of the LowCVP

The bus market obviously has some benefits given the routes are known, which means implementing charging on-route is more straightforward. But the challenge of getting the right specification of bus for the route, together with the battery and charging combination still leads to a wide range of technical solutions making it to full service operation; including the 18 hydrogen buses currently in service in London and Aberdeen.

The bus market is also one of the most targeted when it comes to air quality, but with the introduction of the Euro VI regulations in 2014 and rigorous complementary on-road testing (which is still yet to come for cars), the focus of ‘dirty vehicle’ is rightfully turning to the older cars and vans typical of many public fleets. And here is perhaps, the most compelling reason for a fleet to consider ‘going ultra-low’. There is no doubt that Clean Air Zones are coming, with the first five planned to come into force before the end of 2019 (and likely many more to follow). The vehicles allowed to operate in city centres will be radically cleaner than the majority of today’s fleets. Local authorities are likely to be pressured by both the public and central government to do everything possible within their existing powers prior to implementing a charging Clean Air Zone. Changing the public fleets, together with licensing measures on buses and taxis, will be seen as the first step on the road to cleaner air. E

ULEVs

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ULEVs

24

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 We only need to look to London to see how, after radical policies for both their buses and the issuing of London taxi licenses, they are now leading the way both in implementation of clean vehicle policies, with ‘T’ (toxicity) charges this year and Clean Air Zones with the introduction of the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) likely in spring 2019. At the recent LowCVP conference on city mobility, the latest announcements from City Hall signalled the creation of Zero Emission Zones in 2025. There is no doubt about the trajectory for vehicles operating in urban areas needing to have at least a capability to run some of the time with zero emissions.

Defra’s own analysis shows that, while road transport is the majority source of

The bus market is one of the most targeted when it comes to air quality, but with the introduction of the Euro VI regulations in 2014 and rigorous complementary on‑road testing, the focus of ‘dirty vehicle’ is rightfully turning to older cars and vans NOx pollution, it is the diesel car and van (LGVs) fleets which contribute the largest proportions. For these, the emission requirements mandating the extra on road tests are only now forcing the step change

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

in NOx emissions that were seen in trucks and buses three years ago. While it may be right to point the finger at the older diesel cars of yesteryear, suggesting that a Euro 4 petrol vehicle (which is now over 10 years

can scupper even the best ULEV business case.

The current grants for workplace chargers and supporting infrastructure for trucks and buses are crucial to the early adopters.

Funding to support regional and local initiatives such as those in the Go Ultra Low City scheme is paving the way for additional coordinated measures to encourage ULEV uptake. Nottingham will introduce their Eco Expressway in 2018, allowing ULEVs to whisk down the bus lanes avoiding the ‘conventional’ congestion. Preferential parking schemes exist around the country in both public and private parking control, and many commercial businesses are installing charging points, seeing these as a way of attracting the savvy (ULEV driving) shopper.

Early adoption by the public sector can highlight the benefits of these vehicles and help target further initiatives to really hit the sweet spots of ULEV uptake opportunity.

But perhaps one of the major reasons for taking the ultra-low emissions option is education. Mainstream buyers are notoriously difficult to influence and by adopting these new technologies into public fleets and showing how they work in real everyday life, we can all hopefully demonstrate that cleaner and lower carbon transport choices are for everyone.

In today’s ‘media mistrusting’, ‘fake news’ world it is increasingly difficult to get sensible debate heard. Choosing the right vehicle for your specific transport needs is more complex than ever before. Understanding fuel consumption, electric range, emissions, incentives, charging rates/locations, renewable fuel options, taxation and charging zones is just too difficult for many consumers and indeed for fleet operators. The network of support for the public fleets enables these decisions to be made with confidence and with the backing of central government.

As part of this network, the LowCVP is working to cut through this complexity and present the key facts in an accessible way to both fleets and consumers, whilst simultaneously working with government to develop the policies and support to help every transport operation move to low and zero emissions. For LowCVP, creating the standards and the simple information presentation for clean and low carbon vehicles of all types, allows sensible and informed decisions to be made of the fleet renewal policy and targeted funding for new vehicles, fuels, infrastructure or retrofit to be applied in the most cost-effective way.

