The rising cost-of-living crisis means that grey fleet safety issues will become a more serious consideration for businesses moving forward…
Grey Fleet Risks
The rising cost-of-living could present serious safety issues amongst grey fleet vehicles, as drivers neglect servicing and maintenance in order to save money. Indeed, research conducted by Startline Motor Finance suggests that a fifth of Brits may be forced to avoid trips to garages.
In a survey, 77% of motorists said that the energy price cap increase in October would mean that they can’t afford their car’s running costs. More specifically, 18% said that they’d be forced to put off replacing old and worn tyres. A further 22% stated that they’d be forced to delay their vehicle’s service.
Drivers will also be looking to making other changes in order to save money. For instance, 47% will be shopping around for cheaper sources of fuel and 42% will be using their vehicles less. A further 34% plan on getting a more economical vehicle and 12% will be looking for a cheaper place to book a service.
‘Huge Pressure’
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, commented on the research. He said, “the research shows the huge pressure that the fuel cap increase would bring to bear on personal finances, and how it is likely to affect whether people can afford to simply keep their cars safe. Routine maintenance and replacing worn tyres are basics when it comes to making sure your car is fit to use on a day-to-day basis – for you and other road users”.
The lack of servicing and maintenance amongst grey fleet drivers poses serious duty of care considerations for fleets; as employers are liable for vehicles that they don’t own, when they’re used for business purposes by their employees. Decision-makers will need to closely monitor the state of grey fleet vehicles, and ensure that they’re suitable for work-related purposes.
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