Privately Owned Vehicles
Organisations have the same duty of care to staff driving their own vehicles for business purposes as they do for staff driving vehicles owned, leased or rented by the organisation. Privately owned vehicles must not be used for work purposes unless they are fit for the purpose, insured for business use, comply with local regulatory requirements, have a servicing record, and are roadworthy.
It’s important to communicate the requirements for privately owned vehicles to staff and ensure they understand their responsibilities to ensure their vehicles are legal, safe and well-maintained.
These communications should include:
• Providing staff with check lists to conduct weekly checks of their vehicle, including tyre pressure, fluids, wipers, brakes, lights and indicators.
• Advising drivers to conduct pre-drive checks of tyres, fluids, wipers, lights and brakes.
• Issuing of vehicle log books to record all work related journeys.
• Requiring staff involved in a work-related crash, including damage-only ones, report this to their line/transport managers even if the vehicle is privately owned.
