Will fuel prices ever decrease back to normal?

Refuelling gun close-up. Various coloured refuelling pistols. rise in the price of gasoline

Will fuel prices ever decrease back to normal?

White Bar

Star Rating Due To Increase

In spite of the decline in fuel prices observed toward the end of the previous year, the economic landscape in 2023 continues to be marked by significant uncertainty. This ongoing economic unpredictability poses a considerable challenge for commercial fleet operators in terms of financial planning. While there seems to be some improvement on the horizon, questions linger regarding the stability of diesel and petrol prices in the UK. This article delves into the various factors influencing fuel prices and highlights how FleetWitness can be a valuable tool in managing costs, regardless of the pricing outcomes.

Why The Increase?

Fuel prices play a pivotal role in the overall economic equilibrium and are subject to numerous contributing factors, including the cost of crude oil, taxes levied on fuel purchases, refining expenses, and transportation and distribution costs. Here are some key factors shaping fuel prices in the UK:

Crude Oil Prices: Undoubtedly, the cost of crude oil remains the single most significant determinant of fuel prices. Crude oil prices fluctuate in response to supply and demand dynamics. Presently, within the current economic climate, we observe a downward trend in crude oil prices following a sharp peak in July 2022. While various other elements influence diesel and petrol prices, it’s imperative not to overlook the strong correlation with crude oil prices.

Government Taxes: Government-imposed taxes on diesel and petrol purchases are typically aimed at offsetting infrastructure expenses and supporting environmental initiatives. In March 2022, the UK government reduced the Fuel Duty rate by 5p to counter rising costs. However, there have been indications of a potential Fuel Duty increase of up to 23% after March 2023. These signals serve as a warning to fleet managers about the prevailing economic uncertainties and emphasise the need for long-term cost-saving strategies.

Refining Costs: The cost of refining represents another significant factor influencing diesel and petrol prices. Refineries play a crucial role in transforming crude oil into usable fuel, and their operational costs inevitably impact consumers. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve witnessed record inflation affecting labour, energy, and raw material costs. Consequently, when refining expenses rise, diesel and petrol prices tend to follow suit.

The Impact of Fluctuating Fuel Prices on Businesses

Changes in fuel prices can exert a profound impact on businesses, both positively and negatively.
A decrease in diesel and petrol prices can lead to cost savings for businesses, enhancing their operational efficiency. Conversely, an increase in fuel prices can prove detrimental, potentially reducing company profits and placing businesses under financial strain. Moreover, higher operational costs may prompt businesses to reduce their workforce to maintain financial stability.

Exploring Fuel-Saving Strategies

To mitigate the adverse effects of rising fuel prices, promoting fuel-saving techniques to your drivers can be instrumental. To discover additional ways to save on fuel expenses, explore our article on idling here: Unveiling The Hidden Consequences Of Engine Idling. Here are some key driving practices that contribute to fuel savings:

Reducing Driving Speed: For HGVs over 3.5t, the most fuel-efficient speed ranges between 50mph to 56mph. Meanwhile, passenger cars and light commercial vehicles achieve optimal fuel consumption rates between 40 to 50 mph. Considering that the average long-distance HGV driver covers approximately 75,000 miles annually and LCV drivers log around 17,500 business miles, driving at reduced speeds can translate into significant yearly savings.

Coasting: Coasting involves lifting the foot off the gas pedal while the vehicle remains in gear. This results in a gradual decrease in speed, with no fuel injection, as the engine continues to operate. Coasting represents an effective method for conserving fuel, as it allows drivers to anticipate and adapt to their surroundings efficiently.

How FleetWitness Can Help Reduce Fuel Costs

FleetWitness offers a powerful solution for optimising fuel expenditure through fuel efficiency insights. It enables route planning that prioritises fuel efficiency, optimises fleet performance, and contributes to a reduced carbon footprint. With FleetWitness, access to historical fuel consumption data facilitates the identification of anomalies in fleet efficiency. In navigating the uncertain road ahead, FleetWitness stands as a valuable ally in supporting your fleet management efforts.

Want To Learn More?

If you aspire to enhance your fleet operations, give us a call or drop us an email, and together we can explore how our solutions can transform your business. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to optimise your fleet’s performance and maximise your success.

