From Rebates to Road Safety: A Guide to Optimising Your Council Fleet

A Guide to Optimising Your Council Fleet

Council fleet operations teams face increasing requirements to reduce fleet and fuel costs, contribute to sustainability and Co2 targets, and keep their drivers safe on the road. But where, and how, do you start tackling each of these areas? Here’s a quick guide to some solutions you can leverage across your fleet. 

Fuel Tax Credits: Maximising Your Returns

Fuel tax credits (FTCs) offer a significant opportunity to recoup costs associated with fuel used in council vehicles and auxiliary equipment. By accurately tracking fuel consumption and vehicle types using geospatial data, finance teams can maintain accurate records which comply with the ATO, while claiming the maximum allowable FTCs. 

Sustainability and Electric Vehicles

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) presents a compelling opportunity for councils to reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs. Leveraging telematics to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis councils can take a data-led approach to factors such as charging infrastructure, battery life, total cost of ownership and EV operational management. Data empowers councils to make informed decisions about their EV transition plans, and can be made easier through an EV Suitability Assessment.  

Fleet Maintenance: Ensuring Operational Efficiency

Proactive fleet maintenance is essential for ensuring optimal vehicle performance and minimising fleet downtime. Analysing engine fault codes with remote diagnostics, and scheduling maintenance reminders can significantly extend vehicle lifespan and reduce maintenance costs.

Fuel Use: Driving Down Costs 

Fuel consumption remains a significant operational expense for councils. One regional council we worked with discovered that some vehicles were idling for more than 28% of the time they were in use, and went on to identify almost $180,000 in diesel savings. They were able to do this by monitoring fuel use data and driver behaviour, to address overall maintenance and depreciation costs. 

Driver Safety: Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset

Driver safety is paramount in ensuring the wellbeing of your fleet and the community. In-vehicle alerts can coach your drivers to address their harsh driving and speeding, and ensure they’re using seatbelts. Predictive analytics can also identify drivers and locations most at risk of incidents, and allow your teams to proactively manage risks before incidents occur. These insights can also contribute to reduced insurance premiums, while collision reconstruction and video footage can assist with any insurance disputes. It is essential to consider telematics as part of your chain of responsibility (CoR) practices. 

By leveraging these solutions and strategies, council teams can make significant steps to addressing the growing requirements around cost savings, risk mitigation and workplace safety. Geotab is the #1 commercial telematics provider worldwide for four consecutive years, and is empowering councils to navigate the complexities of modern fleet management. Our comprehensive platform, data accuracy and 25+ years experience can help to shape the next stage of your fleet management strategy. 

Read the Dubbo Regional Council success story