Armed with this new information and supporting policies, the questions for fleets now should be: ‘Which vehicles or fuels are

ULEVs

old) is a cleaner solution than next year’s Euro 6d, WLTP, RDE, SCR diesel, is just wrong.

Which brings us back to today’s challenge; when is the right time to consider a ULEV? Support for fleets to adopt ULEVs is probably at its peak right now. Grants for Plug-in cars are confirmed until November 2017 and for charging points until April 2018. When the upsurge in sales really does take off, it is inevitable that government will have to review the levels of incentives given. Funding is also available for larger vehicles, with grants of up to £20,000 for ultra-low emission trucks and even more for buses. But as mentioned earlier, buying the vehicles is only half the story. Infrastructure requirements for significant fleets of vehicles

2017 Low Carbon Champions On 11 October, the LowCVP announced the 2017 Low Carbon Champions at the NEC, Birmingham.

More than 240 guests attending the celebration dinner to celebrate the achievements and innovation of organisations and individuals who are leading the UK towards low emission road transport.

The ‘Grand Prix’ award, presented to the winner-of-winners, was jointly presented to Transport for London, BYD (bus manufacturer) and Go‑Ahead London (operator) for their effective partnership in delivering the vehicles, operational capacity and infrastructure to begin running London’s first two all-electric bus routes. The London EV Company, formerly the London Taxi Company, won the Low Carbon Car/Van Manufacturer of the Year prize, with the judges praising the leadership and innovation shown in bringing to market the UK’s – and the world’s – first purpose-built electric taxi. In just three years the company has designed and built the vehicle, using a local supply chain and adopting a range of novel design and assembly processes.

Meanwhile, David Martell, chief executive of Chargemaster became the latest winner of the award for Outstanding Individual in Promoting Low Carbon Transport.

Andy Eastlake, LowCVP managing director, said about the awards: “All the entries that were short-listed for this year’s Awards deserve praise for their contribution to cutting road transport carbon emissions and helping to reduce air pollution. Against the backdrop of a year of political and environmental turmoil it’s perhaps appropriate that our overall winning entry required a strong collaborative approach to radically reduce the impact of a whole bus fleet.”

best to change to now and how do I plan my strategy for a ULEV fleet of the future?’. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.lowcvp.org.uk

Choosing the right vehicle for your transport needs is more complex than ever before. Understanding fuel consumption, electric range, emissions, incentives, taxation and charging zones is just too difficult for many fleet operators Volume 1 | IN FOCUS FLEET SUPPLEMENT

25

Procurement Written by Kim Harrison, fleet team category lead, Crown Commercial Service

Fleet purchasing: procuring in the public sector The Crown Commercial Service’s Kim Harrison discusses the organisation’s recently launched Dynamic Purchasing System, which enables public sector fleet managers and buyers to access a wide range of vehicle conversion services The Crown Commercial Service (CCS), the UK’s largest public procurement organisation, has just launched its first Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) – enabling public sector fleet managers and buyers to access a wide range of vehicle conversion services.

Having previously managed a framework agreement for these services, CCS has created the DPS to more closely fit with the conversions market, populated as it is by many small, local businesses and a customer base with specific demands on flexibility and simplicity. The DPS is the latest innovation in CCS’s fleet offering.

A new way to buy – and sell The DPS works in a very different way to a traditional framework – with changes affecting both customers and suppliers.

Customers have been demanding the ability to make simple, compliant transactions with suppliers in specialist areas.

They can use the DPS to access an online search function to identify those suppliers that offer the services and specialism they require. Search filters include geographic location, customer sector, vehicle type, service types (including conversion, decommissioning and design) and detailed products.

Suppliers in the market can apply to join at any time during the term, and to update

26

their service offerings in a ‘live’ environment as they change and evolve their skills.

The DPS makes use of existing systems for supplier registration and the completion of selection questionnaires, allowing suppliers to reuse their company information for future applications and self-certify their status until the point of contract award.

A wider scope The scope for this agreement is significantly wider than its predecessor, with services ranging from simple vehicle signage or internal storage, to full conversion into emergency vehicles or specialist communications equipment.

Conversion services are available to suit each area of the public sector, whether it be emergency services, local authorities or central government operations.

