DESPITE recent surveys suggesting many fleets are turning against cash-for-car schemes, a new study has highlighted that some employers are continuing to ignore messages about the risk they can pose.

It also claims that a number of companies have done little to address the forthcoming in-car smoking ban or address environmental issues.

The survey, sponsored by leasing company Masterlease, revealed that although 82% of employers believed that business car drivers represented a health and safety concern, 78% of them still offer a cash alternative to company cars.

Company bosses at Masterlease say the findings show some employers are not sufficiently aware of the health and safety risk imposed by improperly-managed cash-for-car schemes.

Managing director Peter Tatlock said: ‘Employers are using cash-for-car schemes as a method of reducing recorded fleet sizes. The potential dangers of allowing employees to use their own cars for business have been well-reported, yet it seems there are many companies which are still actively encouraging this.’

Mr Tatlock said employees should not use their own cars for business mileage unless they have a structured scheme in place that includes a rigorous process to examine the suitability, legality and roadworthiness of the vehicles in use. It should also include proper checks on licences and business insurance.

Other findings in the survey, which received more than 300 responses, are that despite the forthcoming smoking ban, which will have an impact on vehicles used for business, few employers have a policy on in-car smoking in place.

Mr Tatlock said: ‘Considering the smoking ban will come into force in July the majority of employers appear to lack in-car smoking policies, with currently only 38% having such documentation in place. The legislation was recently confirmed so employers have no excuses not to review their policies and should do so as a matter of urgency.’

Mr Tatlock also expressed surprise that only 7% of respondents introduced green vehicle options into their fleets during 2006.

‘The significant cost reduction opportunities that can be found by choosing a lower CO2-emitting fleet seem to have been ignored,’ he said.