Industry News from Yes Insurance

Company car drivers are more likely to speed than other motorists, according to a new report.

Car hire firm LeasePlan has released statistics which show 16 per cent of company car drivers received points on their licence for speeding during 2005, reports Fleet Newsnet.

That is a full six per cent higher than the national number for all motorists, which stands at ten per cent.

Commentators suggest that although the burden of responsibility ultimately lies with the driver, company managers also have a duty to ensure their employees are driving safely.

"Reducing the number of their company car drivers who speed forms part of that responsibility," said David Brennan from LeasePlan.

"Although companies are not directly responsible for speeding fines incurred by employees, they have a legal duty of care to reduce risk and ensure that drivers are safe behind the wheel.

"Companies don't want a situation where employees are off the road because they have too many penalty points. They also don't want their insurance bills rising because their drivers have been caught speeding," he added.

Motorists who break the law by driving above the speed limit are likely to have to pay inflated car insurance premiums.

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