The DPS also supports contracts for standalone vehicle design and consultancy, meaning better access to specialist services for those fleets who may be stretched for internal resources.

Using the DPS as a contracting vehicle, opportunities have been opened up to the wider supply chain, who have previously only indirectly provided services as subcontractors.

Vehicle Telematics In addition to the new DPS, CCS offers a framework agreement for vehicle telematics.

Whilst it’s an area of relatively low-cost investment, vehicle telematics are viewed by the CCS fleet team as the key enabler to understand where the areas optimise utilisation within fleet, and to identify opportunities for cash‑releasing and other benefits.

CCS research suggests that, for every £1 invested in vehicle telematics, a return of at least £3 can be achieved through a combination of reduced fuel costs, decreases in insurance premiums, a reduction in the frequency and cost of vehicle damage, and improved risk management in support of an employer’s duty of care.

The CCS Vehicle Telematics agreement has multiple suppliers appointed with a range of

Crow Comme n Service rcial sugges research every £ ts that, for vehicle 1 invested in te return olematics, a fa £3 can t least achievebe d

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Having previously managed a framework agreement for these services, CCS has created the Dynamic Purchasing System to more closely fit with the conversions market specialities. In a fast developing, innovative market, the framework is deliberately flexible for the suppliers to adapt their offerings, and for customers to determine which area of fleet management they wish to target with their telematics, and the contract model they prefer.

The future The existing CCS Vehicle Purchase and Vehicle Lease & Fleet Management frameworks will be expiring in the coming 18-24 months, and will be replaced. Analysis shows that both frameworks provide excellent value, especially where customers have aggregated their requirements for vehicle purchase via the CCS eAuctions. CCS baseline the framework performance against other large UK fleets using a market comparator methodology which is currently demonstrating average savings of 11 per cent across both frameworks.

CCS is planning its next frameworks. In the coming months, the fleet team will be securing customer, supplier and general market feedback, and starting to draft future agreements.

A combined customer stakeholder group will meet in Autumn 2017 to discuss future requirements and options for contractual models. It is anticipated

Fleets informed: driver and vehicle compliance The progression of fleet management is exceptionally fast-moving and businesses need industry leading software to keep pace with this progression. Jaama’s programme of continuous investment in its Key2 product range ensures that its customers are always at the cutting-edge when it comes to technology and innovative solutions.

Jaama’s multi-award winning Key2 software provides fleets with a comprehensive solution covering all aspects of handling vehicles, driver management and journey management both from an operational and a compliance perspective.

Today’s fleet decision-makers are seeking smart “self-service” solutions focusing on intelligent process driven functionality that reduces the requirement for regular manual intervention from the fleet team.

Just launched is Jaama’s ‘My Vehicle App’, which is a genuine fleet industry game‑changer delivering significant benefits to both drivers and fleet managers.

Unlike other apps, ‘My Vehicle App’ provide drivers with more than just ‘flat’ information.

The ‘My Vehicle App’ interactive functionality enables drivers to: Update odometer readings; Undertake daily vehicle checks prior to any journey and flag any defects requiring rectification;

Record essential accident details along with related photographs at the scene.

Crucially, information uploaded by drivers via the app automatically populates the associated records held within Key2. The incoming information then automatically triggers in-house rule sets and notifications such as defect rectification action required, accident alerts and service realignments if the vehicles mileage profile has changed.

‘My Vehicle App’ was designed following extensive customer, technological and usability research.

Jaama managing director Martin Evans said: “Auto triggering of processes streamlines operations, saves time, increases efficiency and reduces costs because fleet managers will receive real-time data. ‘My Vehicle App’ also improves audit trail accuracy to help meet duty of care regulations.”

Jaama is fully committed to promoting best practice and ensuring that Key2 delivers the functionality to enable users to meet industry best practice operating standards.

Jaama is heavily involved in the fleet industry and includes the association with the following organisations: An Associate member of the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS); A partner to the Freight Transport Association’s Van

Procurement

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that the frameworks will further widen the scope of vehicle types available.

Get involved Fleet are keen to hear from its customers on any of the existing agreements or wider fleet requirements.

