Highway Code Changes for HGV Drivers 2022

In both January and March 2022, important updates to the Highway Code were brought into effect. For fleets operating LGVs, Highway Code training for drivers is vital. Safety on long journeys in large vehicles will affect not only your staff but everyone on the road. These Highway Code changes affect every road user but there are new features that specifically refer to those driving HGVs. Despite this, recent figures show that 20% of drivers remain unaware of changes to the Highway Code for HGV drivers. It is the duty of care of fleet managers to manage their drivers and ensure that they all have access to the new regulations.

 

The best action for fleet managers is to advise your drivers to read through the full Highway Code as there are changes to many of the rules within it, even if the phrasing has simply been altered. The changes to the Highway Code that most affect HGV drivers and fleets are focused on the below areas:

 

• The introduction of the Hierarchy of Road Users, which contains 3 new rules.

• Driving in slow-moving traffic.

• Overtaking cyclists, horse riders, or horse-drawn carriages.

• Advanced stop lines.

• Dutch reach.

• Charging electric vehicles.

• Cyclist road positions.

• Use of devices while driving.

 

In detail, these changes are:

The New Highway Code for LGV Drivers and Other Road Users

 

The introduction of the Hierarchy of Road Users

 

The first update is the creation of the Hierarchy of Road Users, which is split into three rules: H1, H2, and H3.

 

The first section (H1) introduces the concept of this hierarchy. Motorists driving vehicles that are more likely to cause the most harm now bear the greatest responsibility for reducing the danger to others. For example, HGV drivers now have more responsibility than those in smaller vehicles.

 

It is stressed in the Highway Code that this does not mean that other drivers can behave irresponsibly and should still consider the safety of themselves and others when on the road.

Give way to pedestrians or cyclists on a crossing

 

The second section of the Hierarchy of Road Users (H2) relates to driver behaviour when at crossings. At a junction, all motorists must give way to pedestrians or cyclists who are crossing or waiting to cross at a road that you are turning into, a road you are emerging from, or at a zebra or parallel crossing.

Do not cut off cyclists, horse riders, or horse-drawn carriages ahead of you when you are turning in or out of a junction, changing direction, or switching lanes.

 

The final section of the Hierarchy of Road Users (H3) states that motorists should not cut across cyclists or horses ahead of them when they are at a junction, changing direction, or switching lanes. This is the case no matter where on the road the cyclist or horse is e.g., even if the cyclist is on the cycle path.

In slow-moving traffic, allow pedestrians or cyclists to cross in front of you.

 

Rule 151 of the Highway Code consists of a few rules about how to behave in slow-moving traffic that have been in place since before the code was updated. These include making sure you are not blocking side roads and leaving enough space between yourself and the vehicle in front. As part of the 2022 changes, a new rule has been added to this list: when in slow-moving traffic, drivers should allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross in front of them.

When overtaking, give cyclists, horse riders, or horse-drawn carriages as much room as you would give when overtaking a car.

 

Drivers should wait behind motorcyclists, cyclists, horses, or pedestrians if it is unsafe to overtake. When overtaking cyclists at up to 30mph, you should leave at least 1.5 metres of space and allow even more room when travelling at higher speeds. For horses, you should slow down to a maximum of 10mph and allow at least 2 metres of space. For pedestrians, lower your speed to an appropriate level and leave 2 meters of space.

 

Whenever overtaking, drivers should take extra care at night or in bad weather, such as high winds.

Advanced stop lines

Pay attention to advanced stop lines.

 

There are new rules in place regarding advanced stop lines which, as pictured, include a section for cyclists to wait ahead of traffic.


When waiting at advanced stop lines, motorists must stop at the first stop line and not block the cyclists’ section. Drivers of large vehicles, such as HGVs, should wait far enough back that they have full visibility of the cyclist area.

Use Dutch Reach to open your door.

 

If you have had to park on the roadside, when leaving your vehicle, you should open your door using the hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening. For example, if opening a door on your right-hand side, you should use your left hand. This will make you turn before opening the door and allow you to check over your shoulder for any cyclists or motorists that may be passing you.

Be aware of causing a trip hazard when charging an electric vehicle.

 

If charging an electric vehicle, park close to the charge point to avoid creating a trip hazard with the charging cables, even display a warning sign if you can. When your vehicle has finished charging, return the cables neatly.

Cyclist road positions.

 

As per Rule 72, cyclists are now advised that they can ride in the centre of their lane to make themselves clearly visible if they are:

 

• on quiet roads or streets,

• in slow-moving traffic,

• or when approaching junctions or narrowing roads where it would be unsafe for motorists to overtake them.

