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Wiadomości i aktualizacje • 4 min read

Strefy niskiej emisji w Hiszpanii: Co powinni wiedzieć operatorzy flot

Utworzony: 03.10.2025

Aktualizacja: 08.10.2025

Do końca 2025 r. 149 hiszpańskich miast - od Madrytu i Barcelony po centra turystyczne, takie jak Walencja, Alicante i Benidorm - ograniczy dostęp dla pojazdów wysokoemisyjnych. Dla operatorów flot oznacza to nowe zagrożenia związane z przestrzeganiem przepisów, kosztowne modernizacje i napięte harmonogramy dostaw.

Hiszpańskie strefy niskiej emisji (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones lub ZBE) są częścią szerszego europejskiego dążenia do poprawy jakości powietrza i ograniczenia emisji z transportu. Działają one już w dużych miastach w całym kraju i są egzekwowane za pomocą mandatów w wysokości do 200 euro, przy czym zasady różnią się w zależności od miasta.

W tym przewodniku wyjaśniamy, jak działa ZBE, jakich kategorii pojazdów dotyczy i co operatorzy muszą zrobić, aby utrzymać swoje floty na drodze.

Zasady ZBE i kategorie pojazdów

ZBE są wprowadzane na mocy hiszpańskiego prawa w miastach powyżej [50 000 mieszkańców] (https://transporteprofesional.es/noticias-actualidad-transporte-logistica/transporte-de-mercancias/zonas-de-bajas-emisiones-impacto-y-desafios-para-el-transporte-profesional) (i tych powyżej 20 000 o szczególnie złej jakości powietrza), w celu poprawy jakości powietrza w miastach i wspierania celów klimatycznych UE.

Dostęp do ZBE jest określany na podstawie plakietki środowiskowej pojazdu (distintivo ambiental), wydawanej przez hiszpańską Dyrekcję Generalną ds.

Kategorie są następujące:

Zero (niebieska plakietka):

Pełny dostęp

Pojazdy w 100% elektryczne (BEV)

Pojazdy napędzane wodorowymi ogniwami paliwowymi (FCEV)

Hybrydy plug-in o zasięgu elektrycznym co najmniej 40 km

Eco (zielona/niebieska plakietka):

Ogólnie nieograniczony dostęp

Standardowe hybrydy (HEV)

Hybrydy plug-in o zasięgu elektrycznym poniżej 40 km

Pojazdy zasilane gazem (CNG/LNG/LPG)

C (zielona odznaka):

Dostęp z pewnymi ograniczeniami czasowymi/obszarowymi

Pojazdy benzynowe: Euro 4/5/6 (zazwyczaj od 2006 r.)

Pojazdy z silnikiem wysokoprężnym: Euro 6 (zazwyczaj od 2014 r.)

B (żółta plakietka):

Coraz większe ograniczenia, często zakaz w godzinach szczytu.

Pojazdy benzynowe: Euro 3 (zazwyczaj 2000-2005)

Pojazdy z silnikiem wysokoprężnym: Euro 4-5 (zazwyczaj 2006-2013)

Brak odznaki:

Ogólny zakaz wstępu na wszystkie ZBE

Pojazdy benzynowe poniżej normy Euro 3

Pojazdy z silnikiem Diesla poniżej normy Euro 4

Pojazdy benzynowe poniżej normy Euro 3 i diesle poniżej normy Euro 4 są zazwyczaj objęte zakazem wjazdu do ZBE, choć ograniczenia różnią się w zależności od miasta.

Należy pamiętać, że zagraniczne pojazdy muszą zarejestrować się w lokalnych urzędach miejskich przed wjazdem do ZBE, nawet jeśli spełniają równoważne normy Euro. Bez rejestracji pojazdy spełniające wymogi mogą zostać automatycznie ukarane grzywną, co stało się częstym problemem dla międzynarodowych przewoźników działających w Hiszpanii.

