FLEET executives are instructing drivers hit by a flat tyre to call out breakdown organisations instead of trying to change the wheel themselves to ensure staff remain safe on the road.

Members from the Scottish region of the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) revealed that safety issues had led to drivers being instructed to avoid tyre changing.

The meeting, sponsored by Volkswagen, heard that despite the policy, many companies still insist on a spare wheel being supplied with the vehicle for emergency purposes.

In contrast, car makers are deleting the spare in a bid to improve fuel economy, increase load space and reduce production costs.

But earlier this year, the industry heard that manufacturers could have a devastating impact on the residual values of their models as they push forward with plans to ditch spare wheels.

CAP editor John Watts warned that the security and peace of mind offered by carrying a spare wheel is not something most people will be willing to give up and that could affect the price they were prepared to pay for a used car (FleetNewsNet May 30).

The Scottish ACFO meeting also heard that some employers need to ensure they understand the impact of certain medical conditions on their drivers, for example sending health reports on drivers with diabetes to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

A spokesman for the Scottish region of ACFO said: 'Fleet decision-makers must ensure that this sort of information is logged properly and it has to be reported to the DVLA.'