LeasePlan launches app for light commercial vehicles
LeasePlan UK will launch a new vehicle check app for drivers of light commercial vehicles this month. The app has yet to be named officially, but beta versions were on display at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, UK, as the leasing giant sought feedback from fleet operators.
The app, which is available for Apple, Android and Windows devices, prompts drivers to conduct a daily safety check of their vehicle before setting off to work. A simple series of between 30 and 40 questions covers all areas of the vehicle, from seatbelt condition to tyre tread depths, as well as capturing information such as mileage. Drivers can supplement their answers with photos that are immediately uploaded to the app.
The answers are sent automatically to the fleet manager, with any fault and damage alerts highlighted.
There is no legal requirement for van drivers to carry out this type of check in the UK, but the process mirrors the best practice requirements for drivers of heavy goods vehicles. LeasePlan has ensured the app meets the requirements of the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme and FTA Van Excellence.
LeasePlan UK has more than 57,000 vans on its fleet, and Mark Lovett, head of commercial vehicles, said the app would promote driver safety and employer duty of care.
“The app makes drivers accountable for the state of the vehicle,” said Mark Lovett. “Fleet managers will be getting exception reports, so they will know which vehicles are not being checked.”
He added that information from daily vehicle checks could help fleets ot avoid any end of contract charges.
The app will cost about £1 [€1.18] per month and significantly will be available to customers for all of their vehicles, not just those vans supplied by LeasePlan. However, used in tandem with LeasePlan’s UPtime product, which proactively books scheduled vehicle service and maintenance work, the app could help to minimise vehicle downtime by alerting garages to the parts and tyres they will need before a vehicle arrives for maintenance.
The app has been developed specifically for the UK, but could be adapted for other countries, taking into account local laws and regulations, said Mark Lovett.
