Last October, some research conducted by Arval demonstrated wide-scale issues with employees using their own cars on business. These are often referred to as the ‘grey fleet’.

Nearly one in four vehicles being driven on business was a grey fleet vehicle: 83% of businesses had no procedures in place to check non-company cars were regularly maintained; and 74% of businesses did not ask employees for a valid MOT certificate.

However, follow up research has highlighted that businesses are reacting to the possible risks posed by the grey fleet.

New findings show that 46% of respondents are reviewing their fleet duty of care; and a further 22% have already completed a review.

The SME sector is well represented in the research. Nearly half of respondents were small businesses with sub-25 fleet sizes who often lack the resources to dedicate full time staff to vehicle management, or to invest in risk management measures.

The new research shows that 6% more businesses are now checking non-company vehicle insurance; 9% more businesses ask drivers of non-company vehicles to produce an MOT certificate; and 9% more businesses check if ‘grey fleet’ cars are serviced regularly.

“Our initial research showed that small companies were often not effectively managing their ‘grey fleet’,” commented Corrine Harrison, head of small business services, Arval. “So it is encouraging that this new research shows that the grey fleet safety message we have taken to the market is starting to have an impact.

“Small businesses can be the most exposed because they often do not have the resource available to make sure that they are compliant with all aspects of health and safety regulation. But regardless of fleet size, the financial and reputation cost of not tackling this issue can be great.

“Grey fleet vehicles that are unsafe and not fit-for-purpose put employees and other road users in potential danger.

“Small businesses may be daunted by the resource required to effectively discharge their duty of care but it is important to remember that a safe, well-driven fleet is also likely to be more cost-effective and environmentally efficient.”

Overview of new Arval ‘grey fleet’ research:

• 46% of businesses are reviewing their fleet duty of care
• 12% of businesses have completed a review in the last four months and changes are being implemented
• Over 9% of businesses have completed a review in the last four months and changes are in place
• Since the last piece of research 6% more respondents are checking that drivers of non-company vehicles driven on business have the correct insurance
• Since the last piece of research 9% more respondents require drivers of non-company vehicles driven on company business to produce MOT certificate for vehicles more than three years old
• Since the last piece of research 9% more respondents check whether vehicles driven on company business are serviced at regular intervals
• 16% of businesses do not plan to take any action regarding their fleet duty of care
• 16% of businesses are unaware of Corporate Manslaughter

Further information

• Read Corrine Harrison’s special report on the original ‘grey fleet’ findings

• Read our news story on the original findings: Small businesses ignore duty of care issues
• Go to our Advice Centre for articles on Corporate Manslaughter compliance. Read Top tips: How to understand the Corporate Manslaughter Act and Top tips: What is the new Corporate Manslaughter Act?