Firms whose staff drive as part of their jobs can find out more about their obligations at an upcoming conference.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s road safety team is inviting employers to a free to attend business driver safety conference.

Employers with staff who drive as part of their jobs will be able to learn more about how to support their workforce to ensure business-related driving is safe and legal.

Staff could be driving to meetings or events, visiting customers or clients or driving between business sites.

The council’s road safety team is working with Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to bring together transport solicitors, experts and justices to help businesses better understand their legal obligations.

They will also be helped to understand what procedures they should have in place to provide appropriate support following a road crash or other sudden violent event involving a member of their staff.

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The conference will take place on Friday, February 12 at the Cheshire Constabulary HQ building in Winsford between 9am and 4.30pm. It will share best practice in introducing, maintaining and developing a comprehensive risk-led road safety programme. The event will also include a mock trial.

Amongst other topics that will improve driver safety, themes covered will include drink, drugs and the workplace.

All businesses are welcome along with managers working in fleet transport, risk management, insurance and human resources along with representatives of any organisation requiring their employees to drive for work.

The council’s cabinet member for economic development Brian Clarke said: “Businesses who ask their employees to drive have some important obligations under duty of care laws. This will be a valuable and informative day helping businesses meet their legal obligations.

“The key principles that will be explored apply to small and large companies alike.”

The conference is completely free of charge although places are limited to two delegates per business. For further information or to book places contact Sarah Collins on 01244 976713 or email roadsafety@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.