A NEW study claims a large number of fleets do not carry out the most basic check on employees using their own cars for business use.

A survey by Provecta Car Plan of 15 small, medium and large fleets, representing some 13,000 vehicles, found that 27% of them failed to check drivers had the correct insurance and 40% had no idea whether employees’ cars had a valid MoT.

More than half failed to check whether privately owned vehicles being used at work were suitable for the job.

All of the employers in the survey claimed to examine drivers’ licenses, but the majority only did so annually, and 14% claimed to conduct them on an ad hoc basis.

None inspected licenses, or made any other essential checks, on a monthly basis. Provecta chairman Nick Sutton said: ‘Our survey has highlighted a real problem that the industry should be very concerned about.

‘We are all aware of employers’ duty of care, and the industry is constantly being reminded of the health and safety controls required for employees driving at work.

‘It is simply not good enough for these essential checks to be made annually or without proper structure and control.

‘Over the course of a year, a driving licence, MOT, insurance and even the car the employee is using can and does change.

‘Leaving it a full year between checks is exposing these employers to the risk of prosecution and putting employees at risk.’