COMPULSORY driver training for Britain's three million company car drivers could save millions of pounds. In the M42 pile-ups involving 90 vehicles in which three died and 62 were injured police said motorists were driving too fast in fog, too close to the car in front and not concentrating.

Ian Markham, transport and distribution services controller of Comet, said : 'In five years driver training will be mandatory for fleets. European Commission and government pressure on employers will compel them to introduce driver training.'

Just 1% of the UK's 22 million drivers have had training since passing the driving test, and 95% of accidents are caused by human error. Some 10% of the UK's three million company car drivers have had driver training and, says Knight, training another 10% could prevent 127,000 accidents a year, saving more than £100 million.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents with the Health and Safety Executive will publish a driver training code for fleets. RoSPA's Dave Rogers said companies could ask if every vehicle was required, if they were right for the job and if drivers were on the road too long.