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MP takes up baton for licence checks

Date: 28 July 2009   |   Author: Tristan Young

Stephen Ladyman

Labour vice chairman and former transport minister Stephen Ladyman has promised to raise BusinessCar's Government licence check failures with his fellow ministers when the House of Commons reopens after the summer.

Following the revelations that only one out of 21 departments quizzed by this magazine, using the Freedom of Information Act, was following best practice on driving licence checks Dr Ladyman wrote to BusinessCar expressing his concern with the situation.

"All companies and businesses should have a 'driving while at work' policy. It should at the very least include appropriate checks on vehicle safety, instructions for planning journeys and avoiding distractions and the risk of tiredness. It ought to go without saying the policy should include basic checks on licenses and insurance and that the Civil Service above all should be setting a good example," said the former transport minister.

He added: "A 'safe driving while at work' policy for public servants is something I press for regularly and I will raise the new evidence you have with ministers when the House returns after the recess."

Senior industry figures have hit out at the Government's lack of action on road safety following BusinessCar's investigation into licence checking by Whitehall departments.

BusinessCar's Government driving licence check exclusive

ICFM chairman and Leasedrive Velo director Roddy Graham said: "Why should we be surprised that Government departments don't bother embracing even basic business responsibility principles? This is an administration which issues new legislation at an unprecedented rate, costing real businesses millions of pounds, and doesn't even bother to consider its own behaviour."

Stuart Walker, brand director at public sector fleet specialists Automotive Leasing, added: "All fleets should be carrying out regular and thorough checks of licences.it's one of the fundamental ways in which duty of care responsibilities can be covered off quickly and effectively even for grey fleet drivers. Whilst managing the vehicles in the grey fleet presents a significant public sector challenge, employers can take simple steps to manage their drivers, including ensuring they have up-to-date and relevant licences."

However, while stating Governmental departments cannot afford to overlook its importance, Andy Leech, boss of Mycompanyfleet, argued that licence checks through the DVLA are not essential to be compliant with the law.

"Provided the contract of employment is worded so it covers the issue of road risk, the driver is bound to report any changes in circumstances, such as additional points on their licence or even a ban. If they fail to do so, and are involved in a fatal accident, the company cannot be prosecuted because they can show that they have taken all appropriate and necessary steps to ensure they are compliant."



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