Obszary objęte ZBE

Madryt i Barcelona posiadają ZBE od kilku lat, z wysoce szczegółowymi zasadami i dużymi obszarami zasięgu. Do końca 2025 r. system obejmie 149 miast, w tym mniejsze miejscowości i ośrodki turystyczne, takie jak Benidorm, Walencja, Sewilla i Alicante.

Niektóre miasta nadal wdrażają lub stopniowo egzekwują swoje strefy, wprowadzając okresy przejściowe (np. ostrzeżenia do końca 2025 r. w Walencji i Benidormie). Inne, takie jak Málaga, zaczną nakładać grzywny na pojazdy nieprzestrzegające przepisów od grudnia 2025 r.

Należy zauważyć, że miasta mogą mieć różne zasady, a niektóre dopuszczają pojazdy niezgodne z przepisami do świadczenia podstawowych usług, dlatego ważne jest, aby znać zasady obowiązujące w danym mieście przed wysłaniem pojazdu.

Hiszpania nie jest odosobniona: ponad 320 miast w całej Europie obsługuje obecnie strefy LEZ, z francuskim systemem Crit'Air, niemieckim Umweltzonen i brytyjskim ULEZ wśród najbardziej ugruntowanych. Dla przewoźników transgranicznych tworzy to mozaikę przepisów, naklejek i kar, które zwiększają ryzyko i koszty związane z przestrzeganiem przepisów.

Co muszą zrobić operatorzy flot

Musisz upewnić się, że Twoje pojazdy mają odpowiednią plakietkę DGT lub są zarejestrowane, jeśli mają zagraniczne tablice rejestracyjne.

Grzywny za nieprzestrzeganie przepisów są zazwyczaj ustalane na poziomie [200 euro za naruszenie] (https://www.sertrans.es/zonas-de-bajas-emisiones/), choć mogą się różnić w zależności od gminy. Miasta takie jak Madryt i Barcelona już zaczęły nakładać te kary za pośrednictwem systemów automatycznego rozpoznawania tablic rejestracyjnych (ANPR).

Zagadnienia dla menedżerów floty

Odnowienie floty i koszty

Wiele firm logistycznych napotyka przeszkody, ponieważ starsze ciężarówki z silnikiem diesla są obecnie zakazane lub ograniczone w miastach. W rzeczywistości [średni wiek hiszpańskiej floty towarowej wynosi 14 lat] (https://www.acea.auto/figure/average-age-of-eu-vehicle-fleet-by-country/). Oznacza to, że znaczna liczba pojazdów jest niezgodna z przepisami i musi zostać wymieniona, jeśli przewoźnicy chcą wejść do ZBE.

Ceny pojazdów zwiększają presję: elektryczna ciężarówka może kosztować trzy razy więcej niż jej odpowiednik z silnikiem diesla, podczas gdy ciężarówki wodorowe są jeszcze droższe.

CETM-Madrid, Hiszpańska Konfederacja Transportu Towarowego, szacuje, że łączne nakłady na madryckie firmy transportu drogowego wynoszą około 1,3 mld euro (https://transporteprofesional.es/ultimas-noticias/cetm-madrid-reclama-modificar-el-calendario-de-acceso-a-las-zonas-de-bajas-emisiones-a-los-camiones) i wzywa do dostosowania terminów i większego wsparcia.

Kompresja czasu

Dane pokazują, że zmiany mają wpływ na harmonogramy dostaw. Niedawna ankieta przeprowadzona wśród firm w strefach pilotażowych wykazała, że [36,7% z nich zgłosiło wydłużenie czasu dostawy i wzrost kosztów wysyłki] (https://www.jiem.org/index.php/jiem/article/download/6902/1089).

Zatory są również powszechne podczas ograniczonych okien dostaw (8-10 rano), kiedy wielu operatorów konkuruje o dostęp. Około [83% ankietowanych firm] (https://www.jiem.org/index.php/jiem/article/download/6902/1089) wskazało również brak odpowiednich miejsc załadunku/rozładunku jako główny czynnik przyczyniający się do opóźnień.

