A NEW safe driving initiative is being introduced at the Business Express depot in Station Road, Blackrod.

The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Littlewoods Home Shopping Group, provides a 48-hour parcel delivery service from 32 depots and two sort centres throughout the country.

There are 2,000 delivery vans, trucks and articulated lorries carrying the emblem of three flying ducks in pinstriped suit, tie and bowler hat. Vehicles are now to be equipped with a "Safely Driven?" sticker featuring a freephone number to enable other road users to report instances of good and bad driving. Calls will be recorded and drivers informed of the reports.

The caller will then be given feedback on the action taken.

Also, Business Express has appointed two driver training managers and an advanced driver training programme has been introduced. Instruction and training is being provided to bring all 2,000 drivers in line with the advanced driver level advocated by the Institute of Advanced Motoring. The initiative is in line with similar schemes in America and the UK which have resulted in a 30 pc reduction in accidents.

Mr Mick Neary, Manager at the Blackrod site, said: "The scheme will make people aware of the company's commitment to road safety and help promote our reputation for professional driving.

"It will also give our drivers the valuable feedback they need to maintain their high standards."

The company celebrates its silver jubilee this year.

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