This month has been packed with important fleet news – from tyre safety and driver wellbeing to BIK tax changes and the long-awaited DfT review into headlight glare. Whether you manage a small fleet or a national operation, there’s something here to help you plan ahead and keep your drivers, vehicles, and budgets in good shape.
Let’s get into the highlights
Fleet News Reveals Top UK Fleet Risks
A recent industry report highlights the biggest risks for UK fleets in 2025. From repair costs to driver behaviour, the message is clear – proactive risk management is essential.
Key points:
- Repair costs hit £7.7 billion in 2024, with BEV repairs around 25% higher.
- Speeding and driver distraction remain key risk factors.
- Drivers in their first 3 years of service show the highest risk of incidents.
Take action:
Review your driver-risk data, flag high-PCN drivers and refresh your driver training programme.
This Month’s DfBB Fleet Safety Focus – Vehicle Roadworthiness
The DfBB’s latest safety campaign reminds fleets that roadworthiness is a shared legal duty – an MOT alone isn’t enough.
Key points:
- 1 in 3 vans fail their MOT first time due to lights, tyres or brakes.
- Both drivers and employers are legally responsible for roadworthiness.
- Daily walk-round checks and proper record-keeping are essential.
Take action:
Audit your daily vehicle-check process and ensure all drivers are recording inspections correctly.
Car Finance Scandal Results in Payouts of £700 per Claim
The FCA is launching a compensation scheme for mis-sold car finance deals between 2007 and 2024.
Key points:
- Up to 14 million finance agreements may be affected.
- Average payout expected to be around £700 per deal.
- Businesses are urged to review finance records and contact lenders.
Take action:
If your organisation financed vehicles in that period, review your contracts and await FCA updates before using claims firms.
Fleet & Mobility Live – Showcasing the Fleet Safety Product of the Year 2025
Fleet Service GB showcased the award-winning Achieve Driver Management Platform at Fleet & Mobility Live in Birmingham.
Key points:
- Live demos of FSGB’s driver management tools drew huge interest.
- Industry themes: electrification, mobility and integrated data systems.
- Integrated platforms offer clearer visibility and safer operations.
Take action:
If your systems are still separate, explore integration options for compliance, telematics and driver data.
Driver Health and Wellbeing – The Fleet Manager’s Duty of Care
Driver wellbeing is now a key part of compliance and risk management. Healthy, well-supported drivers mean safer, more efficient fleets.
Key points:
- Fatigue and stress are major safety and performance issues.
- Proactive wellbeing programmes improve safety and retention.
- Health checks and mental-health support are becoming best practice.
Take action:
Add wellbeing to your fleet policy – include mental health awareness, fatigue management and access to support services.
FOI Investigation Exposes the Scale of Britain’s Tyre Safety Problem
A Freedom of Information request has revealed millions of vehicles failing MOTs due to unsafe tyres.
Key points:
- Over 3 million MOT failures due to tyre defects last year.
- 2.38 million were classed as “dangerous” defects.
- Regular checks are crucial to prevent blowouts and fines.
Take action:
Schedule a tyre-health audit across your fleet this month – check tread depth, pressure and condition.
SMR Costs Rising Due to Increases in UK Fleet Ages
Older vehicles are pushing up service, maintenance and repair (SMR) costs and downtime across the UK.
Key points:
- Fleets are seeing a 24% increase in SMR costs on older models.
- Longer repair lead times affect vehicle uptime and productivity.
- Preventive maintenance saves money long-term.
Take action:
Identify vehicles over 4 years old and plan replacements or enhanced maintenance schedules.
Important News Regarding BIK Tax Increases
Upcoming Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) changes will affect nearly all company-car drivers, including those in electric vehicles.
Key points:
- BIK rates rise annually up to 2029/30 for all vehicle types.
- EVs will increase from 2% to 9% over coming years.
- Double-cab pickups registered after April 2025 will be taxed as cars.
Take action:
Forecast BIK costs for your drivers now to avoid surprises in 2026 onwards.
How to Combat the Proposed 5p Fuel Duty Increase
A potential 5 p rise in fuel duty could hit fleet budgets hard from April 2026 – but there are ways to mitigate it.
Key points:
- The rise would reverse the temporary 2022 fuel-duty cut.
- Driver behaviour and maintenance can cut fuel consumption by up to 15%.
- Telematics and data tracking help spot inefficiencies.
Take action:
Launch a “fuel-smart” driver campaign – monitor idle time, speed and maintenance.
