By RAM Tracking on 2 Feb 2024

Significant Increase in Fleet Speeding Fines

Last year saw a significant rise in speeding fines among UK drivers. According to the Home Office, over 6,000 motorists were caught speeding every day last year, as fines hit record highs, which can be a major cost for fleet operations. While speeding fines are determined by your income, there are predefined limits.

• The minimum fine is £100, and although it's not a strict rule, first-time offenders might face a £100 fine and 3 license points for less severe offenses.
• In certain cases, fines can be avoided by completing a speed awareness course, which costs between £80-£100.

The maximum speeding fine in the UK is £1,000, but on motorways, it escalates to £2,500.

Addressing speeding tickets and distracted driving within a fleet requires a combination of preventive measures, technological solutions, and a commitment to promoting safe driving practices among the drivers.

Company car speeding fines

Receiving a speeding fine can impact more than just the financial elements of a fleet, it can affect both safety and operational aspects.

• Increased risk of incidents: Speeding significantly raises the risk of incidents. Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of collisions, putting both the driver and others on the road at greater risk.
• Safety concerns: Speeding is a major safety concern for fleets. It can lead to more severe injuries in the event of an incident, impacting the well-being of drivers and passengers.
• Vehicle damage: Incidents resulting from speeding can lead to substantial damage to fleet vehicles, requiring costly repairs or replacements. This affects the overall maintenance and operating costs.
• Higher insurance costs: A fleet with a history of speeding-related accidents may experience increased insurance premiums. Insurance providers often consider speeding incidents as indicators of higher risk, resulting in higher coverage costs.
• Legal consequences: Speeding violations can lead to legal consequences, fines, and potential legal actions against the fleet. Repeated violations may also result in the suspension or banning of commercial driving licenses.
• Fuel efficiency reduction: Vehicles speeding and accelerating rapidly burn more fuel as opposed to cruising at a set speed or driving with more care which leads to higher fuel consumption, increasing operational costs to the fleet.
• Operational disruptions: Speeding violations may require drivers to attend court hearings, defensive driving courses, or face other legal obligations. This can disrupt the regular operations of the fleet, leading to downtime and decreased efficiency.

How to avoid company car speeding

Avoiding company car speeding and distracted driving requires a combination of preventive measures, education, and monitoring to ensure fleet drivers stay safe on the road.

• Establish clear speeding policies: Develop and communicate clear policies regarding speed limits and safe driving practices. Ensure that drivers understand the expectations and consequences for violating speed limits.
• Driver training and education: Provide driver training programs that emphasise the importance of safe driving. Include modules on the dangers of speeding, the impact on safety, and the potential consequences for both the driver and the company.
• Use fleet management systems: Implement fleet management systems that can monitor vehicle speed in real-time. These systems can provide alerts when drivers exceed speed limits, allowing for intervention and corrective action.
• Regular vehicle maintenance: Ensure that company vehicles are well-maintained, including the proper maintenance of brakes and tyres. Introducing daily vehicle checks allows for drivers to take responsibility for vehicle safety.
• Set realistic schedules: Evaluate and set realistic schedules for fleet drivers. Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on drivers to meet tight deadlines, as this can contribute to speeding.
• Implement consequences for violations: Clearly communicate the consequences for speeding violations. This may include disciplinary actions, additional training, or other measures to ensure accountability.
• Install dash cams: By installing internal and external facing dash cams, fleet managers have constant surveillance of the road and drivers for behaviour monitoring. Any footage can help to promote better driver safety and overall risk performance of a company's fleet. Drivers with dash cams are found to be 33% less likely to flout the law through speeding or erratic behaviour.

By combining these strategies, companies can create a safer driving environment, reduce the risk of speeding incidents, and promote a culture of responsible and safe driving among employees.

Conclusion

The alarming surge in speeding fines among UK drivers over the past year has significant consequences for fleet operations.

• Fines have reached record highs and over 6,000 motorists are caught speeding daily.
• The financial burden on fleets is evident.

Not only do speeding fines affect the financial aspects of fleet management, but they also pose considerable risks to safety and operational efficiency.

The increased likelihood of:

• Incidents.
• Safety concerns.
• Vehicle damage.
• Higher insurance costs.
• Fuel efficiency reduction.

All highlight the impact of speeding violations on fleet operations. To address these challenges, a thorough approach is necessary. Fleet managers must:

• Implement preventive measures.
• Utilise technological solutions such as fleet management systems and dash cams.
• Instil a commitment to safe driving practices among their drivers.

Establishing clear speeding policies, providing driver training, ensuring regular vehicle maintenance, setting realistic schedules, and implementing consequences for violations are crucial steps in fostering a culture of responsibility and safety within the fleet.

By combining these strategies, companies can not only relieve the risk of speeding incidents but also:

• Create a safer driving environment.
• Reduce operational costs.
• Promote the well-being of both drivers and the fleet vehicles.

A commitment to these measures will not only address the current challenges posed by speeding and dangerous driving by employees, but also contribute to a more resilient and responsible fleet management approach in the long run.