Lack Of Government Action Could Be Making Our Roads More Dangerous
Friday, 15. March 2019
The cars on our roads that cover highest mileage have always tended to be company cars. They are nearly always new and are subject to some very stringent controls, imposed upon the drivers by the employers. As a result our roads tend to be much safer as the cars are properly maintained.
However, since the real world (WLTP) emissions tests that were carried out last year we have seen an increase in declared CO2 emissions across most makes and models of cars. This meant that drivers suddenly saw increases in BIK tax whilst driving identical replacement cars. The Government promised to address the problem and make adjustments to bandings so that drivers didn’t suffer.
Sadly that hasn’t happened so we are seeing a move by drivers away from company cars towards car allowance with many of these drivers preferring to drive higher powered 2nd hand prestige cars than say 1.0L Mondeos. This has meant that companies no longer have the tight controls over the service and maintenance of cars used by their drivers.
The employers are still responsible but as they no longer have the same level of control, servicing may not be in line with manufacturers recommendations and when employees realise the cost of maintaining prestige used cars maintenance may drop off making cars less safe.
The Government has replied to complaints by the industry that they have broken a promise by saying that the increase in BIK tax will encourage drivers and companies to run lower emission cars. But as we are seeing the drivers are pushing employers to move to car allowances which can lead to less safe roads and by taking used prestige cars the environment will also suffer.
According to Fleet News the rate of employees opting out of company cars for cash is ‘at the highest we’ve seen’. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. By Graham Hill
