As a new Labour government gets to work, those working in the local authority fleet sector are seeking several changes from the past.

Clarity of direction over net zero

All councils are tasked with reducing carbon emissions, a large part of which involves transitioning from internal combustion engines to alternative fuels and new technology. Whilst progress has been substantial in the car and van market with electric vehicles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) – including refuse vehicles – have been slower. Whether powered by electricity or hydrogen, the technology is expensive and much of it is still in a developmental stage.

In light of these opportunities and challenges, a new Government must take stock, re-evaluate past commitments and provide a revised timescale. Local authorities have been at the forefront of decarbonisation, often acting as the proving ground for new technologies. However, the path for HGVs will take longer and policy must reflect this.

Funding for special needs transport

The number of children statemented has almost doubled in the past five years. Councils are tasked with transporting these children to school, although funding has failed to keep pace with demand or inflation. Pay and fuel costs have increased substantially, putting a further burden on councils when many are already on the brink of Section 114 notices. Many councils supplement their offering with taxis, whilst others rely entirely on private sector operators. The system is near breaking point and requires either significant funding or a reassessment of the eligibility of SEND pupils, with the latter option likely to be unpopular amongst parents.

Investment in training and skills

According to the last APSE State of the Market survey, 92% of local authority fleet depots struggled with recruitment and 70% struggled with staff retention. Despite offering incentives and market supplements, competition with the private sector and other authorities remains fierce. Furthermore, fleet technicians have an average age of 50, a problem that will be exacerbated as more retire. Local government is one of the few employers that continues to offer apprenticeship routes, but this is not true of the wider industry. Vocational training in vehicle maintenance (and most technical vocations) desperately needs an overhaul to ensure the career route is given equal precedence as university education.

Roads infrastructure

Highways are crucial to the efficient operation of any fleet operation and councils are no different. Upper-tier authorities also serve as the Highways authority, ensuring roads are in a satisfactory condition. Funding shortfalls have led to a situation where the ALARM survey suggested that the average road is resurfaced every 118 years. Damage to tyres and suspension from potholes is adding to costs and placing an additional burden on already stretched depots. The current Government has promised a dividend from cancelling HS2, with extra money spread over the next decade. The industry will be looking to secure a similar funding commitment from any future Government and no doubt they would seek to improve on it.

Driving licence reform

In 2022, the Government called for evidence on possible changes to driver licensing for category C1 and D1 licences. Some were implemented during the pandemic regarding HGVs, and these temporary measures would benefit from re-examination. In local authority terms, C1 and D1 mainly relate to minibus drivers employed to transport SEND pupils to school in a service experiencing an explosion in demand and a shortage of drivers. It is also adversely affecting charities that run community buses such as dial-a-ride. Consultees were asked if they would support the requirement to obtain a D1 licence test to drive a minibus to be removed – 73% were supportive. This proposal has not yet been acted on and will be low-hanging fruit for an incoming administration if there are appropriate assurances that this would not be detrimental to road safety.

Overall, there is a positive takeaway in that some of the changes required are legislative, meaning they may be more achievable in a short time frame. However, many are long-term and require serious funding commitments, such as supporting the transition to electric or hydrogen-powered HGVs – a bitter pill for any government to swallow considering the current financial environment.

One thing is for sure: local authorities are stretched to near breaking point to fulfil their most basic statutory responsibilities. Carrying on as ‘normal’ long ceased to be an option, and the next administration – whatever their hue – must address these issues urgently.

This article first appeared in the Summer issue of LAPV. To subscribe for free click here.