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Legal issues

Fleets Warned Over New Health And Safety Penalties

January 8th, 2009

Tough new penalties for breaching health and safety regulations have increased pressure on fleet operators to ensure they have measures firmly in place to tackle occupational road risk.

The Health and Safety Offences Act 2008, which comes into force on January 16 and which received Royal Assent last month, amends the sentencing provisions laid out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and increases fines from £5,000 to £20,000.

It also broadens the range of offences for which an individual, such as a company director or other fleet decision-maker, can be imprisoned, with a maximum penalty of up to two years in jail.

Driving Licences

April 9th, 2008

Did you know that photo style driving licences are only valid for a period of 10 years?

The first ones were issued in July 1997 and will expire this summer, and, whilst reminders will be sent (and a new application required at a cost of £17.50), many drivers may ignore the paperwork, believing that the need to re-apply doesn't apply to them.

It is imperative that you undertake DVLA Licence checks annually and that you carefully scrutinise both parts of the new style licence. Failure to do so could lead to you allowing drivers to use your company vehicles illegally.

Corporate Manslaughter

April 9th, 2008

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, which came into force on 6th April, introduced a new UK criminal offence.

Companies, partnerships and other organisations can now be prosecuted if there has been a gross failing in the management of Health and Safety, which has fatal consequences. It will be the organisation involved which will be guilty of an offence which could lead to an unlimited fine.

This has particular relevance to Fleet Operators where a fatal accident could lead to a prosecution where, for instance, it could be proved that drivers have not been adequately trained or vehicles properly maintained.

Some Motor Fleet insurers are beginning to include defence costs arising from prosecutions under the new Act in their policies but not all have done so yet.

Fleetcover can offer you professional advice on your vehicles and fleet policy suitability - ring us and find out more on 0845 224 5329