Ten efekt "kompresji czasu" - w którym dostawy są wymuszane w krótszych godzinach - tworzy wąskie gardła na granicach stref, zwiększając prawdopodobieństwo opóźnień w dostawach i zakłóceń w łańcuchach dostaw.

Presja na personel

Zakłócenia harmonogramu wykraczają poza wyznaczanie tras pojazdów i dotyczą zarządzania personelem. Podejście Barcelony do ZBE ilustruje to wyzwanie: miasto oferuje dwugodzinne nocne terminy dostaw (21:00-07:00) w celu zmniejszenia zatorów w ciągu dnia, ale hiszpańskie umowy o pracę stanowią, że wynagrodzenie za pracę w nocy jest premiowane o około 25%.

Stawia to operatorów flot przed trudnym wyborem: zaakceptować zatory i opóźnienia w ciągu dnia lub zaabsorbować wzrost kosztów pracy w przypadku operacji nocnych.

Korzyści środowiskowe wynikające z wprowadzenia ZBE

Pomimo wyzwań, ZBE przynoszą wyraźne korzyści dla zdrowia publicznego. Badania przeprowadzone w centralnej strefie LEZ w Madrycie wykazały znaczną redukcję emisji dwutlenku azotu (NO₂) w obrębie strefy. Szersze badania europejskie wykazały spadek emisji sadzy nawet o 47% i ultradrobnych cząstek o 56% po wprowadzeniu LEZ.

Redukcje te przekładają się bezpośrednio na poprawę jakości powietrza, mniejszą liczbę chorób układu oddechowego i mniejszą liczbę hospitalizacji. Dla mieszkańców miast - i kierowców spędzających wiele godzin w zatłoczonych korkach - korzyści zdrowotne są namacalne, choć niewygodne.

Wspieranie kierowców i operatorów w całej Europie

"Strefy niskoemisyjne są tutaj na stałe", komentuje Raqual Martinez, europejski kierownik sprzedaży w SNAP. "Wyzwaniem dla naszej społeczności jest dostosowanie się bez uszczerbku dla wydajności i dobrostanu kierowców. W SNAP jesteśmy zaangażowani we wspieranie flot w Hiszpanii i całej Europie, pomagając im przekształcić zmiany regulacyjne w korzyści operacyjne".

Chociaż nie możemy zmienić zasad LEZ, nasza aplikacja intruck upraszcza życie na drodze. Kierowcy mogą za jej pomocą znaleźć i zarezerwować bezpieczny parking dla ciężarówek i myjnie, sprawdzić, jakie udogodnienia są dostępne na każdym postoju i zaplanować przerwy na odpoczynek, które pasują do krótszych terminów dostaw - niezależnie od tego, czy jadą do Madrytu, omijają Barcelonę, czy przekraczają granice na dłuższych trasach.

Pobierz aplikację intruck app już dziś, aby usprawnić operacje w zmieniającym się krajobrazie transportowym Hiszpanii.

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wtorek 28 października 2025 • Wiadomości i aktualizacje

