Fleet managers are being warned that they could face penalty points and fines for offences committed by their employees, according to License Bureau.
Fleet managers are being warned that they could face penalty points and fines for offences committed by their employees, according to License Bureau.
The ‘cause or permit to drive’ legislation means that incidents can ultimately be deemed the fleet manager’s responsibility, even if the initial offence was committed by a third party or employee.
The warning was issued following an increase in the number of cases being recorded on the License Bureau’s system, largely due to the often misunderstood ‘cause or permit to drive’ legislation.
The Road Traffic Act 1988/1991 also states that ownership of a vehicle in an offence is irrelevant, potentially deeming Fleet Managers responsible for both owned business vehicles and grey fleet vehicles.
Should an employee commit an offence, the fleet manager could receive three to six points, with a fine of up to £1,000. The points would remain on the fleet manager’s licence for four years from the date of offence.
“Fleet managers are well-versed in recognising the risks surrounding their vehicles, but some won’t have thought that their personal licence could ever be under threat when somebody else is at the wheel.
“We know that telematics devices can benefit businesses in several ways, but they can also help to protect fleet managers in this instance, enabling them to monitor driver behaviour and ensure employees aren’t putting anyone at risk of prosecution.”
Vince Powell, Managing Director of AX Innovation
AX offers advanced telemetry as part of a wide range of connected in-vehicle devices that form AX Connect, delivering detailed driver behaviour monitoring and location information.
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