Fuel card news

DfT roadwork charges may not be enough to offset vehicle repair bills

Published: 31/01/2012

Motorists may still face problems from roadworks in the UK, despite new measures from the Department of Transport (DfT).

Roadworks continue to prove a problem for fleet vehicles across the UK. Often the cause of heavy congestion, road works can result in traffic jams and increased fuel consumption.

In reaction to this problem, the DfT last week announced plans for a new scheme that would see utility companies tasked with roadworks charged a high rate to work on highways during peak traffic times.

The idea being that the initiative would incentivise working around peak traffic hours and encourage firms to complete work in a speedy manner.

While this initiative has been welcomed by most in providing a reduction in driving times, and with it fuel costs, some have pointed to the problems that these roadworks often leave.

According to research conducted by Potholes Direct often it is the shoddy repair work done by utility companies after digging up highways that can create the biggest expense.

The firm estimates that motorists spent around £1 million a day on repairing vehicle suspension and axle damage caused by these poorly maintained and repaired roads.

An average haulage firm would suffer potential repair costs of £309, undermining the work of the DfT.

Commenting on the proposals, Warranty Direct managing director Duncan McClure Fisher called for more action.

"Easing gridlock and traffic jams is all very well, but another key issue with these roadworks is the poor workmanship in putting the road back together afterwards," he said.

"Utility companies should not only have to rent the road they plan to dig up, but also be forced to pay fines for poorly-repaired road surfaces."

Haulage companies looking to offset the repair costs from poorly maintained roads could look to fuel cards to ease their company’s cash-flow.

Companies such as Be Fuelcards Ltd offer credit on all fuel transactions, as well as offering fixed price fuel at over 500 BP stations spread across the UK.

In addition, detailed drawings reports, VAT-friendly invoices and online account management can help to cut down on time-consuming fleet management duties.