Fleet Directory News » Carillion Fleet Management

Carillion Fleet Management encouraging people to downsize

Richard Lawton — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:27:29 +0000

Carillion Fleet Management is leading by example with an environmental policy that encourages its drivers to choose greener company cars.

The company manages around 3,000 cars on its internal vehicle fleet and is encouraging drivers to consider the environmental and financial benefits of choosing a cleaner car when the time comes to change their vehicle.

Drivers can take advantage of financial incentives offered by the company in return for downsizing one grade on their new company car. Carillion has also identified specific models that qualify for ‘Green Star Car’ status, meaning the vehicle has the lowest CO₂ emissions in its class.

The initiative aims to help Carillion lower its overall fleet emissions but means that drivers can enjoy lower fuel bills and a reduction in their BIK tax bill.

Bob Dunnett, Managing Director of Carillion Fleet Management, said: “It’s all part of our efforts to encourage drivers to think more about the costs of running a car, while still providing a vehicle that fits with our health and safety offering.”

Essential users are offered a choice of Ford or Volkswagen vehicle, with a wider mix for user choosers – but all with the aim of reducing emissions and increasing fuel economy.

“We give our employees a good choice of vehicles while also ensuring that we are making the right choice for the business,” added Bob.

“Our goal has been to reduce our CO₂ emissions by 50% between 2007 and 2012, and we are making good progress towards this. Almost all our vehicles are now below 160g/km but we are actively encouraging drivers to opt for sub 110, 120 and 130g/km vehicles.

“Recent developments in engine technology mean we are able to do this without asking drivers to sacrifice comfort, refinement and equipment.”

Case Study 1 – Yohan Edwards, Engineer

Vehicle you used to have? Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi (’07 reg) – 100k miles
Vehicle you now have? Audi A3 1.6 TDi (Green Star Car on Carillion list)
What Carillion band is it in? Grade E (it’s a Green Star Car thanks to its low emissions)
Current mpg? 55mpg
CO₂? 109g/km
Number of miles per year? 35,000
Typical journey? Motorway journeys from Milton Keynes to Luton

“I’ve upgraded from a Focus to an A3 – one of the Green Star Cars on Carillion’s list. It’s really well equipped, safe and practical – with good performance and fuel economy and affordable BIK tax. It also comes with Stop/Start technology for reduced emissions, something Carillion is keen to promote within the company.”

Case Study 2 – Peter Miles, Managing Quantity Surveyor, Carillion Building North Core

Vehicle you used to have? Ford Mondeo 2.2TDCi
Vehicle you now have? Ford Focus Econetic 1.6 TDCi
What Carillion band is it in? Grade F (entitled to a Grade D, so it represents a two grade shift)
Current mpg? I’m getting a minimum 56mpg urban and 65mpg on motorways (previous car was min 35-40mpg in urban environments and up to 50mpg on a run)
CO₂? 104g/km
Number of miles per year? Approximately 16-17k miles
Typical journey? I’m in the office two or three days a week, which is about 8 miles away. I’m also in Newcastle a couple of days a week – another 65 miles each way from Leeds.
Financial incentive – approx per year? £1000

“I’ve had it for three or four months now and I can see the benefits, starting with a tax bill which is obviously reduced, at approximately £80 a month. It’s reliable, comfortable on motorway journeys and is probably the bigger of the family cars on the list. I’ve got three children all needing booster seats too, so it needed to be spacious and a practical design. There’s slightly less power than in the Mondeo obviously, but otherwise it suits us really well, both as a working vehicle and as a family car, and the financial benefits more than outweigh any slight negatives.”

Case Study 3 – Pat Brown, Account Manager, Carillion Fleet Management

Vehicle you used to have? Vauxhall Vectra SRI
Vehicle you now have? Ford Fiesta Titanium 1.6TDCi
What Carillion band is it in? Grade G
Current mpg? 47.3
CO₂? 110g/km
Number of miles per year? On average 38,000
Typical journey? Travelling to customers across the UK, mileage obviously varies day to day
Financial incentive – approx per year? £1500

“The car is very well designed, practical, economical and suitable as a small family car as I’m married with two young children. It’s also very safe and comfortable; just as good as a larger car to my mind, which is essential for the long journeys I regularly use it for.”

