Vans, Cars and Leasing

Researchers from 18 EU countries and Norway will interview and test thousands of drivers to assess how different alcoholic drinks and narcotic drugs impair motoring performance. The project is the latest in a string of initiatives to provide interested parties, including fleet managers, with more sophisticated information to help them manage the problem of driving while under the influence of alcohol, prescription medicine and illegal drugs.

The EU-funded DRUID (Driving under the Influence of Drugs, Alcohol and Medicine) project will check samples from volunteers for 33 psychoactive substances, including alcohol, medicine and illegal drugs and inquire into their driving performance. The University of Ghent in Belgium, which is coordinating the project, aims to check 4,000 drivers alone, some following crashes and others in general spot checks, although all the subjects will be volunteers.

The Energy Saving Trust is calling on the UK’s small fleets to do more to protect the environment. The Trust has launched a campaign targeting fleets of 50 vehicles and under, asking managing directors to consider their carbon footprint and get in contact with transport experts.

By calling the Energy Saving Trust’s small fleet hotline, managers can speak to green fleet experts offering advice on reducing emissions, cutting costs and improving corporate reputations. Information on eco-driving, fuel management, driver training and health and safety issues is also available.

A recent report commissioned by the Trust found that companies with small fleets of around 50 vehicles could save up to £45,000 a year by implementing green fleet policies.

“Companies with smaller fleets cannot justify a fleet manager and will not necessarily have anyone focused on their fleet full time,” said Nigel Underdown, head of transport advice at the Energy Saving Trust. We can provide your company with access to experienced fleet experts who can offer impartial advice, tailored to your individual business needs. I would urge all companies to take advantage of this free service and save money as well as the environment.”