Fleet operators demand transport input

Posted : 08-06-2005

The Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) has urged the government to ensure fleet drivers are heavily consulted over the road pricing proposals.

Transport secretary Alistair Darling has this week called for a national debate on road pricing, proposing that fuel tax and other Vehicle Excise Duty are overhauled, with drivers instead being charged for the distances they travel and the roads they use.

Stewart Whyte, director of the ACFO, raised concerns over the cost of implementing the advanced system to monitor the scheme and stated: "The fleet and business communities buy the majority of new cars and vans in the UK and typically drive higher mileages than private motorists.

"Therefore, the businesses which we represent must play a huge role in the discussion going forward."

Mr Whyte added that there "are bound to be winners and losers in any new system", urging the government to take into account the interests of fleet drivers when drawing up the proposals.

Road pricing proposals are still in their early stages, with the government seeking a widespread debate on the issue, and such a scheme may take 15 years to implement.

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