TAXI COMPANY MAKE SAFETY A HIRE PRIORITY

Cambridgeshire County Council are encouraging businesses to give employees who have to drive as part of their job extra safety training

The 14 drivers from Batemans' taxi company take pupils to school for Cambridgeshire County Council and are taking part in the scheme. Burwell based Fleet Driver Training specialists 13/Fifty, in conjunction with the Council have already spent a day with Batemans’ employees analysing ways for them to build on their already good safety record.

Practical driver training is now taking place to ensure that all the company's cabbies drive to a high standard. One driver has already successfully sat an advanced driving test after completing this training and the rest will take the test in the next few months.

Cambridgeshire County Council Road Safety Officer Steve Merrett said: "We are actively encouraging businesses to act now so that they fulfil their responsibilities as employers over the issues surrounding Occupational Road Risk. We have undertaken a major review of our own staff and procedures. As a result, we have in place a policy and other practical measures to ensure the safety of our staff who drive on the Council’s business. This includes a comprehensive driver training package for the whole of our minibus and lease car fleet as well as for drivers of privately owned cars."

Keith Sisman, proprietor of Batemans' said: "We are keen to take an active role in this scheme especially following the latest Government instigated research. Their findings show that up to one third of crashes involve drivers who are at work. We have a major responsibility to the County Council and our staff who are travelling hundreds of miles every day to ensure our passengers arrive at school safely. We are already finding this initiative has increased morale amongst our drivers."

Terry Cooke, proprietor of 13/Fifty said: "Batemans' are demonstrating their commitment towards safe road use to their customers, staff and passengers. They are by example influencing the driving style of future road users in their charge. Many parents do not appreciate that children learn bad driving habits and attitudes from them, which go on to influence the way they drive in the future." ENDS