Adapting to 20mph limits: Keeping Fleet Drivers Compliant and Safe in Wales

Since then, this new rule has created challenges for fleet managers, HGV drivers, and councils. With an increased risk of fines, penalty points, insurance issues and concerns over driver retention, fleet managers need solutions to adapt to these changes effectively - Fleetclear is ready to help

New 20mph zones in Wales: Why it matters 

The Welsh Government introduced 20mph speed zones in urban areas to protect drivers, pedestrians and the surrounding environment. Over the past decade, data shows a significant number of casualties occurring in built-up 30mph zones, while the numbers are much lower in 20mph zones (GOV.UK, 2024). By decreasing speed limits, especially in areas with high footfall, like schools, the goal is to reduce the number of serious accidents, ultimately making roads safer for everyone.

Some refuse collection drivers have found the new 20mph speed limits challenging to adjust to, often feeling frustrated as it’s not always clear where these zones start and end. Slowing down in areas that were previously 30mph can feel counterintuitive, as if it’s causing delays and extending workloads. These changes can be particularly tricky for waste collection routes that frequently weave through towns and streets with varying speed limits. However, the Welsh Government estimates that this change will add only about a minute to most journeys (Welsh Government, 2024). 

These new limits are here to stay - the Welsh Government has invested £32 million in infrastructure and signage to support the change (Welsh Government, 2024). 

The cost of speeding

Since the introduction of the new 20mph zones in Wales, the Welsh Local authorities have seen a significant rise in speeding violations involving refuse collection vehicles, leading to multiple challenges for fleet operators. 

Not following the speed limits can be a particularly costly offence for fleet managers - with speeding offences comes the risk of fines, penalty points, and even licence loss. Accumulating these penalties can cause insurance costs to rise and increase driver dissatisfaction as many feel their licences are at constant risk, and for those who lose their licences entirely, there’s little recourse other than to leave their roles.

There is already an HGV driver shortage across the UK (Fagan & Whalley, 2024), and adding to this will force many fleet managers to source drivers from outside of Wales - a process that is not only expensive but also time-consuming. 

Fleetclear’s GPS-Controlled Safety

So, what can we do to help? Fleetclear’s GPS-Controlled Safety offers a way to help fleet operators maintain the 20mph speed limit where necessary, providing real-time alerts, automatic speed management options, and valuable data insights.

• Real-time speed limit alerts

Real-time GPS and telematics data monitor vehicle locations and are triggered when a vehicle enters a designated 20mph zone. As soon as the vehicle crosses into one of these zones, an in-cab vocal warning alerts the driver to slow down. This real-time feedback is extremely useful, particularly for drivers navigating areas with frequent speed changes.

• Automatic speed management

For fleet managers who require an additional level of control, Fleetclear offers the option of automatic speed management. This feature allows the fleet manager to remotely limit a vehicle’s speed without needing to be in or near the vehicle itself. 

• Data insights for improved compliance

GPS-Controlled Safety is part of Fleetclear Connect, a fleet management solution that provides detailed data on driver behaviour and speed patterns, helping fleet managers identify and address any compliance issues proactively. 

“Fleetclear’s GPS-Controlled Safety helps remove the anxiety of potential fines for both drivers and Local Authorities. With options for both in-cab alerts and automatic speed management, customers can choose the setup which best meets their needs.” - Jason Maddern, Head of Municipal at Fleetclear

Fleetclear keeps your fleet protected so you can focus on what you do best. 

Contact us today or call our team on +44 (0)1386 630 155 to discuss how Fleetclear can help your fleet adjust to new limits without sacrificing safety.

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* (BBC News, 2023).

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