A lack of road infrastructure and increased vehicle taxation are the two biggest issues facing fleet and mobility managers in the next five years, new research finds.

Shaun Sadlier, head of consultancy at Arval

The 2019 edition of the Arval Mobility Observatory saw 3,930 fleets questioned on areas covering fleet and mobility trends.

When asked what they expected to be the main challenges facing them in the next five years, 49% replied lack of road infrastructure causing increased congestion, 30% increased vehicle taxation, 19% unclear Government policy towards transport, 19% implementation of alternative fuel policies, 16% increased driver personal taxation and 16% the introduction of more Clean Air Zones in urban areas.

Shaun Sadlier, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “The breadth of issues mentioned in response to this question shows that fleet and mobility managers are facing some very difficult challenges over the next few years.

“Probably the most interesting aspect is that the majority of these issues are linked to external regulatory and policy factors that have an impact on fleets, rather than being practical issues.”

He added that he was unsurprised that the issue of road infrastructure causing congestion had topped the list of challenges.

“When we talk to fleet and mobility managers, there is a general level of concern, not really over the building of new roads, although these are needed in some places, but at the condition of existing ones and the impression that they are not being used to their maximum efficiency.”

He also said that fleet recognition of the challenges arising from the switch to wider fuel diversity, especially widespread use of electric vehicles, was understandable.

“However, our experience to date is that many of the factors that are perceived as obstacles can be overcome relatively easily with the right approach,” he added.

“Generally, fleets that have made the switch to EVs are very positive about the experience.”