Fleet News Archives

Changes to the highway code in 2022

Posted on 11th February 2022 | by Simon Pavey

The start of 2022 saw some changes to the highway code that aim to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.

These changes, which came into place on the 29^th January 2022, bring some fairly major changes to the hierarchy of road users, and should therefore be understood by all drivers.

For fleet managers, it is vital that you ensure your drivers are in the know regarding these new rules. Failure to understand these changes could result in dangerous complications whilst out on the road.

After all, the updated code states that drivers of larger vehicles must now recognise the danger the pose to smaller vehicles, and other vulnerable users of the road.

What are some notable changes to The Highway Code?

New hierarchy of road users

The hierarchy of road users is a list of road users that is ranked in relation to their priority on the road. Whilst in the past, drivers of cars, vans and HGVs may have thought themselves to have priority over pedestrians or cyclists, this is certainly no longer the case.

The new hierarchy of road users is as follows:

Pedestrians
Cyclists
Horse Riders
Motorcyclists
Cars / Taxis
Vans / Minibuses
Buses / HGVs

As stated earlier, this new hierarchy forces drivers of larger vehicles such as a HGV to acknowledge the threat they pose to all road users higher up in the rankings.

Pedestrians crossing at junctions

This rule states that when people are waiting to cross (or already crossing) at a junction, then other traffic should give way and allow them to cross. If wanting to turn into the road on which pedestrians are crossing, drivers must wait until they have crossed.

Of course, all traffic must give way to pedestrians who are walking on a zebra or parallel crossing.

Positioning when cycling on the road

For cyclists, there is new guidance regarding where they should position themselves. Drivers should be aware of this guidance, so there is no confusion when sharing the road with cyclists.

On quiet roads, in slow traffic and approaching junctions, cyclists are expected to ride in the centre of the road.

On busier roads, where traffic is likely to overtake them, cyclists are still advised to maintain a distance of at least 0.5m from the kerb edge.

When in groups, cyclists are asked to be considerate of the needs of other road users. This means, for example, not riding side by side on a busy road and making overtaking difficult.

Cyclists can ride 2 abreast however, if they are in large groups or accompanying children or inexperienced riders. However, when there are drivers needing to overtake, cyclists are asked to be aware of this and make it easy for the traffic to pass them by moving into single file or coming to a stop when it is safe to do so.

Overtaking when driving or cycling

When overtaking a cyclist at up to 30mph, drivers must give them at least 1.5 metres of space. They should give more space when passing at higher speeds.

When overtaking horses or horse drawn vehicles, drivers should do so at under 10mph and give at least 2 metres of space.

When passing pedestrians walking on the road (when there is no pavement), drivers should allow for at least 2 metres and maintain a low speed.

The updated Highway Code says that drivers must wait behind these vulnerable road users and not overtake until it is safe and possible to meet these clearances.

Sharing roundabouts with cyclists

The updated code states that drivers must not attempt to overtake a cyclist within their lane on a roundabout. Drivers should take care to allow cyclists to transition between lanes.

Using an electric vehicle charging point

A first for The Highway Code – advice has been included about using a charge point. This addition to the rules comes as electric vehicles become a more popular choice each year. The code recommends parking close to the charge point and not creating a trip hazard with the charging cable.

If you feel it necessary to display a warning sign, you should do so.

When charging is complete, return the cables neatly so that they are safe to use for the next person, and that they do not create an obstacle for other road users.

Will these changes improve road safety?

It’s important to note that legislation isn’t changing. What has changed is the clarification, ensuring that drivers are more cautious of vulnerable road users.

The change in wording means that, if a driver were to cut off a cyclist in a dangerous fashion, law enforcement is more likely to be able to prosecute that driver, as they should have been aware of the rules stated in the highway code that define this type of driving as unsafe.

Andy Cox of the Lincolnshire Police says that these new rules are “game changing”. With many drivers and cyclists equipped with dash cams, rule breakers can be caught even when the police aren’t present. Two-thirds of video submissions to the police are being enforced in London, meaning that it is vital that drivers understand the updated code as to not unknowingly make law breaking decisions on the road.

With this in mind, it is hoped that these updated rules will do a lot to reduce injuries on the roads, especially for more vulnerable users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

Lack of awareness could be a big problem for The Highway Code

Whilst these rule changes certainly have the potential to make UK roads a much safer place, drivers not being aware of these new rules is a big obstacle.

