PROPOSED corporate manslaughter laws that could put companies in the dock if one of their drivers is killed in a road accident should force 'Luddite' attitudes out of the fleet industry.

UK trade plate specialist United Fleet Distribution (UFD) believes the proposed charge of corporate manslaughter will give operators a stark choice.

Director Mike Hutchings said: 'They will have to either adopt the safety procedures and training systems they have ignored for so long, or risk being put out of business. Too many companies have been content to take a Luddite attitude to driver safety, but fortunately those days are almost over.'

UFD practices what it preaches and before the announcement was made had established a safety management system in a bid to reduce cost and risk to its drivers. The company says that to maintain high standards it insists that its drivers must be at least 25 years old, have held a full UK driving licence for at least five years, and be able to pass tests on their eyesight and the Highway Code.

RAC-trained assessors carry out the vetting and also take applicants on a road test to assess their competence.