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In 2023, HGVs were involved in collisions that resulted in fatalities, a decline from 2022 but a concerning statistic nonetheless. These accidents could have resulted from several factors, such as driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, weather conditions, or the actions of other road users. However, data from road safety charity Brake suggests that of road-related deaths had speed reported as a road safety factor. In this blog, we'll explore how the implementation of 20mph speed limits could impact fleet operations and lower fatality numbers. According to , only 10% of HGV collisions occurred on a motorway the other 90% were more likely to happen on an urban or rural road. Rural roads present truck drivers with narrow spaces, sharp turns, and interactions with vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Urban areas pose a greater risk for truck drivers due to higher-density traffic, frequent stops, pedestrian activity, and complex road layouts combined with the unpredictability of urban roads makes them more of a hazard for truck drivers. Figures published by the have shown 100 fewer casualties on urban roads in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 before the 20mph speed limit was enforced in urban areas.The scheme is supported by organisations such as Brake and Cycling UK, and now fleet management specialists are encouraging haulage companies to get behind the scheme. They argue that the shift from 30mph to 20mph will have minimal impact on fleet efficiency and strongly reinforce the idea that it would save lives each year. According to FleetCheck, haulage operators had mixed feelings towards the initiative. Some saw the changes as a hindrance to efficiency arguing that lower speed limits may force some fleets into reducing the number of deliveries they can make in any given period. Drivers on SNAP's social media pages had strong feelings toward the suggestion. One driver commented:"Who is going to back more 20mph zones? The whole standard of driving is the problem. Ever since we came out of lockdown, the standard of driving has been diabolical, that's including cars, vans, and trucks."The sentiment remained the same on socials, with many not supporting the change. Reduced speed zones offer several benefits for truck drivers. • Lower speeds improve reaction times and reduce stopping distances, making it easier to avoid collisions particularly in urban areas.• Trucks are more likely to have less vehicle wear and tear with reduced speed limits. As mentioned, some fleet companies are concerned that lower speed limits could reduce the number of deliveries they could make in any given period. Fleets could also face the following challenges:• affecting time-sensitive deliveries, impacting scheduling and customer expectations.• companies may have to adjust routes to account for slower speeds.• investing in additional driver training to ensure compliance with new speed limits will be crucial. Although these issues can pose additional challenges for fleet companies, many can be managed proactively. Many would argue the long-term safety benefits outweigh the obstacles. In a revisited campaign titled , SNAP identified the most hazardous GB locations. We delve deeper to discover which roads could benefit from a reduced speed limit. SNAP discovered the South East had the most hazardous roads. Kent has the most dangerous roads in Britain and is on the Kent Highway Network by 2050. Which roads are the most concerning?• A short road running for just four miles but was named Britain's highest-risk route in 2018. The report singled out a stretch of the A254 between the junction of the A28 at Margate and the junction with the A255 near Ramsgate. The speed limit on this stretch varies between 30mph and 40mph built-up areas and a heavy traffic flow from the port of Dover make this road particularly dangerous for cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users. Could this stretch of road benefit from slower speed limits?• Notorious for its high accident rates, the A252 runs for 8.7 miles. In 2020, work commenced to reduce the number and severity of accidents, among the changes, a decrease from 60mph to 50mph on this stretch, except where lower limits are in force. However, is this enough to shake off the road's reputation as one of Britain's worst?Surrey and Essex were also at the top of the list and had a combined total of accidents over the last five years. High accident rates in Surrey can be attributed to its mix of populated towns and rural roads. Its closeness to London and major motorways has resulted in more collisions.• Also known as the London Orbital Motorway, the M25 is one of Britain's busiest roads while also being the second-longest ring road in Europe. Between 2007 and 2016, 7,673 accidents and 80 fatalities were reported. As a crucial motorway, speed adjustments as low as 20mph would be ludicrous. However, would the M25 benefit from restricted speed zones?• Running for 67 miles, the A3 can be a challenging road to drive on due to its high traffic volume, speed limits, and sections with poor road conditions. Truck drivers must adhere to strict speed regulations. These restrictions are in place to account for the size, weight, and braking capacity of a truck. • A truck over 7.5 tonnes is limited to a maximum speed of 50mph.• 60mph is the maximum speed limit for a truck over 7.5 tonnes. • Truck drivers must not exceed 60mph on a motorway. In the UK, speed limiter devices must be installed into any truck to cap the maximum speed the vehicle can travel. • All trucks over 3.5 tonnes must have a speed limiter set to 56 mph. • Speed limiters limit the fuel supplied to the engine once the vehicle reaches a preset speed ensuring drivers cannot exceed the limit.A private truck does not require a speed limiter unless it is being used for commercial purposes. You must declare if your vehicle is exempt from needing a speed limiter when you take it for its MOT by filling in a