INTELIGENTNE TACHOGRAFY DRUGIEJ GENERACJI: CO MENEDŻEROWIE FLOT POWINNI WIEDZIEĆ

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The road transport industry in Europe is undergoing a significant change with the rollout of the second-generation smart tachograph (Smart Tachograph Version 2, or G2V2). These new devices have been introduced under the to improve road safety, to ensure fair competition and to protect drivers' rights.For fleet managers across the EU – and in the UK for those operating internationally – it’s crucial to understand what the new smart tachograph v2 entails, the timelines for its implementation and how it will impact daily operations. This article provides a practical overview of G2V2 features, regulatory deadlines and the operational implications for fleets. The second-generation smart tachograph is an upgraded digital tachograph unit with enhanced capabilities, designed to boost compliance with driving rules and streamline enforcement. Building on the first smart tachographs introduced in 2019, the new smart tachograph adds several important features: G2V2 devices use satellite positioning (Galileo GNSS) to record a vehicle’s position when crossing national borders. This helps enforce rules on cabotage and driver posting by providing precise records of when a truck enters a new country. The new tachograph enables enforcement officers to retrieve data wirelessly via Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC). Roadside inspectors can remotely receive recent driving time, last stop or potential violations as a truck approaches. In essence, enforcers can access key tachograph data from G2V2 without stopping the vehicle, which facilitates smarter and more unified enforcement of driver-hours rules.This ‘remote check’ capability allows authorities to pre-select vehicles that may need a closer inspection, reducing unnecessary stops for compliant drivers. G2V2 includes a mandatory ITS interface with Bluetooth connectivity for secure data exchange with third-party systems. This means fleet telematics platforms can pair with the tachograph to access data, such as vehicle location, speed, driver activity and even vehicle events (for example, brake usage) in real time. For fleet managers, this integration offers the possibility of richer data streams for compliance monitoring and route management, seamlessly connecting tachograph information to their existing fleet management software. The new G2V2 tachographs record more information and retain it for longer. Driver activity logs now cover 56 days instead of 28, extending the control period for enforcement and helping operators with data retention and audits. In addition, new data fields provide a fuller picture of each journey. The devices log loading and unloading locations, record whether the vehicle is carrying passengers or goods, and capture configuration and calibration events in greater detail. Together, these updates support both compliance and logistics planning. Drivers will, however, need training to make the new manual entries for load and unload points, as these coordinates are stored for later verification. The second-gen units come with improved security to detect and resist tampering. They also have updatable software to allow future enhancements. Additionally, new driver cards (G2V2 driver cards) have been introduced with larger memory to accommodate the extra data. There is no immediate legal requirement for drivers to replace existing digital tachograph cards if they are still valid, but as cards expire, they’ll be replaced with the updated ones to fully use G2V2 features.Most major tachograph deadlines have already passed. All heavy vehicles operating internationally within the EU or entering from the UK are now required to have the second-generation smart tachograph (G2V2) fitted.The only remaining milestone is 1 July 2026, when the rule will be extended to light commercial vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes used for international transport. Historically, vans were exempt from EU drivers’ hours and tachograph rules, but from July 2026, operators carrying goods across borders will need to comply.This change aims to close long-standing loopholes and ensure that drivers of smaller commercial vehicles follow the same rest-time rules as HGV operators. Fleet managers running pan-European van fleets should start planning installations now, integrating the upgrade with routine servicing or fleet renewal cycles to minimise disruption.Fleet managers with international operations need to understand that compliance with these tachograph upgrades is now a prerequisite for