 

Please keep this in mind when on the road with cyclists.

Use of devices while driving.

 

As well as the above updates the Highway Code in January, in March new rules were brought in to tighten restrictions on using devices such as mobile phones or satnavs whilst driving. Rule 149 of the updated Highway Code states:

You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication (such as a tablet) for any purpose when driving or when supervising a learner driver. This ban covers all use of a hand-held interactive communication device and it applies even when the interactive communication capability is turned off or unavailable. You MUST NOT pick up the phone or similar device while driving to dial a number and then put it in the cradle for the duration of the conversation. You MUST NOT pick up and use your hand-held phone or similar device while stationary in traffic.

There are a few specific exceptions, however. You can call for emergency services if it is unsafe to stop during a genuine emergency, you can use a device to make a contactless payment at a terminal if the vehicle is stationary.

As the Highway Code has seen substantial updates twice so far this year, it’s important to make sure your fleet is up to date on what behaviour is expected of them when on the road. The Highway Code for HGV drivers can be included in LGV driver training, and you can also share this blog with your team to give them an overview.

 

For more fleet management tips, make sure to keep up to date with our blog. We also offer fleet services including telematics and bespoke fuel card solutions. For more information, get in touch with our team today.

7 Summer Fleet Maintenance Tips

Recently, we discussed our top tips for drivers getting back on the road for long journeys after over two years of intermittent COVID lockdowns. It’s also important, as we come into the summer season, to consider summer fleet maintenance. Summer heat can play havoc on different vehicle parts and making sure your drivers are safe should, of course, be your top priority. Here are the top summer fleet maintenance tips for businesses:

 

Tyres:

As tyre condition will drastically affect your fleet’s safety and operation, it’s vital to make sure they are ready for summer. Switch over any vehicles using winter tyres ahead of the warmer weather if you haven’t already. Heat greatly affects the grip of winter tyres and can lead to potential safety concerns.

 

You’ll also need to have your fleet’s tyres assessed for damage, such as bubbles and cracks in the sidewalls or acute wear. You will also need to have the tread depth and tyre pressure monitored to confirm that they are following the given guidelines in the vehicle’s owner manual. Accidents and vehicle downtime are often caused by poor tyre pressure.

 

Check: Monthly.

 

 

Air Conditioning:

For the sake of drivers who may be spending long hours on the road in the summer heat, ensure all your fleet vehicles’ air conditioning units are operational. To be safe, have the units evaluated by a trained staff member or a technician. The most efficient option would be for a technician to check this as part of the vehicle’s service if this is due or upcoming.

 

A common cause of air conditioning units malfunctioning is a low level of refrigerant. This is easy to fix, but if it is left unmonitored and develops into a fault, these units can be costly to repair or replace.

 

Check: Annually, before summer.

 

 

Oil:

Before your drivers set off on their summer routes, it’s best to keep an eye on their vehicles’ oil levels. Depending on the vehicle, this is checked manually with dipsticks, through electronic monitoring, or through telematics.

 

It’s generally advised to change a vehicle’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil and 5,000 to 6,000 miles for synthetics and to check the oil even more frequently. However, if your fleet vehicles regularly make long journeys carrying substantial loads, you will need to schedule this more regularly.

 

Check: Every few weeks or every 1,000 – 3,000 miles.

 

 

Coolant:

During summer, it is vital that a vehicle’s coolant mix and coolant levels are kept topped up. Coolant changes are usually included in a vehicle’s service to keep your vehicle’s warranty in place. However, during hot weather, it’s a good idea to check them regularly.

 

Check: As part of a service. Check levels regularly during summer, especially if the vehicle is making long drives in heat.

 

 

Brakes:

Brakes can be left damaged by the intense weather changes between winter and summer. Obviously, checking the brakes is a priority during a service, but it’s a good idea for fleet managers and drivers to be vigilant about the condition of their brakes.

 

You can check the brakes visibly, by looking for cracking or discolouration, or by performing a slow test drive and applying the brakes. There are several ways, such as those listed here, to tell if brakes are in bad condition and need changing.

 

Check: Every six months or, for vehicles that make long trips, more frequently, such as when the tyres are rotated.

 

 

Battery:

As with the brakes, heat can speed up the ageing of a vehicle battery, especially in temperatures over 20°C. You should regularly disconnect battery cables from their terminals to check for signs of corrosion and clean any signs of corrosion away.

 

When replacing your cables, strap the battery back down tightly, making sure that the connections of the positive and negative leads are secure.

 

Check: At least every 6 months.

