AI enforcement highlights unmanaged driver risk
Analysis from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) warns that fleets are failing to properly manage two persistent risks: mobile phone use and seatbelt non-compliance. In 2023, 64.9% of fatal collisions in Great Britain involved at least one of the ‘fatal four’.
PACTS says both behaviours remain widespread but under-detected, and is calling for wider use of technology such as AI roadside cameras, telematics, in-vehicle alerts and stronger driving-for-work policies.
UK trials of AI cameras show their impact: more than 3,200 drivers were caught using mobile phones in Greater Manchester in just five weeks, while nearly 5,000 seatbelt offences and over 2,000 mobile phone offences have been processed in Devon and Cornwall since July 2024.
Rear-end collisions remain top training gap
Data from E-Training World shows avoiding rear-end collisions has been the most requested driver training module for the third consecutive year. Hazard perception remains a key weakness, with 38.8% of drivers rated high risk, compared with just 9% for driving attitude.
Demand for online risk assessment and training continues to grow, with driver profiling up 43% and completed training modules up 87% year on year, driven by fleets seeking to cut collisions, downtime and costs.
Scotland to raise HGV speed limits
The Scottish Government has confirmed it will increase HGV speed limits on trunk roads from 40mph to 50mph, while shelving plans to cut speed limits for cars and vans. The move aims to reduce speed differentials, improve journey time reliability and cut driver frustration.
The Road Haulage Association welcomed the decision, citing evidence from the A9 trial that narrower speed gaps reduce risky overtaking and improve safety, fuel efficiency and emissions.
