Discount fuel anywhere in the country and delayed payments with interest-free credit are now available to LCV operators, according to Steve Clarke, general manager at The Fuelcard People.

He said: “These are benefits that HGV operators have enjoyed for years with fuelcards.

Now, any van user spending £500 a month on fuel and who can pass a routine credit check could qualify for a fuelcard.”

Apart from the fuel cost reductions, there are indirect savings from reduced administration: a single invoice replaces piles of receipts.

More importantly, fleet operators gain closer control of fuel expenditure.

As for security, a fuelcard is useless to a thief, being valid only for authorised purchases and restricted to the driver or the van.

Mr Clarke said: “One major advantage should derive from being invoiced directly for fuel, rather than drivers paying and being reimbursed.

“The European 6th Directive says that when drivers refuel within the EU, you can reclaim VAT if you have been invoiced directly.

“With the right fuelcard, administration is quick, simple and assured. Otherwise, prepare to battle the bureaucrats with little likelihood of winning back your money.”

When choosing a fuelcard, Mr Clarke has this advice: “Check the service levels on offer. Can you access your up-to-date account details 24/7, via the internet?

“Whichever fuelcard you pick, you will have a query sooner or later, so find out how they are handled.

"Will you ring a random anonymous voice in a call centre, or talk to the dedicated account manager who knows you? It makes a difference.”