Fleets wanting to take part in SAFED – the government’s programme to train van drivers in safe and economical driving techniques – have been told that subsidies will be significantly reduced from the end of this month.

Small and medium sized companies (SME) – those that employ under 250 staff – and which operate a fleet of light commercial vehicles have been able to get a £50 per driver subsidy from the Department for Transport (DfT) to help cover the £175 cost of sending a driver on the one-day training course.

However, from April 1, these SMEs will be required to pay £150 per driver and that cost will rise again to £175 in April 2010.

Larger companies – those employing over 250 staff – will have to pay £200 per driver from April 1.

The move to withdraw the subsidies for SAFED, which has so far seen 10,000 van drivers complete its course since its launch in 2006, is part of a move by the DfT to make the programme a self-funding business.

It said the financial benefits to a fleet sending its van drivers on the course will more than cover the higher costs that are about to come into force.

SAFED said businesses can typically save up to £500 per driver and reduce fuel consumption by up to 16% after sending a driver on the course.