The call comes from Licence Check, which is also warning that repeat checks should be carried out post-Christmas and New Year to pick up on any driving endorsements collected during the festive season.
Richard Brown, managing director of Licence Check, explained: “Many delivery drivers will be working longer hours over the next few weeks, with increased deliveries squeezed into their day. Some unscrupulous or under-pressure employers are turning a blind eye to the fact that drivers are being over worked, without breaks and may be tempted to push agency drivers out in vehicles without the usual safety checks. However tempting this may be as a short-term fix, it should be remembered that this is putting lives and property at risk.
“Reasonable employers carefully plan their routing and deliveries and ensure their drivers are fully compliant. They also carry out regular licence checks, so they can spot any potential problems early on and take appropriate action.”
He added: “On a positive note, drink and drug driving related offences is reducing year on year, with number of offences reducing by 34% in 2015 compared with 2014. 2016 is on track to follow a similar pattern. That being said, the increased policing around drink driving during December and early January means that there is a real risk of conviction during the festive season, so it is advisable to recheck licences in January and February.”
