Legislation - Page 11

Fleet decision-makers are being urged to attend ACFO’s spring seminar next Wednesday (March 27) to gain clarity on a number of topical issues.

Fleets are being reminded that drivers may need an international driving permit (IDP) if they are going to drive abroad in the event of a no deal Brexit.

ACFO is urging the Government to adopt a six-point action plan to protect and enhance company car demand.

The Freight Transport Association has published the 2019 edition of its Yearbook of Road Transport Law.

By Dan Rees, associate director, head of cars and fleet consulting at Deloitte

Lex Autolease believes the number of company car taxpayers could drop from 940,000 to 832,000 by April 2020 as a result of OpRA tax changes and WLTP.

Tusker, one of the country’s leading providers of cars via salary sacrifice maintains it remains a “unique and valuable” benefit for employees.

Organisations and drivers who take on new zero emission, ultra low emission and other alternatively fuelled vans will benefit from ongoing incentives under Government plans to reform the van vehicle excise duty system.

BVLRA has welcomed the Government’s decision not to introduce an emissions-based regime for van vehicle excise duty until at least April 2021.

The Budget was a “waste of golden opportunity” to provide clarity and stability to fleet decision-makers on future company car benefit-in-kind tax rates, says ACFO.

Meridian Vehicle Solutions has called on the vehicle rental sector to unite to urge the Government to reform Vehicle Excise Duty.

The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) is playing down suggestions from its roads policing lead that drivers could be fined for breaking the speed limit by just 1mph.

Tusker is urging the fleet industry to sign an online petition calling for the Government to bring forward the implementation of a 2% BIK tax for electric vehicles.

Insurance, maintenance, tyres and breakdown cover could now be taxed when provided via a so-called Optional Remuneration Arrangements (OpRA).

The fleet industry needs to form stronger links with the Government to avoid a repeat of the uncertainty currently engulfing the sector, says Meridian Vehicle Solutions.

Legal firm DAC Beachcroft and Anthony Jones Insurance Brokers are reminding fleets of the need to protect their driver's interests, as well as the interests of their organisation.

Alphabet has launched a 'Business Briefings' initiative to help inform fleet-decision makers on topical and key issues.

There were 940,000 employees paying benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax on a company car in 2016/17 – a 2% fall on the 960,000 recorded the previous financial year.

Average figure paid per employee increases by 27% year-on-year, says HMRC.

Vehicles ‘disappearing’ off price lists while they get re-tested and fleets complain that future tax implications are unclear.

Figures from the RAC show fleet decision-makers had some respite at the pumps in June, with the average price of diesel and petrol falling.

By Matthew Oakley, director at WPI Economics

Different tax regimes across different European countries make a uniform pan-European fleet policy virtually impossible, says a new taxation guide.

The Home Office has launched a consultation to provide Police officers with greater legal protection when perusing criminals on the road.

Government wants vehicle excise duty (VED) for vans to be graduated according to their emissions in the same way it is for cars.

A car mechanic, who set up two firms ‘selling’ alcohol as a front for a £5.3 million money laundering scam, has been jailed for six years.

RAC calls for a review of national signage guidelines and the introduction of ‘smart bus lanes’ to make things simpler and clearer for motorists.

An unmarked HGV cab is taking to the road for the final time after catching more than 5,000 careless drivers in the past three years.

Fleets are rethinking vehicle choices as a result of an increase in BIK tax and vehicle excise duty based on new vehicle engine testing standards.

The fleet industry was hoping for clarity on a number of issues in the Spring Statement from the Chancellor, but were left disappointed.

An increase in income tax in Scotland will see company car drivers face larger increases in BIK tax rates than those in the rest of the UK from April 6.

By Alastair Kendrick, employment tax specialist

By Paul Loughlin motoring law solicitor at Stephensons

The fleet industry is asking for more clarity on the direction of travel for the future of company car taxation in the Spring Statement on March 13.

New A8 has self-driving capability, but laws require amendment to enable its use.

Redrow Homes and WPI Civil Engineering have been fined after the death of scaffolder Henry Jones in 2013.

The Bill will give powers to support UK hauliers operating internationally after the UK leaves the EU.

The Government has launched a consultation on proposals to allow drivers to report accidents online, rather than in person at a police station.

The AA is pressuring Government to update the Highway Code to include advice on All Lane Running motorways.

Sills & Betteridge, an East Midlands based law firm, has launched a new web based transport law information service for businesses and professional drivers.