Fleet leaders hit out at licence check delays

An organisation representing UK fleet operators is calling for swift action over delays to proposals to check employees’ driving licences directly with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

According to the Department for Transport and the Health and Safety Executive’s, best practice guide, driver licence checks form a key part of organisations’ occupational road risk management responsibilities.

But the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) says there is no easy route for employers to undertake these checks - particularly at the critical recruitment stage before any job offer is made.

What’s more, the implementation of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act from April 6, 2008 has only highlighted the need for an easily-accessible system.

ACFO director, Stewart Whyte, said his organisation had a burning desire and objective to display and encourage best practice in all aspects of corporate fleet management.

Therefore, he said, supporting all fleet operators to have the facility to undertake a licence check directly with the DVLA is clearly a great idea, which ACFO wholeheartedly supports.

Whyte added that ACFO has raised this issue directly with DVLA and is disappointed that the scheme has been delayed so much.