According to research by Slater and Gordon, 23% of surveyed drivers admit to not looking at The Highway Code at any point in the last decade, suggesting many drivers might pass their test and then never remind themselves of the rules of the road!

Additionally, 44% of surveyed drivers said they would turn into a junction if they saw pedestrians waiting to cross as they believe the right of way is theirs – and these 44% were aware that the rules were changing.

It seems that many drivers will have developed habits that will be hard to break, even if they are aware of the new rules.

It remains to be seen whether these new rules improve road safety, or lead to further confusion regarding who has priority.

Are your drivers being safe on the roads?

The best way to ensure your drivers are adhering to the rules of the road is to encourage them to read up on the new rules, and the rules that they may have forgotten since passing their tests.

To further ensure your drivers are being safe on the roads, you could install telematics technology into your vehicles.

Tele-Gence Telematics from Fuel Card Services can provide you with reports around your driver’s behaviour. Are they braking aggressively? Have they been speeding? Are they turning too sharply? These are all questions that Tele-Gence can answer. You can flag the worst offenders in your fleet and remind them of the importance of being safe on the road. This is especially true for fleets of larger vehicles, who pose a greater threat to vulnerable road users.

Get in touch with Fuel Card Services today, and we’ll start you down the road to becoming the safest fleet in the UK!

How to stay safe when towing vehicles or trailers

Posted on 4th February 2022 | by Simon Pavey

Your business may have a need for towing vehicles or trailers full of precious cargo. There are however some rules and regulations that must be adhered to.

Do you need a license to tow a trailer or vehicle?

The rules regarding who is allowed to tow can differ depending on when the driver passed their driving test. In addition to this, the rules changed towards the end of 2021, meaning there are some additional considerations involved.

The differing rules relate to the “maximum authorised mass” or MAM. This refers to the maximum weight of the vehicle and trailer combination once it is loaded. Therefore, knowing the weight of the contents of your trailer is vital so that you aren’t exceeding any legal limits.

Towing rules for licenses issued before 1997

If you passed your driving test before 1st January 1997, you have the most flexibility regarding what you are legally allowed to tow.

Your vehicle and trailer combination must weigh 8,250kg or less.

Towing rules for licenses issued after 1997

Following the changes to the rules, drivers who passed their tests after 1997 will no longer have strict weight limits imposed on them.

If you fall into this category, you’ll be permitted to tow a trailer that weighs up to 3,500kg MAM. Remember to check the government website for more information.

Despite these changes and additional freedoms permitted, drivers must still take care to ensure they are sticking to the weight limit. Towing a trailer that is heavier than you are permitted to do so could get you a £1,000 fine, and you could have your license taken away!

Staying safe whilst towing

Take extra care when overtaking

It’s important to remember that when towing a trailer, your vehicle is much longer. This affects how long it will take you to overtake cyclists or pedestrians, so be sure to give them plenty of space when doing so.

The extra weight that you are carrying will increase the time it takes your vehicle to accelerate and means your brakes will have to work harder to come to a full stop. Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles, and make sure you have enough time to overtake if it is necessary.

Ensure you have the correct equipment

When towing a trailer or caravan, you should use the safety equipment listed below.

“Type approved” towing bars. Type approval is governed by the Vehicle Certification Agency, and ensures that equipment such as tow bars are made to a certain standard. If your vehicle was registered before 1998, you do not need a type approved towing bar.
Towing stabiliser. These can be fitted to your tow bar. When you tow a trailer, for example, there is always the risk that you could lose control, especially at high speeds. A stabiliser gives you that extra security, especially in dangerous weather conditions such as high winds.
Towing mirrors. When you are towing a vehicle, this can negatively impact your view of the road behind you. This is especially true if your trailer if wider than your vehicle. Suitable towing mirrors are widely available, and give you increased visibility. Failure to use towing mirrors could result in a fine and points on your license, as driving with compromised vision puts other drivers in danger.
Trailer brakes. This is only necessary for trailers that weigh over 750kg, although some lighter trailers are fitted with braking systems by default. Trailer brakes can either be mechanical or require an electrical connection to the towing vehicle.

Carrying out safety checks

Much like a HGV, it could be dangerous to start towing without carrying out rigorous safety checks first.

Of course, the first thing to check is that all components are securely connected. You must check that the breakaway cable is securely attached as well – this will activate the trailer’s brakes if it becomes detached from the towing vehicle.

