Guest
Novice in posodobitve • 4 min branja

Območja z nizkimi emisijami v Španiji: Kaj morajo vedeti upravljavci voznih parkov

Ustvarjeno: 03. 10. 2025

Posodobljeno: 08. 10. 2025

Do konca leta 2025 bo 149 španskih mest - od Madrida in Barcelone do turističnih središč, kot so Valencia, Alicante in Benidorm - omejilo dostop za vozila z visokimi emisijami. Za upravljavce voznih parkov to pomeni nova tveganja glede skladnosti, drage posodobitve in krajše dobavne roke.

Španska območja z nizkimi emisijami (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones ali ZBE) so del širših evropskih prizadevanj za izboljšanje kakovosti zraka in zmanjšanje emisij iz prometa. Te cone že delujejo v večjih mestih po vsej državi in se izvajajo z globami do 200 EUR, pravila pa se razlikujejo od mesta do mesta.

V tem priročniku pojasnjujemo, kako delujejo ZBE, na katere kategorije vozil se nanašajo in kaj morajo storiti upravljavci, da bodo njihovi vozni parki ostali na cesti.

Pravila ZBE in kategorije vozil

ZBE se v skladu s špansko zakonodajo uvajajo v mestih z več kot 50.000 prebivalci (in v tistih z več kot 20.000 prebivalci, kjer je kakovost zraka še posebej slaba), da bi izboljšali kakovost zraka v mestih in podprli podnebne cilje EU.

Dostop do ZBE je določen z okoljsko značko vozila (distintivo ambiental), ki jo izda španski Generalni direktorat za promet (DGT).

Kategorije so naslednje:

Zero (modra značka):

(1): popoln dostop

● 100-odstotno električna vozila (BEV)

● Vozila na vodikove gorivne celice (FCEV)

● priključni hibridi z najmanj 40 km električnega dosega

Eco (zelena/modra oznaka):

Na splošno neomejen dostop

● Standardni hibridi (HEV)

● priključni hibridi z električnim dosegom, krajšim od 40 km

● vozila na plinski pogon (CNG/LNG/LPG)

C (zelena značka):

Dostop z nekaterimi časovnimi/območnimi omejitvami

● Bencinska vozila: Euro 4/5/6 (običajno od leta 2006 naprej)

● Dizelska vozila: Euro 6 (običajno od leta 2014 naprej)

B (rumena značka):

Vedno bolj omejeno, pogosto prepovedano v času prometnih konic

● Bencinska vozila: Euro 3 (običajno 2000-2005)

● Dizelska vozila: Euro 4-5 (običajno 2006-2013)

Brez značke:

Na splošno prepovedan dostop do vseh ZBE

● Bencinska vozila pod standardom Euro 3

● Dizelska vozila pod standardom Euro 4

Za bencinska vozila, ki ne izpolnjujejo standarda Euro 3, in dizelska vozila, ki ne izpolnjujejo standarda Euro 4, je vožnja po ZBE običajno prepovedana, čeprav se omejitve razlikujejo glede na mesto.

Pomembno je opozoriti, da se morajo tuja vozila pred vstopom v ZBE registrirati pri lokalnih mestnih občinah, tudi če izpolnjujejo enakovredne standarde Euro. Brez registracije se lahko skladna vozila samodejno kaznujejo, kar je postalo pogosta težava za mednarodne prevoznike, ki delujejo v Španiji.

Območja, na katera vplivajo ZBE

V Madridu in Barceloni že več let veljajo ZBE z zelo specifičnimi pravili in velikimi območji pokrivanja. Do konca leta 2025 se bo sistem razširil na 149 mest, vključno z manjšimi mesti in turističnimi destinacijami, kot so Benidorm, Valencia, Sevilla in Alicante.

Nekatera mesta še vedno uvajajo ali postopoma uveljavljajo svoja območja, pri čemer imajo vzpostavljena prehodna obdobja (npr. opozorila do konca leta 2025 v Valencii in Benidormu). Druga, kot je Málaga, bodo začela kaznovati vozila, ki ne izpolnjujejo zahtev, decembra 2025.