 

 

Belts:

When checking the brakes and tyres for signs of wear, it’s a good idea to also have a look at the vehicle’s belts for any signs of damage, such as corrosion or holes. It’s recommended to replace these every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

 

Check: Along with brakes and tyres.

 

 

Making sure that all your fleet vehicles are ready for summer can be a challenge. If you are needing help keeping track of your summer fleet maintenance, or general fleet data control, we offer an excellent telematics solution which will provide you with easy to track data for each of your vehicles. Get in touch today for a free consultation.

Is Your Business Ready for Upcoming Red Diesel Tax Changes?

As of 1st April 2022, government regulations regarding the use of red diesel will be changing. This means fewer sectors will be permitted to use red diesel as they currently do now. For businesses that need to switch, price increases will prove inevitable by changing to the higher-priced standard diesel alternative. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you and your fleet are ready for these red diesel changes in 2022. We’ve put together a full breakdown of how to prepare for the red diesel law change to help you during the transition period, including important fuel card information.

 

What is Red Diesel?

Red diesel, or gas oil, is a form of rebated diesel which is dyed red and is used for agricultural and commercial off-road purposes. The red dye stains the fuel tanks it is used in, making it easy to identify when someone has used red diesel. It is illegal to use red diesel for road vehicles, and being found to do so can result in serious consequences and is classed as tax evasion. Currently, red diesel has a much lower rate of exercise duty than road fuel, making it a popular choice for agricultural and commercial businesses for their off-road vehicles.

 

Red Diesel Changes in 2022 Explained:

 

What’s changing and why?

From 1st April 2022, the UK government red diesel law change will further restrict the use of red diesel to a more select list of industries to reduce emissions. Red diesel accounts for 15% of all diesel used in the UK, and the government has stated that it is responsible for almost 14 million tonnes of CO2 a year.

 

Limiting the use of red diesel is part of the government’s target to reduce CO2 emissions to net zero by 2050. However, this commitment presents a lot of new challenges for fleet managers. The production and sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned in 2030, followed by plug-in hybrids in 2035, then HGVs in 2040.

 

After 1st April 2022, the following changes in legislation will come into effect:

– Only “excepted machines” will be able to use red diesel and rebated biodiesel.

– Changes will be made to make heating a chargeable use for biodiesel as well as other heating-based legislation.

– The legislation covering restrictions on the use of rebated fuels and penalties will be updated.

 

The government hopes that this measure will encourage businesses to switch from red and white Diesel fuels to greener fuels such as SuperHeat35, HVO, or natural gas fuels such as GTL or NGL.

 

Who can and can’t use Red Diesel from 1st April 2022?

 

Going forwards, only “excepted machines” will be able to use red diesel and rebated biodiesel. This means that, after the deadline, red diesel may only be used for:

 

– Off-road vehicles used in agriculture, horticulture, fish farming and forestry, including vehicles used for agriculture to cut verges and hedges, snow clearance and gritting roads.

– Propelling passenger, freight, or maintenance vehicles designed to run on rail tracks.

– Heating and electricity generation in non-commercial premises. This includes heating homes and buildings such as places of worship, hospitals and town halls; off-grid power generation; and non-propulsion uses on permanently-moored houseboats.

– Maintaining community amateur sports clubs and golf courses (including activities such as ground maintenance, the heating and lighting of clubhouses, changing rooms, etc.)

– Fuel for all marine craft refuelling and operating in the UK (including fishing and water freight industries), except for propelling private pleasure craft in Northern Ireland.

– Powering the machinery (including caravans) of travelling fairs and circuses.

 

The government’s list for who can use red diesel beyond the April deadline can be viewed online. If you are unsure of how this will affect your business, you can contact HMRC to enquire. Or you can speak to a member of our team for information on how our fuel card services can help you, call us now on 0800 158 35 82 or send us an enquiry.

 

How could red diesel tax changes affect your business?

 

For those who will lose their entitlement to use red diesel, it’s important to note that, after the deadline, there will be no grace period for you to finish your old stock. So, for those who have red diesel stock, it’s worth thinking about how you will use or dispose of this before April.

 

To avoid your white diesel being stained with the red diesel dye marker after the deadline, you will need to have your tanks and supply lines flushed to remove residue from prior red diesel use. This practice, along with keeping records of your fleet’s fuel purchases, will avoid any risk of your white diesel being mistaken for red diesel.

 

If you choose to switch to white diesel (as opposed to green alternatives), this will also mean an increase in your business’ fuel costs. This is because white diesel has a fuel duty rate of 57.95 pence per litre (ppl) while red diesel is entitled to a rebate of 46.81ppl, giving it an effective duty rate of 11.14ppl, meaning an increase in 48.81ppl for those who will be switching.

