FLEET managers must treat drivers using their own cars on business as if they were part of the company fleet to stop them putting their lives at risk in unroadworthy vehicles and creating a legal nightmare for their employers.

A company is responsible for the safety of its employees if they are driving on business, even if they are not in a company car, and so must take responsibility for the safety of the car, as well as the driver.

Geoffrey Bray, marketing director at the Fleet Support Group, is warning that with a growing army of drivers opting for cash instead of a car, fleet managers should not make the mistake of thinking they were absolving themselves of responsibility for maintaining vehicles.

He said: 'Companies should beware of employees running around in unsafe or unroadworthy private cars for your business. When private cars are being driven on business, employers are responsible for the safety of the vehicle and driver. Consider all eventualities before abolishing company cars because a business must maintain a close focus on its working drivers.'