THE Conservatives have clashed with the Government over the importance driver training plays in reducing company car accidents. Anne McIntosh, Conservative MP for the Vale of York and member of the environment, transport and regions select committee and the transport sub-committee, has hit out against the Government's U-turn on training in its newly launched road safety strategy, 'Tomorrow's Roads - Safer For Everyone'.

She aims to use her position on these influential bodies to press the Government to alter its strategy towards cutting 'at-work' road accidents. McIntosh told Fleet NewsNet: 'The facts prove the focus of the Government's strategy needs to be altered considerably. Not only should training be encouraged, but employees should also be made personally liable for their own premiums. In this way company car drivers will be far more aware of their responsibility on the roads and in turn, take a far more sensible approach to driving as a whole.'

McIntosh said she would work to gain support from the committees on the insurance premium issue, which she raised on the launch of the road safety strategy, and will also write to deputy prime minister John Prescott, secretary of state for the environment, transport and the regions, roads minister Lord Whitty and transport minister Lord MacDonald 'in the hope this common sense approach to company car driving will be incorporated into future Government plans'.