Certain key aspects of fleet management apply to all sectors. But fleet managers in the public sector may have to consider certain laws and regulations that may not apply to other sectors.
In this post we’ll outline the key considerations for public sector fleet managers, and the tools and strategies you can adopt to manage them.
For more information on how we can help you and your fleet, get in touch with us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
Key Considerations for Public Sector Fleet Management
- Budget – All fleet managers have tight budgets to work with. But public sector fleet managers may have to formally apply for their annual budget. And if they cannot justify their annual spending, there’s a chance that next year’s budget may be even tighter.
- Sustainability Targets – The UK government has shared a commitment to reduce all direct emissions from public sector buildings by 50% by 2032, and 75% by 2037. These ambitious targets will put pressure on public sector fleet managers to address their emissions wherever possible.
- Legal Compliance – Among other things, public sector fleet managers will have to abide by the Public Service Obligations in Transport Regulations 2023. These regulations essentially make it a legal requirement for fleet managers to deliver value for money while “maximising public benefit” and “acting, and being seen to act, with integrity”.
- Logistical Issues – Public sector fleet vehicles may be driven by employees who are not specifically employed as drivers. Vehicles may be confined to specific geographical areas, and they may be kept in service for a long time. These considerations, among others, may create unique logistical and operational challenges for public sector fleet managers.
Complexities of Building a Strategic Plan for Public Sector Fleets
At its core, public sector fleet management involves understanding the service level requirement, before implementing a strategic plan to meet this requirement.
This will involve:
- tracking the service and maintenance schedules for every vehicle in the fleet
- while also accounting for external challenges including budget restraints
- applicable regulations
- crime
- social unrest
- and more
Read our guide to the fleet risk management planning and assessment processes that will help you understand the complexity of your public sector fleet.
What Can Fleet Management Tools Do For Fleet Managers?
A sophisticated fleet management system can:
- provide a comprehensive overview of the multiple moving parts that comprise a public sector fleet
- give real-time updates on the location and condition of every vehicle in your fleet
- Provide data reports to give you insights into vehicle and driver performance
- help you keep track of emissions
- keep on top of budget targets
Key Strategies for Public Sector Fleet Management
While many businesses and organisations have fleets, as we’ve discussed the public sector has a number of additional complexities and targets that other organisations may not have.
In particular, the following strategies are of high importance to public sector fleets:
- Maintenance schedules – due to aging vehicles
- Driver management – due to the range of different types of drivers
- Electrification – to meet emission targets
We’ll discuss each of these in more detail below.
Maintenance Schedules for Public Sector Fleets
As we mentioned above, public sector fleet vehicles may be in service for much longer than vehicles in other sectors. This makes ongoing servicing and maintenance particularly important.
You can read our full guide to the daily, weekly, monthly, and annual checks that will help you ensure that every vehicle in your fleet is running as smoothly as possible.
We also have a guide to replacing and updating fleet vehicles. In the public sector, replacing fleet vehicles may be easier said than done. But our guide will outline how you can set benchmarks that could help you make the case for upgrades and replacements.
Driver Management For Public Sector Fleets
Some public sector fleet drivers – such as refuse collectors – may not be specifically employed as drivers. But even if driving is not an employee’s main role, they will still have a responsibility to maintain driver safety standards. Plus, optimising driver behaviour could help you meet your emission goals while also reducing servicing and maintenance costs in the long-term.
We have a number of guides to help you manage driver behaviour in your public sector fleet:
- Driver communication strategies for fleet managers
- A guide to managing drivers’ mental health and stress
- Five ways to improve driver behaviour in your fleet
- Promoting a fleet safety culture
Electrifying Public Sector Fleets
If the government is planning to reduce public sector emissions by 75% over the next decade or so, then public sector fleet managers across the country will have to electrify their fleets sooner rather than later.
We put together a guide to the key factors you will have to consider when electrifying your fleet. Also, charging infrastructures for electric vehicles in the public sector may not be quite the same as they are for other sectors. Nonetheless, our guide to EV installation strategies highlights some of the factors you will have to consider when it comes to your charging infrastructure, including the risk and safety concerns.
Specialist Cover For Public Sector Fleets
Steve Blackmore, Director says:
“Just like in any other industry, public sector fleet managers will have to find adequate cover for their vehicles, drivers, passengers, and operations.
“At Anthony Jones, we can help you access the specialist cover you need at a competitive price. We can also show you how you can make savings on your premiums through effectively evidencing your risk management policies.”
For more information on how we can help you and your fleet, get in touch with us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