Annual usage per year

5,000 litres

10,000 litres

100,000 litres

500,000 litres

Cost increase per year

£2340.50

£4681.00

£46,810.00

£234,050.00

 

On white diesel, you will also pay standard rate VAT at 20%. If you would like a free in-depth analysis of your fuel spend to see where and how you could be saving money, call us today.

 

So, what you can do to make sure your business is ready?

 

To make sure your business is ready for the upcoming changes, there are a number of steps you can take.

 

1. Firstly, check which of your vehicles are currently using red diesel and establish whether they will be included in the “excepted machines” list. You can do this by checking online or contacting HMRC.

2. Keep copies of your fuel purchases for your red diesel vehicles whilst making the switch, and flush your tanks to get rid of the red diesel marker.

3. Calculate how the price increase from red to white diesel may affect your business’s fuel budget.

4. Consider the option of switching to greener fuels.

 

Contact us for a free and in-depth analysis of your fuel card spend to see if you could be saving money.

 

For those who will no longer be able to use red diesel, the upcoming changes may seem daunting, and the price increase will affect your fleet’s outgoings. To make sure you are getting the best deal, you can give us a call on 0800 158 3582 to discuss your fill-up points and cards and see if there are any alternative routes, stations, or offers that could help your business be prepared.

12 Winter Driving Safety Tips

Familiarising yourself with winter driving safety tips will help you protect yourself and others when the temperature drops. Driving in winter can present many challenges, including snowy and icy conditions, that you need to prepare for.

 

So, whether you’re a new or experienced driver, picking up some more winter driving advice is never a bad thing. As they say, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

 

12 Winter Driving Safety Tips

1. Check your car before any long journey

Make sure to do the basic checks before any long journey, it’s a good habit to get into throughout the year but especially during winter as the adverse conditions can have a greater impact on your vehicle. Some of the simple checks you can do to make sure your vehicle is winter ready include:

  • checking your oil levels
  • checking your coolant levels
  • looking for signs of wear and tear on wiper blades
  • managing your screen wash levels

Top Tip: Ensure that you have at least half a tank of petrol before you set off on any journey in wintery conditions.

 

2. Winter-ready tyres

Tyres with good grip are crucial when dealing with icy and rainy conditions. That’s why it is essential that you check your vehicle’s tyre pressure. Having the incorrect tyre pressure can cause a number of issues including reduced fuel efficiency; the rolling resistance of tyres increases when they are under-inflated resulting in more fuel being used to make them turn.

 

It is equally as important to check the tread of each tyre (including the spare). By law, the tread on your tyres should be at least 1.6mm, but a 3mm is recommended for winter.

 

3. Allow extra time for your journey

An important yet often overlooked winter driving tip is allowing extra time for your journey. If the roads are icy or it’s snowing, raining, hailing or foggy, you need to reduce your speed and increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. As a result, you can assume your journey time will be longer than normal. Leave earlier than you normally would so you’re not late or tempted to put your foot down.

 

The Highway Code states that you should allow at least a four-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you on wet roads and an even greater gap on icy roads.

Advice for driving in snow.

4. Leave time to de-ice your vehicle before you start your trip

Driving with snow or ice on your vehicle under reduced visibility can potentially be a criminal offence, so allow yourself enough time each morning to de-ice your car properly. Use a scraper and de-icer solution to do this.

 

5. Look after your engine

Breaking down when it’s wintery outside is arguably the worst time of the year for your vehicle to fail. You can tackle engine wear and tear by using premium fuels (such as BP Ultimate or Shell V Power Premium Oils) which help to keep your engine clean and working more efficiently, thus reducing the risk of unplanned maintenance or breakdowns.

 

6. Keep an eye on the weather forecast

Winter weather is often unpredictable so it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and plan your journey in advance, making sure to have an alternative route ready just in case. Most importantly, be prepared to cancel your trip if the weather conditions are too severe – it’s not worth the risk.

Road covered in snow.

7. Use major roads when possible

An important winter driving safety tip is to use major roads wherever possible as they’re more likely to be cleared of snow and gritted.

 

8. Use a good-quality screenwash

You need to make sure your screenwash is suitable for freezing conditions! It’s recommended to use a good-quality screenwash that can withstand temperatures of at least -35 degrees Celsius. If you don’t, your windscreen wipers may not function properly which can be dangerous in extreme weather conditions.

