There’s help at hand to cut through the clutter of company red tape, says DaimlerChrysler Fleet Management’s Paul Harrop.Over the last decade 3000 new criminal offences have been put on the statute books.

That keen observation came from Sir Menzies Campbell, then LibDem leader, at the party’s July 2007 conference.

Then there’s the newly revised Highway Code. This contains advice on 29 new rules of the road.

It’s 50% bigger than the previous edition. It contains direction on: new legislation relating to vehicle emissions; smoking while driving; and the dangers of distraction from in-vehicle technology – such as sat-nav systems.

How does the small business keep on top of this red tape?

I’m sure managing business cars is just one of your many roles. So you may not have time to understand all the new legislation affecting business cars. Or your business.

But there is a route out from under this heap of motoring red tape.

Using contract hire to obtain your business vehicles can remove some of these admin burdens. And leave you free to focus on other priorities.

Contract hire is suitable for everyone. From owner/driver businesses that just need one car; through to bigger businesses that may need a combination of cars and vans.

Additionally, including maintenance with contract hire gives you confidence that vehicles are safe. And that they meet your duty of care requirements. Servicing and maintenance can be scheduled to suit your timetable, and, with enough notice, a courtesy car can be provided to keep your driver on the road.

Contract hire companies can also carry out a detailed evaluation tailored to the tax position of your business. Their expert advice will consider the financial, human resource and operational requirements of your business. And contract hire companies can also advise on the development of a business car policy to suit your company’s needs.

How contract hire can help with red tape

• Saving you time on sourcing – they buy the car, not you
• Saving you duty of care headaches – they maintain and administer the car
• Saving you time when you need a new business car – at the end of the contract, they sell the car. Not you
• Removing risk – they take the hit for car depreciation. And maintenance cost risks

Further advice

• Advice on related topics are available by visiting Business Car Manager’s The Knowledge Bank.
• For the new Highway Code go to www.direct.gov.uk.
• The risks of small businesses using private vehicles for business is considered here.