Contact us now and unlock a new era of efficiency and profitability for your company.

Direct Vision Standard 2024 Implementation

White delivery truck on highway. Very fast driving. Delivery concept. 3d rendering. Truck driving on road with red side lighting beside it showcasing the Progressive Safe System (PSS) DVS 2024

Direct Vision Standard 2024 Implementation

White Bar

Star Rating Due To Increase

Starting in October 2024, vehicles falling into the 0, 1, or 2-star rating category will be required to incorporate the recently recommended Progressive Safe System, as advised by Transport for London.

Why The Increase?

The origin of the Direct Vision Standard can be traced back to the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to ultimately eliminate fatalities and severe injuries on the capital’s transportation network. To bolster this safety effort, an enhancement known as the Progressive Safe System (PSS) will be introduced from October 2024, building upon the existing DVS Safe System.

Notably, within inner London, a concerning statistic revealed that 70% of cyclist fatalities over a three-year period could be attributed to poor visibility from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Since 2019, there has been a significant reduction in fatal collisions involving HGVs where impaired vision was a contributing factor. In an ongoing commitment to enhancing road safety for all, it will be mandatory for HGVs weighing over 12 tonnes to possess a minimum three-star rating for operation in Greater London. It’s worth noting that the current requirement for a DVS safety permit stands at a one-star rating, but this threshold will rise by October 2024, necessitating updates to existing vehicle configurations.

How Can FleetWitness Contribute to Your Compliance?

FleetWitness offers two comprehensive safe system kits designed to enhance a driver’s direct vision from the vehicle cab. Our range of vehicle solutions encompasses various components of the DVS Safe System:

Our initial solution is designed to meet the new requirements for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and would require a pre-installed blind spot solution that complies with the new legislation requirements. Our front sensor system is specifically engineered to activate in response to proximity information signals, efficiently detecting the presence of pedestrians or cyclists.

Our second solution provides the option to enhance your vehicle’s safety by integrating an AI camera monitoring system. This system is specifically designed to complement our BSIS solutions or operate as a standalone solution.

Should you require further information or assistance with navigating these new regulations, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. You can contact us by phone at Tel: 0203 897 3600 or via email at office@fleetwitness.co.uk. We are here to help you ensure compliance and enhance road safety.

Want To Learn More?

If you aspire to enhance your fleet operations, give us a call or drop us an email, and together we can explore how our solutions can transform your business. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to optimise your fleet’s performance and maximise your success.

Contact us now and unlock a new era of efficiency and profitability for your company.

How Fleet Witness can help maintain a healthy fleet during inactivity

Trucks Engine Opening Hood for Maintenance and Repairing. Diesel Engine Truck.

How Fleet Witness can help maintain a healthy fleet during inactivity

White Bar

Ensuring Fleet Maintenance During Periods of Inactivity

In the ever-changing landscape of fleet management, there are times when your fleet experiences reduced activity. Whether it’s due to seasonal downturns, holidays, industry-specific lulls, or unforeseen events like the COVID-19 pandemic, these periods of inactivity require a proactive approach to maintain the health and readiness of your vehicles. Fleet Witness, an innovative vehicle tracking system, offers indispensable features that empower fleet managers to ensure fleet integrity during downtime, eliminating the need for costly repairs and downtime when operations resume.

Monitoring Battery Status

One of the critical concerns during fleet inactivity is the state of your vehicles’ batteries. Prolonged idleness can lead to battery depletion, potentially causing complications when it’s time to get your fleet back on the road. Fleet Witness offers a comprehensive battery status monitoring feature. With this tool, you can effortlessly access real-time voltage readings for each vehicle in your fleet.

The beauty of our battery status reports is that they span over months, providing a historical perspective on battery performance. By closely monitoring these reports, fleet managers can proactively address low or critical voltage levels, preventing battery-related issues that often arise from extended inactivity. This feature ensures that when the need arises, your vehicles are ready for action, eliminating costly downtime and battery replacements.

