For many businesses across Uckfield and the surrounding area, driving is simply part of the working day.
Whether it’s visiting clients, making deliveries or travelling between sites, vehicles are often essential. But with that comes a legal responsibility that is sometimes overlooked.
If your employees drive for work – even only occasionally – you’re responsible for ensuring that this is managed safely and in line with UK law.
Your duty of care as an employer
Employers must be able to show they have taken all reasonable steps to protect both their employees and other road users. This includes having the right policies, risk assessments, driver checks and training procedures in place.
If an incident occurs, you may be asked to provide evidence that your organisation had appropriate systems in place, and that they were being followed.
Many businesses carry out pre-employment checks, but when it comes to driving, the detail matters.
It’s important to consider:
- Was a driver assessment completed?
- Who carried it out?
- Was the assessor qualified?
- Has the driver been reassessed since?
Understanding how someone drives – not just whether they hold a licence – is an important part of managing risk as an employer.
The risk of overlooking grey fleet drivers
A common misconception is that responsibility only applies to company vehicles. But in reality, employees using their own vehicles for work (known as the grey fleet) still fall under employer responsibility. Even occasional use counts.
Employers should ensure:
- Appropriate insurance is in place
- Vehicles are maintained and roadworthy
- Drivers are safe and suitable
The Government is currently developing a National Road Safety Charter, which will apply to businesses that use vehicles for work.
At the same time, accident figures remain a concern, with hundreds of fatalities each year being linked to work-related driving. And the van sector has seen a significant rise in incidents.
As a result, enforcement activity is increasing, with more roadside checks expected across all vehicle types.
Keeping your business covered
Recent prosecutions by National Highways and the DVSA show that businesses are being held accountable where policies are missing or inadequate.
For local businesses, this is a reminder to review your driving for work policies, risk assessments, and driver checks and training. Putting the right measures in place now helps prevent problems later.
At ULTS, we support businesses in understanding what’s required and how to put practical, effective measures in place.
We’re also part of the Driving for Better Business programme, working to improve standards across the industry.
If you’d like guidance on reviewing your current approach, or understanding how upcoming changes may affect you, we’re here to help – get in touch.
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