FLEETS should be aware of the lengths some company car drivers will go to retain their licences when they should not be driving, a road transportation law briefing hosted by Davies Arnold Cooper solicitors at its London offices, heard.

Patricia O'Leary, motor team manager at seminar organiser Davies Arnold Cooper solicitors in London, said she knew of one case when an epileptic told not to drive on medical grounds failed to reveal his condition to his employer and was given a company car.

'This illustrates the lengths company car drivers will go to retain their licences. Driver attitude is a very important factor in accidents,' she said.

She also urged fleets to take drink and drug misuse seriously and suggested employers create a policy to tackle the problem.

'It is a significant problem which costs industry £800 million a year,' she added.

Possible signs of misuse include reduced work performance, poor time-keeping, absenteeism, personality changes, lack of personal care and signs of addiction – petty theft or borrowing money.