Multi-tasking bosses risk fines

The UK small business community is still pushing the limits behind the wheel. According to new research from Bibby Financial Services, 28 per cent of bosses admit to eating and drinking while they drive and 22 per cent use their mobile phones, despite the risk of prosecution for driving without due care.

New laws were introduced on February 27 this year where drivers caught using mobiles or eating while driving face a £60 fine and three points on their driving licence.

Says David Robertson, chief executive of Bibby Financial Services: “Despite the government’s targets to cut unnecessary travel, curb carbon emissions and address environmental concerns, the UK is still clocking up a considerable amount of business mileage every year.

“There is an estimated three million company cars on the roads, of which roughly one in three will be involved in an accident each year, and business drivers have collision rates that are 30-40 per cent higher than those of private drivers.

“To avoid accidents, fines or loss of licences, it’s clear from our survey that some managers still need to change their driving habits for the better.”