Opozoriti je treba, da imajo lahko mesta različna pravila, pri čemer nekatera dovoljujejo uporabo vozil, ki niso skladna z zahtevami, za bistvene storitve, zato je pomembno, da se pred napotitvijo vozila seznanite s pravili določenega mesta.

Španija ni edina: več kot 320 mest po vsej Evropi zdaj delujejo LEZs, s francoskim Crit'Air sistem, nemški Umweltzonen in UK je ULEZ med najbolj uveljavljenimi. Za čezmejne prevoznike to ustvarja mozaik pravil, nalepk in kazni, ki povečujejo tveganja in stroške usklajevanja.

Kaj morajo storiti upravljavci voznega parka

Zagotoviti morate, da imajo vaša vozila ustrezno oznako DGT ali registracijo, če so opremljena s tujimi oznakami.

Globe za neskladnost so običajno določene v višini 200 EUR na kršitev, čeprav se lahko razlikujejo glede na občino. Mesta, kot sta Madrid in Barcelona, so te kazni že začela izrekati prek sistemov za samodejno prepoznavanje registrskih tablic (ANPR).

Vprašanja za upravljavce voznega parka

Obnova flote in stroški

Številna logistična podjetja se soočajo z ovirami, ker je vožnja starejših dizelskih tovornjakov v mestih prepovedana ali omejena. Dejansko je povprečna starost tovornega voznega parka v Španiji 14 let. To pomeni, da precejšnje število vozil ni v skladu z zahtevami in jih je treba zamenjati, če želijo prevozniki vstopiti v ZBE.

Cene vozil še povečujejo pritisk: električni težki tovornjak je lahko trikrat dražji od dizelskega, tovornjaki na vodik pa so še dražji.

Špansko združenje za tovorni promet CETM-Madrid ocenjuje, da kumulativni izdatki madridskih podjetij za cestni tovorni promet znašajo približno 1,3 milijarde EUR (https://transporteprofesional.es/ultimas-noticias/cetm-madrid-reclama-modificar-el-calendario-de-acceso-a-las-zonas-de-bajas-emisiones-a-los-camiones), ter poziva k prilagoditvi rokov in večji podpori.

Časovno stiskanje

Podatki kažejo, da spremembe vplivajo na urnike dostave. Nedavna raziskava med podjetji na pilotnih območjih je pokazala, da jih je [36,7 % poročalo o daljših dobavnih rokih in višjih stroških pošiljanja] (https://www.jiem.org/index.php/jiem/article/download/6902/1089).

Zastoji so pogosti tudi v času omejene dostave (8-10 ur), ko se za dostop potegujejo številni prevozniki. Približno 83 % anketiranih podjetij je kot glavni vzrok za zamude navedlo tudi pomanjkanje ustreznih površin za nakladanje/razkladanje.

Ta učinek "časovne kompresije", ko so dostave prisiljene opraviti v manjšem številu ur, ustvarja ozka grla na mejah območij, kar povečuje verjetnost poznih prihodov in motenj v dobavnih verigah.

Kadrovski pritiski

Motnje v urniku presegajo načrtovanje poti vozil in zajemajo tudi upravljanje delovne sile. Barcelonski pristop k ZBE ponazarja ta izziv: mesto ponuja dveurne nočne dostavne slote (21:00-07:00) za zmanjšanje dnevnih zastojev, vendar španski delovni sporazumi določajo, da so dodatki za nočno delo približno 25-odstotni.

To upravljavce voznih parkov postavlja pred težko izbiro: ali se sprijazniti z zastoji in zamudami podnevi ali sprejeti višje stroške dela pri nočnih prevozih.

Okoljske koristi uvedbe ZBE

Kljub izzivom ZBE prinašajo jasne koristi za javno zdravje. Študije osrednje madridske cone LEZ so pokazale znatno zmanjšanje dušikovega dioksida (NO₂) v coni. Širše evropske raziskave kažejo, da so se emisije saj po uvedbi območij LEZ zmanjšale za 47 % in ultrafinih delcev za 56 %.