In the fast-moving world of mobility and road transport, effective is essential for keeping trucks moving, reducing costs, and improving efficiency.Whether you operate a small fleet or manage a large trucking company, the right fleet management software can transform how companies manage their vehicles, drivers, and operational expenses.Fleet management is crucial to ensuring trucks arrive where they need to be, on time, and cost-effectively.Truck fleet management minimises delays and reduces unnecessary spending by tracking vehicle performance, fuel consumption, and driver activity.Without a structured approach, fleets risk performance issues that can lead to higher operational expenses and reduced profitability.Fleet operators are greatly concerned about driver wellbeing. But, a well-managed fleet ensures correctly maintained vehicles, optimises routes to reduce fatigue, and adheres to compliance regulations.Fleet management software helps businesses monitor driver behaviour, enforce safety policies, and reduce the risk of accidents or penalties for non-compliance.Some of the most significant costs in the haulage industry are fuel expenses, vehicle maintenance, and downtime.Implementing truck fleet management solutions helps operators track fuel usage, plan effective routes, and ensure vehicles are serviced at the right time preventing costly breakdowns and unplanned repairs.With the correct data, fleet managers can make informed decisions that cut unnecessary expenses and improve profitability.Sustainability is becoming an increasing priority across the transport industry. Fleet management systems allow operators to track emissions, monitor fuel efficiency, and introduce eco-friendly driving practices that lower environmental impact.Fleets can use data-driven solutions to make strategic adjustments that align with industry regulations and corporate sustainability goals.Upscaling a truck fleet presents challenges, such as managing increased logistics complexity and maintaining productivity. Here are some challenges that fleets may encounter when scaling their fleet.• As fleets grow, advanced scheduling, route optimisation, and maintenance planning become essential to prevent delays and downtime. • Additionally, ensuring consistent safety standards and regulations becomes more difficult as the fleet expands, increasing the risk of issues and penalties. • Scaling also requires significant investment in infrastructure, such as hiring and training more drivers and upgrading fleet management software.At SNAP, we understand the challenges fleet operators face. Our network of digital solutions for the mobility industry helps businesses streamline their operations and improve driver safety and convenience.We provide access to a growing network of parking and washing locations across Europe, helping fleets reduce unplanned stops, enhance route productivity, and keep trucks moving without delays.As fleet management technology evolves, we are committed to providing innovative solutions that support the industry's changing needs.Fleet management software and data-driven insights help haulage managers streamline operations, reduce spending, and ensure their fleets operate at their full potential.Fleet management is more than tracking vehicles. It's about making strategic decisions to upgrade efficiency, reduce risks, and support long-term business growth.With the right truck fleet management approach, operators can overcome industry challenges and ensure their fleets run smoothly.Looking for more innovative fleet management solutions? Discover how SNAP's services can optimise your operations. .

Founded in 1995, Batim International Transport provides transport and freight forwarding services across Europe. The company prides itself on excellent quality and a state-of-the-art fleet consisting of SCANIA and Mercedes vehicles. The company has its headquarters in Stary Sącz, Poland is no stranger to growth. In its early beginnings, Batim started with two tractor units and now has over 500. In this short time, the company acquired many accreditations and certificates including the 2014 Best Employer of the Year and Forbes Magazine recognition in 2015. By expanding the company's fleet and improving its services, the company is constantly striving for growth.Batim International joined SNAP in the early days and continues to use its SNAP Account to book parking spaces across Europe for its large fleet. We spoke to Operations Manager, Krzysztof, who talks about the company’s experience with SNAP. SNAP provides fleets with over 450 service partners across Europe where they can use our fleet payment solution. “We joined SNAP for the no cash transactions” explains Krzysztof. A benefit for many fleets as SNAP provides a payment solution to pay without cash or a card for truck services. This payment solution can be used on items such as truck washing, Dartford Crossing, and truck parking. The latter, Krzysztof states, has been particularly beneficial. “SNAP has benefited me by giving me the possibility of booking a parking lot, so I don’t have to worry about a place for the driver.” The ability to search for a truck stop service partner through SNAP has also been an advantage for Krzysztof. He explains that "the possibility to check and find all the detailed information on many truck stops in different countries, to be sure there is everything needed regarding particular cargo and facilities for the drivers" has been one of the most useful features for him. Additionally, SNAP has huge benefits for Batim’s drivers. Krzysztof's fleet of drivers can rest assured knowing they have a large network of truck parks and depot parking sites to choose from. Krzysztof says SNAP’s “large network of truck parks" has been invaluable. Many businesses across the continent have added to their earnings with our Depot Parking Scheme. The scheme allows fleets to offer their depot parking spaces to the network and make extra cash helping drivers avoid vulnerable laybys and industrial estates. Batim International is helping to alleviate the European parking shortage by joining this scheme with their depot in Belgium. The site offers 20 spaces for other drivers when their trucks are on the road. Driver well-being has been a hot topic of discussion within the trucking community. As a demanding profession, it’s easy to see how long hours, social isolation, and a sedentary lifestyle can affect mental health. Fleets have a responsibility to look after their drivers' well-being. However, truck stops can have a significant impact too. Depot parking sites and truck stops with basic facilities can significantly improve driver well-being. Something Krzysztof and the team think is vital for their fleet of over 800 drivers. When asked about what truck stops can do to assist with driver well-being, Krzysztof states “Predominantly drivers need a clean shower and toilet.” Seemingly a simple solution to many, however, the impact it can have on a driver’s experience is substantial. Providing fleets and drivers with the support they need to run efficiently and effectively is something we pride ourselves on at SNAP. Our experienced Customer Service & Account Management team assist fleets and drivers with any queries. Something Krzysztof and the team have found useful. “We have contacted SNAP’s customer service team – via email as well as on the phone. We’ve always been met with an individual approach regarding a single case, an understanding, and goodwill from the employees of SNAP to help as much as possible” Krzysztof explains. Our fleet payment solution is used every 13 seconds across the continent to pay for truck services. Visit snapacc.com to join over 7,000 fleets using SNAP Account as their all-in-one fleet payment solution.