Insurer welcomes police crackdown on firms’ mobile phone policies

An initiative which targets firms who fail to keep their drivers’ mobile phone habits in check has been welcomed by Norwich Union.

And the company urges fleets to make use of the risk management tools freely available in order to tackle the problem.

The scheme, currently being tested in London, means companies whose drivers are caught talking on the phone while driving will get a visit from the police and be questioned about the measures they have in place to address the issue.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the programme is intended to encourage businesses to confront their responsibilities under health and safety law. Persistent flouting of the law could result in prosecutions and hefty fines.

Bill Pownall, motor risk manager for Norwich Union, says: “Failing to monitor staff behaviour with regard to using mobile phones while driving is a serious breach of a company’s duty of care, especially with the activity being illegal.

“However, we understand that many firms need help when setting up robust company driver policies and Norwich Union has designed a raft of online tools free to download, including a ready-made driver handbook spelling out the rules regarding mobile phone usage.

“And in light of the impending Corporate Manslaughter legislation, companies need to be thinking about how their drivers’ behaviour could land senior managers in court.”