Fleet Legislation​

HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT 1974
No matter what size or type of business, employers have a duty of care for the safety of employees at work, as well as others who may be affected by business activities. In case of fleet drivers, this means all other road users.

MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK REGULATIONS 1999
Employers are required to carry out routine risk assessments and arrange appropriate information and training for staff, as well as implement necessary measures to keep everyone as safe as possible.

THE PROVISION AND USE OF WORK EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS 1998
These regulations make sure work equipment is suitable for its intended use, safe, regularly inspected and properly maintained. They also require that those using the equipment are properly trained.

THE ROAD VEHICLES (CONSTRUCTION AND USE) REGULATIONS 1996
This act sets out the standards for vehicles on UK road. It ensures that they are kept to a certain standard to ensure that they following safety procedures and the vehicles are suitable for its use and safe.

THE WORKPLACE (HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE) REGULATIONS 1992
This act covers the variety of regulations which cover basic health, safety and welfare issues including traffic routes for vehicles. It helps to assist with keeping drivers safe on the road and minimise travel times.

THE ROAD TRANSPORT (WORKING TIME) REGULATIONS 2005
Also covers the EC Drivers' Hours Rules and UK Domestic Drivers' Hours Rules. It is the driver's and employer's responsibility to ensure they comply with the driver's hours and tachograph regulations on goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

ROAD TRAFFIC ACTS - SUPPORTED BY THE HIGHWAY CODE
It is an offence to set driver schedules that may cause them to break speed limits and/or have reward schemes which incentivise them to do so. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone and reinforces the legal obligations of drivers.

DRINK DRIVING REGULATIONS
It is currently against the law to drive or be in control of a vehicle if you have 80mg of alcohol or more per 100ml of blood, 35mcg per 100ml of breath or 107mg per 100ml of urine. In alot of European countries the limit is lower, usually 50mg per 100ml of blood. There are strict drink drive penalties in place if you are caught over the limit.

SMOKE-FREE (PREMESIS AND ENFORCEMENT) REGULATIONS 2006
These regulations banned smoking in company vehicles that are used by one of more people for work. It applies to all cars/van/lorries at all times for paid of voluntary work. This means that smoking is prohibited in all vehicles used primarily for business purposes by more than one person.
Vehicles used for private purposes or for business purposes only by one driver are exempt and employees can smoke in these vehicles.

MOBILE PHONE REGULATIONS
Since February 2007, motorists have faced tougher penalties for using hand-held mobile phone or sat nav while driving or using a motorcycle - this is an illegal act. You can get six penalty points and a £200 fine, you'll also lose your licence if you passed your test in the last two years. You can also be taken to court, where you can be banned and receive a maximum fine of £1,000 (or £2,500 if you were driving a lorry/bus).

EYESIGHT REGULATIONS
Holders of commercial licences must have their eyes tested every five years and holders of private licences will be tested every 10 to 15 years.

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