Fleets could cut fuel costs by up to 15% through smarter driver data

With fuel continuing to rank among the largest operating costs for UK fleets, the RAC is urging businesses to focus on a frequently overlooked opportunity for immediate savings: driver behaviour powered by smarter use of telematics data.

Using this data, the RAC estimates that fleets could save up to 15% on fuel.

According to RAC analysis, a significant proportion of fuel spend is often caused by behaviours like excessive engine idling, harsh accelerating and sudden braking, and inefficient route planning.

Individually these behaviours may seem minor – but at fleet scale, they can have a substantial financial impact.

Using its RAC Connected platform, powered by CalAmp technology, the RAC is helping organisations move beyond passive vehicle tracking to actively manage fuel efficiency across their fleets.

With diesel prices at 170.01p*, the data insights will come as a welcome relief to fleet managers looking to make savings.

By combining telematics data with real-time insights, fleet managers can pinpoint inefficient driving patterns.

Organisations can help drivers understand how behaviour impacts fuel consumption and reinforce efficient driving habits through coaching and positive feedback.

Fleets adopting a data-led approach also see reduced vehicle wear and maintenance costs, as well as lower emissions, supporting business sustainability targets.

Organisations could also see fewer incidents linked to aggressive driving, which is crucial given that work journeys account for nearly one-in-three deaths on UK roads.**

The RAC has applied this same approach across its own extensive patrol fleet, using telematics insights to optimise journeys.

These changes have delivered measurable reductions in fuel consumption, alongside improved safety outcomes and better vehicle utilisation—demonstrating how data-led strategies can translate into real-world operational gains.

RAC Connected Solutions general manager Geraint Jones 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.”

RAC Connected is available now for UK commercial fleet operators. To learn more, visit rac.co.uk/business or contact the RAC Connected Services team at [email protected].

*RAC Fuel Watch: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-watch/

**National Highways and RoadSafe - ‘Driving for work – a strategic review of risks associated with cars and light vans, implications for policy and practice.