 

9. Pack your sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses in the middle of winter may feel counterintuitive, but your sunglasses can help you to stay safe when driving in winter. If there’s snow on the ground and it’s sunny, the sun’s light will bounce off of the bright, white snow which can impact your vision. Similarly, with the sun low in the winter sky, you may find it difficult to see properly on your journey without adequate eye protection.

 

10. Prepare for the worst

Another winter weather driving tip that is often overlooked is preparing for the worst. Nobody likes to think about the possibility of breaking down in harsh weather, but if it does happen to you, you’ll be thankful for thinking ahead. We recommend having the following equipment in your vehicle:

  • high-vis vest or jacket for visibility on the road
  • blanket, hot water bottle and layers for warmth
  • waterproof boots
  • food and drink
  • portable phone charger (with a full battery!)
  • jump leads if you need to jumpstart your battery
  • warning triangle
  • contact details for a breakdown company
  • ice scraper and de-icer
  • torch and spare batteries for visibility in the dark
  • first aid kit
  • shovel

This is not an exhaustive list, and you should consider every eventuality before embarking on a journey in wintery conditions. You should always follow local travel guidance.

11. Know which headlights to use

Understanding your headlights and when to use them is an essential winter driving safety tip. Foggy conditions are typical of winter weather and if the fog is severely impairing your visibility, you should switch on your fog lights. You MUST switch off your fog lights once visibility improves otherwise you risk dazzling other drivers and obscuring your brake lights. 

 

With late sunrises and early sunsets, you should also know about using headlights in the dark more generally. You may come across stretches of road that are unlit or very poorly lit. In these instances, you should switch on your full beam headlights. However, if another vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian coming towards you, you must turn your full beam off to prevent dazzling them.

 

12. Clean your windscreen thoroughly

Maintaining a clean windscreen is another crucial piece of winter driving advice. A dirty windscreen can reduce visibility which is particularly dangerous in adverse weather. You should use a good quality screenwash that functions well in cold weather.

You must also check your windscreen wipers to see if they need replacing. If your wipers aren’t cleaning streaks of water from the windscreen or are leaving rubber marks on the glass, they probably need replacing. Likewise, if the rubber is coming loose or tearing, you need to switch them out.

 

Top Tip: Lift up your windscreen wipers at the end of the day to prevent them from freezing onto the glass.

 

Now that you’ve covered the outside of your windscreen, you need to focus on the inside. The inside of your windscreen can build up a layer of grease and grime which will impact your visibility. A dirty windscreen can also increase dazzling effects, so you should clean it with high-quality glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth.

Winter Driving Safety Tips for Employees

As a fleet manager, you have a duty of care for your drivers and you need to prioritise fleet safety. As part of your health and safety policy, you should provide winter driving safety tips for your employees to learn and relearn every year.

Make sure your drivers understand:

  • how to operate the vehicle in wintery conditions, particularly snow and ice
  • what they should do in the event of a breakdown or emergency
  • what vehicle checks they need to carry out before each journey
  • what equipment they should keep in their vehicle at all times during winter
  • how to find the closest fuel garage to keep their vehicle regularly topped up
  • what they should do if local guidance advises against travel
  • how their compliance with winter driving safety policies is monitored
  • what the repercussions are for failing to comply
De-icing the windscreen of a car. This is an important winter driving safety tip for employees.

We hope you’ve found these winter driving safety tips helpful, whether you’re a driver or a manager. Please explore the rest of our blog posts for more driving and fleet management advice.

7 Fleet Safety Tips

Fleet safety should be a top priority for any fleet manager. A proper program protects your drivers, improves efficiency, and creates safer roads. Improve and hone your fleet safety strategy with our 7 fleet safety tips.

What is Fleet Safety?

A large part of fleet management is fleet safety. Effective safety administration requires enforcing protocols and policies that increase the security of your fleet, as well as protecting the wellbeing of your drivers and others on the road. The range of protocols is vast, but will generally involve well-laid-out fleet policies, training for drivers, and systems to monitor vehicle health.


Putting a comprehensive safety program in place is the most efficient and cost-effective way to ensure the high standard of safeguarding required from fleet managers is met.

Why is Fleet Safety Important?

Fleet safety is an important practice when it comes to reducing accidents and keeping those on the road safe. According to recent government statistics, between June 2021 and June 2022, there were a staggering 137,013 casualties of all severities and 1,760 fatalities related to road collisions in the UK. Even the best and most experienced drivers can make mistakes, and vehicle faults can be unpredictable and potentially cause accidents. The unpredictable nature of driving on the roads makes fleet safety a highly challenging task but also highlights how important these procedures are.

How Can Fleet Safety Be Improved?

