It is estimated that 50% of drivers exceed the 30mph speed limit. That LGV (large Goods Vehicle) drivers have been known to ignore the speed limit on single carriageway main roads.

With this tendency to speed being prevalent can analysing endorsement data provide a way of interpreting speeding trends?

Two of the main groups identified for speeding excessively are the company car and LGV drivers. The reasons given for speeding are many and varied, including keeping to schedules and appointments. These two groups fall into the categories of employers risks and liabilities. By taking a look at the known endorsement data and in particular those endorsements for SP30, SP50 and SP10 it can help with the planned duty of care requirements that Fleet and HR Managers are tasked with.

Exceeding statutory speed on a public road (SP30)

The endorsement data, when represented graphically for SP30 offences shows the extent of the problem. The graph not only shows the number of endorsements but also the frequency that they occur. Taking the available data from December 2015 to November 2016 it shows that there is a steady increase from December to May and then a dropping off to a significant decrease in November. This raises many questions. Do longer days from spring to autumn have an impact? Spring and summer holidays put more motorists on the road as they travel, is this a consideration? As winter approaches with shorter days, does this encourage less driving?

Exceeding speed limit on a motorway (SP50)

Although the number of endorsements is considerably less that the SP30 speeding convictions, it is clear that the frequency is very similar. There is a slight dropping off in March but the same questions are applicable. Even though there are an increasing number of speed cameras for variable and average speed limits the trend is almost the same. Another question worth considering for Fleet and HR managers: Does the frequency of licence checks follow the same trend?

Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits (SP10)

Fully backing up the endorsement data trends for SP30 and SP50 speeding convictions, the SP10 offences have the very same trend. Again the number of endorsements is lower but the frequency is very much alike. Considering the fact that speeding is a high contributor to the number of accidents, it is particularly dangerous when an LGV vehicle is involved. Checking licence, CPC and Tacho details is essential in order to monitor the driver’s legal entitlement to drive.

Interpreting the Data

The endorsement data as presented in the graphs above detail the convictions that have occurred, the number and frequency. This information in a graphical format enables the Fleet and HR manager to ask the necessary questions in order to interpret the trends. More importantly, it indicates that employees using company vehicles for work related tasks are more at risk of speeding than other driver groups. Is it possible to discern a similar trend of endorsements in our businesses and organisations?

The frequency of licence checks should not only be reflective of existing points on licences but should also reflect the real and available data trends. Licence Link, with consideration to the interpreted data, will allow for the setting up of appropriate licence checking frequency groups, reducing risks for those engaged in the duty of care requirements.