25 Departmental vehicles

25:1 In Order to Drive the Departmental Vehicle You Must

25:1:1 Possess a full UK driving licence.

25:1:2 Normally be at least 25 years of age.

25:1:3 Have your name and driving history details included on the University drivers insurance policy by providing the Chief Technician with that information.

25:1:4 Have been out in the vehicle for a familiarisation drive under the supervision of a senior member of staff.

25:1:5 Take with you on every journey the vehicle keys, the drivers logbook, the Shell Gold card, the Shell garage directory and the phonecard. The Gold card enables you to purchase fuel and limited other goods at Shell garages or use the Fina garage account on Welford Road opposite the Tigers Rugby Ground for refueling.

Individuals MAY be considered for inclusion in exceptional circumstances if not all the above criteria can be met.

25:2 Vehicle Maintenance

25:2:1 A fortnightly check is made on the vehicle by a member of the technical staff. These checks MUST include the following:

• tyre pressures
• tyre condition
• engine oil level
• brake fluid
• clutch fluid
• screen wash
• lights and indicators
• mirrors
• vehicle cleanliness
• first aid boxes
• radiator
• horn
• windscreen wipers

25:3 When Driving the Vehicle

25:3:1 The maximum number of passengers you may carry in the vehicle is determined by the number of seat belts.

25:3:2 Seat belts MUST BE WORN by the driver and all passengers.

25:3:3 If you discover a fault while the vehicle is in your care and this fault does not prevent you from safely and legally returning to the University, that fault MUST be reported immediately upon return. A written note in the drivers logbook PLUS a written report MUST be made to the Chief Technician in order that the fault be checked and rectified

25:3:4 If a fault occurs preventing return to the University see "IN CASE OF BREAKDOWN " below.

25:3:5 On completion of every journey fill in the driver's logbook. Drivers name, destination, final mileometer reading and comments (if any ) should be entered.

25:3:6 The driver of the vehicle is LEGALLY responsible for the vehicle while it is in their care. You are therefore advised that although the department aims to keep the vehicle legally roadworthy at all times, you should carry out simple checks before starting any journey, report any fault discovered and ensure it has been fixed before starting a journey.

25:4 Garaging

25:4:1 For the van a lockup cage is provided underneath the side of the Charles Wilson building (Physics building end).

25:4:2 For security reasons the vehicle MUST be returned to the cage or garage after every journey.

25:4:3 CARE must be taken when putting the vehicle into the cage, it will fit in with only an inch or two to spare front and rear!

25:5 Fuel

25:5:1 THE FORD  VAN RUNS ON DIESEL.

25:5:2 The department has an account for fuel at the Fina garage on Welford Road (almost opposite the Leicester Tiger's Rugby Football Ground).

25:5:3 An additional Fina Card is available from the Chief Technician's Office and can be used when travelling around the country. Fuel can be purchased at any Fina, Total or Elf garage.

25:5:4 NEVER ALLOW the vehicle to run out of fuel. This will result in an expensive garage bill. ALWAYS check fuel gauge before starting a journey.

25:5:5 If you need to top up engine oil, ASK FOR SUITABLE OIL. (THE FORD VAN HAS A DIESEL ENGINE.)

25:6 In Case of Breakdown

25:6:1 If you breakdown:

1. on the motorway; using an emergency phone ask the police to connect you to the Green Flag Motoring assistance, tel. (Freephone) 0800 400 600.
2. on other roads; use the Green Flag Freephone number from any telephone box (0800 887766).

25:6:2 For a small repair carried out at the roadside you may be required to pay on the spot for parts used.

25:6:3 If the vehicle requires a large repair, it is probably more sensible and less expensive to have yourself and the vehicle returned to the University using the Green Flag Relay Service. The repair can then be carried out at a local garage.

25:6:4 If possible the department should be informed of any breakdown and kept informed of progress. A list of contact telephone numbers day and night are provided below. A phonecard is kept with the Shell card. If you use the last unit on the phonecard get a replacement from the Chief Technician.

25:6:5 A COPY OF THIS INFORMATION IS KEPT IN THE VEHICLE.

25:7 In Case of an Accident

25:7:1 If the Accident Involves Your Vehicle Only

1. Damage to property (this includes buildings, walls, hedges, road signs, etc) MUST be reported either to the owner of the property or the police.
2. Have you or your passengers been injured? If in doubt obtain medical advice before resuming your journey.
3. Take names and addresses of any witnesses.
4. Before resuming your journey ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive.

25:7:2 If the Accident Involves Vehicles, but not Injury to Passengers or Others

1. If the damage is small, parties will probably only wish to exchange insurance details.
2. Remain calm and polite.
3. Do not admit any liability for the accident. This is for your own benefit.
4. Make a rough sketch of the accident and include approximate distances.
5. Take names and addresses of witnesses.
6. Make a note of registration numbers of vehicles involved.
7. Exchange vehicle insurance details. The details of our vehicle insurance policy (and MOT certificate) are available from the Estates and Services department at Leicester University.(see contact addresses below).
8. If damage is great or if you feel that the accident was caused because the law was broken, then the police should be called to the scene of the accident.

25:7:3 If Injuries are Sustained

1. If you are trained in First Aid by the University you will know exactly the procedures to follow. If not the following points should be observed at the scene of any accident.
2. Do not put yourself at risk.
3. Do not attempt to move a casualty unless absolutely necessary (leave it to the emergency services).
4. Instruct bystanders to warn approaching traffic.
5. Instruct someone to contact the emergency services immediately. If you can give that person written details of location/type of accident then do so. If instructions are verbal ensure that those instructions are understood.
6. Minimise risk of fire by switching off engines, isolating batteries, (if you know how) and forbid smoking in the area.
7. Immobilise the vehicles, apply handbrakes, engage vehicles in gear and/or place blocks under wheels.

25:8 Contact Telephone Numbers

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