The Police National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Services warns that hundreds of fraudsters are producing high-quality counterfeit driving licences.

The organisation advises carrying out Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) checks on licences.

A business leaves itself open to the risk of prosecution for aiding and abetting an offence if it allows employees to use fake driving licences.

Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle Services has recommended additional measures to help protect your business.

Hitachi Capital’s 10-point plan for car managers

1 Ensure all drivers sign a mandate that says they consent to DVLA licence checks on a regular basis.

2 Make reference to DVLA checks in terms of employment to avoid any ambiguity.

3 Conduct DVLA checks on any drivers not employed by the company and ensure they are informed of the procedure.

4 State within the company car policy that a full, valid licence is required and that failure to hold one will result in disciplinary proceedings.

5 Check convictions obtained in the UK by drivers with foreign licences.

6 Inform drivers that any points incurred under company business may result in additional driver training.

7 Compare accident reports, service reports and driver data to prevent future incidents.

8 Ensure that those drivers whose licences confirm eyesight correction have access to regular eye tests.

9 Record convictions that occur in company cars on driver records. Employees should also be required to declare any points on a monthly basis as part of their expenses claim.

10 Maintain an audit trail of checks, results and any concerns.