A LEADING employment lawyer has warned company directors to have a clear policy in place to remove drivers from cash for car plans if they do not comply with strict corporate rules.

Speaking at a GE Capital Fleet Services seminar to fleet bosses, Chris Booth, a partner at Leeds-based solicitors Pinsent Curtis Biddle, said employers can be liable if their staff drive their own cars for work and are involved in an accident for which they are to blame.

He added it was imperative for organisations to ensure private cars covering heavy business mileages are regularly serviced and in good working order, that drivers are fit and responsible behind the wheel and that employees who fail to meet required standards are disciplined.

'Companies need some form of mechanism that states it is a disciplinary offence if employees do not comply with regulations for the state of their cars.

'Build in provisions: they will only continue to receive cash allowances providing the car is reliable and roadworthy,' said Booth.