Brake urges companies to make sure their vehicles are fit for the road

Brake is calling on all businesses to make sure their vehicles are safe to be on the roads to prevent unnecessary crashes.

All at-work drivers have an important role to play to make sure their vehicles and safe, legal and well-maintained, says the road safety charity.

However, to help organisations ensure they have the right procedures in place, Brake is holding an essential summer seminar; Maintenance and mechanics: how safe are your vehicles and who's checking them?

In this seminar, experienced fleet and road safety practitioners will look at legal requirements for maintenance and mechanics and employer responsibilities, including monitoring driver vehicle checks and reporting defects.

Ellie Pearson, Brake's senior professional engagement officer, said: "We know at-work drivers are an especially high-risk group on our roads and therefore it is incredibly important that employers go that extra mile to ensure their vehicles are maintained to the highest standard."

The seminar, sponsored by the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), will also address educating drivers on the importance of good vehicle maintenance and ensuring they carry out regular vehicle checks.

Ian Chisholm, head of operations and communications at IRTE, said: "We are delighted to support this Brake seminar which is in line with IRTE's aims of professionalising road transport through knowledge sharing, safety, skills and compliance.

“Understanding and implementing proper maintenance procedures is vital for the safety of vehicles on the UK's roads, and this event will no doubt be helpful to transport managers who want to ensure their fleets are legally compliant."

Attendees will also learn from an organisation that has successfully implemented an effective maintenance policy and achieved driver buy-in to the policy.

The seminar will take place in London from 12.30-4pm on Wednesday, June 25, and costs just £70 for Brake Professional subscribers and £120 for non-subscribers.

For more information and to book online, visit www.brakepro.org, contact Brake on 01484 559909 or email admin@brake.org.uk.