Your tires must not have any cuts or bulges – this is true regardless of whether you are towing or not. The tires on your towing vehicle may also need extra inflating. Consult the manufacturer’s specification – it should tell you what condition your tires must be in for the weight that you are pulling.

It is also essential that all lights are working as they should. Trailers mean that other drivers can’t see your brake lights, so the trailer should have some fitted.

Finally, you must take care not to overload the trailer. What constitutes as overloaded depends on the type of trailer and vehicle combination you are using, whether it has a braking system, and what your license permits you to tow.

Towing can hurt your fuel economy

It’s no surprise, but carrying all that extra weight means your vehicle has to work a lot harder. This means that more fuel will be burned on a journey than if you weren’t towing.

What can be done to negate this extra fuel consumption?

For businesses, a fuel card could be the answer. You can’t stop the added weight from a trailer from burning through fuel, but you can make each litre of fuel up to 10p cheaper! If you’re a business owner or fleet manager who loves to cut costs, this is the way to go.

On top of the fuel savings, a fuel card also means you get a single HMRC approved invoice to save you a great deal of time on admin, meaning you can focus on the more important aspects of fleet management.
Get in touch with Fuel Card Services today, and see how you could benefit from one of our branded fuel cards!

UK Fuel Guide for SMEs

Posted on 28th January 2022 | by Simon Pavey

UK Fuel plays a major role in the economy. It’s a core component of the transport sector, which saw 176 billion tonne-kilometres of domestic freight transported in 2020. A whopping 77% of that freight was moved by road, and is the product of operations conducted by businesses of all shapes and sizes – from large multinational corporations to SMEs that are just starting out on their journeys with commercial freight.

All of these freight businesses, and even transport businesses such as taxi ranks, share at least one trait in common, which is a dependency on fuel. Consequently, it’s important to understand:

What is fuel?
What type of fuel your business should be investing in.
How you can save money on fuel costs.
What infrastructure is needed to source fuel consistently.

This is what we’ll cover in this guide, as we dive into all things fuel.

What is fuel?

Firstly, then, what do we mean by ‘fuel?’ Well, fuel is quite simply a material burned by a vehicle engine for power. Better quality, cleaner fuels such as bio fuel may enable cars to run a little more efficiently, travelling that bit further than cheaper fuel counterparts, but these typically come with a higher price tag attached.

So, navigating the fuel landscape and determining which types of fuel to purchase could have a massive impact on your business’s bottom line. For example, would it be smarter to invest in diesel-powered company cars than petrol alternatives? Or is electric the way forward?

To help make a decision, let’s break down the different types of fuel.

Types of fuel

The main types of fuel utilised by UK fleets are:

Unleaded petrol

Unleaded petrol is the most common type of fuel you’ll find powering vehicles in the UK, and in the wider western hemisphere. It’s most commonly available in three main variants:

Unleaded petrol – the standard petroleum variant available at virtually all petrol stations. Including E5, E10 options.
Super unleaded petrol – a higher octane version of petrol that’s typically slightly more expensive but equally more efficient.
Liquified petroleum gas (LPG) – made from propane and butane, LPG is available at the majority of petrol stations in the UK. It’s more environmentally friendly, quieter, and cheaper than petrol, and despite being slightly less fuel efficient per gallon, it could yield substantial cost savings. However, a converter is needed for regular cars to be able to run on LPG.

Modern petrol variants are a drastic improvement upon the older lead-based petrol that was a staple of fuel stations, and they present a range of options for powering company cars and fleet vehicles.

How much is petrol per litre?

The current average price of petrol in the UK is £1.47 per litre, according to the RAC. This price can fluctuate daily based on your location and the petrol station you choose, but it reflects the current national average.

How many miles per litre of petrol?

The miles you can achieve per litre of petrol (MPL) can vary widely depending on factors such as vehicle type, driving conditions, and habits. With our mileage counter, you can track how many miles your fleet vehicles cover in a typical day, along with other valuable insights.

Diesel

Also worth mentioning is diesel, which is widely known as being more fuel efficient than petrol. That’s because diesel is comprised of more long-chain hydrocarbons than petrol, meaning it’s packed with energy – which works at around 15% more energy per litre.

Fuel economy is crucial to the success of commercial fleets, and so diesel could be considered an attractive option for vehicles transporting freight at high speeds over long distances – especially due to the extra torque drivers can feel from a diesel engine.