To zmanjšanje se neposredno odraža v boljši kakovosti zraka, manjšem številu bolezni dihal in manjšem številu hospitalizacij. Za prebivalce mest in voznike, ki ure in ure preživijo v prometnih zastojih, so koristi za zdravje oprijemljive, čeprav neprijetne.

Podpora voznikom in upravljavcem po vsej Evropi

"Območja z nizkimi emisijami bodo ostala," komentira Raqual Martinez, evropski vodja prodaje pri podjetju SNAP. "Izziv za našo skupnost je prilagajanje brez ogrožanja učinkovitosti ali dobrega počutja voznikov. V podjetju SNAP smo zavezani podpori voznim parkom v Španiji in po vsej Evropi, saj jim pomagamo spremeniti regulativne spremembe v operativno prednost."

Čeprav ne moremo spremeniti pravil LEZ, naša aplikacija intruck poenostavlja življenje na cesti. Vozniki jo lahko uporabljajo za iskanje in rezervacijo varnega parkirišča za tovornjake in pranje, preverite, katere zmogljivosti so na voljo na vsakem postanku, in načrtujte odmor za počitek, ki ustreza krajšim dostavnim oknom - ne glede na to, ali vozijo v Madrid, obidejo Barcelono ali prečkajo meje na daljših poteh.

Še danes prenesite aplikacijo intruck in si zagotovite nemoteno delovanje v spreminjajočem se španskem prometnem okolju.

Delite z

Tudi drugi berejo...

Header Image

torek 28 oktober 2025 • Novice in posodobitve

PAMETNI TAHOGRAFI DRUGE GENERACIJE: KAJ MORAJO VEDETI UPRAVLJAVCI VOZNIH PARKOV

Guest

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.

Header Image

ponedeljek 27 oktober 2025 • Novice in posodobitve

ZIMSKI VOZNI PREDPISI V ZDRUŽENEM KRALJESTVU IN EU: KAJ MORAJO VEDETI UPRAVLJAVCI VOZNIH PARKOV

Guest

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. Semi-trailers that flashes in sync with the direction indicators to improve side visibility.Vehicles over 6 metres long must have side markers positioned at appropriate intervals, while those over 2.1 metres wide must use contour lighting – continuous white and red outline lights tracing the vehicle's shape at night to make its length and width clear to other road users.Mandatory lighting for HGVs includes:● Headlights (low and high beam)● Rear and brake lights on both sides● Rear fog lights● Reflectors and reversing lights● Daytime running lights have been on trucks since 2012. Usage rules vary by country.Before every journey, drivers must ensure all lights, reflectors and number plates are clean and snow-free; failure to do so can lead to fines or penalty points.Winter-specific speed limits vary across the EU but always err on the side of caution.● Austria vehicles to 80 km/h outside built-up areas and 100 km/h on motorways, and requires a . Studs are not permitted on vehicles over 3.5t.● In Germany, laws mean that even within posted limits, excessive speed on icy roads can constitute an offence under German Road Traffic Regulations.Weather-specific bans can also apply. In several Alpine and eastern regions, lorries may be turned back from mountain passes or exposed bridges when wind speeds exceed 100 km/h, or temporarily banned from routes affected by black ice or avalanche risk.Visibility isn't optional – it's a legal requirement. Drivers must clear all snow and ice from windscreens, mirrors, roofs and lights before setting off. Some countries fine operators when snow or ice slides from roofs into traffic – with penalties applying in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and other jurisdictions.To comply, fleets should:● Maintain operational wipers and demisters.● Use winter-grade washer fluid tested to -20°C.● Check heated mirrors daily.● Ensure snow-clearing tools (shovel, brush and grit) are kept in every cab.While UK law does not explicitly require winter tyres, operators are bound by a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations. The DVSA advises that tyres must maintain . Failure to ensure tyres are suitable for conditions can result in enforcement action for unsafe operation.For fleets entering the EU, obligations switch to local winter-readiness laws as soon as they cross the border. 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.

Header Image

četrtek 16 oktober 2025 • Novice in posodobitve

6 STRATEGIJ ZA UPRAVLJANJE VOZNEGA PARKA, KI BODO SPREMENILE VAŠE POSLOVNE REZULTATE

Guest

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.