Case study: Ceuta Healthcare

Ceuta Healthcare has 125 company cars and 30 in its grey fleet. In response to high fuel costs, it used to run league tables which rewarded those drivers who consistently used the cheapest fuel outlets, albeit through the company fuelcard, and proved themselves to be savvy about fuel costs.

However, the company has found that while this incentivised staff, the system could be refined.

It has now changed its staff repayment of fuel costs for private mileage from HMRC rates to actual cost.

This affects the driver’s pocket and so, says Helen Bolton,facilities manager, immediately incentivises not only good buying practices but fuel economy.

Ceuta has also instituted a driver of the year scheme, which is awarded to the employee who buys fuel at best price, using supermarket brand fuel, and has no accidents and no points.

“I don’t think the award necessarily affects how people drive during the year,” says Bolton, “but it is well received and people are very proud to have won it.

"It underlines that safety and cost-effectiveness are important to us as a company, from the top down.

“We feel that these schemes have made a difference although we have no figures to prove it.”

Ceuta has a strong culture for reporting any vehicle damage and so does not feel it’s likely that drivers hide minor collisions.

Driver reporting is backed up by twice-yearly vehicle inspections by managers.

However, the company will be stepping up the pressure on minor accidents. “In the future we will be expecting drivers to pay back a percentage of the insurance excess although this isn’t in place yet,” she says.