A GROWING number of HR and finance directors are voicing concern over the human and financial costs associated with speed cameras.

A survey has found that more than a quarter (26%) were worried by the increasing costs – a figure up from 11% six months ago. Research carried out by vehicle management company LeasePlan found that 85% of directors said the issue of driver safety and corporate liability was an even bigger worry.

The company quizzed 150 finance and HR directors at some of the UK’s largest firms to source the findings.

LeasePlan UK managing director David Brennan said: ‘Earlier LeasePlan research found that one in six company car drivers had been caught speeding, compared with one in 10 of all motorists.

‘The growth of speed cameras means more business drivers are going to get caught, which could lead to employees losing their licences and being unable to carry out their work. This, plus the higher insurance premiums, directly affects the bottom line.

‘There is also a serious corporate liability issue, as companies could be prosecuted if a driver on a business trip has an accident while travelling faster than the limit. Firms are responsible for the safety of employees while on the road, so they should ensure they have a clear set of policy guidelines that encourage safer driving.’

The company has also called on relevant authorities to take action to tackle congestion, which it says is costing businesses dear.

Brennan added: ‘Congestion is clearly on the rise and it can have a serious impact on business operations – goods aren’t delivered on time and employees arrive late and stressed.

‘With public transport in a mess, the car is still the transport method of choice for many companies, but an hour spent sitting in a traffic jam is generally an hour wasted.

‘The onus is on local and central government to take steps to improve congestion and ease traffic flow. Businesses can play their own part by scheduling journeys to avoid peak periods and encouraging car sharing.’