March/April 2017
www.bvrla.co.uk
The bimonthly newsletter of the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association
Air quality: the latest pressing issue for government action The BVRLA has been consulting with policymakers at HM Treasury to ensure members’ businesses are not adversely impacted by its soon-to-be-published Air Quality Strategy. As BVRLA News went to press, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs had not produced the final text of the strategy, but it is believed to contain initiatives aimed at reducing NOx emissions, especially from diesel vehicles. Prime Minister Theresa May has said: “In relation to the issue of diesel cars, obviously we will be producing a new air quality plan. But I’m very conscious of the fact that past governments have encouraged people to buy diesel cars and we need to take that into account when we’re looking at what we do in the future.” Treasury officials have privately indicated they are considering tax increases on diesel vehicles. Exact measures will be confirmed following discussions with stakeholders, including the BVRLA and its members. However, the 3% diesel surcharge is unlikely to
be removed, and increasing the tax differential on fuel duty is also being considered. The Air Quality Strategy is also expected to include recommendations on Clean Air Zones. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has already announced plans for an Ultra-Low Emission Zone from April 2019, which would see pre-Euro 4 petrol vehicles and pre-Euro 6 diesel vehicles pay a daily fee to drive into central London. MPs from several Parliamentary Select Committees have also launched a new joint inquiry into the government’s air quality plans. They will consider the health and environmental impacts of air pollution, with a particular focus on vehicle emissions. The BVRLA will make a formal submission to the inquiry, and invites members to send their views, particularly regarding incentives to encourage lower-emission motoring. The BVRLA and interested members have also formed a working party on the World Lightduty Testing Procedure, together with the SMMT, the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership and ACFO. u
BVRLA modernises branding Members might have noticed that the BVRLA has refreshed its logo. The association has sent its ‘main contact’ at each member company a version of the logo appropriate to their membership type. Members are requested to update their websites, digital communications and printed material accordingly. u
For further information contact Compliance & Membership Co-ordinator Diane Alexander. Contact Diane Alexander 01494 545720 diane@bvrla.co.uk
Budget keeps fuel duty frozen – but it’s not green Philip Hammond’s first Spring Budget included a freeze on fuel duty and a pledge to explore the tax treatment of diesel vehicles, but ignored calls for more environmentally effective car taxes. page 4
Differences emerge on connected car data Vehicle manufacturers have staked a claim to be the ‘gatekeepers’ of all connected vehicle data. page 5
London faces a mobility challenge, says Keaney
The BVRLA has urged policymakers to produce a vision for the way they want car clubs, car rental and other types of mobility service to work in London. page 5
Annual Dinner marks our 50th anniversary
A glittering Annual Dinner celebrates the BVRLA’s half century serving the vehicle rental and leasing industry. page 6
Fleet User Group will drive DVLA improvements The Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency’s Fleet User Group, including the BVRLA and other trade associations, has started work. page 8
Quarterly Leasing Survey reveals 2016 van surge Members’ business car and van leasing fleet grew by 6.6% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2016. page 9
• PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE ROAD TRANSPORT SINCE 1967 •