Oct 11
24
Britain’s motorists have taken a hammering in recent months, with spiralling fuel costs, rising inflation and high taxation making huge dents in everyone’s wallets.
Inflation hit a record high last week. Figures show that the consumer price index rose by 5.2% in the year to September, exceeding economists’ forecasts. The detailed figures from the Office for National Statistics came a day after energy secretary Chris Huhne called an emergency Whitehall summit over soaring energy prices.
Costs of gas, electricity and other fuels rose 18.3% on the year in September, while transport costs were up 12.8%. Perhaps the most alarming figure was how car fuel costs have risen by 17.8% in the year.
A spokesman for the Treasury said that the Government were “aware that these are difficult times for households, as the price levels continue to be affected by high global oil and gas prices.” According to the spokesman, the Government will be taking action to help consumers with the high costs, including cutting fuel duty and freezing council tax.
Rising fuel costs
Fuel costs have increased by a third in just two years, with 60% of the price being tax. High fuel prices drive inflation because fuel is fundamental to the infrastructure of the UK. And the impact of these figures will hit no other sector harder, than those in the transport and logistical industry.
Research earlier in the year from Moneysupermarket.com found that record fuel prices were forcing drivers to change their driving habits, with 62% of respondents claiming to have reduced the amount of time they spend behind a wheel. Nearly 3 in 5 drivers said they are amalgamating shorter journeys and taking one trip where they might have previously taken several.
With energy prices rising, companies are constantly looking for that extra saving and ways to cut back on their emissions. Switched on companies such as Sonic Direct are already taking major steps to manage this unavoidable expense. Sonic Direct are the UK’s largest independent electrical retail outlet. Their success has been built on “offering the most competitive pricing without compromising customer service.” They managed to save over £50,000 by deploying Route Optimiser technology across its fleet of 25 vehicles.
Improve working processes
Back-office applications such as route optimising software allow companies to improve their working processes by reducing unnecessary road miles. The online service plans the shortest route for single vehicles or whole fleets, taking into account height, weight, and width to help find the shortest, most efficient route.
Fuel prices are continuing to rise and remain a major headache for fleet managers. Such increases make it even more sensible to route-optimise.
How to cut costs:
· Check tyre pressure as poorly inflated tyres put more strain on the engine and use more fuel.
· Get your vehicle serviced regularly to maintain engine efficiency.
· Use route optimising technology to reduce unnecessary mileage.
Posted in News by 
