HUNDREDS of drivers at British Gas are learning how to be safer on the road and protect the environment. Under a major new initiative, employees are undergoing practical assessments, taking specific training where necessary and having licence, eyesight and vehicle checks.

In addition, apprentice engineers are undergoing eco-driving sessions which will show them how to reduce harmful emissions from their driving.

Colin Marriott, British Gas fleet operations manager, said: ‘This tailor-made package is provided to all apprentices, prior to them being allocated a company vehicle, to equip them with the skills to be proficient drivers before they hit the road visiting customers.’

Training is being provided by AA Corporate Driver Training, which is supplying a number of companies with such schemes.

It aims to identify employees at risk and have them certified as safe behind the wheel.

To date, 500 sessions have been booked. Independent tests have shown that instruction on green driving can reduce a vehicle’s fuel consumption by between 10% and 15%.

Angela Yates, general manager of AA driving school, said: ‘While instruction of employees is not yet mandatory, it is considered good practice and will help companies to prepare for some of the obligations likely to be introduced.’