New research has revealed that van fleet operators and van drivers are not taking simple measures that could drastically reduce their fuel bills.
With rising petrol and diesel costs, many motorists are looking at any way possible to save money and maximise fuel efficiency, with some people cutting out short journeys altogether. However, new findings suggest that fleet operators and van drivers are not acting in the same way.
The study carried out by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK has revealed that more than a quarter are not doing enough to keep their fuel costs down.
It appears that it is not just drivers who are guilty, van fleet operators admitting to having only taken a limited number of measures to optimise their drivers’ fuel efficiency. Less than half (42%) have considered planning routes for their staff, while only 35% have considered the effects of the driving habits of their van drivers.
Only 18% of van drivers have received any form of training to help them drive more fuel efficiently while only 23% have their routes planned for them, and 81% still don’t have satellite navigation to help plan the optimum routes.
Almost a quarter (23%) of van drivers felt their routes were inefficient as far as fuel consumption was concerned, often finding themselves making two trips on the same route in the same day.
Fleet operator, Charlie Mullins, founder of Pimlico Plumbers, said: ‘This research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles highlights the importance of efficiency in the workplace. Due to increases in fuel prices last year, we had to spend £150,000 more on fuel. However, there are ways to improve fuel efficiency and these can be as simple as taking the shortest routes and placing speed restrictions on vans.”
Commenting on the results of the research, Alastair Hemmings, National Fleet Manager, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK said: “This research clearly shows that van drivers and fleet operators can easily save money by choosing more efficient vehicles andconsidering other areas of their operation where efficiencies can be made.”
