Is your fleet exposed?
Operating a commercial vehicle that is not roadworthy is no longer just a safety concern—it is a serious legal, financial, and contractual risk. Recent RAC data highlights a sharp rise in penalties issued for dangerous vehicle defects, particularly worn tyres and faulty braking systems. For businesses running commercial vehicle contracts, this trend should serve as a clear warning.
Fleet operators are increasingly under scrutiny, and enforcement bodies are taking a firmer stance. If your vehicles are on the road, so is your liability.
The data behind the crackdown
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted to the DVLA has revealed a worrying escalation in enforcement action over the past year.
- 52% increase in endorsements issued for unroadworthy vehicles
- 13,109 penalty points issued in the last year, up from 8,614 the year before
The most common defects were directly linked to poor maintenance and inadequate daily checks:
The biggest offenders
Defective tyres
Tyre-related offences accounted for 8,945 endorsements, a 44% increase year-on-year. This includes issues such as insufficient tread depth, sidewall damage, under-inflation, and mismatched tyres—problems that are entirely preventable with routine inspections.
Defective brakes
Even more concerning was the rise in brake-related offences. Endorsements increased more than sixfold, jumping from 181 cases to 1,190. Brake defects are among the most dangerous failures a commercial vehicle can experience, particularly under load.
The rise in penalties was seen across almost every UK region, with the largest increases in:
- East Midlands: 87%
- Central Scotland: 50%
Greater London and Yorkshire and the Humber recorded the highest total number of offences, reflecting the intensity of enforcement in high-traffic areas.
For fleet operators, these penalties extend far beyond points on a driver’s licence.
An unroadworthy vehicle can lead to:
- Prohibition notices and immediate vehicle downtime
- Missed service-level agreements (SLAs)
- Contractual breaches with clients
- Increased insurance premiums
- Operator licence (O-licence) investigations
- Reputational damage
In many cases, drivers were stopped for unrelated reasons, only for defects to be identified during roadside inspections. This demonstrates that relying on MOTs alone is not enough. Enforcement officers are actively checking vehicle condition in real-world operating environments.
Roadworthiness is a shared legal responsibility
While drivers are legally responsible for the condition of the vehicle they are operating, fleet managers and operators cannot shift responsibility downstream.
Regulators expect commercial vehicle operators to demonstrate:
- Robust maintenance systems
- Documented inspection processes
- Clear defect reporting procedures
- Evidence of driver training
A valid MOT does not protect you from prosecution if tyres or brakes fail between inspections. Daily walkaround checks and scheduled maintenance remain essential.
What fleet operators should be doing now
To protect your fleet, your contracts, and your operator licence, proactive action is critical.
1. Strengthen daily walkaround checks
Drivers should be trained and reminded to carry out documented pre-use checks, focusing on:
- Tyre condition, pressure, and tread depth
- Brake performance and warning indicators
- Lights, mirrors, and visible defects
These checks should be auditable and enforced consistently.
2. Encourage early defect reporting
Drivers must feel supported—not penalised—when reporting issues. Minor defects left unreported often escalate into roadside failures, prohibitions, or enforcement action.
A strong reporting culture reduces downtime and protects compliance.
3. Align maintenance with usage, not just mileage
Commercial vehicles operating under heavy loads, urban stop-start conditions, or long motorway runs require tailored maintenance schedules. Servicing should reflect real-world usage—not minimum compliance.
4. Protect your contracts through compliance
Clients increasingly expect proof of fleet safety and compliance. Demonstrating strong vehicle maintenance processes can be a competitive advantage when tendering or renewing contracts.
Safety, compliance, and protecting your fleet
The rise in penalties for faulty brakes and tyres is a stark reminder that vehicle safety cannot be overlooked. For commercial fleet operators, ensuring every vehicle is roadworthy is not just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting drivers, passengers, and everyone on the road.
A safe, well-maintained fleet reduces the risk of accidents, keeps your vehicles operational, and protects your company’s reputation. Combined with regular inspections, timely maintenance, and a culture that encourages drivers to report defects, safety becomes an integral part of fleet compliance.
For businesses managing commercial vehicle contracts, the message is clear: prioritising safety is non-negotiable. It safeguards lives, supports contractual obligations, and ensures your fleet remains reliable and fully compliant.
The bottom line
The rise in penalties for defective tyres and brakes is not a temporary enforcement spike—it reflects a broader tightening of compliance expectations for commercial vehicles.
Fleet safety is no longer just about avoiding accidents. It’s about protecting your drivers, your business, and the contracts that keep your operation moving.
