Fleet managers, who turn a blind eye to managing the risks of driving for businesses, face tougher penalties after new legislation took effect.

The Health and Safety Offences Act 2008 provides courts with greater sentencing powers for those who break health and safety law.

Judith Hackitt, chairman of the Health and Safety Executive, said: "We will continue to target those who knowingly cut corners, put lives at risk and who gain commercial advantage over competitors by failing to comply with the law."

To avoid the risks fleet managers should choose a Kitemark certified garage, according to Eric Friend, certification manager at BSI Product Services.

"When the car is taken to a BSI Kitemark garage, the garage knows what has to be done and how to do it correctly as this has already been demonstrated in an inspection to BSI, who are completely independent from the motor industry,” he added.

For more information on HSE guidance on assessing the risk with business driving, visit www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg382.pdf.