cross-border road transport in Europe. If your trucks travel between EU countries – or from the UK into the EU – failing to equip the right tachograph can stop your business at the border. Here are key points on how different fleets are affected:As noted above, since August 2025, any heavy goods vehicle conducting international trips within the EU must have the second-gen tachograph. This applies regardless of where in the EU the truck is registered. Enforcement is carried out during roadside checks or at borders. Non-compliant vehicles can be taken off the road until a proper tachograph is installed. British fleets running international journeys into or within the EU are subject to the same tachograph requirements if they are operating goods vehicles. This is because the rules are incorporated into the AETR treaty, which governs road transport between EU and non-EU European countries. The UK Department for Transport has aligned domestic regulations to mirror the EU timeline for international journeys. Failing to upgrade doesn’t just mean a fine – it can mean your truck is stopped at a checkpoint and cannot complete its delivery. Authorities in countries like France have imposed and even jail time for serious tachograph compliance breaches. Other nations like Germany, Spain and Italy have their own stiff penalties. In addition, non-compliance can tarnish a company’s reputation.On the positive side, compliant fleets stand to benefit from smoother enforcement. Trucks with up-to-date devices, for instance, may be stopped less frequently, thanks to remote pre-checks, allowing law-abiding drivers to keep moving.One of the core aims of the new tachograph legislation and the wider EU Mobility Package is to improve working conditions. By automating record-keeping tasks such as border entries and limiting illegal overscheduling, the system helps ensure drivers get proper rest. This is expected to reduce fatigue-related incidents and make enforcement fairer, giving drivers confidence that competitors are following the same rules.Remote enforcement also means compliant drivers face fewer roadside delays, allowing them to complete journeys with less stress.Drivers will need some training to adapt. While the basics remain the same, new features require manual input of load and unload locations and consent for data sharing with connected systems. Understanding these prompts – and how to respond if a fault occurs – will make operation straightforward.From a fleet perspective, G2V2 devices store twice as much data (56 days), so downloads will be larger and contain more history. Operators should check that their tachograph software and storage systems can handle this increased volume.Finally, with Bluetooth and online connectivity, data privacy has become a talking point. Enforcement authorities can access tachograph data for compliance, but when sharing with telematics or management systems, drivers must first give consent. Fleet managers should reassure drivers that all data is handled securely and used only for legitimate, GDPR-compliant purposes.Second-generation smart tachographs touch every part of fleet operations, from compliance and route planning to driver welfare. Taking a proactive approach will help you stay compliant – and make the most of the new technology. Keep up with updates from the European Commission’s Mobility and Transport division, as well as industry bodies. Regulations can be complex, but official summaries and FAQs are a good starting point. Run toolbox talks or refresher sessions for drivers and transport managers, focusing on new functions like remote enforcement and manual entries. Live data can help you monitor remaining driving hours, adjust dispatch plans and identify routes that frequently approach limits. Encourage your teams to view tachograph compliance as part of good fleet management, not just a regulatory obligation. Recognise milestones like zero infringements, invest in driver training, and make sure everyone understands how accurate data benefits safety and efficiency.The rollout of G2V2 brings challenges, but also clear benefits: stronger enforcement, better data and fairer working conditions for drivers. For fleets that embrace the change, the reward is smoother operations, improved safety and a more connected, compliant future on Europe’s roads.At SNAP, we’re supporting fleets across the continent through this next stage of digital transformation. Through the intruck app, drivers can pre-book secure parking along their routes – while the SNAP Portal lets fleet managers plan and reserve rest stops in advance, ensuring compliance and protecting driver welfare.

