FLEET managers will come under immense pressure to implement new safety measures after the Government launched proposals to heavily punish dangerous drivers.

The proposals unveiled on Tuesday include new short-term penalties, such as driving bans of a few weeks, and impounding the cars of dangerous drivers, which would be carried out by contracted companies, instead of the police and be available for a range of offences.

Drivers will also receive an automatic six month ban without a court appearance if they receive too many points on their licences under the 'totting up' procedure. There will also be a greater focus on driver re-training after they break the law and use of compulsory improvement programmes, with drivers who are disqualified automatically having to requalify for their licences.

Announcing the measures to Parliament, Home Office Minister Charles Clarke said: 'The vast majority of drivers have a responsible attitude to road safety which we build on. This review is carefully targeted on areas where current penalties could be made more effective and where better driving would make a significant impact on road safety.'

The announcement comes after a year in which fleet safety has been one of the top priorities of the Government.

Details of the proposals are available in a consultation document here. Responses should be made by March 9.