Responsibilities

3.1 HR Team

• To support Managers where they have concerns over an employee’s ability/suitability to drive. Arrange training or a referral to Occupational Health when required.

• Keep a copy of the driving licence, car insurance and MOT of all work drivers on commencing employment with the Council. (for those driving HGV’s for Buckinghamshire Council, please refer to your Legacy Council policy)

3.2 Line Managers

• Must undertake risk assessments, which must be reviewed yearly or when circumstances change, for all staff driving vehicles whilst at work. Please refer to points 2.0 and 22.0 in this policy.

• To share the findings of the risk assessments with the relevant employee/driver.

• Ensure all work drivers are aware of the arrangements for driving at work, accident reporting, the use of mobile phones and lone working and to bring this policy to their attention.

• Managers will ensure that drivers have the correct licence type before authorising the towing and loading of trailers.

• To be satisfied, as far as is reasonably practicable, that the driver is competent to drive, holds a valid driving license, is properly insured, and has a suitable, roadworthy vehicle.

• Ensure yearly checks are made to ensure a valid driving licence, business use insurance and where appropriate a current MOT. Point 22.0 of this policy ‘Annual Drivers Document Checklist’ should be used.

• For HGV drivers, quarterly checks will be made on driver’s driving licences, business use insurance and where appropriate MOT. Please refer to Legacy Council policy for further information on Fleet vehicles and transport.

• To ensure that any vehicles owned by the Council are suitably maintained, have appropriate insurance, MOT and current road tax. Please refer to legacy council policies.

• The Line Manager will arrange to carry out accident investigations and provide necessary training and further assessments to staff as required.

• Random checks may be carried out by Managers to ensure drivers are driving safely and that their vehicle is being maintained correctly.

• Ensure employees who drive on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council understand that they are responsible for their own personal safety. Please refer to Buckinghamshire Council's policy on this.

• The Line Manager will ensure that employees understand that it is their responsibility to ensure that their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before driving on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council.

• It is essential that Managers identify the correct category of driver for employees in their team. Please refer to point 16.0 of this policy.

• Ensure that employees understand what to do in the event of an accident in relation to insurance, provide them with a bump card and make a report on AssessNet. We have a guide available.

• In the event of an accident, inform the Insurance team. Where a third party is involved, it is essential that the accident is called through to the vehicle insurers the same day, followed by the Insurance team.  

3.3 Work Drivers

• Are responsible for ensuring they are fit and healthy to drive. This includes considering fatigue, illness and eyesight as required under the Road Traffic Act.

• Make their manager aware of any issues and deficiencies which could affect road safety including:

• Workload where it has an influence on the need for travel or the timing and manner of travel.

• Roadworthiness of their vehicle.

• Anything that might affect their ability to drive, including any changes in medical condition and status of licence e.g., disqualification to drive.

• Reporting all accidents (whilst on Council business), whether during or outside working hours, using the AssessNet system. Be responsible for keeping up to date with any changes to the Highway Code.

• Drivers of vehicles must wear a seatbelt while driving and cyclists must wear appropriate helmets and Hi-Visibility clothing.

• Whilst driving on Council business drivers must ensure that their vehicle is roadworthy and in a safe mechanical condition. They are responsible for carrying out regular checks and ensuring that their vehicles are properly maintained.

• Should the vehicle breakdown while driving for work, the driver should report to their Line Manager immediately so any guidance or help can be provided.

• Have a valid and appropriate driving licence for the class of the vehicle used, have business use insurance and, where appropriate, have a current MOT certificate for the vehicle(s) they use. These must be shown to their manager on a 6^th monthly basis.

• Drivers are expected to comply with driving for work risk assessments, traffic legislation and drive appropriately in varying weather conditions. This includes complying with speed restrictions and Buckinghamshire Council’s policy on the non-use of mobile phones when driving.  Other electronic equipment such as radios and satellite navigation systems may only be used when it is safe to do so.  (Any fines or legal costs relating to inappropriate driving or parking will be the responsibility of the driver).

• Drivers must be able to satisfy the eyesight requirements set out in the Highway Code.

• When driving in a council owned vehicle or when carrying a passenger, smoking, or vaping is prohibited.

• Do not drink alcohol or take drugs and then drive. This will impair your driving ability.

• Employees who drive on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council understand that they are responsible for their own personal safety. Please refer to Buckinghamshire Council H&S Personal Safety policy. 

• Employees have the responsibility to ensure that their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before driving on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council.

• Drivers of Buckinghamshire Council owned, or leased vehicles must follow their legacy council policy for Driving for work.