The team operates a Fleet Customer Forum, bringing together fleet and commercial experts from across the public sector three times a year to understand best practice, identify market trends and seek areas to deliver savings. The forum provides debate and networking opportunities, and enables the CCS Fleet team to share their market insight and to focus on key areas of interest for operational fleets.

About Crown Commercial Service CCS is tasked with ensuring that the UK public sector realises the maximum commercial benefit when procuring common goods and services – to support efficient and effective public services. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.ccs-agreements.cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Martin Evans Martin Evans is managing director of the industry’s leading fleet management software innovator Jaama.

Formed in 2004 and now employing in excess of 85 people, its multi-award winning, web based Key2 Management system manages in excess of 950,000 vehicles for its customers.

Excellence programme designed to raise standards and improve the image of the UK’s growing van sector; An ICFM sponsor and managing director Martin Evans a board member; An active member of the Association for Driving Licence Verification.

Fleet decision-makers collectively managing more than 950,000 vehicles are currently using Key2 with many of them actively adhering to FORS, ICFM and Van Excellence standards.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.jaama.co.uk enquiries@jaama.co.uk 0844 8484 333

Volume 1 | IN FOCUS FLEET SUPPLEMENT

27

THE ALFA ROMEO STELVIO. MORE THAN AN SUV.

THE ALL-NEW ALFA ROMEO STELVIO SPECIALE. AVAILABLE FROM £359 PER MONTH Whether you are a fleet decision maker or a company car driver, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers the complete fleet and business package. Coupling the most exciting driving dynamics with elegant Italian design and offering exceptional fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and specification, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the perfect Business choice.

For more information, call our Business Centre free on 0808 168 7152 or email alfaromeo.fleet@alfaromeo.com

RANGE OF OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE ALFA STELVIO RANGE: URBAN CYCLE MPG (L/100KM) 31.7 (8.9) – 51.4 (5.5), EXTRA-URBAN CYCLE MPG (L/100KM) 47.9 (5.9) – 65.7 (4.3), COMBINED CYCLE MPG (L/100KM) 40.4 (7.0) – 60.1 (4.7). EMISSIONS 161 – 124 G/KM. FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 VALUES ARE OBTAINED FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH EC DIRECTIVES/REGULATIONS AND MAY NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE OF REAL LIFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. FACTORS SUCH AS DRIVING STYLE, WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS MAY ALSO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON FUEL CONSUMPTION. *Business contract hire. Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.2 D 180 Speciale 5dr Auto. Initial rental of £2,154 followed by 35 monthly rentals of £359, excl. Vat & maintenance. Based on 8,000 miles p.A. Excess mileage charges apply. Vehicles must be ordered & registered by 31/12/17. Subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Ts&Cs apply. Leasys, SL1 0WU. Model shown has Solid Alfa White paint at £354.17 (excl. VAT) which will increase your initial rental by £35 and monthly rental by £6.

Does the market downturn reflect poor confidence?

Registrations

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Figures show that the UK new car market declines again in October, reflecting losses for diesel engines and overall registrations.

In Focus, looks at the figures and the trends it shows According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the UK new car market declined for a seventh consecutive month in October, with 158,192 new units registered. Unfortunately for the sector, declines were seen across all sectors, with business and fleet demand down -26.8 per cent and -13.0 per cent respectively.

Additionally, dealers reported -10.1 per cent fewer private buyers taking delivery of new cars in the month.

Although unable to offset heavy losses in diesel purchases, there was a continued increase in demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles and petrol models.

Alternatively fuelled

vehicle registrations were up 36.9 per cent to 8,244, whilst petrol enjoyed a more modest 2.7 per cent increase in demand.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Declining business and consumer confidence is undoubtedly affecting demand in the new car market but this is being compounded by confusion over government policy on diesel.

Consumers need urgent reassurance that the latest, low emission diesel cars on sale will not face any bans, charges or other restrictions, anywhere in the UK. We urge the government to use the forthcoming Autumn Budget to restore stability to the market, encouraging the purchase of the latest low emission vehicles as fleet

ers Consumgent r need u ce that an reassur test, low the la iesel cars nd emissio will not face on sale ns or other any ba rictions rest

renewal is the fastest and most effective way of addressing air quality concerns.”

