Fleets could cut fuel bills by 15% through driver behaviour changes, says RAC

UK fleet operators could reduce fuel costs by as much as 15% by improving driver behaviour through the use of telematics data, according to new analysis from the RAC.

With fuel continuing to represent one of the biggest operating expenses for commercial fleets, the motoring organisation is encouraging businesses to focus on changes that can deliver immediate savings without requiring investment in new vehicles. Instead, it says greater use of vehicle data can identify inefficient driving habits and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.

The RAC’s analysis suggests a significant proportion of fleet fuel expenditure is linked to behaviours including excessive engine idling, harsh acceleration, sudden braking and inefficient route planning. While these actions may appear insignificant on an individual journey, the organisation says they can have a major financial impact when multiplied across large vehicle fleets.

The RAC is promoting its Connected platform, powered by CalAmp technology, as a tool that enables fleet managers to move beyond simple vehicle tracking by providing real-time operational insights. By analysing telematics data, managers can identify inefficient driving patterns and use targeted coaching to encourage more economical driving techniques.

According to the RAC, organisations adopting a data-led approach can also benefit from reduced vehicle wear and lower maintenance costs, while cutting carbon emissions and supporting wider sustainability objectives. Improved driving standards may also reduce collisions linked to aggressive driving, an important consideration given that work-related journeys account for almost one in three road deaths in the UK.

The organisation says it has implemented the same approach across its own patrol fleet, using telematics insights to optimise vehicle movements. It claims the strategy has resulted in measurable reductions in fuel consumption, alongside improved road safety outcomes and better vehicle utilisation.

Geraint Jones, general manager of RAC Connected Solutions, said: “Fuel cost pressure is now front of mind for almost every fleet operator. What we’re seeing is a clear shift. Businesses don’t just want visibility anymore. They want actionable insight that helps them reduce costs straight away.

“The biggest opportunity isn’t just in the data. It’s in how you use it with drivers. When drivers are engaged and given clear, actionable feedback, the impact on fuel consumption can be both immediate and sustained.

“This is especially valuable for managers that aren’t in a position to replace their fleets with electric vehicles. Instead, with RAC Connected, there’s an opportunity to optimise what fleets already have, using data to reduce fuel spend, reduce carbon emissions, and improve road safety.”