That said, there have been concerns shared around the potential dangers that diesel fumes could pose to drivers, which some suppliers have disputed, but either way it’s worth looking into diesel as an efficient, if a little expensive, fuel source for commercial vehicles.

Diesel fuel prices

As of August 2024, the average price of diesel in the UK stands at 152.79p per litre, according to the latest figures from the RAC. However, this price can fluctuate daily due to various industry-related events.

How many miles per litre of diesel?

The distance you can travel on a litre of diesel varies depending on the vehicle type, driving conditions, and habits. On average, diesel cars travel 43 miles per gallon.

Electricity

However, there’s a new type of fuel that’s sweeping the UK market. That’s electric power – which can be generated either via public charging stations, or standalone charging points that are installed either at fleet depos or even residential houses.

There are some obvious and attractive benefits to electrifying a commercial fleet, including:

That electricity is the cheapest type of fuel you can find in the market. The government’s advisory fuel rates suggest that electricity costs around five pence per mile, compared to upward of twelve pence for petrol and diesel engines (which varies based on engine size and the likes).
Sustainability – electricity can be generated via renewable sources, and is consequently less damaging for the environment than mining and burning petroleum. As an SME in the UK, you may also do well to consider how fuel legislation could penalise the use of non-renewable fuel sources moving forward, and forecast as to how this may impact your fleet’s bottom line before making a decision about which fuel to use.

How can you avoid wasting fuel?

Regular maintenance and efficient operations

Maintaining vehicles and equipment regularly is essential for fuel efficiency. Routine checks, timely repairs, and ensuring vehicles are in optimal condition can prevent fuel waste. Efficient route planning, using tools to optimise delivery routes, and avoiding traffic congestion further reduce fuel consumption.

Which driving technique can save fuel

Encouraging smooth driving habits and minimising idling can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Investing in telematics systems to monitor driving behaviour and fuel management systems to track usage provides valuable data to identify inefficiencies. Upgrading to fuel-efficient vehicles or machinery and exploring alternative fuels can also contribute to reduced fuel consumption.

Load optimisation and employee engagement

Optimising cargo loads and reducing excess weight in vehicles are simple yet effective ways to conserve fuel. Setting clear fuel efficiency targets, monitoring progress, and involving employees through training and incentive programs can foster a culture of energy-conscious behaviour across the organisation.

Alternative strategies and monitoring

Consolidating trips, promoting carpooling, and exploring alternative transportation methods help reduce overall fuel usage. Monitoring fuel purchases, keeping detailed records, and negotiating better rates with suppliers can lead to cost savings and more efficient fuel management. These combined efforts can help SMEs reduce fuel consumption and lower operational costs.

Read more in our 5 things that will reduce fuel consumption guide.

Fuel additives

Fuel additives are chemical compounds added to fuel to enhance its performance, efficiency, and longevity.

They serve various purposes, such as improving combustion, cleaning engine components, reducing emissions, and preventing fuel degradation.

Common types of fuel additives include detergents that keep fuel injectors clean, lubricants that reduce wear on engine parts, and stabilisers that prevent fuel from breaking down over time.

While some additives are included in fuel by manufacturers, others can be purchased separately and added by consumers to address specific issues or optimise engine performance.

Which type of fuel should I use for UK company cars and fleets?

So, which fuel type should you choose for your commercial fleet? See below for a fuel comparison.

black and white cars parked next to each other

It’s a difficult question to answer, however there are a few key elements to this formula that apply to the vast majority of fleets. You could proceed by:

Identifying the fuel demands of your fleet. This is made easier by planning your routes in advance and creating accurate forecasts about how much fuel you’ll need during the upcoming months.
Factoring in your current fleet capacity. If you’re using a fleet that comprises solely diesel HGVs at present, then you have to conduct a cost-benefit analysis when considering a move over to electric or petrol equivalents. There’s the up-front cost of new vehicles to consider, as well as ongoing costs – and your ability to reliably source fuel from petrol stations based on your planned routes.
Calculating the cost of fuel for your fleet. Comparing all the options available to you based on your routes, mapping out petrol station availability, and choosing a fuel card that specifically benefits your fleet by giving drivers access to cheaper fuel prices.
Thinking about longevity. The government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars as of 2030, and so it feels the transition toward electric fleets and roads is an inevitability that businesses in the UK must embrace.

