Delivery drivers spend a lot of time on the road and as such are at higher risk of incurring driving fines on their rounds. A recent report from Friswell and Williamson listed the most common offence was exceeding the speed limit, followed by parking illegally and then not wearing a seatbelt.
Often these offences are caused due to multi-drop deliveries, which mean drivers are in and out of their vehicles many times a day. This can lead to issues such as parking badly whilst dropping off a parcel or forgetting to put a seatbelt back on, especially if the driving time between drops is very short.
Whilst we know there’s no excuse for driving or parking illegally, there are ways for delivery drivers to ensure they stay on the right side of the law whilst still delivering goods effectively.
Exceeding the speed limit
Please don’t speed; the rules on speeding became stricter a couple of years ago, and the tolerances now on set limits are even smaller. Drivers will now face prosecution if they break the limit by 10% plus 2mph (this used to be 3mph). No parcel or delivery is that important (except in cases where the item being delivered is something like a lifesaving organ of course) that you need to speed to deliver it. Even emergency services drivers are not exempt from the speed limit, except under certain circumstances.
Some vehicles are fitted with speed limiters which beep if you go over the speed limit. In addition, using a real time mapping service will show you the current speed limit in MPH on all roads, even where the limit has temporarily been changed. When driving on motorways/smart motorways, be sure to look at the overhead gantries to check the speed limit as this can change suddenly.
Parking illegally
Cars that park on the roads are regulated by the Road Traffic Act, and subject to the laws set out as such. Illegal parking offences include:
- Parking in permit areas without the right permit.
- Parking in disabled bays without a disability badge, or an expired badge.
- Parking on double yellows.
- Parking on single yellows that have time restrictions – you will find the signage for these on posts nearby.
- Parking on the zig-zags next to zebra crossings.
- Parking on red routes (these are busy arterial roads that have single or double yellow lines, but enforce no stopping at any time, or between set times).
- Parking where your vehicle blocks a driveway – this applies to dropped curbs only.
- Parking on a cross hatch junction near traffic lights.
Private car parks are regulated by the companies that operate them, and they’re normally quick to fine if you break their rules. There should be clear signage up that displays the rules; these are normally regulations like parking inside defined lines/spaces, not parking in disability bays without a badge, parking fees and breaking speed limits.
To avoid parking fines and make sure you’re parking correctly, there are a number of free apps you can use – we like Just Park (https://www.justpark.com/) but there are others out there. Google Maps will also show you nearby public car parks. Just make sure you use the app of your choice before you set off, not whilst driving.
In addition to using apps for parking, you can also plan your route before you leave, to make sure you know where nearby parking spaces are.
Not putting on a seatbelt
You should always wear a seatbelt when driving. You are twice as likely to die in a road traffic accident if you aren’t wearing one than if you are. Most modern vehicles have visual and audio reminders if you do not put the belt on – incessant beeping normally – but you can also do things like set reminders on your phone to belt up at the normal time you leave for the day.
An interesting – and a bit scary – read on seatbelt safety statistics: https://www.hupy.com/library/5-common-excuses-for-not-wearing-a-seat-belt.cfm
Risky manoeuvres
Risky manoeuvres include things like dangerous overtaking, swerving, driving the wrong way down one-way streets or skipping red lights. As with any offence, the best way to avoid penalties is to not do them, however realistically we know that even the best driver can make mistakes.
- Use your sat nav/Maps app to plan your route beforehand. This will point out any country lanes, single carriageways or one way streets that can add extra time to your journey.
- Using a real-time mapping app should also point out any roadworks or temporary lights so you can plan a diversion, however you can also sign up for a free account to the One Network which shows UK planned roadworks up to 14 days ahead, to help you plan for delays. https://uk.one.network/categories/sign%20in/sign%20up
- If you do get delayed, try to be patient, and only overtake when it is safe to do so. More info on overtaking can be found on the Highway Code online website: https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/using-the-road-overtaking.html
Using a mobile at the wheel
The answer is simple – don’t do it. However, using Maps on a mobile is something plenty of us do for navigation, so if this is something that you need to get from A to B, make sure you use them hands-free and do not hold them at any time
You can place your device in a hands-free holder attached to your air vents or front windscreen, as long as it doesn’t block vision. Make sure you set the route before you drive, and do not touch it whilst driving. If the route needs adjusting, pull over safely first away from the carriageway.
Driving over the alcohol limit or under the influence of drugs
If you have been out the night before for a few drinks or indeed have taken any drugs, it is best to avoid driving for a good 24 hours after. If this is not possible, it is best to either try to get someone to cover your delivery round or ask someone else to drive you.
The best way to avoid these fines is to make sure you don’t drive or take any substances when you know you have a day of deliveries ahead of you.
Driving without tax or MOT
If the courier in question drives their own vehicle as part of their duties, they are responsible for keeping it in roadworthy condition, as well as making sure it is taxed.
You can sign up for free to get MOT reminders from Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/mot-reminder. In addition, you will get road tax emails telling you when payments are due to be taken – you no longer get postal reminders.
