RM Private Cars on Delivery Procedure

[TrueBlueTerrier]

LTB 300/11 dated 25th March 2011.

To: All Branches

 
Dear Colleagues

LTB 300/11. Unauthorised and Illegal Use of Private Cars on Delivery - Warning
- RM Private Cars on Delivery Procedure Version 5.0 16th February 2011

Further to LTB 263/11 please see attached for your information an updated and latest
version of Royal Mail's Private Cars on Delivery Procedure Version 5.0 dated 16th
February 2011.
 
This policy which is not an agreed document of course should be read in conjunction
with LTB 263/11, the contents of which along with the attached will be of use and
important reference material for Area Safety Representatives when carrying out their
periodic Health and Safety Inspections and Area Delivery Representatives in ensuring
correct procedures are followed and importantly that members are aware of all the
risks to both their Safety and Security, their Drivers Licence, their Car, their motor
insurance and their Pocket!

The CWU does not support the use of Private Cars on Delivery for many of the reasons,
none more so than those graphically demonstrated in the attached policy itself plus
others. Importantly the RM/CWU Business Transformation 2010 and Beyond National Agreement,
'Delivery Methods' section, page 23 clearly states that "Private cars on delivery will cease upon
the deployment of a Delivery Methods revision in a unit" and thus will finally bring this plague
to an end.
 
In the meantime, whilst private car use on delivery continues and bearing in mind the
changing legislation, the Police, DfT and DVLA clamp down and the prosecutions of a
number of our members still using their Private Cars on Delivery. There are a number of
important points to be followed in the Royal Mail Procedure, conditions and guidance
notes sections of the attached that need to be adhered to with regards to key
accountabilities, risk assessment, legal and roadworthiness checks etc.
 
For example paragraph 5 remains the same as previous versions in as much as third
party cover only is provided by Royal Mail and the cost of any damage to an employee’s
car will not be covered whether caused by the employee or another road user.

Q2 confirms the costs of fuel, maintenance, wear and tear are all out of the individuals
pocket.

Q30 confirms;

(a) accidents caused by a third party are down to the member to resolve and RML will
not help them.

(b) If a members car is stolen, vandalized or broken into on delivery, it's down to the
member and is not covered by RM’s policy.

(c) Members who have not completed the RML private car use employee declaration
are uninsured and illegal.


(e) Only members who have paid for their private motor insurance policy to be extended
to include commercial/business use comprehensive insurance cover out of their own
pocket, having declared the intended use (Mail deliveries etc) to their own private motor
insurers and paid the increased premium can be sure of full cover!

Stay legal, Stay Insured & Stay Safe. 



Yours Sincerely
 

 
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer