What the Latest DVSA Vehicle Enforcement Checks Data Reveals About HGV and PSV Operators (April–December 2024)

Compliance in Focus: What the Latest DVSA Vehicle Enforcement Checks Data Reveals About HGV and PSV Operators (April–December 2024)

29/08/2025

The DVSA’s enforcement data from roadside and operator premises checks during the first three quarters of the 2024–2025 financial year reveals a clear trend: mechanical faults, overloading, and drivers’ hours breaches continue to pose major challenges across the commercial transport sector.

For transport managers, operators, and business owners, these figures are more than just numbers; they provide a crucial window into the most frequent compliance failures and where enforcement efforts are being focused this year.

HGV Operators: Persistent Issues in Maintenance and Loading

Between April and December 2024 (Q1–Q3), DVSA officers conducted extensive enforcement on HGVs across Great Britain, uncovering the following:

  • 8,613 HGV mechanical inspections, resulting in 2,379 prohibitions — a 27.63% failure rate
  • 9,519 driver hours checks, with 265 drivers in breach — 2.78% non-compliance
  • 1,615 overload checks, revealing 490 overloaded vehicles — a significant 30.33% breach rate
  • Total fixed penalties issued: 1,631 fines, totalling £301,550

Key Insight:

More than 1 in 4 HGVs failed mechanical checks, and nearly 1 in 3 were found to be overloaded. These figures suggest persistent issues in preventative maintenance, load planning, and hours-of-service compliance.

PSV Operators: Passenger Safety Undermined by Maintenance Failures

The PSV (bus and coach) sector also displayed worrying trends during the same enforcement period:

  • 2,677 PSVs inspected, resulting in 574 prohibitions — a 21.45% failure rate
  • 2,878 driver hours checks, with 79 drivers in breach — 2.74% non-compliance
  • Overload checks: Minimal (only 6 vehicles checked), but with some prohibitions issued
  • Fixed penalties issued: 165 fines, totalling £34,750

Key Insight:

Even a 2–3% rate of hours breaches in passenger transport is a serious concern. Coupled with mechanical defects in over 1 in 5 vehicles, this highlights the urgent need for continuous driver training and strict maintenance regimes.

What This Means for Operators and Transport Managers

These figures reveal more than just DVSA enforcement activity; they highlight areas where many fleets are exposed to risk:

  • Maintenance Procedures: The high mechanical prohibition rates suggest inspection regimes are either not happening or not being acted upon.
  • Overloading: A major issue in the HGV sector that affects road safety, vehicle lifespan, and insurance liability.
  • Tachograph Compliance: EU Regulation 561/2006 remains a key legal obligation. Breaches here can trigger fixed penalties, Traffic Commissioner action, or Public Inquiries.

How Total Compliance Can Help

At Total Compliance, we turn regulatory data into proactive strategies that protect your business:

  • Tachograph audits & driver hours compliance checks
  • Fleet maintenance audits & defect reporting system reviews
  • Driver and Transport Manager CPC training
  • Public Inquiry preparation & legal support

Stay Ahead of the Risk. Stay Compliant.

Whether you operate two vehicles or two hundred, the DVSA is watching and these latest figures prove why robust compliance isn’t optional.

Contact Total Compliance today to arrange a compliance audit, driver training session, or tachograph analysis.

Data Source:

All data referenced in this article is taken directly from the DVSA’s quarterly enforcement figures, published by the UK Government. DVSA Vehicle Enforcement Checks (Q1–Q3 2024–25)

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