EUROPCAR UK has created a useful new Grey Fleet Calculator to give public and private sector employers an easy way to tackle the financial and employee risk burdens of staff using their own cars for business journeys.
Research published in 2016 by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), in partnership with the BVRLA, identified that grey fleet usage is one of the most pressing issues for both public and private sector organisations.
The study revealed that use of grey fleet vehicles – that is employees using their own cars – in the public sector alone accounts for 1.5 billion miles, at a cost of over £750 million per year. The cost could be considerably more when taking into account private sector businesses.
Aimed to help tackle the expense of employees using their own vehicles for business journeys, the Europcar Grey Fleet Calculator is free to use and can be accessed online.
By entering details of the grey fleet driver’s car and planned journey, the calculator assesses the true cost, enabling employers to identify whether it is more economical for an employee to use their own vehicle or utilise a hire car for a specific business trip.
Europcar UK Group MD Gary Smith explained: “Grey fleet vehicles tend to be older and less reliable which can lead to breakdowns, as well as the heightened risk of accidents.
“The consequences for employers are, therefore, considerable. Breakdowns can have a serious impact on productivity, with employees unable to reach vital appointments as well as putting pressure on already stretched budgets with the cost of additional transport to get them to their next meeting.
“Employee wellbeing is also obviously fundamental. But, with employers’ resources already under considerable strain, the need to ensure every grey fleet car is fit for purpose, with a valid MOT, tax and insurance, is a burden they can do without.
“Our goal with the introduction of our Grey Fleet Calculator is to give employers an easy way to identify the best mobility solution for each business journey.
“They can then tap into our extensive fleet of vehicles, available from a comprehensive network of locations across the UK, when it’s clear that an employee’s own vehicle is not the best option for the journey. The reduction in risk to an employee’s safety, together with the cost savings, can make a real impact.”