Fortunately, there are easy-to-accomplish ways that you can protect your fleet and business.

These safety-improving measures range from maintenance for your fleet and fuel consumption monitoring.

1. Formalise and share a detailed safety policy

As a fleet manager, you have a duty of care for your drivers, so take the time to formalise a detailed safety policy. Clearly explain every aspect of fleet safety that your drivers need to understand, including the limit on driving hours and collision policies. Ensure all drivers have read and signed this safety policy before they head back out onto the road.

2. Implement a fleet safety course

The next of our tips is to implement a safety course. Initially, this may incur added time and costs, but it will save you massively in the long term. You can even ask existing drivers to retake the safety course as a refresher.

A man is stood presenting to a group of workers with a smile on his face, pointing to a woman with her hand up to answer a question.

3. Monitor fuel consumption

Data regarding your fleet’s fuel consumption is a safety assessment asset that is often overlooked by fleet managers. It’s been well-documented that aggressive driving – where drivers accelerate quickly and brake harshly – is an easy way to waste fuel! It’s also a dangerous driving style that safe drivers shouldn’t be practising.

 

Equipping your drivers with fuel cards allows you to track your fleet’s fuel usage quickly and easily and identify if fuel is being wasted. If you find it is, this may be due to aggressive driving, and speaking to your team about avoiding this driving style may resolve this.

 

Using a telematics system alongside fuel cards to identify these behaviours and track fleet safety is even more effective. Integrating the two can provide ‘actual’ MPGs based on driving style, type of fuel, and mileage.

4. Stay on top of fleet maintenance

Fleet managers need to stay on top of fleet maintenance if they want to keep their drivers as safe as possible. Don’t skimp on regular maintenance checks and work just to cut some costs in the short term. It’s irresponsible and will probably catch up to you down the line due to more dangerous and less fuel-efficient vehicles. Prioritising fleet safety and maintenance also shows your drivers that you take their wellbeing seriously.

 

A digital walk-around vehicle check is an effective way to stay organised with fleet maintenance. Traditional walk-around checks use a lot of paperwork and are therefore at risk of being filled out hastily, misplaced, or completely forgotten. With telematics, these walk-around vehicle checks can be logged digitally and neatly. Not only is this a more effective method, but these digital checks are always time-stamped and instantly accessible.

5. Reward safe drivers

Introducing a rewards scheme for safe drivers is one of the most cost-effective fleet safety tips. Recognise drivers who drive safely in a way that suits your team, for example with bonuses, extra holidays, or gift cards. Be sure to lay out the details of this scheme to new drivers, so they are incentivised from the start. You could even promote healthy competition via a leaderboard highlighting the best driver behaviour.

A man and woman stand smiling and shaking hands in an office as their colleagues applaud.

6. Keep your drivers up to date

Another important solution is keeping drivers in the loop. Provide regular safety updates to your team; this will show how much you value their safety and keeps protocol at the top of their mind. For example, you could provide monthly fleet safety reports with relevant, up-to-date information. Perhaps feature the safest driver of the month and highlight dates for the next vehicle inspection.

7. Reinforce the message

The most important piece of advice is for you to reinforce the message. Through regular contact with your drivers, outlining the measures you’re taking as a manager; you’re emphasising how seriously you take fleet safety. Remember to highlight the benefits of keeping safe as well as the reprimands for not.

Fleet Safety Advice

Overall, managing fleet safety is one of the most important responsibilities for a fleet manager. Our tips and advice are here to help you evaluate and develop your company’s protocols.

 

For more information and insights, read our posts on mitigating fleet risk, winter driving safety tips, or our comprehensive guide to fleet management.


For advice regarding your fuel consumption or how to implement telematics effectively, get in touch with our team today.

A Brief Guide to AdBlue Filling Stations

There are a few different ways you can top up your AdBlue. Most big-branded service stations have AdBlue filling stations and they also sell portable containers of AdBlue. You can also find AdBlue containers at the majority of appropriate retailers and online platforms.


Before we discuss AdBlue filling stations, and the benefits they can bring for fuel card holders, let’s take a look at some key points regarding AdBlue and what it’s used for.

 

What is AdBlue?

 

AdBlue is a non-toxic liquid solution made of a mixture of urea and deionised water. It is automatically injected into your vehicle’s exhaust to help reduce harmful emissions in diesel vehicles.

 

What is AdBlue made of?

 

The AdBlue solution is made up of 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionised water. The urea in AdBlue is made by heating up synthetic ammonia and carbon dioxide. The urea is then added to the de-ionised water to create AdBlue.

 

How does AdBlue work?

