The council first developed a driver’s handbook in the mid 1990s but it was not updated for several years. Some of the content was therefore no longer relevant and important information on new legislation was not included.

The Fleet Manager was also unsure about the extent to which the document was being read and therefore was concerned that it was having little impact.

Work is ongoing to update the document and to improve its presentation to ensure more drivers read and understand it.

The Fleet Manager, in association with the Health and Safety department, first revised the handbook in 2003. In response to key changes to legislation in 2007, the Fleet Manager is now updating the document again.

The handbook gives details of the Council’s O licence, the Council’s responsibilities in operating a fleet, drivers’ responsibilities when using fleet vehicles and gives guidance on how to plan journeys effectively.

In updating the presentation of the document, the Fleet Manager is using graphics and pictures to improve the visual impact of the handbook so that more drivers will read it and pay more attention to its key messages.

The new document is a booklet with a tear-off final sheet that all drivers will sign and send back to the Council to confirm they have read and understood the document. This information will be monitored centrally to ensure all drivers have received and read the handbook. This work is ongoing.

The driver’s handbook helps the Council in fulfilling its duty of care to employees under the Corporate Manslaughter Act.

Source: Welsh Audit Office