Tim Bowden, head of operations at Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, has said that fleets should keep their heads and remember that the UK has a well-structured process for recalls.

Mr Bowden said: 'The key advice that I would offer concerned fleet managers is not to panic. The symptoms described – accelerator pedal that sticks, is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation – are likely to be caused by progressive wear and will not occur suddenly.

'Toyota has already identified the unique VINs of those vehicles potentially affected and is working with DVLA and VOSA to link these numbers to the names and addresses of the correct registered keepers. Amid all this panic, it is important to remember that the vehicle recall process in the UK is well established under a code of practice and all participating manufacturers are committed to ensuring that any recalls are acted upon efficiently and effectively. In fact, the UK process is recognised as being the most robust and successful programmes in Europe.

'Another concern I have with this media hysteria, is that fleet managers will arrange precautionary checks with their fleet provider. This is completely unnecessary, a waste of time for all parties and will simply increase the queues at the dealerships. Fleets will be notified of affected vehicles at the earliest opportunity, by which time Toyota dealers should also be in possession of the necessary parts to complete the work required.'

He concluded: 'My advice would be to wait to be notified if any of your vehicles are affected and then take the action required.