Fleets not carrying out proper licence checks are setting themselves up for major risk management problems in the future, including the possibility of corporate manslaughter cases.

The rise in delivery fleets and volunteer drivers during the lockdown and the sudden increase in returning car drivers means the number of licence checks required has grown markedly

The warning comes from the Association for Driver Licence Verification (ADLV), which says that the rapid expansion of delivery fleets and volunteer drivers during the lockdown and the sudden increase in returning car drivers means the number of licence checks required has grown markedly.

The association also highlighted that while there have been some exceptions made during the lockdown, such as the MOT exemption announced on 25 March, pre-lockdown standards must be maintained to avoid future road safety, compliance and regulatory failures; this includes licence checks.

ADLV secretary Colin Paterson said: “Whilst some of the concessions to drivers and transport regulations – such as the postponing of expired MOTs to later in the year – are helpful, the ADLV does emphasise the need to maintain a core level of checking for both compliance and road safety as the lockdown eases. Cutting corners unnecessarily will store up significant problems for the future; particularly should fleets miss critical information about a driver’s status.”

Terry Hiles, the ADLV’s deputy chair, also reiterated the need for stringent licence checking: “Missed licence checking is one corner to cut too many – as lockdown eases, please make sure your drivers are legally entitled to drive the vehicles in question – whether an enthusiastic volunteer or a more seasoned professional driver. Each regular licence check does highlight a potential safety risk that can be avoided by maintaining the highest standards.”