Since lockdown rules put the brakes on driving long distances in March, you could be forgiven for thinking the roads have travelled back in time, with car traffic decreasing by 73%.  While recent restrictions have reduced some of the lockdown restrictions on driving, many people are continuing to stay more local than normal (and in Wales, driving for leisure is restricted to roughly five miles from home.)

Of course, for keyworkers these rules don’t apply – but this does raise issues for employers.  With increased road patrols, a lot more pressure on delivery services and more visibility of drivers who are on the road, it is worth employers remembering they are still legally responsible for the vicarious acts of employees who drive as part of their job – including employers who have introduced local delivery options for the first time.  While many employers are focusing on things like social distancing and hand sanitiser, the basics of driving for work haven’t gone anywhere.

Here’s a few things to consider reminding employees and of course, volunteer drivers at this time:

• Some police forces have reported that speeding incidents have more than doubled in their area.  Speed awareness courses are not running during lockdown, so if caught, drivers will get a fine and points on their licence – which, if they lead to driver disqualification, could prove challenging for employers when key workers are in short supply.  Often a timely reminder is all that is needed.
• Where drivers are using their own vehicles, even in lockdown, these vehicles must be roadworthy, so remind workers to check things like tyres, brakes, lights etc. are all legal and working as they should.  If your normal supplier is not open, things like filters, brake pads and other spare parts can be obtained from online suppliers like motor-doctor.co.uk– ideal for fleet managers and employees alike.
• Drivers using their own vehicles for work means that as their employer, you should do due diligence, so check their MOT certificate expiry dates and ask for proof that they are insured to use their own vehicle for work – an ordinary motor insurance policy doesn’t cover commercial trips.  A valid MOT is not necessarily proof of roadworthiness either, so if you have a fleet manager or someone with vehicle maintenance skills, ask them to look over the car and give a quick inspection on things like tyres and brakes.  If you don’t have these skills, at least do a visual inspection on the tyres.
• Ensure you have records on driver licence expiry dates and remind employees, who could miss key dates because of the additional pressure and concerns around COVID-19.
• For fleet employers, it’s also important to remind employees that normal driving restrictions apply, such as maximum driving times.  Many key worker delivery drivers have adopted a heroic spirit as their drops have increased, determined to get every delivery done, but if they are exceeding their hours and need a rest break, it’s important to let them know that you are happy to reschedule if continuing to deliver means exceeding your hours.
• Lastly, remember to say thank you to key workers who are going the extra mile.   They are rightly proud of the vital role they are playing in keeping the UK moving.

As their employer, taking care of some of the ‘thinking’ for employees on the road will be really appreciated during this challenging time – and taking steps to protect them when driving, will in turn also protect your business.