If your vehicles are on the road, the question isn’t whether they’ll be checked—but when.
The CVC advantage
Full fleet services offered by Commercial Vehicle Contracts
- Fleet vehicle supply: From cars and vans to specialist commercial vehicles, we source vehicles that fit your operational needs and budget.
- Maintenance & servicing: Keep your fleet running smoothly with scheduled maintenance, repairs, and emergency support.
- Fleet funding & leasing: Flexible finance and leasing options to suit any fleet size, including short-term and long-term contracts.
- Telematics & tracking solutions: Monitor your fleet in real time to improve efficiency, safety, and operational oversight.
- Accident & damage management: Rapid response and repair coordination to reduce downtime and costs.
- Dedicated account management: A single point of contact to provide personalised support, advice, and tailored fleet solutions.
With CVC, you can manage every aspect of your fleet under one trusted roof, reducing complexity and improving efficiency.
Working with CVC gives your fleet a competitive edge. Here’s what you gain:
- Operational efficiency: Tailored vehicles, conversions, and fleet services let your team work faster, safer, and smarter.
- Cost control: Reduce downtime, prevent expensive repairs, and optimise fuel efficiency across your fleet.
- Expert advice: Our team has decades of experience managing fleets for companies of all sizes.
- Peace of mind: With dedicated account management, you’ll always have a trusted partner to support your fleet strategy.
- Comprehensive support: From vehicle supply to conversions, maintenance, telematics, and funding, CVC handles it all.
Partnering with CVC means your fleet works smarter, not harder. With our expertise and full suite of services, your vehicles are:
- Fully compliant with regulations and safety standards
- Optimised for operational efficiency and productivity
- Built to meet the unique needs of your business
- Supported by a dedicated account manager who understands your fleet
Dedicated account managers
Fleet management is more than transactions—it’s a relationship. Every client at CVC receives a dedicated account manager, your single point of contact for all queries and fleet requirements. This means:
- Consistent support for ongoing fleet planning, upgrades, and conversions
- Rapid response to any questions or issues
- Tailored advice based on your specific fleet and operational needs
Business Contract Hire vs Finance Lease agreements
For UK limited companies, Business Contract Hire (BCH) and Finance Lease are the most popular options:
Business Contract Hire – Fixed monthly payments; return the van at the end of the contract with no further obligations.
Finance Lease – Lower monthly payments; at the end of the term, you sell the vehicle to a third party and use the proceeds to pay the balloon payment. If the vehicle sells for more than the balloon payment, your business keeps the difference.
Both options allow your company to drive a new van without ownership, but the key difference is the handling at the end of the lease.
How to find the best van leasing deal?
Selecting the right vehicles for your fleet is critical. Our leasing specialists work closely with fleet managers to provide expert advice, ensuring every van meets your operational needs and drives efficiency.
As part of your lease deal, we can arrange a host of van leasing services, including:
- Tail lifts for effortless loading
- Shelving systems for perfect organisation
- Refrigerated vans for temperature-sensitive cargo
- Ply lining to protect your panel van
- Tow bars for additional hauling capability
- Chapter 8 chevrons for full compliance
- Specialist glass racks for glazing professionals
- Cherry picker platforms for elevated access
- Roller tops, shutters, hard-top canopies & more – add secure lockers for valuable equipment.
The key advantage is that all modifications are completed professionally before your vehicle is delivered, ensuring your new vehicle is fully equipped and ready to work from day one. We streamline the entire process, saving you the time and hassle of coordinating with multiple suppliers.
Why lease with Commercial Vehicle Contracts?
Leasing is the smart financial strategy for accessing a brand-new, high-spec vehicle without the capital outlay.
We also leverage long-standing relationships with dealers to secure competitive pricing, ensuring your business gets the best deal possible.
Reach out to our team to discuss your requirements today and learn how Commercial Vehicle Contracts can help fuel the success of your business.
Find the perfect lease deal today!
With an impressive average score of 4.9 stars on Trustpilot, we believe our reviews reflect our commitment to customer service. Our knowledgeable team provides expert advice and guidance to help you choose the perfect van and finance product for your needs.
With our extensive range of vans available for lease, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect vehicle to meet your needs. As proud members of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), we uphold the highest standards of service and professionalism. Plus, with our Price Promise, you can be confident you’re getting the best deal available. Rest assured, we are also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring transparency and trust in every transaction.
Many UK businesses have already benefited from our hassle-free approach to securing a brand-new van, and now it’s your turn to take advantage of our exceptional services.
Get a quote today and discover why so many major companies trust CVC to keep their fleets running efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively.
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