A POCKET-sized vehicle appraisal system that records and e-mails data is being pioneered by the trade plate delivery specialist United Fleet Distribution.

The new system means more than 1,000 vehicle checks handled every day by UFD's drivers for its leasing company clients will be fully automated.

UFD managing director Phillip Molloy said: 'Our new computerised appraisal gives our clients an instant valuation of the condition of a vehicle and can also cost any damage.

'We can programme the software to allow customers to specify the cost of different types of repair work which may be needed on each individual body panel. It also means drivers cannot complete a vehicle check on delivery or collection until they have recorded all the necessary information asked. This is extremely important for our customers.'