Company drivers accrued £9.42 million in motoring-related fines and penalties in 2014 compared to £8.08m during the previous year, according to the annual Company Driver Fines and Penalties survey from Lex Autolease.
The data, which is compiled from a fleet of 290,000 company vehicles, revealed that company drivers committed 20,525 more offences in 2014 compared to 2013, with the total number of offences increasing to 144,955.
This is an increase of 16%, following a surge in speeding and parking infringements.
Parking fines increased by almost a quarter (23%) to 58,089 last year, mirroring a trend seen among non-company drivers and sparking further debate about whether the rise is due to greater enforcement from local authorities and private parking firms.
The number of company drivers caught committing endorsable offences such as speeding, driving dangerously, or driving while on a mobile phone increased by 16%, from 34,495 in 2013 to 40,001 last year.
These offences are typically more serious in nature and can result in drivers receiving penalty points on their licence or a potential driving ban.
Guy Mason, head of fleet operations at Lex Autolease, said: “Businesses ought to be concerned by the increase in the total number of motoring offences, especially the rise in more serious infringements such as speeding and driving while on a mobile phone.
“Company drivers are often under more pressure than ordinary motorists to complete each journey as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“Unfortunately the need to hit deadlines or attend meetings on time can sometimes lead to poor behaviour on the road.”
Mason added: “With new smart technology motorway speeding cameras expected to be rolled out later this year, company drivers may incur additional fines and penalties unless they change their driving behaviour.
“The onus for changing poor driving habits rests with individual drivers and businesses.
“Company owners and fleet managers need to ensure they have robust driver training procedures in place to help eradicate behaviour that results in motoring fines and penalties.”
Gerry Xuereb - 18/02/2015 18:11
I'm not surprised at the increase of contraventions, if other unfortunate people have been accused of illegally parking like has happened to me. I received a fixed penalty fine last October. But didn't believe it was genuine, because I always make sure I am legally parked. So using the available method to see for myself the offending moment on my laptop, surprise surprise, I was not at all stationary, the extremely clear video shows my car in motion. So, I challenged the fine and suggested them having another look at the video. I eventually get a reply and instead of apologising for trying to cheat me out of a bit of my pension credit, was told that after considering my application they decided no further action will be taken. But that's not good enough for me. I want to know that this sort of conduct is clamped down on. I wonder how many people have paid for parking fines because some over zealous or dishonest person is willy nilly driving around Plymouth (in my case) taking videos of moving vehicles and making them pay fines. Incidentally, besides proof of my contravention, I can prove two others. So who is to blame for this? It's pretty obvious the person who took the vedio in the first place is one, because if he can't tell the difference between a parked car and a moving car, he can't be fit enough for the job, I suggest a white stick and a good dog. But what can we say about Plymouth City council, are they in on it? I have written to them asking for an explanation, but have not as yet heard from them, they were quick enough at sending out the fine, but not big at supporting or change their choice of employes. I suggest before you come out with what you may think are facts and figures, regarding fines, make sure there isn't someone along the line cooking the books. Finally, If and when Plymouth city Council have the courtesy to reply with an explanation, I shall share it with you, I wonder how many honest drivers have been caught out this way?