VOSA Hybrid Pool Car

The VOSA team's reaction after discovering their own Honda Civic Hybrid (shared pool-car) had won the exhaust-emissions part of the Eco-Rally competition.

Channel 4 Car News | Free emissions test at People's Eco-Rally

Case Study : The VOSA Travel Plan

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is synonymous with roadworthiness, driver-compliance and emissions-testing so they need to ensure they 'practice what they preach'.

Pool Cars

The Agency currently use mostly LPG-powered vehicles in its pool car fleet and are exploring the use of other alternative fuels (e.g. biofuels, to support DfT's Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation). VOSA is in discussion with their current hire car company about restricting the cars made available (lowest CO2 banded vehicles only). They will also advise staff on the appropriate travel decision for journeys over 100 miles. According to the national charity Carplus, each shared car typically replaces ten private cars

Car Sharing

They are currently working on identifying local schemes and publicising these on the intranet.

Fleet Vehicles

VOSA is in the process of upgrading their fleet with new Euro IV diesels and hybrids (+/- 5 per cent).

Location & Facilities

VOSA's offices are well connected to cycle routes and public transport. VOSA provide a dedicated cycle shed, plus the all-important showers and secure lockers available. They also offer staff parking at a ratio of around 75% cars to 25% motorcycles & bicycles. Flexible working is available at HQ buildings.

Deliveries

VOSA aim to reduce the need for daily 'non-urgent' deliveries potentially to once a week. This will also cover delivery and collection from courier companies.

Awareness

65% of British drivers ‘don’t have a clue’ how much CO2 is being produced by their car. Only 5% of British drivers are able to say precisely how much CO2 is produced by their car, and only 11% know which emissions-based VED band applies to their vehicle. The environmentally least well-informed drivers are in the South (particularly in London) 33% of London drivers do not feel that their car produces an unreasonable amount of pollution.