Improving roads and reducing congestion top the list of what fleet decision-makers want from Government, according to research by Arval.

Its 2019 Arval Mobility Observatory survey of 3,930 fleets found more than half (54%) of respondents want to see improved roads, while 47% said the Government should concentrate on tackling congestion.

The research also found one-third (30%) wanted the Government to incentivise newer fuel options such as electric and hydrogen, and 20% wanted improved public transport.

Finally, 18% also believe Government should be doing more to reduce pollution caused by road transport.

Shaun Sadlier, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “The striking aspect about the areas highlighted by fleet and mobility managers is that they are all highly practical issues that affect the running of business transport on a day-to-day basis.

“The condition of roads and the problem of congestion are a concern because they affect the core efficiency of company transport.

“Businesses want journeys to be predictable and safe, and poor roads and large volumes of traffic have a negative effect on this aim.

“It is also striking the extent to which there is a desire to see Government make the adoption of EVs and hydrogen vehicles easier.

“There is clearly growing enthusiasm among businesses for these cars and vans, but also an awareness of the need to make their cost and the level of infrastructure support more appealing.

“Linked to the adoption of zero-emissions fuels is the belief that more should be being done to tackle road transport-based pollution.

“Our experience is that businesses are almost always supportive of Government moves to make improvements in this area.

“Finally, some people may think it surprising that fleet and mobility managers want to see better public transport but the strategic developments we are seeing in this area show that businesses see the future of travel as being one where cars and vans are used alongside a range of other options.

"Better trains, trams and buses should form a key part of this mix if possible.”

In a clear nod to the rapidly-evolving business environment, Arval Mobility Observatory is the new name for the company’s Corporate Vehicle Observatory Barometer.