The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has released a document which aims to ‘define mobility management’ as a subject for wider discussions across the fleet sector.

‘The Definition of Mobility’ has been created by the organisation’s Mobility Committee after discussions that included gathering views from across the AFP membership as well as soliciting wider contributions.

Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, said: “This is a document designed by fleet operators, for fleet operators, that sets out a consensus view of what constitutes mobility management in 2021 and the years ahead.

"It outlines the aims, benefits, and boundaries of the subject for employers and employees, especially explaining the cost and environmental advantages.

“It does not attempt to define ‘mobility’ in a few words but provides a potential framework within which all interested parties can discuss the subject and its impact in its entirety.”

The document states that mobility can include travel types such as company and private cars, parking, fuel and charging, tolls, rental, car sharing, lift sharing, bikes and e-bikes, walking, public transport of all kinds, boats, flights, taxis, ride hailing, chauffeur hire, hotels, and commutes and business trips.

It also looks at areas such as mobility from the point of view of technology, environmental impact, employee use of mobility services, cost management and tax efficiency, as well as providing a comprehensive glossary of terms.

Hollick added: “We’re in a situation where many fleet managers are evolving into becoming mobility managers, taking on responsibility for a range of new and existing employee transport options alongside the company car. However, it’s clear that when people across the industry talk about mobility management, those conversations often lack focus.

“Our aim with the document, as the leading industry body in the fleet sector, is to scope out the range of mobility as a subject. It’s all about promoting conversations about mobility and the opportunities that it creates to bring new thinking to business travel.”

“Having these discussions is crucial, we believe. Alongside the arrival of EVs, mobility is likely to be the biggest new challenge for fleet managers during the next decade, despite the potential negative impact of the pandemic on asset-sharing, and they need to look at areas ranging from learning the new skills required through to how to share best practice.”

The Definition of Mobility document can be accessed on the AFP website.