Key quote: ’The majority of organisations are overlooking the residual value and duty-of-care consequences.’

ONLY a fifth of companies have a formal policy governing the use of satellite-navigation systems by their fleet drivers, a new report has found.

And it says all companies should introduce policies as part of their duty-of-care responsibility to ensure drivers remain safe on the roads.

More than three-quarters of companies have also failed to discuss sat-nav provision at board level, leaving the company open to prosecution in the event of an accident involving one of their drivers.

The Satellite Navigation System and Fleet Safety report, prepared by Professor Peter Cooke, of Nottingham Business School aims to raise awareness of the issue, looks at the questions companies should be asking at board level regarding the system, and suggests a framework for an effective strategy.

The report also suggests many companies do not give consideration to the type of sat-nav fitment used, whether as a factory option or as an aftermarket purchase.

It adds: ‘In particular, the majority of organisations are overlooking the residual value and duty-of-care consequences.’

It says that any policy needs to be widely distributed throughout the organisation, including to all employees who drive on business using a company-provided vehicle, those who use their own cars on business and those who use a rented vehicle fitted with a unit.

The report says: ‘One could readily justify publishing a well-thought-through satellite-navigation system policy to all employees of the business as part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility strategy. The rationale in such wider publication may justifiably be that aftermarket systems are becoming popular as presents.’

The launch of the report, sponsored by Road Angel, comes after the government announced a major consultation into the use of satellite-navigation systems (Fleet News, October 12).

It is seeking opinion on the risk sat-navs pose to driver safety and a consultation document can be accessed by fleets on the DfT website at www.dft.gov.uk/roads/ivisconsultation.

  • Sat-nav and safety – See the article entitled 'Your opinion' today.