Brake has called on businesses across the UK to clampdown on at-work drivers drinking and driving.

According to figures published by the road safety charity, more than half (55 per cent) of all businesses never test their employees to ensure they are not over the legal limit for alcohol when carrying out responsibilities that include at-work driving.

This represents a serious lack of safeguards for the public in terms of ensuring individuals who are not fit to drive are taken off the roads, while the charity also highlighted the fact just 44 per cent of firms would dismiss an employee if they were found to be drunk in charge of a vehicle.

Research and information officer at Brake Laura Woods responded to the results, stating:  "People who drive for work should be clear that there is no safe amount to drink before driving – not a drop.

"We're appealing to all employers with staff who drive for work to ensure their drivers know the risks, know the rules and know that breaking the rules will not be tolerated."

Overall, the road safety body is calling for a zero tolerance stance from fleet managers when it comes to ensuring their staff are not breaking the law in terms of drinking and driving, as this can not only help to safeguard lives, but also leads to lower fleet repair costs and improved company reputation.

Indeed, Les Owen from Licence Bureau added that many firms are currently burying their heads in the sand when it comes to alcohol or illegal drug use at work and it is a situation that simply cannot go on.

He argued that all companies can "make a huge difference" to road safety across the country simply by taking a tougher stance on this illegal behaviour.

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Posted by Clare Lafferty, Account Manager, The Fuelcard People.