Investigation: Trade Platers Raising Safety Concerns Over Driiveme’s Operating Practices

Investigation: Trade Platers Voice Safety Concerns Over Driiveme's Operating Practices

Trade platers tasked with moving vehicles for companies such as Heycar and CarWow via the relocation service Driiveme have raised serious concerns about safety standards. Drivers allege that the company’s emphasis on app-based communication and tight schedules is creating unsafe working conditions, putting both drivers and the public at risk.

Safety Concerns and App Issues

Driiveme, which promotes itself as a “100% digital car-moving portal,” relies heavily on the messaging app Viber for communication. Drivers claim that instructions, updates, and route changes are sent by home-based coordinators via the app, often requiring immediate acknowledgment—an impossible demand when driving.

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“It’s impossible to safely respond to messages while driving,” said Peter Stockwell, a trade plater. “But you’re under constant pressure because of strict timings and cost-saving insurance policies. They insure us by the hour, which means we’re racing against the clock to complete jobs.”

Drivers also highlighted compatibility issues with the Viber app.
“The app isn’t compatible with Apple CarPlay, so you can’t respond unless you stop—and stopping costs time. It’s a no-win situation,” Stockwell added. “We used WhatsApp before, which at least allowed voice control, but that was replaced by Viber despite our safety concerns. We were told the decision came from the French office.”

Timed Policies and Financial Penalties

Drivers report feeling trapped by the company’s practice of insuring them by the hour, which they claim prioritizes cost savings over safety.

“We’re not just dealing with tight deadlines but also unrealistic expectations,” said another driver. “If there’s a delay, we’re stuck between risking our safety or being penalized for missing the schedule. Drivers are even fined for various matters.”

Documents obtained from Companies House suggest Driiveme has incurred costs covering vehicle damages linked to incidents on the road, adding to concerns about unsafe practices.

Operational Shortcomings

Driiveme markets itself as a tech-driven solution for vehicle relocation, but drivers argue that the lack of structured management and oversight exacerbates safety issues.

“They treat us like an app, not like human beings,” one driver complained. “Operators work remotely on laptops, coordinating through Viber, but there’s no clear accountability. Often, the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing.”

Industry-Wide Implications

The allegations against Driiveme have raised broader questions about safety standards in the vehicle relocation industry. Companies such as Heycar and CarWow, which rely on Driiveme for logistics, may face scrutiny over their choice of service providers.

Road safety campaigners have also expressed alarm. “No company should put drivers in a position where they feel forced to break the law or compromise safety,” said a spokesperson from a leading road safety charity.

Driiveme’s Silence

When contacted for comment, Driiveme’s Director, Jules Toye, declined to respond to Global247news.

Calls for Regulation and Accountability

Trade platers are calling for stricter oversight, particularly in communication practices and delivery schedules. “Companies need to prioritise safety over cost-cutting,” said one driver. “Otherwise, it’s just a matter of time before something goes horribly wrong.”

Further Investigations Underway

As the vehicle relocation industry continues to grow, the tension between efficiency and safety looms large. Global247news will continue its investigation, seeking responses from Driiveme’s major clients, Heycar and CarWow. For now, the voices of drivers are shedding light on troubling practices behind the wheel.

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