How Daylight Savings Clock Changes Can Pose Unique Challenges to Your Fleet
The clocks go back this month, meaning darker evenings and higher accident risk.
Key points:
• Reduced daylight increases glare and fatigue risk.
• Ensure vehicles’ lights, screens and wipers are in good condition.
• Adjust schedules or brief drivers on seasonal safety.
Take action:
Add a quick “winter readiness” check to your fleet inspection process this week.
12% Rise in Licence Points Due to an Increase in Speeding Offences
Speeding offences are climbing again – up 12% in the past year. That means more licence points and higher insurance risk for fleets.
Key points:
- Most offences carry 3–6 points; 12+ can mean a 6-month ban.
- Speeding remains one of the top causes of collisions.
- Telematics can help flag problem drivers early.
Take action:
Check your driver monitoring system and run a licence-point review this month.
DfT Review into Vehicle LED Headlights Expected Soon
After years of complaints, the Department for Transport is set to publish findings on whether modern LED headlights are too bright.
Key points:
- Many drivers say they’re being dazzled by oncoming headlights.
- The review will look at beam patterns, mounting height and glare impact.
- New global regulations requiring automatic headlight levelling are due by 2027.
Take action:
Check headlamp alignment and ensure no vehicles are fitted with unapproved retrofit LED kits.
Kia Electric Van Covers Record-Breaking Distance on a Single Charge
Kia’s new PV5 Cargo electric van has set a Guinness World Record by travelling 430.8 miles on one charge while fully loaded. The test, carried out on public roads in Germany, proves the real-world potential of next-gen electric vans for fleets.
Key points:
- Achieved 430.8 miles on a single charge under real-world conditions.
- Performance barely dropped even when carrying maximum payload.
- Highlights the growing practicality of electric vans for UK fleets.
Take action:
If you run or plan to run an EV van fleet, review how improved range and payloads could cut costs and emissions.
Jaguar Land Rover Hit by UK’s Costliest Cyber-Attack
A large-scale cyber incident has hit Jaguar Land Rover, with experts calling it the most expensive cyber-attack in UK history. The breach caused major disruption to production and supply chains, costing the business billions.
Key points:
- Attack caused global production slowdowns and supply chain issues.
- Estimated to cost billions in lost revenue and remediation.
- Underscores growing cyber-security risks in connected fleets.
Take action:
Review your fleet’s cyber-protection measures — especially telematics, connected vehicles, and supplier systems.
Overloaded Van Seized — Important Reminder for Fleet Safety
BBC News reported that police seized a van in Cambridgeshire carrying around 6,000kg of tomatoes — almost double its legal limit. It’s a clear reminder of the dangers and consequences of overloading vehicles.
Key Takeaways-
- Never exceed a vehicle’s legal weight limit – it affects braking, stability and safety.
- Train drivers and loaders to check weights and understand capacity rules.
- Review loading procedures to prevent safety risks and fines.
Task Action:
Review your fleet’s loading policy this week, brief your drivers on legal weight limits, and ensure regular load compliance checks are part of your safety routine.
HGV Driver Jailed After Serious Crash – Key Lessons for Fleets
Fleet News reported that a HGV driver was jailed after failing to brake for queuing traffic on the A27, crashing into a van at over 50mph. Three people suffered serious, life-changing injuries, and the driver received a prison sentence and lengthy driving ban. The case highlights the critical importance of safe driving behaviour and hazard awareness in fleet operations.
Key Takeaways
- High-speed collisions involving HGVs have severe legal, safety and reputational consequences.
- Monitoring driver behaviour (speed, braking and hazard awareness) is vital for preventing avoidable incidents.
- Regular driver training helps reinforce safe driving standards and reduce risk.
Take Action
Review your driver monitoring and training processes. Ensure drivers receive regular refresher training on braking distances, speed awareness and anticipating traffic conditions. Consider using telematics or dash cams to proactively identify and tackle risky driving behaviour.
Final Thoughts
This month’s updates all point to one thing: strong fleet management means staying proactive.
From tyre checks and driver wellbeing to tax changes and headlight rules, every little step you take now helps keep your drivers safer and your operation compliant (and cost-efficient!).
Quick wins for October:
- Schedule a tyre & lighting audit
- Refresh your driver-risk and licence-check process
- Review vehicle-age profile and SMR costs
- Start prepping for winter driving conditions
Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your fleet moving.
