April 16, 2026
Sara Davies
Wessex Fleet Updates
In January 2026, the UK Government unveiled its first comprehensive Road Safety Strategy in over a decade, setting a bold target to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Great Britain’s roads by 65% before 2035. Central to this plan is the introduction of a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter, a move that signals a major shift in how businesses must manage their mobile workforce.
With approximately one in three road fatalities involving someone driving or riding for work, the Charter is designed to move road risk from an HR matter to a core health and safety priority. Fleet managers are encouraged to participate in ongoing consultations and align with existing best-practice schemes like Driving for Better Business (DfBB), which heavily influenced the Charter’s framework.
When does it come into force?
The government officially announced the Charter on 7 January 2026. It will initially launch as a two-year pilot. During this period, participation is voluntary. Ministers have explicitly stated that if voluntary engagement doesn’t sufficiently reduce work-related road risk, mandatory regulatory measures will be considered at the end of the pilot. A key consultation period for various elements of the strategy, including the Charter and wider law changes, was set to run through May 2026.
What will the Charter change for fleets?
The Charter establishes a national standard for any business that requires staff to drive or ride for work, covering everything from HGVs and vans to cars, motorcycles, and e-bikes:
Expanded duty of care: The Charter reinforces that driving for work is a workplace risk, comparable to operating heavy machinery on-site. In the event of a collision, investigators will look beyond the driver to the employer’s systems and policies.
Board-level accountability: There is a new expectation for board-level oversight of road safety, ensuring it’s a top-down priority.
Wider vehicle scope: It specifically targets the ‘gig economy’ and delivery sectors, bringing increased scrutiny to e-cycles, cycles, and motorcycles used for commercial purposes.
Supply chain pressure: Large companies and the public sector are expected to demand Charter compliance from their supply chains, meaning even smaller subcontractors will soon need to meet these standards to win contracts.
Five ways fleets can prepare
Preparation should begin now to avoid being caught out by future regulation or insurance hikes. Here are some measures you can put in place:
1. Audit your grey fleet
Ensure private vehicles used for business have valid insurance, MOTs, and are fit for purpose.
2. Strengthen medical compliance
The new strategy proposes mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 every three years. Fleets should proactively implement regular vision and fitness-to-drive declarations for all drivers.
3. Update alcohol and drug policies
With proposals to lower drink-drive limits (dropping from 35mcg to 22mcg in England and Wales) and increase roadside license suspensions, fleets must enforce zero-tolerance policies.
4. Review scheduling
You must ensure that journey planning eliminates driver fatigue. The Charter emphasises safe scheduling that allows enough time for journeys without pressuring drivers to speed.
5. Upskill on technology
New vehicles will soon be mandated to include 18 safety technologies (like lane-keep assist and intelligent speed assistance). Managers must train drivers to use and not ignore this technology.
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