LEASING companies could do much more to reduce hefty end-of-contract charges suffered by fleets, according to Fleetlease. Figures revealed in the Fleet News FN50 showed that a third of vehicles incurred an average excess charge of £189 for wear and tear at the end of their contract.

In addition, 36% were subject to an average excess mileage charge of £435 for being over their contract mileage. Fleetlease, part of Hitachi Credit (UK), said analysis of its own fleet showed 9% of the fleet incurred a wear and tear re-charge, with the average cost working out at £51.20. The average excess mileage cost on a returned vehicle was £167. It said the lower costs were down to better management of customer accounts.