UK fleet operators are moving faster than their European counterparts when it comes to adapting travel policies for increased homeworking.

UK businesses are modifying their travel policies in response to the rise in homeworking more quickly than their European peers

Research from the latest Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer shows that 9% of UK fleets surveyed have already implemented policy changes compared to 7% of European fleets. And of these figures, 39% in the UK have introduced mobility solutions for employees not eligible for a company car compared to 19% in Europe, while 37% have added car sharing for employees (25% in Europe). Meanwhile, 38% have revised the model or mileage aspects of their company car policy (29% in Europe).

In fact, the only area where Europe is leading the way is on alternative mobility solutions such as bicycles and scooters – 22% said they’ve taken action in Europe compared to 14% in the UK, where no tax or regulatory framework exists to increase its adoption.

Shaun Sadlier, UK head of Arval Mobility Observatory, said the UK’s increased enthusiasm for developments was likely down to the proactive culture that exists around UK fleet and mobility managers.

“There is a predisposition to review and revise policies very regularly,” he explained.

Sadlier also flagged that the UK was taking a lead when it came to revising existing company car policies in terms of mileages and models.

“In reality, this is probably part of a wider trend. Many businesses have been redrawing their fleet policies in response to recently emerging factors, such as widespread new vehicle shortages and the arrival of electric vehicles in large numbers, alongside homeworking.

“Our experience is that this doesn’t mean that company car numbers are falling – there is actually some evidence that they are starting to increase – but that car model choice is being opened up, the way they are operated is being modified, and the time businesses spend on the company fleet is increasing. There are a series of sensible adjustments being made.”

The research also indicates that a growing number of fleets will revise their policies in response to homeworking in the future.

“Many more respondents ticked the ‘considering future implementation’ box rather than ‘already implemented’ and it will be interesting to see how the responses to this question develop when we undertake next year’s Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer,” stated Sadlier.

In light of the development of homeworking, have you or do you plan to change your fleet or mobility policy?

Questions for respondents who answered “yes” to whether they had already or planned to change their policies.