Launched in September 1995 after an extensive pilot scheme involving a limited number of clients, One Call has proved extremely popular with fleets wanting to simplify their driver contact arrangements.

Lease Plan is now understood to be developing a similar service, which, provided trials prove successful, will be rolled out later this year. Industry sources also suggested PHH Vehicle Management Services was set to launch a similar scheme, but the company claims its Driver Services package amounts to a one-stop-shop for drivers, although isn't marketed as such because it has evolved in line with customer expectations over the years.

A Lex Vehicle Leasing spokesman said the difference between One Call and competitors' services was that the Lex package was the only truly national scheme.