A NEW mileage capture system has been launched in the UK to help van fleets separate business and private mileage as required under the new van benefit-in-kind taxation system that started in April.

Simon Harris, of FleetConsult UK, who introduced the Accredis device into Britain, said the effects of the Chancellor’s budget changes will only become clear to many companies when drivers receive their tax bills at the end of the financial year, with many paying much more to the Treasury.

Accredis is a Dutch-designed device used widely in Europe which Mr Harris first saw when he was managing director in charge of the European business unit of a global, US-based, company.

He immediately resigned from his job, invested in special software for Accredis for its use in the UK market and bought sole rights for its distribution.

Van drivers insert a chip carrying card into a reader linked to the vehicle’s odometer, a GPS sensor and communications device.

The push-button device then determines whether the trip is business or private. An extra benefit of Accredis is that it also tells fleet operators if drivers are breaching health and safety laws by driving for long hours.

For details, log on to: www.accredis.co.uk.