Fleet Operators Benefit from Red Tape Cuts
Monday 09 January 2012 Back to Blog
Fleet operators should see far less administration thanks to the Government's new plans for transport and business.
The Department of Transport described existing regulation as "unnecessary, burdensome and overcomplicated regulation". This has led to Prime Minister David Cameron issuing a "Red Tape Challenge" to remove as much regulation as possible.
Subsequently fleet operators will see 142 existing regulations scrapped or modified. This includes the scrapping of insurance certificates, the issuing of V5C registration documents only when they are necessary, and the phasing out of the paper based driving licence.
Justine Greening, transport secretary said: "Motorists shouldn't have to keep numerous bits of paper just to prove they can drive and have bought insurance - we live in digital age and we need to embrace that.
"Reducing the number of rules and regulations in our life is absolutely vital to removing barriers to economic growth and increasing individual freedoms."
Further changes wills see SORN renewals being scrapped and drivers will no longer be called upon to prove they have valid insurance when they apply for tax, and Territorial Army members will see a limited exemption in driving hours.
The new regulations have been welcomed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and the British Vehicle and Leasing Association, whose head John Lewis represented fleet operators in a debate with the Department of Transport which helped modify and bring about the changes to the existing fleet operator regulations.
John Lewis described the changes as a move that would "remove paperwork and administrative costs" for fleets.