• Measure ALL business mileage. Even where this is logged for company car drivers, private vehicles’ business mileage is often hidden in the expenses system
  
  
• Make sure transport alternatives are available and understood by all employees, including:
  
  1. Car sharing for commuting and business travel
  2. Public transport
  3. Short-term hire vehicles/pool cars
  4. Video/tele-conferencing

• Give incentives to drivers who choose a greener option; it could be money-back schemes for lower emission vehicles, reduced vehicle choice or stipulation of certain fuel types
  
  
• Make sure CO2 figures are clearly shown in all choice lists
  
  
• Lead by example and encourage your senior team to choose environmentally friendly cars
  
  
• Review and cash option offered as an alternative to the company car. Research shows that drivers are 25 per cent more likely to choose a sports car or 4x4 when opting out the company scheme and many will opt for a used vehicle
  
  
• Review your mileage allowances. Getting rid of higher reimbursement levels for drivers of bigger cars could dissuade people from choosing higher fuel consuming vehicles. It may also help reduce mileage, whether in a company car or their own vehicle. If free private fuel is still offered, in most cases replacing this benefit with a fixed allowance is more cost effective for the employer and employee and this can help to reduce mileage
  
  
• Consider the use of short-term hire vehicles for those without a company vehicle. It allows you to dictate vehicle class, it can be a cheaper option than a pence-per-mile allowance, and it can also mitigate duty of care risks, with a known standard of vehicle, and insurance cover through your corporate policy
  
  
• Vehicles perform to their best when properly services. Ensure all vehicles are maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule
  
  
• Encourage drivers to check tyre pressures regularly. Under/over inflated tyres can impact fuel economy and safety
  
  

Promote Green Driving

• Employ smooth driving techniques, avoiding excessive acceleration and breaking where possible
• Drive defensively by looking ahead to anticipate oncoming road conditions
• Use the gearbox efficiently; change to a higher gear as soon as possible
• Drive off immediately when starting from cold
• Don’t pump the accelerator or rev the engine unnecessarily
• Try to avoid using your vehicle for short journeys
• Drive at or below speed limits
• Plan your journey to take the most efficient route
• Check your tyres regularly to make sure they are correctly inflated