The firm says that the new approach will help to clarify any discrepancies and involve the driver in the inspection, to give each individual the opportunity to alleviate refurbishment costs.

The new system will notify drivers six to eight weeks prior to contract end to offer the choice between collection, extension or vehicle purchase. A joint inspection is then carried out by fully trained and qualified independent vehicle inspectors and, as a result, the driver and employer can be certain the inspection has been performed to a high standard by a qualified specialist. The driver is also made aware of how they can minimise costs for their employer by cleaning the vehicle, locating missing documentation, locating spare keys, mending windscreen chips etc.

According to Pendragon Contracts, the streamlining of the process in this way means that by the time the vehicle reaches its end of contract, refurbishment invoices are produced at a far quicker rate and any remaining issues can be resolved when it is fresh in the client's mind. Additionally, Pendragon Contracts' onward remarketing of the vehicle can also take place sooner, thereby reducing stocking days.

Neal Francis, divisional managing director at Pendragon Contracts, said: 'Giving drivers advance notice of end of contract options in this transparent way enables them to remove any unnecessary costs at the point when the contract ends. We have employed an independent third party to ensure the drivers receive a fair inspection and we are also making documented and photographed evidence available on request.

'At Pendragon Contracts we put our customers' needs first and are always looking for new ways to make the contract hire process more cost efficient, flexible and fair to drivers.'