Damian James, ACFO chairman, said of the latter: ‘The Government’s decision to cancel next September’s 1.6p a litre rise in fuel duty is a welcome move.
‘While fuel prices will continue to rise and fall, the Government’s decision means that fuel duty will not increase before the scheduled 2015 general election.
‘The move gives some stability to fleets in their budget forecasting and is welcome at a time when the green shoots of economic recovery are sprouting.’
James also said of the changes to the car tax disc: ‘ACFO has been calling on the DVLA to abolish the tax disc for some time so we are delighted that ministers have listened.
‘The car tax disc is a totally unnecessary piece of red tape that is not required in the 21st century with the introduction of rapidly accessible digital records and roadside cameras to check as to whether a vehicle is licensed.
‘Removing the tax disc reduces the administrative burden on fleet managers and vehicle leasing companies particularly in terms of forwarding a new disc to drivers.
‘However, prior to the withdrawal of the tax disc from October 2014, ACFO wants to be assured that enforcement keeps up with the development.
‘This year a grace period has been introduced during which time newly registered and licensed cars and vans cans legally be driven for up to 14 days without displaying a tax disc.
‘But ACFO members have reported stories of drivers being stopped because their new vehicle does not display a current tax disc even though the law allows them to drive the vehicle for up to two weeks.
‘We do not want the same situation following abolition of the tax disc. Roadside enforcement must keep up to date with the legislative process.’
