FSG chairman Geoffrey Bray said: “Organisations, charities and voluntary groups expecting volunteers to drive should take reasonable steps to ensure the driver is a competent person and the vehicle they are using is fit for purpose.

“Any organisation which relies on volunteer drivers must be aware that they have exactly the same duty of care towards their welfare, and that of their passengers, as any conventional employer.

“Organisations might not want to implement what could be seen as ‘over the top’ procedures for people who may not drive many miles and take to the road only occasionally.

"But, as the Labour Party has shown, the challenge presented by volunteer drivers can be successfully overcome. We live in an increasingly litigious society and reasonable safeguards should be taken.”