Check licences: and keep an audit trailWhen was the last time you checked your employees' driving licences? It's worth keeping track: a survey by the Association of British Drivers found 48 per cent of company drivers had points on their licence. So what should you check? The validity of any new employees and periodically after that. If an employee is [...]
Drinking and driving: limit of 80mg alcoholThe government is cracking down on drink driving. It has increased the maximum penalty for "causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs" from 10 to 14 years imprisonment, with an unlimited fine. The actual drink-driver limit is set at 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Government guidelines [...]
In Scotland smoking is an offence in vansIn Scotland it is illegal to smoke in commercial vehicles. The Smoking, Health and Social Care Bill came into force in March 2006. Businesses based in England but operating north of the border must also comply. The Bill requires vehicles to have a
Van drivers: seat belts compulsoryIt is compulsory for all drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seatbelts. And for back-seat passengers to wear seatbelts where available. Other legislation also requires children under 12 and under 135cms in height to use a suitable restraint. Until recently, drivers making local rounds of deliveries or collections were exempt from wearing a seatbelt. In 2005, [...]
Ensure you have a risk management planAlthough the government has yet to decide on a definite date for its introduction, the draft Corporate Manslaughter Bill could see prosecution of negligent companies become much more common. The Bill proposes a specific offence of Corporate Manslaughter. This would make it possible to convict companies for corporate manslaughter in cases where they have [...]
Relax: take a break from driving every two hours Seven deaths a week are caused by driver tiredness, says the Department of Transport. Tiredness behind the wheel is just as dangerous as being drunk. The Health and Safety Executive advises businesses to educate drivers about the risks of driver tiredness and how to prevent it. It says drivers should be [...]
Company cars are taxed if there's private use If a company provides an employee or director with a car for business and private use, it is taxed - provided the employee or director earns £8500 or more per year. This is known as company car tax. Tax is also payable if the company provides a member of their family or [...]
Benefit-in-kind tax: payable if used privately If a driver uses a company double or single cab pick-up for private mileage, he or she must pay company pick up tax. Currently, HM Revenue & Customs classifies these pick-ups as vans - as long as they have a payload of 1 tonne (1000kg) or more. A payload means the vehicle
