Grey fleet usage in the public sector has been labelled a ‘financial drain’ on resources after the issue dominated a roundtable debate.

An estimated 57% of all public sector fleet mileage is accounted for by employees driving their own cars for business.

But, while they are a number of public sector fleets tackling the issue, many are still shying away from it, particularly local authorities, claimed Automotive Leasing.

“There’s a worry that having employees drive around in new cars gives the wrong impression of how public money is being spent,” explained Stuart Walker, brand director at Automotive Leasing.

“But the reality is a financial drain on the whole sector, not to mention the environmental and safety impacts.”

Former transport minister Dr Stephen Ladyman MP chaired the recent debate, which included organisations involved in public sector fleets, and was organised by Automotive Leasing.

It was agreed that awareness needs to be raised of the cost implications of extensive grey fleet usage through mileage reimbursement rates, with the relative cost benefits of alternatives, such as leased vehicles, more widely publicised.

“Finding ways of tackling it will be a key focus for these professionals in the coming months and years,” added Ladyman.