Keeping Up with MOT/Service Dates

Managing multiple MOT due dates, insurance renewals, and routine maintenance schedules for an entire fleet can be a logistical challenge. During periods of inactivity, it’s even easier for these crucial dates to slip through the cracks, potentially resulting in fines and unexpected repair costs.

Fleet Witness’s vehicle tracking system comes to the rescue with an MOT/service dates reporting feature. This tool streamlines the management of all critical dates, allowing fleet managers to stay ahead of deadlines effortlessly. Even if only some vehicles remain in use during downtime. This proactive approach helps fleet managers avoid legal complications and unforeseen expenses when operations resume.

Truck car gearbox inside under the hood chassis. View on a chassis frame equipment. Car parts and details. New truck chassis frame. Truck MOT maintenance repair.

Conclusion

In the world of fleet management, staying vigilant during periods of inactivity is crucial to ensure the health and readiness of your vehicles. Fleet Witness, with its advanced features like battery status monitoring, MOT/service date management, and geofencing alerts, empowers fleet managers to proactively maintain their fleets even when not in operation. By harnessing the capabilities of Fleet Witness, fleet managers can eliminate the need for expensive repairs and downtime when it’s time to put their vehicles back into service. Vehicle tracking is not just a valuable tool for mobile businesses; it’s an essential companion during fleet downtime, providing peace of mind and cost-saving benefits.

Want To Learn More?

If you aspire to enhance your fleet operations, give us a call or drop us an email, and together we can explore how our solutions can transform your business. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to optimise your fleet’s performance and maximise your success.

Contact us now and unlock a new era of efficiency and profitability for your company.

5 Essential Strategies to Prevent Vehicle Theft

Man trying to break into vehicle

5 Essential Strategies to Prevent Vehicle Theft

White Bar

Safeguarding Your Fleet: 5 Essential Strategies to Prevent Vehicle Theft

In a world where vehicle theft has become an unfortunate reality, it’s imperative for fleet managers and individual vehicle owners alike to take proactive measures to protect their valuable assets. Vehicle theft can cause financial losses, operational disruptions, and safety concerns. In this article, we’ll explore five crucial strategies to prevent vehicle theft and enhance the security of your fleet.

Secure Valuables and Limit Visibility

Truck cabs often serve as temporary homes for drivers during their journeys. However, leaving valuable items in plain sight can attract unwanted attention from thieves. Truck drivers should make it a practice to stow away valuable personal belongings such as electronics, wallets, and documents out of sight. Moreover, avoid displaying navigation devices, electronic gadgets, or even tools through the windows, as this can signal an opportunity for theft.

Choose Parking Locations Strategically

Truck stops, rest areas, and parking lots are essential for truckers’ rest breaks, but they can also be potential hotspots for theft. Opt for well-lit and secure truck stops with a strong presence of other truckers and surveillance cameras. Parking in high-visibility areas can act as a deterrent against theft attempts, as thieves are less likely to target a rig that’s under

Street night scene with fog background in the village and silent town concept

Locking Up: Rigorous Locking Procedures

One of the simplest yet most effective preventive measures is to lock all doors and compartments before leaving the cab unattended. Ensure that windows are securely closed as well. Thieves can be quick and opportunistic, and an unlocked truck can become an easy target for a swift theft. A thorough locking routine should be an integral part of a trucker’s daily habits.

Harness Technology: Install GPS Tracking Systems

Modern technology offers truck drivers a powerful tool to safeguard their rigs. GPS tracking systems provide real-time location data and can help recover stolen trucks quickly. Systems like those provided by us can not only track the vehicle’s movement but also offer features like remote immobilisation, which can disable the engine if unauthorised

Adopt Advanced Security Solutions

Incorporating advanced security solutions designed for truckers can greatly enhance rig protection. systems like our Driver Identification device can prevent theft by detecting when the driver’s door is opened with keys in the ignition. This triggers an alarm, immobilizes the truck, and necessitates contacting a designated authority to re-mobilise the vehicle. This technology goes a long way in safeguarding against both opportunistic and planned theft.

Want To Learn More?

If you aspire to enhance your fleet operations, give us a call or drop us an email, and together we can explore how our solutions can transform your business. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to optimise your fleet’s performance and maximise your success.

Contact us now and unlock a new era of efficiency and profitability for your company.