A revised Tax and Regulation Manifesto is being launched today (29 May) by the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) ahead of the General Election on 4 July.
New additions include finally resolving ongoing confusion over regulations surrounding 4.25 tonne electric vans, new benefit in kind taxation tables up to 2030, the removal of plans to introduce Vehicle Excise Duty on electric vans from April 2025, the need for fiscal support to make electric cars and vans more attractive in the used market, a better labelling scheme explaining the range of electric vans in different weather conditions and with different loads, and improvements to the charging infrastructure including regulatory and fiscal support for accessible, affordable and fit-for-purpose charge points.
AFP chairman Paul Hollick said: “One of the undeniable facts in fleet over the last few years is that van electrification is proving much, much more difficult than for cars. There are issues over the capabilities of the vehicles themselves that make their operational viability for some fleets open to question, while availability of charging is also an ongoing issue for many. In the company car sector, adoption has been powered by preferential benefit in kind taxation, and some kind of government support is needed to really get the electric van market moving in the same manner.”
He added that the AFP hoped the manifesto would serve to prompt dialogue within the fleet industry and political circles, with the general election serving as a useful focal point for discussions.
“As an organisation, we would like to help enable those conversations to take place, and for whoever wins power to take a serious look at the resulting suggestions. Of the points we suggest, several could be implemented quite easily by any new government. Others, such as the need for discussions around a road tolling plan, are very much strategic and part of longer-term shifts in policy.”
