A BID to boost driver safety among small fleets has been launched by the Fleet Driver Training Association, following a ground-breaking industry summit.

The meeting was between key fleet and safety organisations, including Norwich Union and Royal SunAlliance, Aon, the Association of Car Fleet Operators and Permabond. Its aim was to identify key areas in which fleet safety could be improved.

Jonathan Craymer, FDTA secretary, said: 'We identified the need for a major education initiative aimed at small to medium-size companies.

'This is a crucial time for fleet safety and all those at the summit meeting felt the major task facing the industry was to make every company aware of the need for action.'

The launch comes as the Work Related Road Safety Task Group prepares to pass recommendations to Government on ways to improve fleet driver safety.

Its research revealed that up to one-third of road deaths involved at-work motorists, prompting calls for tougher regulations for fleet drivers.

Among the initiatives the FDTA expects to launch is the creation and distribution of an information pack for thousands of UK fleet operators, offering advice and help on fleet safety initiatives.

The FDTA has also announced it will be launching a national register of fleet driver training instructors, intended to speed-up development of the industry.

Craymer added: 'The creation of such a register will speed development of the industry and will also help member companies to make more effective use of the existing pool of trainers.'

A database of existing instructors will be created at first and new members will then be 'sponsored' by FDTA member companies.