So often, the focus for fleet managers is on reducing costs and running their fleet efficiently. But by ensuring fleets are running smoothly and efficiently, fleet managers can minimise the impact of fleet operations on the environment and contribute to the environmental plans and policies of the organisation.
Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan
There has been a lot of news centred around poor air quality and the impact on our health, and how it improved during the pandemic, when the number of vehicles on the road was reduced.
Currently, Greater Manchester Local Authorities are waiting for a government response to their case for a new Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan (GM CAP), which aims to comply with NO2 limits. You can read more about the proposal in this press release from last June.
The new plan will affect all business vehicles to some extent. The good news is that if you are running a fleet, no matter how large or small, there are steps you can take now to become more environmentally focused, reducing emissions, saving fuel and minimising the impact of your fleet vehicles on the environment.
Telematics software systems
Environmentally focused fleet managers have found many benefits to installing fleet telematics in their vehicles. Fleet telematics can comprise GPS tracking sensors, vehicle engine data systems and cameras. These systems relay real-time information to fleet managers which they use to lower fuel costs, prevent unnecessary journeys and reduce emissions. They can also be used to monitor drivers for bad driving habits that can have an impact on fuel consumption, emissions and wear and tear on their vehicle.
The environmental benefits of fleet telematics
Fleet managers can use data relayed from fleet telematics to reduce the overall environmental impact of fleet vehicles by:
Saving fuel
By monitoring driver behaviour, data supplied can be used for driver training to prevent bad habits that increase fuel usage and wear and tear on the vehicle. These include engine idling, overrevving, heavy or late braking, speeding, tailgating, unnecessary or overusing air conditioning, driving in the wrong gear.
Reducing emissions
As well as good driving habits, data can inform efficient route planning, so that vehicles can operate at optimum performance by avoiding engine idling or hold-ups such as congestion, accident blackspots and delays. Routes can also be planned to avoid areas where air quality may be adversely impacted, such as hospitals, schools etc.
Improving vehicle efficiency
One of the key areas where environmentally focused fleet managers can make improvements is to make sure that vehicle maintenance is effective, timely and planned to avoid downtime. Avoiding unnecessary and unplanned time in the workshop by scheduling regular maintenance and services ensures that parts are replaced when needed, thus preventing additional emissions produced by worn out parts. Drivers can be reminded to check the basics such as oil levels and tyre pressures, which can directly impact both fuel efficiency and emission levels.
Why choose Motorsave for fleet aftercare?
Services, MOTs and ongoing timely maintenance contribute greatly to the efficiency of fleet vehicles, not just to improve the bottom line but to reduce the impact of each and every vehicle on the environment. At Motorsave, we focus on vehicle aftercare and ensure minimum downtime for our fleet management clients. Based in Swinton, Greater Manchester, we specialise in the maintenance of Ford and Fiat vehicles, using manufacturer approved parts to ensure optimum performance and efficiency of fleet vehicles.
The key to looking after the environment as well as making cost savings for your organisation is to make sure your fleet vehicles are reliable, efficient and off the road for the shortest possible time. With 20 ramps in place, we can manage fleet servicing maintenance, MOTs and repairs, ensuring planned vehicle downtime is kept to minimum. Call 0161 794 9994 or email sam.s@mslg.co.uk today to find out how we can help you to optimise fleet performance.