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poniedziałek 27 października 2025 • Wiadomości i aktualizacje

PRZEPISY DOTYCZĄCE JAZDY ZIMĄ W WIELKIEJ BRYTANII I UE: CO POWINNI WIEDZIEĆ OPERATORZY FLOT

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As temperatures drop, Europe's roads demand more than just skill behind the wheel. They call for preparation, awareness and compliance with a complex patchwork of winter regulations that vary by country. For fleet operators running goods vehicles and HGVs across the UK and EU, understanding these rules is vital to avoiding penalties, downtime, or worse – accidents caused by inadequate preparation.This article outlines the key requirements for winter – from tyres and visibility rules to the latest lighting, windscreen and speed provisions – and explains how fleets can stay compliant and safe wherever the road takes them.Across most of Europe, there has been a shift toward 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) tyres as the recognised standard for winter performance. Heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW must now fit these tyres on the driving and steering axles in countries including , Switzerland and .While 3PMSF tyres provide reliable grip in cold or moderately snowy conditions, they cannot legally replace snow chains when required by law or signpost. For fleets operating in mountainous terrain, carrying snow chains remains an essential part of winter readiness.It’s important to note that M+S (Mud and Snow) tyres are being phased out. In Germany, M+S tyres manufactured before 1st January 2018 were accepted until 30th September 2024. As of , only tyres bearing the Alpine (3PMSF) symbol are permitted in winter conditions. M+S tyres remain legally accepted only as transitional equipment in a few southern or eastern states.In Austria, winter tyres are compulsory between 1st November and 15th April, with of 5mm (radial) or 6mm (cross-ply) tread depth for heavy goods vehicles. France's "mountain law" (Loi Montagne II) in Alpine and Pyrenean regions from 1st November to 31st March.In Italy, must be carried between 15th November and 15th April on signposted regional and mountain routes.In some eastern and Balkan regions – such as – vehicles over 3.5t must also carry a shovel and sand for traction and safety.Be sure to visit government websites for the latest rules and regulations.From 1 January 2025, new semi-trailers and heavy trailers require enhanced visibility. 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Non-compliance can lead to roadside immobilisation, fines, or insurance complications in the event of an accident.Fleet managers should use a winter-readiness checklist that goes beyond tyres:● Check the regulations for the countries drivers are travelling through● Install 3PMSF-rated tyres on steering and drive axles● Carry approved snow chains● Clean and check all lights, reflectors and washers● Stock winter emergency kits (first-aid, shovel, reflective jackets)● Revisit route planning for shorter daylight windows● Check batteries and air-brake moisture traps daily● Inspect door seals and wiper blades for wear● Schedule driver refreshers on cold-weather braking, speed management and chain-fitting.SNAP's provides access to bookable, well-lit and secure truck parking – critical for overnight safety during winter disruption. Drivers can locate facilities in advance, ensuring warm rest in line with driving-hour limits.Across the UK and EU, winter brings not only snow but a sharper focus on compliance. From 3PMSF tyres and snow-chain carriage to lighting, speed and visibility standards, fleets must stay alert to local variations that can shift within borders or mountain ranges.By adopting structured fleet checks, monitoring updates from the European Commission and DVSA, and equipping vehicles for every condition, operators can protect their drivers and deliveries through the worst of the season.SNAP works alongside fleets to make this easier – connecting drivers to reliable rest locations, secure parking and compliance tools that keep haulage moving safely right through the winter of 2025.

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czwartek 16 października 2025 • Wiadomości i aktualizacje

