Significant Increase in Traffic Offences

A study of almost 130,000 company car drivers has found that an increasing number are being fined for traffic offences including jumping red lights and stopping in yellow box junctions. During the last quarter of 2006, such offences noted at vehicle management company LeasePlan were up by 85% compared to the beginning of the year.

The first quarter of 2007 has seen a similar trend, with the monthly average for traffic offences rising by 28% on 2006 levels. This is partly due to an increasing number of speed cameras being installed to monitor yellow box junctions.

In the survey, LeasePlan found that the total number of fines received by drivers remained steady throughout the year, finishing 1% higher than it started.

But when broken down into categories, there has been a significant increase in general traffic violations.

Speeding and bus lane violations each increased by 7%, with congestion charge and parking fines actually falling as the year went on by 15% and 13% respectively.

Company bosses say the figures ought to act as a wake-up call to fleet managers.

David Brennan, Managing Director of LeasePlan UK, said: “What these figures show is that, although speeding remains an important issue, other traffic offences are also becoming more prevalent.

“The reason would seem to be a stricter policing of the offences rather than a lowering of driving standards, but that doesn’t mean companies can do little about it.

“Ensuring your drivers are fully aware of the rules of the road and obey them can help alleviate the significant administrative burden of fines.”