Carillion selects fuel efficient Peugeot vans

Faye Sunderland — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:16:01 +0000

Carillion Property Services has saved thousands of pounds worth of fuel and reduced its vehicle emissions by 7 per cent in just six months by adding 200 diesel-engined Peugeot light commercial vehicles to its fleet.

The vans – which include the compact Peugeot Bipper, mid-size Partner and larger Expert, plus full-size Boxer panel vans complete with reversing cameras – have been supplied on a four-year contract hire with maintenance agreement by Carillion Fleet Management.

All are fitted with speed limiters and tracking systems, which are helping drive down fuel bills by up to seven per cent, while at the same time boosting driver safety. The sole badge contract is designed to simplify service procedures and replace the company’s current range of mixed size Vauxhall and Ford vans, some of which are now five years old.

For its Scotland operation alone, the new vehicles will save Carillion Property Services around £24,000 in fuel over the next 12 months.

“We were keen to have all our vehicles from one manufacturer and there was no other company that could match the sheer variety of sizes, together with the impressive service that Peugeot delivers,” said Mark Smith of Carillion Property Services.

“Another key factor for us was driver safety and here too, Peugeot was always the front-runner, thanks to the vehicles’ ABS brakes, airbags and secure cabins.”

The vans will be used by Carillion engineers carrying out building maintenance work across the UK. Smaller vans will be deployed in urban and city environments, where their greater manoeuvrability and fuel consumption are clear benefits. The larger Boxers will be employed for carrying heavier loads, such as glazing and timber, as well as for the company’s kitchen and bathroom fitters.

“Not only have these new Peugeot vans delivered impressive performance improvements, they have also proved a big hit with our drivers too, thanks to the comfortable cabin environment and the high levels of equipment,” added Mark.

Carillion Property Services currently runs some 600 vehicles and expects to add more Peugeot vans to its fleet as part of its rolling replacement programme.

Martin Hayes, Fleet Sales Manager at Peugeot Commercial Vehicles UK, said: “Light Commercial Vans have changed dramatically in recent years and the traditional ‘one size fits all’ approach no longer offers the flexibility our customers are looking for. That’s why Peugeot has designed and engineered a comprehensive range of vans in a selection of sizes in order to appeal to as many potential customers as possible.”

BVRLA To Fight On For VOSA Victims

Simon McBride — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:31:21 +0000

The BVRLA has announced that it will continue to fight VOSA’s (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) plans to introduce a crippling 9 per cent increase in the annual goods and passenger vehicle test fee.
The association is writing to Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, pointing out the discrepancy between VOSA’s fee increase and his pledge to try and reduce the impact of regulation on business costs.
VOSA has ignored the unanimous and robust industry opposition to these proposals. This fee increase will earn it an extra £4.3 million this year, and the government agency has indicated that further above-inflation fee rises will be necessary to pay for its failure to cover its costs in past years.
BVRLA chief executive John Lewis warned, “These increases will place a serious financial burden on an already ailing sector and will contribute to some operators going bust. Remember that these businesses are vital customers for the UK automotive industry Lord Mandelson is so keen to preserve.”
VOSA also wants to raise an extra £5.3 million a year by merging the annual O licence vehicle fee with the annual test fee, bringing thousands more vehicles into scope.
Lewis added, “This merged fee would put a completely unjustified burden on the rental and leasing industry and many other vehicle owners who would essentially be paying for enforcement costs despite not being subject to O licence requirements. This runs contrary to the “user pays” principle trumpeted by central government. VOSA expects our members to act as third-party tax collectors, and to recover these costs from their customers in the form of increased hire or lease charges. But this will be next to impossible in a fiercely competitive business environment”
The merger of test fees will see the sector’s annual bill rise by £3.2 million in 2009 and £7 million in 2010.
According to reports, VOSA also plans to have 85 per cent of all annual vehicle tests conducted at private sector sites (Authorised Testing Facilities or ATFs) by 2013. The BVRLA will be closely monitoring the scheme to ensure that it is delivered on time and with the desired cost benefits.
Lewis concluded, “VOSA claims the introduction of ATFs will produce a “transformation in testing provision” that will reduce costs for operators. However, with its poor track-record for managing its infrastructure and reducing costs, we would suggest that its goals are more of an aspiration than a concrete target.”
Simon McBride