Electric spike Focusing solely on electric vehicle popularity, the SMMT figures show continued spikes in electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles registrations. Pure electric plug-in vehicle registrations totalled 672 in October, compared with 394 in the same month in 2016. This was also reflected in plug-in vehicles other than electric, (2,764 in October 2017 compared with 1,882 in October 2016), petrol electric hybrids (4,742 compared with 3,618). Despite a near-50 per cent decline in diesel-electric hybrids, the number of vehicles eligible for the Plug-In Car Grant sat at 3,232 last month. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.smmt.co.uk

Volume 1 | IN FOCUS FLEET SUPPLEMENT

29

Product Finder

ALTERNATVE FUELS

COMMERCIAL FLEET HIRE

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Aquila Truck Centres Certas Energy

Europcar

www.certasenergy.co.uk Tel: 0345 600 3519 Email: product@certasenergy.co.uk

www.europcar.co.uk

Certas Energy is the UK’s largest independent supplier of fuel and lubricants, operating a national network to deliver a competitive and responsive service. Committed to providing customers with smarter, alternative fuel choices, Certas is the only supplier of Shell GTL Fuel in the UK – a cleaner burning alternative to diesel to help tackle the UK’s air quality problem.

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Covering Bristol, Swindon, Gloucester, Worcester and Hereford, Aquila Truck Centres (Italia) Ltd can assist in every aspect of purchasing and operating your IVECO commercial vehicle. Our team of skilled technicians are supported by a comprehensive and competitively priced parts department, who are backed by the IVECO network.

Operating 7,500 vans at peak times and working with the key manufacturers, Europcar’s UK network ensures access to specialist vehicles as well as the full range of standard commercial vehicles which can be delivered anywhere within 4 hours. The vans have an average age of 15 months offering the latest technology and delivering fuel efficiency.

VEHICLE LEASING

HYDROGEN

Chevin Fleet Solutions

ULEMCo

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01928 787 179 info@ulemco.com www.ulemco.com The Quay, 12 Princes Parade, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 1BG

www.aldautomotive.co.uk 03700011181

Chevin’s leading fleet management software, FleetWave, helps measure and reduce fleet costs, improve operational efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure compliance & risk requirements are met. The system manages the whole fleet lifecycle, from the initial acquisition of a vehicle, through to deployment, operating expenses, incidents, work orders, maintenance, legal requirements and finally disposal.

CAR AND VAN RENTAL

Green Motion 2 Redman Court, Bell Street, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AA Tel: 01844 222333 reservations@greenmotion.co.uk www.greenmotion.co.uk Green Motion is the UK’s leading provider of low CO2 vehicle hire. Through our national network, we offer both leisure and business customers the opportunity to enjoy great value vehicle rental, while helping to reduce the impact of global CO2 emissions associated with road travel. Providing reporting and advice to management and staff, Green Motion can highlight savings in cost and impact on the environment.

30

www.aquilatrucks.com Tel: 0121 520 1234 Fax: 0121 520 1800

ALD Automotive is the leader in vehicle leasing operations in Europe. Using first hand‑experience garnered through real-world trials, we provide practical and considered solutions that reflect the unique needs of your fleet, no matter how diverse or unique.

Whether you’re looking to save costs, reduce emissions or switch to Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles, our consultants are on hand to support you.

ULEMCo Ltd offer services to convert commercial vehicles to run on hydrogen dual fuel. Including the supply & installation of safely engineered retrofit, warranty and VSO certificate. Ideally suited to significantly reduce emissions for urban duties. Advice, consultancy and the supply of hydrogen refuelling capability can also be provided.

ADVERTISERS INDEX

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ALD Automotive Alfa Romeo BMW

Jaama 27

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Lightfoot 14

Outside Back Cover

Daimler Fleet Management Iveco

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IFC

Inside Back Cover

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02 Telematics

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Vauxhall 18 Volkswagen

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Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 530e iPerformance Saloon: Combined 141.2mpg (2.0l/100km). *CO emissions 46g/km.

2 Figures are obtained in a standardised test cycle using a combination of battery power and petrol fuel after the battery had been fully charged. They are intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not be representative of what a user achieves under usual driving conditions. The BMW 530e iPerformance Saloon is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that requires mains electricity for charging.