Effective from 1 February 2016, the new guidelines for health and safety and corporate manslaughter introduce tougher sentences for those that have breached regulations, resulting in serious injury or death.

According to Richard Brown, managing director, LICENCECHECK, the new guidelines should be a wake-up call to all businesses managing fleets all over the country.

He explained: “New sentencing guidelines mean that courts now have the power to fine businesses up to £20m for Corporate Manslaughter offences and a maximum of £10m for Heath and Safety regulation offences. The risk to those operating fleets, regardless of size should not be overlooked as the consequences could be more painful than ever.”

The firm added that it is now imperative that all businesses ensure that driving risks are properly assessed, and that their drivers are properly trained and remain licensed.

It added: “A company’s ‘home-made’ policies no longer provide adequate protection. However, merely putting a policy in place does not offer enough protection – it must also be enforced rigorously.”

“Let’s not forget grey fleet, either,” continued Richard Brown. “The same obligations apply to drivers using their own vehicles. Irrespective of ownership, the responsibility of ensuring that a private car is safe for work use lies with the business owner. A prudent employer should ensure these vehicles are properly insured, serviced and maintained by their owners and properly record this information. The risk is now too great to simply ignore.”