Carillion Introduces Carbon Calculator

Simon McBride — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:06:26 +0000

Carillion Fleet Management has introduced an easy-to-use online carbon calculator that can help fleets cut their costs and reduce CO2 emissions.
The calculator can be found on the carillion website and the company claims that it is simple to use. Fleet managers can input details about their annual mileage, vehicle mix and the type of fuel used. This data is used to help fleet operators start the process of working out the environmental impact of that company’s fleet.
David Stanley, Head of Business Development, said: “In the current economic climate, it has become increasingly important to recognise areas of a business where cost savings can be made. With our carbon calculator, we can show companies how existing fleet policies may be losing money unnecessarily and advise them on ways to make better use of their assets.”
Carillion claims by using the tool, companies can quickly evaluate their current car and van carbon footprint. The resulting information can then be used to set targets for reducing emissions across the fleet, redevelop vehicle lists to include more fuel efficient cars, and cut costs.
Carillion Fleet Management can also help companies to revise their van fleet policies – recommending smaller vehicles where appropriate that will cut fuel costs and emissions while still remaining fit for purpose. It will also match up their HGV needs with the most appropriate vehicle for the job.
Stanley concluded, “As an independent solutions provider, we’re not tied to any vehicle manufacturer or financial institution. This means we can always source the right vehicle at the best price – from low CO2 cars and trucks to electric vehicles.”
For more information and to calculate your fleet’s carbon footprint, visit the website: www.carillionfleet.com/green and click on ‘Free Carbon Calculator’.
Simon McBride

Carillion supplies Mercedes ECO-Start to Office2Office

Faye Sunderland — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:59:55 +0000

Carillion Fleet Management has delivered 18 Mercedes Sprinter ECO-Start vans to Office2Office as part of its strategy to further reduce the leading office supplies company’s fleet carbon footprint.

Office2Office is one of the first fleets in the UK to take delivery of the Sprinter fitted with the ECO-Start system which cuts out the ignition when the vehicle is stationary in traffic.

Carillion has taken the system one step further with Mercedes by arranging for the on/off button to be removed ensuring that the ECO-Start technology is working at all times. This ensures the system cannot be overridden.

Office2Office will run 311 and 511 series Mercedes Sprinter Vans with the ECO-Start technology permanently operational. It enables Office2Office to ensure its fleet benefits from a 10 per cent fuel saving when the vans are working in urban areas.

The key reason Office2Office has purchased the vans is because of the system’s fuel and CO2 emissions savings, plus the reduced noise and engine wear on the vehicles.

Reducing emissions and fuel consumption is a key business objective for Office2Office. Its vehicle fleet operates nationally, within urban areas, often undertaking short journeys and battling heavy traffic.

Mike Weston, Operations Director at Office2Office said, “We are working to reduce the carbon footprint of our fleet vehicles, particularly within the London area. In conjunction with Carillion, we are looking at trialling a number of environmentally friendly vehicles in and around the M25 in addition to the Sprinters.

“Many of our deliveries take place in city centres, often during unsociable hours so we are actively looking to reduce the noise, as well as air pollution from our vehicles.”

Pat Brown, Office2Office’s Account Manager at Carillion said: “We work closely with our customers to ensure we can supply the right vehicles to meet their business demands. For Office2Office, its impact on the environment is a key consideration. We have provided additional fleet vehicles that can significantly reduce the environmental impact of this activity and by working with Mercedes can ensure continual use of the ECO-Start system for optimum results.”

