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Where Are Your Company Vehicles Travelling to This Summer?
With weather forecasters predicting a hot British Summer, the Camping and Caravanning Club has said that bookings for pitches at sites in the UK are up 16 per cent on 2009.
Ferry operators and Eurostar are also expecting a boom in business as holidaymakers head across the Channel.
But what are the implications for businesses if company vehicles are being used for these journeys?
When it comes to towing, any driver who passed their standard (category B) car test AFTER 1 January 1997 should check that their licence permits them to tow their caravan or trailer.
If they are not permitted to drive, they are not only breaking the law but their insurance is invalid, which could have implications for you as a company if they have an accident.
For drivers heading abroad, a VE103B certificate is required because without it, and following an incident, the vehicle could be impounded by police or other authorities until ownership is clearly established.
It is also important to check that your drivers are aware of the laws of the countries they are visiting (for example, in France anyone caught travelling at more than 25km/h above the speed limit can have their licence confiscated on the spot) and that they have the necessary European breakdown cover.
"Many fleet operators may assume that once the driver takes their car or van away with them on holiday they are no longer a concern to the company," said John Phenix, Operations Manager at Sandicliffe Motor Contracts.
"However, it is well worth checking where drivers are going and what they plan to use the vehicle for to avoid any nasty suprises that could cost your company a great deal of time and money."
For advice and information about towing and travelling abroad, please contact John Phenix on 01159 466 466 or email john.phenix@motorcontracts.co.uk
<< show all articles
Where Are Your Company Vehicles Travelling to This Summer?
With weather forecasters predicting a hot British Summer, the Camping and Caravanning Club has said that bookings for pitches at sites in the UK are up 16 per cent on 2009.
Ferry operators and Eurostar are also expecting a boom in business as holidaymakers head across the Channel.
But what are the implications for businesses if company vehicles are being used for these journeys?
When it comes to towing, any driver who passed their standard (category B) car test AFTER 1 January 1997 should check that their licence permits them to tow their caravan or trailer.
If they are not permitted to drive, they are not only breaking the law but their insurance is invalid, which could have implications for you as a company if they have an accident.
For drivers heading abroad, a VE103B certificate is required because without it, and following an incident, the vehicle could be impounded by police or other authorities until ownership is clearly established.
It is also important to check that your drivers are aware of the laws of the countries they are visiting (for example, in France anyone caught travelling at more than 25km/h above the speed limit can have their licence confiscated on the spot) and that they have the necessary European breakdown cover.
"Many fleet operators may assume that once the driver takes their car or van away with them on holiday they are no longer a concern to the company," said John Phenix, Operations Manager at Sandicliffe Motor Contracts.
"However, it is well worth checking where drivers are going and what they plan to use the vehicle for to avoid any nasty suprises that could cost your company a great deal of time and money."
For advice and information about towing and travelling abroad, please contact John Phenix on 01159 466 466 or email john.phenix@motorcontracts.co.uk