 

When the AdBlue solution is sprayed into the exhaust, it reacts to the gas (nitrogen oxide) produced during the combustion process. This helps to reduce harmful emissions by turning it into steam and nitrogen.

 

How do I fill up my AdBlue?

 

There are several ways you can top up your AdBlue tank. Firstly, most big-branded service stations have AdBlue filling stations, particularly in HGV lanes.

 

Alternatively garages and other retailers, both in store and online, also sell portable containers of AdBlue. A high mileage driver will often carry one of these containers with them should the warning light come on.

 

Another alternative is taking your vehicle into your local dealership which is recommended by some manufacturers. The dealership will fill up your AdBlue for a fairly low, fixed price.

ad blue filling cap

Where can I find AdBlue filling stations?

 

As an alternative to filling AdBlue up yourself or at a dealership, most major networks of fuelling stations should have AdBlue filling stations available. The majority of these networks should also have AdBlue filling stations in HGV-friendly lanes on most of their sites, particularly on bunker sites and those on motorways.


These fuelling brands include the likes of:

• BP
• Esso
• Texaco
• Shell

 

The list of sites using AdBlue filling stations was originally chosen based on popularity and convenience, with fuelling stations on key routes and motorways taking priority. More sites have been gradually added to each network since then.

 

Benefits of AdBlue Pumps at Filling Stations

 

AdBlue filling stations are beneficial for vehicles and fleets, as it means drivers can refuel and fill up their AdBlue at the same time. 

 

From a business perspective, this is a lot more efficient and will remove the need for drivers to return back to base to fill up their AdBlue. Instead, they can fill up on the move whilst they take their usual routes.

 

Can I buy AdBlue with my fuel card?

 

Fuel card customers can purchase AdBlue with their fuel card, along with their fuel, at the networks their card is linked to. For example, any companies who have any BP fuel cards will be able to use these cards for both fuel and AdBlue at any BP site that falls within their cards BP network.


If your company or fleet uses AdBlue, and you would like the process of filling this up to be more efficient and to save money on fuel, then check out our compare fuel cards tool and see which fuel card would work best for your fleet.


Or, if you would like to know more about fuel cards, their benefits and how they work, then check out our complete guide to fuel cards.

 

What are your worst driving habits?

Whether it’s singing at the top of your voice or not indicating until the last minute, we all have bad habits that will annoy and frustrate car passengers or fellow road users. What are yours?

 

We have spoken to some of the Fuelmate team and asked what most annoys them about their partners, family or friends driving skills. These are the top 10 answers we received.

 

1/ Last minute lane changes

2/ Accelerating to beat the red light

3/ Hogging the middle lane

4/ Tailgating

5/ Road rage and excessive horn blowing

6/ Undertaking

7/ Failing to merge lanes until the last minute

8/ Leaving empty food containers for weeks on end

9/ Riding the clutch

10/ Testing how far they can drive on an empty tank

 

If you’d attempted many of these during your driving test you would in fact have failed, so how soon after passing do these habits start to creep into our daily car journeys? We all think we’re perfect drivers, but it’s not until a passenger points out our faults that we realise we’ve taken on the bad habits that infuriate us about other drivers.

 

The majority of driver could be guilty of at least one of these due to laziness, busy lives or simply to combat the bad habits of other drivers. It’s up to you to start setting the example to try to eliminate these from your daily commute and hopefully, others will follow suit.

Fuelmate Driver Analysis

Business drivers use just a handful of fillings stations to refuel and plan their journeys around them, research we have recently conducted has revealed.

 

We analysed the data and behaviour of more than 15,000 business drivers with a requirement for national coverage and found that over 70 percent of them – more than 10,000 – used just 30 filling stations to refuel, out of a total of 8,450 in the UK.

 

The research flies in the face of conventional thinking which says that national fleet operators need to provide drivers with fuel cards that can be used at practically every forecourt across the country.

 

In fact, the research reveals that business drivers working across the whole of the UK choose from just a handful of filling stations and stick to those regardless of where they are going.

 

Fuelmate manager, Andy Smith, said the data meant that companies operating national fleets could be paying out thousands of pounds in extra fuel costs and admin fees each year, simply for using cards that were accepted at a wide range of forecourts.

 

“There is a misconception in the marketplace that companies running national fleets need to provide fuel cards that are accepted at just about any forecourt in the UK to each of their drivers,” Mr Smith said.

 

“But our figures highlight that this simply isn’t the case. The fact is, drivers routinely choose from just a small number of filling stations each time they fill up, regardless of where they are going. By analysing driver behaviour more closely, companies can make significant savings.”

