Fleets are exposing themselves to risk by not implementing robust regulatory and training policies for grey fleet drivers, TTC Group has found.

Only a third of fleets ask grey fleet drivers to sign and adhere to a driving-for-work policy

While 99% of fleet professionals surveyed by the group said they proactively promote responsible and safe business driving, just 33% of them ask grey fleet drivers to sign and adhere to a driving-for-work policy, one of the most important steps a business can take to reduce risk. Meanwhile, only 51% of businesses invest in grey fleet driver training.

Businesses that fail to implement a robust driving-for-work policy, backed by training, are falling short of their grey fleet duty of care, according to TTC, which recently published a white paper on ‘Managing Grey Fleet Risk the Easy Way’.

David Marsh, CEO of the training and compliance expert, said: “It’s alarming to learn that so many grey fleet drivers do not know what confirmations they must provide before driving for work, what is expected of them when on the road and what their responsibilities are going forward, all of which a good driving-for-work policy will outline.

“Furthermore, whilst it’s slightly better news that one in two businesses we surveyed offer training to grey fleet drivers, there are still a significant number of people driving for work purposes on the UK’s roads who are not armed with the skills they need.”

Driver training is an essential tool to help grey fleet drivers reduce their own risk, giving them the information and tools they need to make informed driving decisions, stay safe on the road and drive more economically. Every driver is unique and therefore presents a different risk requiring individual focus for ongoing training. Training could include everything from hazard perception to loading and lifting.

A truly holistic approach to reducing grey fleet risk will include driver checks and licence validation, which can highlight those with the most critical need for driver training. Only 31% of fleet professionals surveyed confirmed they support driver rehabilitation through training for those who had received a speeding, drink, or drug driving offence.

And once drivers are trained, only 39% of businesses follow-up with post-training information to drivers to ensure they retain and act on new insights and knowledge gained.

Marsh commented: “Grey fleets can be seen as the easier and cheaper alternative to running, owning or leasing a company car fleet, but our research suggests businesses are putting themselves, their grey fleet drivers and other road users at unnecessary risk by not putting in place vital measures to protect all concerned.

“With more deaths occurring from at-work road trips than at the workplace itself, it is clear that proactively promoting responsible and safe driving should equal positive action, not just words.”

TTC’s white paper on ‘Managing Grey Fleet Risk the Easy Way’ explores how businesses can help reduce the risk associated with employees driving their own vehicles for work. It’s available here.