Four-in-five businesses ‘rely on grey fleet’

Four out of five businesses (81%) rely on the grey fleet – employees driving their own vehicles for work travel including attending meetings, client visits or for deliveries.

That’s according to a new study from Europcar Mobility Group UK, which says this presents a range of challenges for businesses, including employee duty of care and meeting sustainability targets.

The research found that 40% of employees believe their employer relies more on grey fleets now than before the pandemic.

This is due to several factors, including the high purchase cost of company vehicles and changing work patterns such as an increase in video calls to replace in-person meetings, and regularly working from home, says Europcar.

It also revealed that a quarter of employees are not required to provide any evidence of driving licence, insurance or vehicle excise duty (VED) when driving for work purposes.

This, says Europcar, is a major safety concern, as businesses could be held liable for accidents caused by employees driving without the proper documentation.

Furthermore, it found that almost one third (32%) of employees believe their employer does not offer enough green travel options.

“Grey fleet is a major issue for businesses today,” said Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility at Europcar Mobility Group UK.

“It is important that businesses take steps to ensure that their employees are driving safely and sustainably.

“Unfortunately, employers are already facing rising mobility costs so many cannot afford to upgrade or expand their entire fleet to remove the need for grey fleet vehicles.  

“In recent years we have seen many of our business customers take a very successful transitional approach, steadily reducing emissions through limiting journeys, alongside testing hybrid and electric alternatives through rental.”

Research for the report, “Greening the Grey Fleet,” involved surveying 250 motorists who use their own car for business travel.