 

According to our calculations, a national company operating a medium-sized van fleet, and using around 18,000 litres of fuel each month, could save nearly £2,000 per year in fuel costs and £8,500 per year on administration costs, by selecting a fuel card more suited to its driver’s habits.

 

A larger national company, operating a mixed fleet and using around 36,000 litres of fuel each month, could save a total of almost £24,000 per year by employing fuel cards that were accepted in fewer places, but didn’t disrupt their drivers’ progress.

 

Mr Smith said: “The fact of the matter is that if you use a fuel card that is accepted at practically every forecourt in the UK you will pay through the nose for it. You will pay forecourt prices or even a bit higher, and you will pay relatively high administration charges.

 

“By analysing the data from more than 15,000 drivers, we have found that it isn’t at all necessary to use such cards, even if you have drivers covering the length and breadth of the country. The fact is they choose the most convenient filling stations for themselves and stick with those. By intelligent analysis of your drivers’ habits, you can save tens of thousands of pounds each year on your fuel costs.”

 

Mr Smith added that some fleet managers are put off by the prospect of changing supplier, believing the process to be onerous and disruptive to the business.

 

“This is a commonly held belief,” Mr Smith said.

 

“But it is not the case. Our Fleetmate card, for example, is based on specific commercial outlets mixed with branded forecourts. It is a very simple operation for us to analyse a company’s movements and put together a bespoke solution that brings with it huge savings, without any disruption to the general operations of that business.”

 

On the 19th & 20th of October we will be exhibiting at the ‘Fleet Management Live’ exhibition at the NEC, if what you’ve read here has raised some questions about your current fuel card solution of if you’d like to find out more, please pop by our stand (C46) and one of our team will be more than happy to talk to you.

Fleet motoring fines and penalties rose 17% in 2015

If you’re a business owner who operates a fleet of vehicles, this might be of interest.

 

Fleet World magazine have reported that the bill for company car drivers’ motoring fines and penalties rose 17% in 2015 to £11.1m, with significant rises for parking and bus lane infringements.

 

A big factor causing this rise in charges is the introduction of the Dart charge for the Dartford crossing at the end of 2014. The charge has accounted for more than 17% of the total offences during 2015, with almost 35,000 drivers being caught out by the new payment system. This was due to a lack of driver awareness about the newly introduced legislation and has cost businesses a total of £474,497 in its first year.

 

In total, company drivers committed 53,231 more offences in 2015 than in 2014, with fines for parking (£4.4m) and bus lane infringements (£1.1m) in 2015, up 39% and 58% respectively since 2012.

 

Guy Mason, head of fleet operations at Lex Auto-lease, said: “The enormous jump in year-on-year increases for both the number of offences committed and the value of fines incurred should be of real concern. “

 

“Our data suggests a clampdown on motoring offences that might have been considered minor in the past, with increased investment in bus lane cameras and traffic wardens by local authorities meaning company car drivers should no longer feel they can simply ‘get away with’ so-called minor misdemeanours.

 

“Though more than three quarters of the offences committed are classed as ‘minor’ traffic infringements, the financial impact of such offences is far from minimal and it is clear that businesses need to do much more to change the driving habits of employees. The economic impact of investing in driver training should be incentive enough for businesses to meet this challenge head on.”

 

Figures taken from www.fleetworld.co.uk

Motorway service stations in England to display fuel prices in Highways trial

The Highways agency in England is going to run a trial with new electronic signs which will display fuel prices to motorists in a bid to reduce their fuel costs.

 

The initial trial will take place on a section of the M5, between Bristol and Exeter. There will be five motorway service stations taking part in the trial.

 

Based on the results of the trial, the Highways agency will then consider whether or not to roll the scheme out nationally.

 

In a world where consumers are better informed than ever before, it is likely to be a move welcomed by motorists. The visibility of the fuel prices on the motorway is likely to help drivers make more educated decisions where to fill up and thus boost competition on motorway fuel prices.

 

Roads Minister Andrew Jones said: “The Government is on the side of the honest motorist who have raised concerns for too long about petrol prices at motorway service stations. This trial will allow drivers to be much better informed about the cost of fuel and make it easier to plan their breaks around the cheapest deals.”

 

Chief Highways Engineer at Highways England, Mike Wilson added: “Providing fuel price information is an important part of a bigger picture – we want road users to be more informed and in better control of their journeys. This means they’ll be better prepared, more inclined to plan breaks and have a positive driving experience.”

 

The trial will run until the end of 2017 and will be continually assessed by the highways agency for its effect on fuel prices and of course road safety. Learn more about saving money with fuel cards on our blog.

Skip to content