Road Angel driving at work Policy
Introductions / Aims
Procedure
Introductions and Policy Aims
It is the aim of Road Angel to ensure that all vehicles that are used during our business whether owned by Road Angel or employee’s own vehicles are used in compliance with road traffic legislation.
The following procedure outlines the standards and conduct expected by all drivers, the requirements for maintenance of vehicles and the procedures to be followed in conducting risk assessments, reporting incidences and ongoing monitoring.
It is recommended that employees who drive a motor vehicle during Road Angel business should familiarise themselves with the Driving at Work policy and procedures, as breaches of these could lead to a disciplinary action.
Driver Requirements
The following applies to all Road Angel employees who operate ANY vehicle in the conduct of Road Angel business.
Road Angel may undertake an annual licence check for all employees using their own vehicle for Road Angel business.
Road Angel has appointed Space Data Centres as a verification organisation to undertake the annual licence checks and initial licence checks for new employees who are requested to drive on behalf of the business.
All employees who use their own vehicles for Road Angel business and claim casual car mileage payments will be asked to sign and confirm they hold a current MOT certificate and valid insurance cover for business when claiming their mileage expenses. Road Angel reserves the right to ask for proof of documentation at any time.
Drivers must be appropriately licensed, trained, and medically fit to operate the vehicle. It is the responsibility of the driver to make their line manager aware of any change in circumstances that will affect their ability to drive.
Drivers must be appropriately rested and alert and must stop driving if tired or fatigued.
Drivers must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or any other substance or medication that could impair their ability to drive.
Vehicles where seat belts are fitted as original equipment must be worn by all occupants always.
Drivers should not eat, drink or read documentation whilst the vehicle is in motion.
Drivers must comply with the Highway Code eyesight test,
If a driver is taken ill whilst driving on Road Angel business the line manager must be contacted to make alternative arrangements.
Drivers of vehicles owned by Road Angel may be required to complete the driver questionnaire, if required by Road Angel insurers.
The driver of the vehicle is responsible for the safety of others who may be affected by their actions. Under no circumstances should any driver break the law to save time. It could result in serious injury or the death if the driver, a colleague, a pedestrian, or another road user.
Failure to comply with road traffic legislation may result in prosecution and fines for which the driver will be personally responsible as the person in charge of the vehicle. Any driver who knowingly disregards traffic law may also be disciplined in accordance with Road Angel disciplinary procedures.
Speed limits play an important part in road safety and therefore must be strictly adhered to always.
All complaints received by third parties will be investigated and the outcome recorded.
Mobile phones use whilst driving
Mobile phones are provided to some employees for business purposes where there is a need for communication. It is illegal to use hand-held mobile phones whilst driving. It is prohibited whilst stationary at traffic lights and in traffic hold ups.
Professionally fitted hands-free kits with phone cradles and Bluetooth headsets are permitted, if approved by your line manager; however, there could be a risk of prosecution for careless or dangerous driving when using hands free, if it can be shown than the driver was distracted and not in proper control of the vehicle.
Employees should only use hands free mobile when it is necessary to do so, and conversations should be kept to the minimum. If you receive an incoming call whilst driving, you must carefully assess the risk involved before answering.
Employees are under no obligation to receive telephone calls whilst driving and encouraged to switch off mobile phones or to use voice mail whilst driving. Employees should stop in a suitable place in accordance with the Highway Code to retrieve any messages or to make outgoing calls.
Vehicle Requirements
The following applies to all vehicles, Road Angel owned vehicles and any vehicle used for business use.
The vehicle is for purpose, and has been maintained in safe working order, with seatbelts installed and functional.
The number of passengers does not exceed manufacturer’s specification for the vehicle.
Loads are secure and do not exceed manufacturer’s specifications or legal limits for the vehicle.
Drivers are responsible for keeping the vehicle clean inside and out and must carry out pre-use checks on the vehicle: -
- tyre pressures
- oil
- lights
- tyres
- brakes
- windscreen wash
- head restraints.
Vehicles three years old and over must have a valid MOT certificate.
Road Angel Vehicle Requirements
The following applies to Road Angel owned vehicles;
The vehicle is not used for private or unauthorised journeys and the driver does not carry or permit others to carry any unauthorised person. The only permitted private use is in respect or travel to and from work unless authorised by the appropriate manager.
The vehicle is not used to carry private materials without authorisation from the appropriate manager.
All drivers of Road Angel vehicles must report defects and damage as they occur. A vehicle check should be completed and recorded at least weekly (daily for vehicles over 3.5 tonne). Weekly checks will become daily with the introduction of handheld mobile working devices. Under no circumstances will Road Angel vehicles be operated if not roadworthy.
Road Angel operates a no smoking policy within the workplace. The workplace includes Road Angel owned vehicles and therefore drivers and passengers must refrain from smoking within Road Angel vehicles.
All fleet drivers will complete a driving induction and be issued with a ‘Driver Pack’.
Journey Requirements
Drivers should familiarise themselves with the route prior to commencing their journey.
Drivers should ensure adequate time is allowed to reach journey destination and under no circumstances should the speed limit be exceeded.
In some situations, it may be beneficial to use trains and public transport when attending meetings, seminars or conferences instead of cars.
Where possible, multi occupancy in one vehicle instead of each employee using their vehicle.
Drivers should always drive in accordance with the prevailing weather conditions.
Road Angel vehicles have no special rights or exemptions from the law in respect on verges or footways.
Drivers should only park vehicles in designated areas and ensure compliance with any restrictions in force.
When Road Angel vehicles are authorised to be taken home, they must be left in such a way that they do not cause a nuisance to neighbours.
There are no Regulatory Standard that relates to this policy
There are no Related Strategies and Policies
Monitoring and Review arrangements
This policy will be reviewed every two years during ISO9001 management review meetings