In a bid to navigate the challenges of operating in London’s congested urban landscape, some businesses are opting to reduce their van fleets in favour of having technical engineers use public transport, according to the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP).
The AFP reports a growing trend where companies are shifting their operational models. Instead of engineers driving vans loaded with tools and parts, parts are shipped directly to customers’ addresses in advance. Engineers then travel with only a portable toolkit, utilising the city’s public transport network to reach their destinations.
Paul Hollick, chair of the AFP, emphasised that while this is not yet a widespread practice, it is gaining traction in London and could be feasible in other major UK cities. “Driving, maintaining and storing vans in concentrated urban areas is increasingly difficult,” he said. “Some businesses are exploring new solutions, such as using public transport for engineers, which can be more efficient in mega cities where the best way to move people is often by tube, train or bus.”
This shift does come with challenges. Engineers might need tools and equipment that are cumbersome to carry on public transport, and shipping parts to customer premises in advance is not always foolproof. However, there are success stories where van fleets have been downsized, and remaining vehicles are used on an as-needed basis rather than being permanently assigned to individual employees, according to AFP.
Hollick noted that this approach is part of a broader spectrum of innovative solutions being tested by businesses in dense urban areas. “We’re seeing a variety of new methods, such as urban cargo bikes with high payload capacities used by parcel delivery companies, which are proving effective in certain situations. Our view is that in a decade or so, businesses operating in these cities will often be making use of a range of mobility solutions for technical staff rather than just the traditional one driver-one van model.”
