National Highways launch new initiative
05 July 2023
Operators have been offered the opportunity to join a free trial of ‘Ping’, National Highways’ driver behaviour initiative. The scheme uses cameras on the road network to highlight dangerous driving behaviours such as speeding, mobile phone offences or close following. Sensors and cameras have been placed on the strategic road network. These will then “ping” warnings to operators so that they are aware of potentially problematic conduct by drivers. National Highways is especially interested in encouraging the involvement of hauliers, in particular those running night-time trunk operations. The free trial will start in September and run for roughly three months.
As reported by Commercial Fleet, Mark Cartright, National Highways head of commercial vehicle incident prevention, said: “We are at an ‘ad-hoc’ trial stage with partner fleets and. As such, have not yet developed a formal MOU around processes but be reassured that there is no ‘catch’. We simply seek to inform opted-in fleets of poor driver behaviours which we are sure they would wish to address in the interests of road safety. The three-month trial is to demonstrate there is demand from operators for the data and that it can have an obvious positive effect on road safety.
Most operators rightly worry about the obvious safety implications and the risks of their employees out driving on the road. Having systems that keep the accountable people informed of the way their business is being conducted is a constant battle for all responsible operators. We understand that as part of the trial, operators will be encouraged to respond to Highways detailing the action taken. Operators of course, should be careful that any response to Highways does not contravene the provisions of GDPR and in particular the processing personal data.
This is where the advice of a specialist transport solicitor is often needed. Backhouse Jones can provide expert guidance on everything relating to your operator’s licence from application issues to full support and representation at a public inquiry. For more information on Backhouse Jones’ team of expert road transport solicitors click here, call 01254 828 300, or email regulatory@backhouses.co.uk.
