Budget measures which would help dealers' business customers better plan their car replacements are being called for by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association.

The organisation is calling on the Government to provide a five-year rolling cycle of future company car tax bandings, which would help businesses have greater tax certainty when consulting with fleet dealers and carmakers about their next company cars.

This measure would be particularly valuable for early adopters of electric vehicles, who, for economic reasons, are more likely to operate them for longer periods, said the BVRLA.

Currently the Government sets its emissions-linked benefit-in-kind bands only for a three year period, however recessionary pressures have caused an increase in businesses running their vehicles for longer before renewal.

The BVRLA also joined other trade and consumer motoring organisations in urging for the planned 3p rise in fuel duty to be scrapped.

BVRLA chief executive, John Lewis said: "If the government can deliver a proportionate and well-signposted tax regime, the fleet industry will fulfil its side of the bargain. It will provide a healthy market for vehicle manufacturers and safe, fuel-efficient road transport for companies up and down the nation."

  • Chancellor George Osborne will deliver his Budget statement on Wednesday, March 21, at 12.30pm. Visit AM-online for the key announcements as they happen.