A BOOST in the number of fleet managers sending company car drivers for training is expected after the Government drove home the importance of improving company car drivers' skills behind the wheel in its white paper.

In the white paper, the Government says: 'Speed is thought to be a factor in about a third of all casualty accidents. In partnership with industry, we will encourage better driving by professional drivers those driving company cars (who are disproportionately involved in accidents).'

Measures which would see the car treated more like an extension of the workplace are highlighted in the white paper and have been welcomed by road safety organisations. The Government will form partnerships with the industry to encourage better driving of company cars, along with an increased use of speed and red light cameras. It is also making it easier to implement 20mph speed limits.