FOOD group Nestle UK has demonstrated its commitment to fleet safety and signed up to a risk management programme for hundreds of its company drivers.

The move for 800 of its employees follows the completion of a pilot programme for 200 fleet drivers provided by RAC Business Solutions last year.

It is now available to both company car users and those who have opted out of the company car scheme to use their own vehicle on company business.

In-vehicle training provided by RAC Business Solutions involves one-on-one half-day sessions. Drivers cover up to 50 miles on different road types after initial discussions on risk theory.

Nestle UK head of occupational health and safety, Dr David Batman, said: RAC Business Solutions has set up a tailor-made system for us which gives measurable outcomes so we know the training is working, and which will determine our next steps.

‘Many of our staff may drive perfectly well but may not be good at reading the road. This is what we need to tackle so any potential threats they face while they are in their vehicles can be minimised. The in-car assessment is an integral part of our approach to managing road risk which also involves risk assessment and a range of other requirements.’