Reducing risk for grey fleet
March 1st 2008

UK employers are taking 'huge risks' in allowing staff to go unchecked when driving their own cars on company business, according to a fleet consultant.

Many are not insured for business use, their cars may not be roadworthy and many are being run illegally, says Simon Harris, of FleetConsult UK.

A survey of the 'grey fleet' – privately owned cars used on company business – found that two out of three vehicles were not safe to be on the road and one third were not properly insured.

Harris comments "Corporate manslaughter is a very real threat for many employers if their employee is involved in a fatal crash while driving for work.

Managers must wake up to the risks they are running as the law comes into force this April." Employers must have robust procedures in place to check the safety of vehicles used on their behalf and whether driving licences, tax discs and insurance are up to date and correct.

One answer to the duty of care law is Tripometer, an employeefriendly procedure which records via mobile phone essential information that an employer needs to comply with legislation.

Harris continues "Tripometer is what the grey fleet sector needs to reduce management risk and improve health and safety for drivers at work. It is a tried and trusted method and one that is supported by drivers who use their car for work." An audio file, automatically transferred from the car to a central computer database provides a straight forward mileage capture and carbon emissions audit. It includes distance travelled and the reason for a journey. The employer has instant access to an employee's vehicle, insurance and licence details.