As part of the Brit European Transport Group, BOS Logistica takes road safety very seriously. Being a leading carrier of heavy freight and Abnormal and Oversized loads not only in the UK but across Europe, it is vital that our drivers are fully compliant and up to date with the latest rules and regulations.
According to new figures from the Home Office, more than 2.5 million drivers faced a fixed penalty, a driver awareness course or were sent to court in 2022 in the UK.
Tougher legislation was introduced in March 2022, and the year on year increase was dramatic:
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said:
“Almost three million drivers were caught and prosecuted for how they acted on the roads.
“With speeding at a record high, it is a timely reminder that the best regulator of speed is the driver’s right foot.”
He added:
“The tightening of the law for using a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel saw a significant increase in drivers being issued fines and points.
“The AA led the campaign to highlight the dangers of picking up the phone while driving, now we need drivers to hang up their handset rather than fiddle with the phone.”
A considerable amount of our heavy haulage is based across the EU – and the rules there are often very different – from left hand drive vehicles to varying speed limits and other strict regulations regarding break times that may differ from the UK.
The risks of driver distraction are very real, and at BOS Logistica we ensure that our drivers undergo rigorous training to mitigate for this.
Changes in the UK Highway Code in January 2022 also introduced a “hierarchy” of road users, with better protection for pedestrians amongst other groups. Offences for neglecting pedestrian rights and traffic signs increased by a third year on year.
Research shows illegal phone usage is still rife. 30% of under-25s admitted to video calling while driving, up from 17% in 2022. The Government changed the law to cover any use of a handheld phone while driving in 2022.
In France it is actually illegal to even use a mobile phone on “hands-free” while driving – while many other European countries have the same approach as the UK – where headsets/Bluetooth devices are considered sufficient.
European legislation varies from country to country – HGV speed limits vary from 80km/h (50mph) in most countries to 90km/h (56mph) in countries like France and Belgium – and even 100km/h (62mph) in Italy.
So as BOS Logistica drivers can realistically drive through a number of borders across Europe in one run, they need to be fully cognisant with European rules and regulations – not just those of the UK.
RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said:
“It’s more than 20 years since it first became illegal to use a handheld phone while driving, and 17 years since the offence was first punishable through penalty points.
“Yet despite the penalties having since doubled to six penalty points and a £200 fine seven years ago, it’s clear far too many drivers are still prepared to put lives at risk by engaging in this dangerous practice.”
The RAC suspects that the main reason for the increase in some drivers taking the risk is lack of enforcement, which means there is little fear of being caught. Police trials of new cameras, capable of identifying drivers who are not wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone while driving, are being expanded.
If you would like to find out more about BOS Logistica, the experts in off-site construction, Abnormal Load and Modular Building Logistics across the UK and Europe, please contact us here; enquiries@boslogistica.co.uk
