Stricter penalties for vehicles with faulty brakes and tyres

Driving with an unroadworthy vehicle is a serious risk, not just for the driver but for everyone on the road. New data from the RAC has revealed a concerning trend: a significant increase in penalty points issued to drivers for operating vehicles with dangerous defects like worn-out tyres and faulty brakes. This trend is a wake-up call for fleet managers and drivers alike.

The Stark Numbers

A recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVLA shows that in the last year, there was a staggering 52% increase in endorsements for unroadworthy vehicles. A total of 13,109 penalty points were handed out, a sharp rise from 8,614 in the previous year.

The main culprits behind this surge were:

• Defective Tyres: This was the most common reason for receiving points, accounting for 8,945 endorsements—a 44% increase.
• Defective Brakes: This saw the most dramatic increase, with a more than six-fold rise from 181 drivers to 1,190.

This isn’t an isolated problem. The data shows that nearly all regions of the UK experienced a rise in these endorsements, with the largest increases in the East Midlands (87%) and central Scotland (50%). Greater London and Yorkshire and the Humber had the highest number of drivers receiving points.

A Shared Responsibility

Law enforcement officials and safety advocates are understandably alarmed by these figures. They emphasize that a driver’s legal responsibility to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy goes beyond just having a valid MOT. Pre-use checks and regular maintenance are crucial to identify and fix issues before they become a hazard.

Many drivers who received points were pulled over for other reasons, with the unroadworthy condition of their vehicle only being discovered during the stop. This highlights the importance of proactive vehicle checks.

What Fleet Managers and Drivers Need to Do

The message is clear: the safety of a vehicle cannot be taken for granted. For fleet managers, it’s essential to:

1. Emphasize Pre-Use Checks: Train drivers to conduct daily or weekly checks on critical components like tyres, brakes, and lights.
2. Encourage Reporting: Create a culture where drivers feel empowered to report any vehicle issues, no matter how minor.
3. Prioritize Maintenance: Ensure vehicles are serviced and maintained on a regular schedule, not just when they are due for an MOT.

By staying vigilant and prioritizing vehicle safety, we can all contribute to making our roads safer for everyone.

At Bussey Vehicle Leasing, we take vehicle safety seriously — we can help your business by including maintenance packages in our short- and long-term leases to ensure your fleet stays compliant, safe, and on the right side of the law.