Risk management returns to the top of the fleet agenda

10 April 2010

Risk management and duty of care has returned to the top of the agenda for fleets, according to the latest Company Car Trends report from GE Capital’s Fleet Services business.

During the economic downturn, and statistically since the second half of 2008 fleets turned their attention to cost management as their top issue at the expense of risk management and duty of care, the previous favourites of the fleet manager.

However, the new quarterly study from GE Capital reveals that 75% of respondents now see risk management/duty of care as the top issue facing fleets at present. Whilst almost two thirds (63%) of respondents already have risk management solutions in place, surprisingly over a quarter (26%) are still considering what action they need to take.

In particular, the use of mobile phones by drivers looks set for increasing review - whilst issues relating to the use of mobile phones are being cited by 69% of respondents, 89% of respondents already have controls in place. However, as companies look to maintain their duty of care, we may see an increase in the number of companies who ban the use of mobile phones while driving altogether.

The importance of environmental issues to both the government and businesses is reflected in the research as the majority (54%) of respondents cited environmental issues as a concern. It is also the topic attracting the most work in progress as more than a third (34%) are already considering solutions to any concerns this may bring.

Gary Killeen, UK fleet commercial leader, GE Capital, said: “Following such a volatile 2009 it is interesting to see the change in emphasis back to a corporate’s duty of care and their environmental obligations.

“With a quarter of respondents (25%) thinking demand for company cars will increase in the next 12 months, businesses clearly still see fleets as a vital business tool and have a positive outlook for the future. Therefore, it is fundamental that fleet managers review any actions that can be taken to mitigate risks to their employees on a regular basis and keep on top of the issues that may be facing them over the coming year.