Drivers are ignoring vehicle maintenance warning signs - particularly in relation to tyre and brake wear – with fatal consequences, according to Fleet Support Group (FSG).

FSG chairman Geoffrey Bray says businesses may have established maintenance policies outlined in driver handbooks, but they are frequently being ignored by employees.

Video evidence from FSG’s Masterview system reveals how company car and van drivers abuse their vehicles and has uncovered a “chamber of horrors”, says Bray.

“We have many examples of evidence filmed by members of our garage network of employees who have ignored clear signs that maintenance is required on the vehicle they are driving,” he said.

“Companies may think they have a vehicle maintenance policy in place, but it is not being followed by drivers in many cases. The images we see regularly on Masterview highlight that this is a major problem.”

Poor maintenance can have fatal consequences, which was illustrated when a coach was involved in a crash with a car near Scarborough last year. The couple in the car were killed instantly and passengers on the coach suffered minor injuries.

An investigation by North Yorkshire Police, working with VOSA, concluded that the cause of the crash was acute brake failure due to poor maintenance.

The coach driver was sentenced to five years and his business partner was jailed for three years.

Health and safety lawyer Michael Appleby, of Housemans in London, who is an adviser to FSG, said: “Not too long ago the police would have only prosecuted the driver in this case. However, it is clear that his partner was complicit with the maintenance lapses.

“The investigation and subsequent court case should serve as a warning to all businesses that in the event of a road crash it is not just the driver who the police will look to prosecute.”

Masterview is a remote video inspection system that enables fleet managers to view the condition of vehicles and components anywhere around the country, either in real time or recorded for later transmission.