6 STRATEGII ZARZĄDZANIA FLOTĄ, KTÓRE ZMIENIĄ TWOJE WYNIKI FINANSOWE

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Fleet managers in the United Kingdom face financial challenges on many fronts. Escalating operational costs due to volatile fuel prices, intensifying sustainability transformation pressures, capital-intensive vehicle procurement, chronic talent shortage and unscheduled and extended downtime hurt the bottom line.If you have already invested in basic solutions to optimise routes, improve driver performance, minimise fuel consumption, monitor asset health and schedule preventive maintenance, but you haven’t seen significant gains, then consider adopting these six practical strategies to record positive net income consistently.Many fleet professionals view assets as unavoidable money pits and have come to terms with their tendency to drain resources. This notion normalises inefficient fuel consumption, unreasonably high maintenance costs and frequent downtime due to sudden breakdowns. Less-than-roadworthy vehicles endanger driver and cargo safety, resulting in higher future insurance rates and lasting reputation damage.Developing a structured fleet life-cycle and replacement strategy is essential to retiring specific vehicles before they hurt company coffers. It helps you manage your budget prudently, allowing you to make informed decisions based on long-term goals instead of immediate needs.Prioritise cost per mile, vehicle age and mileage. These vital metrics indicate when an asset becomes a good candidate for retirement instead of waiting for it to become inoperable. This proactive approach reduces your total cost of ownership, allowing you to resell declining assets while their value is relatively high. The proceeds from the sale can offset the price of procuring and integrating vehicles with partial automation capabilities into your fleet.The chronic labour shortage in the logistics industry drives up fleet management costs through rising wages, extended vehicle repair times and losses arising from delays and missed deadlines. This issue predated the pandemic, and Brexit only made it worse. In 2023, UK in a Changing Europe and Centre for European Reform estimated that the UK recorded a after the freedom of movement ended.The key is to raise awareness of logistics as an exciting career at the grassroots level. Fleet managers could do more to introduce the industry to primary and secondary students. Explaining what HGV drivers and mechanics do and their contributions to society can bring prestige to these occupations. Apprenticeship programmes can work wonders, as the 2022/2023 Logistics UK survey found that roles seek them.Poor workplace design is an underrated fleet management dilemma. Slowdowns to the order fulfilment process can trigger a domino effect that ultimately inflates operational costs. They can lead to increased idle time, talent underutilisation, unmet delivery schedules and customer dissatisfaction. Workflow inefficiencies may force you to reallocate resources, reshuffling drivers and vehicles and changing routes to compensate for delays.Facility-related disorganisation is outside the purview of fleet managers. Close collaboration with warehouse management matters to increase the logical flow and speed of movement of goods within the space. Simple improvements like hanging enough high bay LED lights and installing doors can reduce errors and boost productivity.Leverage technology to ensure clear communication. Adopting a software solution that merges or helps warehouse and fleet management systems interoperate gives all relevant stakeholders complete visibility into each department’s operations. Forming a cross-functional team cultivates a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility, holding everyone collectively accountable for mistakes and preventing finger-pointing.An innovative, pragmatic approach to vehicle upkeep is necessary to decrease unscheduled downtime. Proactive tuneups and automatic maintenance scheduling are , but digitising inspection and streamlining repairs are just as important to catch red flags early, restore asset roadworthiness quickly and help technicians work efficiently.Mobile pretrip inspections are instrumental in preventive asset maintenance and compliance. Apps capture real-time data, empower drivers to communicate issues to management and facilitate recordkeeping for review, analysis and reporting. Digital work orders help you monitor repairs across your fleet and ensure none will affect delivery schedules.Upgraded gear makes life easier for your technicians and complements initiatives to play to their strengths when assigning tasks. The latest diagnostic tools can be a significant expense but also a major time-saver. They pay for themselves by reducing premature component wear, preventing breakdowns and helping you negotiate for lower insurance rates. Every new technology has a learning curve, so value proper training to upskill your personnel accordingly.Well-maintained fleet vehicles could still break down midjourney due to road conditions in the UK. According to a January 2024 report featuring data gathered by 7,000 Stan the App users, on British carriageways. This figure only covered 13% of the country’s road network, suggesting that the actual number of defects might reach 11.5 million.Areas with colder, wetter weather are more likely to have depressions in road surfaces. Local governments fill millions of potholes yearly, so it can be challenging to plan routes ahead of time to avoid them. Integrating autonomous features into fleet vehicles — like deep learning-powered object detection and adaptive suspension — should help, but real-time pothole avoidance remains an ongoing challenge.Prudent fleet managers anticipate breakdowns regardless of how properly maintained their assets are and focus on readiness. They work with preapproved local mobile mechanics and independent auto repair shops to fix broken vehicles, minimise downtime and promote driver productivity and safety.Vet freelance automotive technicians by verifying their credentials, understanding their specialisation and checking their tools. Thirty-party mechanics should be the option of last resort, so train your drivers in basic troubleshooting and equip them with proper gear.Leaving last-mile delivery to self-driving systems can make this critical aspect of logistics more efficient and less costly. Big-name companies like Amazon, FedEx and UPS have used their deep pockets to pilot autonomous last-mile delivery, proving that driverless vans and drones could feasibly reduce the operational costs of urban logistics and increase customer satisfaction.Successful autonomous vehicle integration pilots should inspire organisations with smaller fleets to innovate. However, the perceived high up-front investment is only one of the obstacles many fleet managers face. Infrastructure, regulations and consumer acceptance are also significant considerations.Fortunately, the British Parliament has passed the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 to lay the regulatory foundation for autonomous last-mile operations. In June 2025, Member of Parliament Lilian Greenwood shared an update that the government , which indicated that the policymakers weren’t cutting corners to inspire stakeholders once the law is implemented.Overhauling your fleet operations is crucial for improving your bottom line, but any change comes with opportunities and risks. Managers can try various strategies, from detailed life-cycle plans to autonomous vehicle integration. With foresight, innovation, creativity, collaboration, pragmatism and resourcefulness, you can resolve pressing pain points and overcome new challenges to be in the black.