80% of the 4,000 van drivers surveyed claimed that they were unaware of the different speed limits which apply to vans and commercial vehicles over 2-tonnes:
- 50mph limit on single carriageways
- 60mph limit on dual carriageways
Commenting on the findings, managing director of Total Motion, Simon Hill said: “Knowledge is most definitely the best solution. It’s cost effective and empowers your fleet drivers to take responsibility. However, our research demonstrated that up to 80% of drivers act illegally, even surpassing 90mph on motorways, whether that be through ignorance or carelessness.
"There are tools available which can help fleet managers to protect their drivers. These can include the use of telematics or speed limiters on your vehicles and we believe mandatory training for drivers should be an essential element of any fleet policy,” he added.
Company drivers and their managers may face financial and driving penalties, disqualification and, in the most severe cases, legal proceedings if they are caught driving over the speed limit.