12 Apr 2010 12:04:08

UK companies reviewing transport arrangements

Businesses in the UK are rethinking their transportation arrangements in a bid to reduce their fuel bills.

According to the Transport Exchange Group, companies are considering the cost of every journey they make now that fuel prices are set to reach record highs.

Managing director Lyall Cresswell pointed out that diesel is already 123 pence per litre in some petrol stations.

"That coupled with the rise in fuel duty being phased over the next nine months is a double-whammy that will put some businesses in jeopardy," he remarked.

To combat this, he claimed that businesses are showing increased interest in ensuring that lorries and vans are not running half empty and that journeys are completed in the most efficient way.

As well as saving money on fuel bills, this is also allowing firms to reduce their carbon footprint, he pointed out.

"It is in nobody's interest to have vehicles driven around the country empty or near empty on return journeys," Mr Cresswell stated. "It is not good for the company, the environment or the economy."

In his 2010 Budget speech, chancellor Alistair Darling announced that the planned three pence increase in fuel duty would be phased, with the first one pence rise being introduced this month.

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