STAFFORD-based Pro-Drive has launched a new initiative which screens and trains staff before they are found employment in commercial driving positions.

The move has been designed to improve fleet safety by providing trained drivers to companies whose staff will need to use commercial vehicles.

Pro-Drive has launched the 'Ambassador' programme in a bid to combat recruitment and training problems encountered by companies operating commercial vehicles.

It has appointed Paul Sturgeon as operations director to oversee the project, which could see dangerous drivers weeded out before they are interviewed. By employing trained workers, the firm claims employers will improve their duty of care records.

Sturgeon said: 'Ambassador aims to help companies by attracting the right calibre of people and turning them into really exceptional employees.'

The scheme includes defensive driving skills, health and safety issues, vehicle load and security, customer care and driver legislation. Quality checks, performance indicators, completion of documents and tachographs will also be covered.

A recent report published by Godfrey Davis Contract Hire indicated that fleet drivers were more likely to be involved in an accident than private motorists because they covered more miles, had time pressure implications and were not as concerned with the wear and tear on their vehicles.