£96m construction contract awarded Carillion

Simon McBride — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:47:39 +0000

The Highways Agency has confirmed that the £96m contract to install the technology that will allow the hard shoulder on parts of the motorway network around Birmingham to be opened to traffic during busy periods has been awarded to Carillion.
This announcement comes less than a week after Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly announced a £6 billion investment programme to improve and make better use of motorways and other key roads. As part of this a further 500 lane miles of English motorway are being considered for hard shoulder running.
With work expected to begin this Autumn, drivers will be able to start using the extra road space this will create from late 2009.
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said: “As people want to travel more we need to make the most of our road network – and that means using innovative measures to cut congestion and improve drivers’ journeys. The trial on the M42 near Birmingham proved that techniques like hard shoulder running and variable speed limits are practical and cost-effective solutions so we were keen to roll them out to other motorways. Today’s announcement marks the next important step in that process and will help drivers to beat traffic jams on more of the motorway network around Birmingham.”
Derek Turner, Highways Agency Network Operations Director said: “We are delighted to award this important contract. We look forward to working with Carillion to extend the successful Active Traffic Management scheme to bring benefits to road users across both the West Midlands and the country as a whole. We expect work to start shortly after the August bank holiday and are looking to keep three lanes open during the road works, especially during busy periods to help reduce any inconvenience to drivers. There will be the need for some overnight and weekend closures but we will publicise these well in advance.”
The scheme involves two main components; variable speed limits to help smooth the flow of traffic and the controlled use of the hard shoulder to provide an extra lane for motorists at the busiest periods. It will be expanded around Birmingham in two phases:

Phase 1

* M40 Junctions 16 – M42 Junction 3A. Variable speed limits.

* M42 Junctions 7 – 9. Variable speed limits

* M6 Junctions 4 – 5. Variable speed limits and hard shoulder running, with the exception of 4A – 4 southbound, where variable speed limits alone will be used.

Phase 2

* M6 Junction 8 – 10A. Variable speed limits and hard shoulder running.

Work on the scheme is due to begin in Autumn 2008, with work on phase two beginning in early 2009. Phase one is due for completion by the end of 2009 and phase two by spring 2011.
This scheme follows the success of Active Traffic Management on the M42 to the south east of Birmingham where the hard shoulder is being used during busy periods. Average weekday journey times fell by more than a quarter on the northbound carriageway and drivers’ ability to predict their journey times increased by 27%. Safety on the road has also improved with the number of accidents decreasing from an average 5.1 a month to 1.8 a month.
Simon McBride

Carillion signs up to 1link Service Network as fleet grows by 30 per cent

Lee Sibbald — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:55:53 +0000

Rapidly-growing Carillion Fleet Management has signed up to use the 1link Service Network e-commerce platform.

The Wolverhampton-based operation, part of the giant Carillion plc construction and support services group, saw its fleet grow by 30% to 17,700 vehicles in April after its parent acquired Alfred McAlpine.

Carillion Fleet Management’s ongoing, long-term objective is to move from being a captive supplier with its parent as its major client to one that offers a range of expert fleet management services to a widening range of external customers.

Chris Brown, project manager at Carillion Fleet Management, said: “We are growing quickly and adopting 1link Service Network will allow us to process our service and maintenance transactions with greater control and efficiency than would otherwise be possible.

“Our strategy is to continue to attract further fleet customers and, together with the integration of the Alfred McAlpine fleet, we need to ensure that our systems are first rate. Having 1link Service Network in place is a key part of having the right infrastructure.”

1link Service Network replaces the administratively burdensome phone and fax method of authorising fleet work with a fast and accurate online mechanism, and is in use by 11,000 maintenance providers. Drivers, maintenance providers and fleets all benefit.

Ken Trinder, head of business development at epyx, the company behind 1link, said: “Carillion Fleet Management is rapidly making its way up the FN50 and we are pleased to welcome them on board as a 1link Service Network customer.”

http://www.fleetdirectory.co.uk/epyx/