Why customers must have a VE103B
During the Easter break a BVRLA Member’s customer was severely inconvenienced in Germany as a result of not having a VE103.
After breaking down on the autobahn just outside Munich, he was spotted by the police who asked to see the vehicle registration document. Obviously, he did not have one as the vehicle was leased.
The driver, unaware of the VE103 form, or that it is a substitute for the vehicle registration document, had his vehicle impounded by the police which forced him to find overnight accommodation. In the meantime, at a cost of £400 to the driver, a courier was arranged to bring a VE103 form from Britain, so that he could continue his journey at the earliest opportunity.
Of course, this dreadful scenario would not have occurred if the leasing company had followed the legal requirements and supplied its customer with a VE103 certificate.
The VE103 form is still the only legally recognised substitute for the log bog (V5) across Europe. The BVRLA VE103 not only includes vehicle details and registered keeper address but also contains an explanation about the validity of the document in twenty European languages. Printed on securitised paper there can be no mistake when the Vehicle on Hire or VE103 is produced as the substitute for a V5 in Europe. To request your VE103 form contact rachel.rowberry@agilityfleet.com or call 0870 609 9060.
Source: BVRLA News, May 2007
Date set for tough new phone laws
Fleets have a month to educate their employees that using a handheld mobile phone while driving will result in three penalty points and a £60 fine.
The tough new laws will come into force on February 27, it has been announced.
Part of the Road Safety Act, the law also includes the same penalty for drivers using a hands-free phone who are deemed by the police to not have proper control of their vehicle.
Increasing the fine and adding penalty points to drivers’ licences is a tacit admission by the government that many still flout the original law – which would result in a £30 fine – because it is seen as too weak a penalty.
Critics also suggest that the police are catching very few motorists talking on mobiles, and it seems unlikely that making the law tougher will change the number of prosecutions.
Announcing the date, transport secretary Douglas Alexander said: “Research shows that talking on a mobile phone while driving affects your concentration and ability to react to dangerous situations. It’s quite simple – it’s impossible to do two things at once and do them well. That is why in December 2003 we introduced new laws preventing motorists from driving while using a hand-held mobile.
“We have seen a groundswell of support for this move. But, worryingly, while 92% of people agree with the law, 21% of drivers admit to breaking it. That is why, from February 27, the Road Safety Act will introduce this tougher fixed penalty.”
Advice from road safety department Think! Also singles out companies, reiterating the dangers of causing employees to drive while on the phone. It says: “If you are an employer you can be prosecuted if you require employees to make or receive calls while driving.
“It is an offence to cause or permit the use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving. It is also an offence to cause or permit a driver not to have proper control of a vehicle.”
A campaign to raise awareness began on Monday and includes radio, press and online activity to highlight both the change in penalties and the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving.
Source: Steve Moody, Fleet News, 25 January 2007