There could be cost-saving advantages for fleets that are willing to electrify and embrace sustainability with a positive and open mindset. This is partly due to the government grants and subsidiaries available for SMEs that invest in low-emission plug-in vehicles, and partly due to the operational advantages of building an electric infrastructure gradually – which enables companies to start taking orders as soon as EVs are purchased.

For example, it’s worth considering the time required to install EV charging points. With this technology already proving fairly affordable for fleets, it may be wise for SMEs to set up charging stations within depos in the near future. This may mean that any EVs purchased later down the line, when the tech becomes cheaper and more available, can be utilised quickly – while avoiding premiums for charging point installation that may come about as competitors rush to electrify.

Additionally, showcasing your business’ openness to and use of electric power could help you build strong relationships and with customers and suppliers who share those same sustainable brand principles – or unlock new partnership opportunities.

Fuel pump near me

Our Fuel Card Services Pump Locator is a tool designed to help users find the nearest fuel stations that accept their fuel cards, making it easier to manage and control fuel expenses. By using this online locator, businesses and drivers can quickly identify nearby stations, ensuring they can refuel conveniently and take advantage of their fuel card benefits, such as discounts or streamlined payments. This service is particularly useful for fleet managers and drivers who need to plan routes efficiently and minimise downtime.

How can business fuel cards help?

At Fuel Card Services, we specialise in helping businesses save money on their fuel costs. We do this in a number of ways, from offering a range of branded UK fuel cards that can make a real impact on your bottom line for every mile driven by your team, to offering an advanced suite of fleet services that are designed to help your vehicles and operations run more efficiently.

For example, our MileageCount software and advanced telematics service can be used to properly track your driver’s routes, and plan routes efficiently – which is a prerequisite to calculating the fuel demands of your fleet. Additionally, our fuel cards can get you access to virtually any type of unleaded or diesel fuel at almost any pump across the UK – all you need to do is identify the right fuel card for you – which our experts can support with.

If you think your fleet could benefit from our cards and services, get in touch today and see how we can help you.

Image of signs reading 'petrol' and 'diesel', pointing in opposite directions

Petrol or Diesel: What’s the Best Choice for Fleet Operators?

Posted on 24th January 2022 | by Simon Pavey

It’s a question that car buyers have been asking for years: should I opt for a petrol or diesel vehicle? This is a decision that’s especially important to fleet buyers looking to keep costs low and economy high.

Of course, in today’s environment, it’s no longer an either-or choice. There are also a range of cars available that use electric power to some extent. This is only set to grow in the coming years.

However, for now, let’s focus on the more traditional options to determine which will be better for you.

Is diesel falling from favour?

The popularity of diesel vehicles has risen and fallen over the years. In the early days, they had a reputation as smoky, smelly and slow cars that sounded more like farm equipment. But this perception has altered as technology has improved and diesels have closed the gap with petrol.

The potential cost savings you could enjoy thanks to their greater fuel efficiency then led to a surge in demand. However, recent developments like the 2015 VW emissions scandal have again tainted some people’s perception of diesel.

In 2016, the number of petrol and diesel cars sold in the UK were almost identical. Some 49 per cent of sales were petrol and 47.8 per cent diesel, with electric accounting for around three per cent.

Since then, however, the popularity of diesel has fallen significantly. In 2020, just one in four new cars registered was a diesel, compared with 63.5 per cent petrol and almost 11 per cent electric. So, does this mean diesel’s time has passed? Far from it.

The pros and cons of petrol and diesel cars

There are still several good reasons to invest in diesel vehicles. Greater fuel efficiency is still a major benefit. These cars typically use around 15-20 per cent less fuel than petrol cars. This means lower running costs, which can offset higher initial purchase and fuel prices.

However, petrol remains cheaper than diesel. What’s more, while diesels have historically kept their resale value more than petrol, this is changing in response to shifting buyer demands and new regulations.

When it comes to the environmental factors, things are a little more complicated. In terms of carbon emissions, diesel-powered cars produce less CO2 than petrol. But while this is often used as the primary indicator of a car’s eco-friendliness, there are other factors.

For instance, diesels produce more nitrogen oxide than petrol, which also contributes to climate change. However, this can vary from vehicle to vehicle. Which?, for instance, found some diesels produce less NO2 than some petrol cars. Therefore, if your green credentials are a factor, it pays to do your research.

