The UK grey fleet industry is plagued by a lack of driver validation and training, with over 70,000 drivers saying they haven’t had their driving licence checked by their employer, a new study by TTC has revealed.
- 49% of grey fleet drivers
- don’t recall having had their driving licence checked by their employer
- 31% of employees
- haven’t been asked to show a valid MOT certificate
- 35% of employees
- have been asked for evidence of motor insurance
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, it is a legal requirement for any grey fleet vehicle to be verified roadworthy and legal by the employer.
| Key Compliance Checks | Percentage of Drivers |
|---|---|
| Valid Driving Licence | 49% |
| Valid MOT Certificate | 31% |
| Motor Insurance | 35% |
Drivers say they are not receiving the necessary checks to ensure they are driving safely and legally. A fifth of all driver validation checks carried out by TTC resulted in failure. “The current economic climate is placing untold pressures on UK businesses, and time is money. As more deaths occur from at-work road trips than at the workplace itself, however, prioritising time to carry out necessary checks to ensure the legality of drivers and their vehicles could make a huge difference. Businesses that take control of their grey fleets can also minimise the financial and operational risks associated with collisions, convictions and driving bans.” – David Marsh, CEO at TTC Group. The lack of a Driving for Work policy is also a major concern, with only 22% of employees saying they have ever received one. A Driving for Work policy is essential for educating grey fleet drivers on their responsibilities and the expectations of their employers.
“Having a robust Driving for Work policy is a legal requirement, and it is placing grey fleet drivers and companies at risk. Companies that do not have a policy in place are not only putting their employees at risk but also risking reputational damage, fines and even prosecution.”
– David Marsh, CEO at TTC Group. Grey fleet drivers also say they are not receiving the training they need to stay safe on the road. A fifth of all driver validation checks carried out by TTC resulted in failure, with only 18% of employees saying they have ever received driver training from their employer. “Whilst there are many businesses proactively validating drivers, monitoring their on-road behaviours and providing personalised training to improve safety, it’s clear many businesses are putting employees and other road users at risk. By raising awareness of driver safety and compliance for employees at all levels, businesses can reduce their risk profile while protecting their employees and other road users.” – David Marsh, CEO at TTC Group. A telematics device to monitor driver behaviour is also a common issue, with only 11% of employees saying they have ever been offered a company-supplied device.
Key Findings
- A fifth of all driver validation checks resulted in failure
- Only 22% of employees had a Driving for Work policy
- Only 18% of employees had received driver training from their employer
- Only 11% of employees had been offered a company-supplied telematics device
The Health and Safety at Work Act requires any grey fleet vehicle to be verified roadworthy and legal by the driver’s employer. This is not being met, with many drivers saying they are not receiving the necessary checks to ensure they are driving safely and legally. The lack of a Driving for Work policy and driver training is a major concern, as it puts both grey fleet drivers and companies at risk. Companies that do not have a policy in place are risking reputational damage, fines and even prosecution. Grey fleet drivers are calling on businesses to take control of their fleets and ensure they are driving safely and legally. By prioritising the necessary checks and providing driver training, businesses can minimise the financial and operational risks associated with collisions, convictions and driving bans.
Statistics
| Statistical Data | Percentage of Drivers |
|---|---|
| Valid Driving Licence | 49% |
| Valid MOT Certificate | 31% |
| Motor Insurance | 35% |
As David Marsh, CEO at TTC Group, notes, prioritising the necessary checks and providing driver training can make a huge difference in reducing the risk profile of businesses and protecting their employees and other road users. “Businesses that take control of their grey fleets can also minimise the financial and operational risks associated with collisions, convictions and driving bans. By raising awareness of driver safety and compliance for employees at all levels, businesses can reduce their risk profile while protecting their employees and other road users.”
The lack of driver validation and training is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. By taking control of their fleets and prioritising the necessary checks, businesses can ensure their drivers are driving safely and legally, reducing the risk of accidents and incidents.
Expert Insights
“Whilst there are many businesses proactively validating drivers, monitoring their on-road behaviours and providing personalised training to improve safety, it’s clear many businesses are putting employees and other road users at risk. By raising awareness of driver safety and compliance for employees at all levels, businesses can reduce their risk profile while protecting their employees and other road users.”
– David Marsh, CEO at TTC Group.
Conclusion
The grey fleet industry is plagued by a lack of driver validation and training, with drivers calling on businesses to take control of their fleets and ensure they are driving safely and legally. By prioritising the necessary checks and providing driver training, businesses can minimise the financial and operational risks associated with collisions, convictions and driving bans. As David Marsh notes, businesses that take control of their grey fleets can also reduce their risk profile while protecting their employees and other road users. The lack of driver validation and training is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention, and by taking action, businesses can ensure their drivers are driving safely and legally.
