Rise in Company Car Drivers Speeding on Motorways

Although speeding is illegal, it appears that company car drivers are becoming more relaxed when it comes to this particular driving offence.

New research from RAC Business has revealed that nearly nine out of 10 (88%) company car drivers admitted to speeding on motorways -- a 7% rise on the previous year. (reported by Fleet News)

The research, part of the RAC's Report on Motoring 2016, found discrepancies between how frequently company car drivers and private motorists broke the speed limit.

According to the report, nearly half (48%) of company car drivers break the motorway speed limit on the majority of their journeys, while just over a quarter (26%) of private motorists admitted to doing the same.

The number of company car drivers who said their typical speed on the motorways was 80mph also increased, with 51% confessing so this year, compared to 46% in 2015. And there was a rise in those driving at 90mph, which grew from 5% last year to 7%.

The report also revealed worrying views on traveling at such speeds, with 60% finding it acceptable to drive at 80mph on the motorway.

What's more, nearly a third (31%) of company car drivers said they believe the current speed limit is inappropriate for the road, while almost three quarters (71%) feel the motorway limit should be increased to 80mph.

Discussing the Report on Motoring 2016, RAC Business's corporate business sales director, Jenny Powley, said that some worrying upward trends were brought to light.

Powley added: "A key way in which companies can respond to this growing problem is to make the most of telematics technology to identify high risk drivers and journeys and use the data to inform their staff training."

Do you think the motorway speed limit should be increased to 80mph?