Cost considerations

One of the main deciding factors will be the running costs of your car. This typically means looking at fuel consumption. As noted above, diesel engines tend to be more economical than petrol – but does this offset the higher cost of fuel per litre?

The answer is that it depends on how much you use your car. Generally speaking, the more miles you do, the cheaper a diesel engine becomes in the long run. According to Which?, it can take between six and 11 years to recoup the extra fuel and purchase costs of a diesel. If you do very high mileage, however, you could start saving money faster.

But the cost of fuel is not the only consideration you’ll have to make when choosing between petrol or diesel. The type of engine you’ve got also factors into your car tax obligations.

For older cars, tax bands are based on emissions, so if you’re buying second-hand, a diesel could prove cheaper. However, for those registered since April 2017, only the first year’s ownership is taxed this way, with a standard rate applying afterward. This could greatly reduce any tax savings you may expect to make on a diesel.

Should I buy petrol or diesel cars for my fleet?

As well as fuel usage, there are other factors related to how you use your vehicle that may impact your choice. How and where you drive also makes a difference.

For example, diesel engines generally take longer to warm up than petrol engines. Therefore, if you’re doing a lot of short trips around town, petrol may be a more economical option.

On the other hand, some drivers prefer the improved low-torque performance of a diesel. Driven sensibly, a diesel will use less rpm and need fewer gear changes than a petrol engine. They also offer more pulling power, making them handy if you’re going to be towing a trailer.

You may also need to think about whether you’ll be driving in low emission zones. London already has an ultra-low emission zone for cars, and several other cities are set to follow suit in the coming years.

If you have older diesel vehicles – especially those that don’t meet Euro 6 emissions standards – you could therefore end up paying a lot of money to drive in these areas.

What about electric options?

While petrol or diesel is still the main choice for many buyers, you may want to look to the future. In this case, you’ll have to consider whether a full electric or hybrid car will be worthwhile. Indeed, with the government going ahead with plans to ensure all new cars sold are electric by 2030, this will become a necessity in the coming years.

There are three main choices available for electric cars. These are:

Conventional hybrid – A combustion engine supported by an electric motor. The electric motor does not need plugging in, and is charged as the car moves, usually by recovering energy from the braking system.
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – A combustion engine supported by an electric motor, which can be charged via an external power source. The electric motor is typically used at lower speeds, with the petrol or diesel engine taking over when more power is required.
Full electric – No petrol motor at all.

When compared to petrol or diesel cars, the main advantages are much lower emissions and reduced fuel costs.

Each has its pros and cons. A conventional hybrid is the cheapest and least complex, but can only use a limited amount of electric power. This means you don’t see as many cost savings as a PHEV or full electric.

For fully electric cars, you would also have to factor in range. Battery technology is improving all the time, with some cars now able to go hundreds of miles per charge, but the charging infrastructure still has some way to go.

As you can’t simply pull into a fuel station and fill up in five minutes, more careful route planning may be required for long journeys. However, for shorter trips where you can recharge regularly, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Choosing the best engine type for your fleet can save you huge amounts of money in the long run, especially when combined with the right fuel card. Contact our experts today to find out which would be best-suited to your needs.

fuel nozzle inserted into car at petrol station

Advisory fuel rates explained

Posted on 14th January 2022 | by Simon Pavey

For drivers operating within a commercial fleet, refuelling at petrol stations while on the job is an absolute necessity. The cost associated with refuelling, however, is not universal when comparing routes like-for-like.

That’s because there are many external factors that could affect the cost of refuelling, including the type of engine a company car uses, as well as its fuel efficiency. Should, then, the driver be solely responsible for covering the cost of petrol, despite having no control over the specifications of the company car they’re given?

The government believe not, which is why they help businesses determine how to fairly reimburse employees who drive for commercial purposes – by publishing advisory fuel rates that set out an approximate cost of fuel based on car efficiency. In this article, we’ll explain how these advisory fuel rates work, and what to look out for if you’re a fleet operator.

What are advisory fuel rates?

Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) are set by the government each quarter. They’re designed to give businesses a reasonable estimate of how much drivers should be paying for fuel, accounting for how many miles per gallon a vehicle should be able to cover (on average) based on its engine size.

AFRs help to ensure that drivers are fairly reimbursed for any miles they travel for business purposes, whether that entails operating HGVs or city taxis. They have two main applications:

Serving as a guideline for fuel costs to make it easier to reimburse employees for any miles travelled for business purposes.
If businesses pay all of employees’ travel costs, then AFRs can help to calculate how much drivers need to repay for any fuel used for private travel.

