FLEET operators were told that moving to hire cars ensured insurance provision was adequate and that the vehicle had been serviced correctly.

But hire operators still need to be examined for their safety records, they were told at the ACFO meeting. One member warned that an investigation into owner-driver chauffeurs transporting senior executives ‘scared the living daylights out of me’.

He added: ‘If you use this kind of service, then check the standards they work to. Some cars had more than 150,000 miles on the clock and three bald tyres.’