A DAMNING attack on fleets has been launched after a new report revealed a 'shocking' lack of interest in road safety among fleet managers. Fleets' attitude has been branded 'a syndrome of disinterest' by the Royal Association for the Prevention of Accidents.

A staggering 90% of fleets with more than 250 vehicles and 80% of fleets with fewer than 250 vehicles do not invest in driver training, according to the new Kwik-Fit Fleet report, 'Fleet safety: a plan for action', despite managers acknowledging its importance to cutting accidents. Basic safety checks are being ignored by half of all fleets and drivers ignorant of what danger signs to look for in vehicles, such as minimum legal tyre tread depths, according to the survey for Kwik-Fit Fleet.

Management set the worst example, with none of the large fleets of more than 250 vehicles interviewed offering training for executives with powerful cars. Only 6% of fleets with less than 250 vehicles offered similar training.

The fleet industry has already been warned over its attitude after an attack on its safety record by junior transport minister Lord Whitty. This report is sure to heighten Government worries even further after research showed fleet drivers were 30-50% more likely to have an accident than private drivers. Dave Rogers, road safety adviser to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: 'It is a syndrome of disinterest. There are some very responsible fleet managers out there. However, some companies and drivers which this survey has identified must realise that their attitude could lead to the death of other road users. We hope this report will shock them into action.'