Safety Management Plan

1. Purpose and Scope

This Safety Management Plan (SMP) outlines the policies, procedures, and responsibilities Velaré Chauffeurs maintains to ensure the safety of passengers, drivers, and the public across all chauffeur and transportation services operated in Sydney and surrounding areas, including airport transfers, event transfers, corporate travel, intercity transfers, and school chauffeur services.

2. Safety Policy Statement

Velaré Chauffeurs is committed to providing safe, reliable, and professional transportation services. We comply with all applicable NSW point-to-point transport regulations, road safety laws, and Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) obligations. Safety takes precedence over schedule, convenience, or cost in all operational decisions.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

4. Driver Standards

• All drivers must hold a valid Australian driver’s licence appropriate to the vehicle class, plus any required NSW authorisation/accreditation for point-to-point transport (e.g. driver authority).
• Drivers must undergo a National Police Check and Working With Children Check (mandatory for school chauffeur services) prior to engagement, renewed per NSW requirements.
• Drivers must have a clean driving history; any suspension, licence loss, or serious traffic offence must be disclosed immediately and may result in stand-down pending review.
• Regular driving record checks are conducted at [insert frequency, e.g. annually].
• Drivers must not operate a vehicle while fatigued, unwell, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Zero-tolerance policy applies.
• Maximum driving hours per shift are capped at [insert hours] with mandatory rest breaks, in line with fatigue management best practice.

5. Vehicle Standards and Maintenance

• All vehicles undergo regular servicing per manufacturer schedules and NSW roadworthiness requirements.
• Pre-trip checks are conducted by drivers covering: tyres, brakes, lights, fluid levels, seatbelts, cleanliness, and child restraint fittings (where applicable).
• Vehicles must carry current registration, comprehensive insurance, and any required point-to-point transport accreditation/plates.
• A maintenance log is kept for each vehicle recording services, repairs, and defect reports.
• Any vehicle defect affecting safety is taken out of service immediately until rectified.
• Vehicles are fitted with [insert: GPS tracking / dash cams / first aid kits, as applicable].

6. Passenger Safety Procedures

• Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers at all times; drivers are responsible for advising passengers of this requirement.
• Child restraints/booster seats are provided on request in accordance with NSW road rules and fitted correctly prior to departure.
• For school chauffeur services, drivers confirm passenger identity against booking details before departure and follow agreed pick-up/drop-off protocols with parents/guardians/school contacts.
• Luggage and loose items are secured to prevent movement during transit.
• Drivers assist passengers with mobility needs or accessibility requirements as flagged at booking.

7. Incident and Emergency Management

• Any accident, breakdown, near-miss, or safety incident must be reported to management immediately and in writing within [insert timeframe, e.g. 24 hours].
• Drivers carry emergency contact numbers and are trained in basic incident response (calling emergency services, securing the scene, notifying passengers’ emergency contacts where relevant).
• A written incident report is completed for every reportable event, including date, location, parties involved, and actions taken.
• Serious incidents (injury, major property damage, regulatory breach) are escalated to management and reported to relevant authorities (e.g. Transport for NSW, police, insurer) as required.
• Post-incident review is conducted to identify corrective actions and prevent recurrence.

8. Fatigue and Wellbeing Management

• Drivers are rostered with adequate rest between shifts.
• Drivers are required to self-report fatigue or unfitness for duty before or during a shift.
• Management monitors rostering to avoid excessive consecutive shifts or hours.

9. Training and Induction

• New drivers complete an induction covering this SMP, company policies, vehicle-specific requirements, and customer service standards before undertaking unsupervised trips.
• Ongoing refresher training is provided [insert frequency, e.g. annually] covering defensive driving, customer safety, and emergency procedures.
• Records of training completion are maintained for each driver.

10. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

• Velaré Chauffeurs maintains all relevant point-to-point transport accreditation/authorisation required by Transport for NSW.
• We comply with the Passenger Transport Act / Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Act 2016 (NSW) and associated regulations.
• Insurance policies (vehicle, public liability, and workers’ compensation) are current and reviewed annually.

11. Review and Continuous Improvement

• This SMP is reviewed [insert frequency, e.g. annually or after any significant incident] by management.
• Feedback from drivers, incident reports, and client feedback are used to identify and implement improvements.
• Updates to relevant NSW transport regulations are monitored and incorporated into this plan as required.

12. Contact Details

Velaré Chauffeurs
Email: info@velarechauffeurs.com.au
Phone: 1300 650 677
Website: velarechauffeurs.com.au