These are the only instances in which AFRs are applicable.

How HMRC calculate advisory fuel rates

Calculating the precise rate of fuel consumption for every company car used in the UK simply isn’t feasible at scale, and so HMRC devised a system for calculating AFRs that takes into account:

Engine size.
Miles per gallon – using an average based on manufacturer’s guidelines.
Fuel prices – based on the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy recommendations.

Fuel prices are, therefore, estimated, and rounded to the nearest penny.

The ideology underpinning AFRs is to ensure that drivers pay a fair price for commercial fuel in the long run. It’s crucial to acknowledge, then, that these rates are ‘advisory’. If your fleet cars are more fuel efficient than the advisory rates, then you could be exempt from fuel benefit charge.

Conversely, if your drivers are having to pay higher than the AFRs for commercial fuel, the difference is as taxable profit and classed as earnings under Class 1 National Insurance rules.

Advisory fuel rates in 2022

It’s crucial to always check the latest government guidelines to find out which advisory fuel rates currently apply. As of January 2022, the advisory fuel rates were as follows:

Engine Size	Petrol – rate per mile	LPG – rate per mile
1600cc or less	13 pence	9 pence
1601cc to 2000cc	15 pence	10 pence
Over 2000cc	22 pence	15 pence

Engine Size	Diesel – rate per mile
1600cc or less	11 pence
1601cc to 2000cc	13 pence
Over 2000cc	16 pence

These rates change frequently, and are reviewed four times per year by HMRC, on the first day of March, June, September, and December.

Fully electric cars are comparatively cheaper to run than petrol, diesel, or LPG equivalents, and are consequently cheaper – at 5 pence per mile. Hybrid cars, however, are treated as petrol or diesel cars when calculating AFR.

What do advisory fuel rates mean for businesses?

Now that we’ve covered what AFRs are, here are our tips on how you can manage them as a fleet operator.

Accurately log all business mileage

Crucial to calculating the exact price of fuel your drivers are paying is understanding precisely how many miles they are covering. In the modern world, the most practical way of achieving this is through digital technology.

For example, at Fuel Card Services we offer an all-in-one software product called MileageCount which automatically records each mile travelled by your drivers and reports to a centralised database; making it easy to generate accurate mileage records for all fleet vehicles.

Beyond saving you time on admin and money on mileage claims, this software could empower you to make calculations around how much to reimburse your drivers for fuel, with a high degree of accuracy. Failing to do so could result in HMRC imposing car fuel benefit at a later date when your business is audited.

Be clear on how company car petrol is paid for

Having a legitimate and well-thought-out process for ensuring drivers are adequately compensated for fuel costs is crucial. However, communicating your process to drivers and ensuring they can get to grips with it at a glance is also a must for businesses.

It may therefore be wise to review how you communicate your stance on AFRs and your internal processes to drivers. Should you be publishing a policy on your website, are you providing written documentation on your company policies, and do drivers understand your policies?

Regardless of whether your business model involves retrospectively reimbursing drivers for fuel, or paying all travel costs up front and claiming money back from your workforce, having clear communication around how the system works is crucial. It may affect recruitment, as prospective employees may appreciate transparency and clarity from your business’ end.

We hope this article has helped shine a light on why advisory fuel rates matter and explain how they work. One final note from us is that these rates do not apply if drivers are using their own vehicles to drive on behalf of a company, so it’s worth assessing how exactly AFRs fit into your business model.

How can Fuel Card Services help?

At Fuel Card Services, we specialise in helping businesses save money on their fuel costs. On the one hand, a fuel card from our range of branded cards could make a real impact to your bottom line for every mile driven by your team.

On the other, our MileageCount software and advanced telematics service can be used to properly track your driver’s routes, and plan routes efficiently. Calculating advisory fuel rates could therefore become a breeze with the right technology in place.

If you’re interested in taking your fleet operation to the next level, our Tele-Gence technology can give drivers access to live traffic updates that make route planning more efficient and give you insights into their driving habits to help become more efficient with fuel consumption.

Tele-Gence also synchronises seamlessly with your fuel card account, making them the perfect pairing for keeping your fuel costs and consumption as low as possible. If you think your fleet could benefit from these services, get in touch today and see how we could help you.

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