The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has published a brand new edition of its Company Car Drivers’ Handbook, which has been endorsed by the Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM) and the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO). The FTA says that the handbook should be read by anyone who drives a car for business purposes.

The new handbook contains information to help drivers remain safe and legal in an easy-to-read format. The contents are divided into relatively small, clearly signposted sections to make it as easy as possible for readers to quickly find the information they are looking for. Once drivers have familiarised themselves with it, they should carry it with them in their vehicle so that guidance is on hand whenever needed.

Key updates for the 2016 edition include:

* Changes to drug driving legislation (prescription medication)

* Lowered alcohol limits in Scotland

* Removal of paper counterpart driving licence

* Jeopardising vocational licence if caught using mobile phone whilst driving a car

* Changes to smoking regulations with minors in the car

* Updates to fixed penalty charges

* Updated information on government agencies

The handbook should be read in conjunction with each organisation’s specific policies, which may well go beyond the advice in the handbook, particularly in relation to dealing with accidents or the use of mobile phones.

Copies are available from Shopfta at £3 for FTA members, £3.50 for non-members (product code: 5045) http://www.shop.fta.co.uk or call 03717 11 11 11.