84% of drivers support the Government's proposed digital driving licence

WITH the introduction of digital driving licences in the UK later this year, research conducted by TTC, the driver training and compliance expert, has found that 84%1) of UK drivers are happy to have digital versions. The move to digitalisation will make vital validation checks on fleet drivers easier, more convenient and time efficient for businesses.

While most drivers welcomed the change, only 23% were happy to just have a digitised licence with 61% wanting to keep a physical copy too. 16% rejected the digital version altogether preferring just a physical copy.

Under the new GOV.UK Wallet scheme, designed to simplify access to Government services and documents, drivers that choose a digital driver's licence will receive every Government issued letter or identity document virtually in their digital wallet. This means that driver information on areas like:- speeding points or drink driving offences will be more easily accessible and importantly, as accurate as possible. Good news for businesses who need to keep up to date with their fleet drivers' licence status to ensure fleet compliance.

Comments David Marsh, CEO of the TTC Group:- "Keeping abreast of regular driver validation checks can be a struggle timewise for businesses. In further research2) we conducted, only 33% of businesses monitor their employees' driving licences, so anything that streamlines the process should be applauded. The modernisation of driving licences will help make it simpler for drivers and businesses to access and find important driving documentation. While the digitised licence has great potential to improve fleet compliance, it is only one step on the path to compliance. The constantly changing status of driving licence validity means few employers can afford a 1 check policy when it comes to managing their driver fleet."

With TTC's Continuum, the industry's only all in 1 tech driven, cloud based driver risk and compliance platform, businesses can automate driver licence checks and rechecks according to risk and easily make sure all at work drivers are legally licensed to drive their vehicle at all times. The platform automatically validates licences and identifies drivers at high risk. For more information visit TTC Continuum Licence Checks.

Labour's Water Act ensures polluting water bosses in Southport face up to 2 years in prison

WATER company bosses could face up to 2 years in prison due to new powers in force from:- Friday, 25 April 2025. The new powers, delivered by the Government's landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, mean water executives who cover up or hide illegal sewage spills can now be locked up.

No prison sentences have been handed to water executives since privatisation despite widespread illegal sewage discharges into rivers, lakes and seas. These new, tougher penalties are essential because some water companies have obstructed investigations, failing to handover vital evidence related to illegal sewage discharges. This has prevented crackdowns against law-breaking water companies.

The new measures deliver on the Government's promise to bring tougher criminal charges against lawbreakers in the water industry. As part of the Government's Plan for Change, the threat of imprisonment will act as a powerful deterrent as water companies invest in upgrading broken water infrastructure and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:- "Bosses must face consequences if they commit crimes. There must be accountability. From Today , there will be no more hiding places. As part of the Plan for Change, these new powers will force water companies to focused on cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas for good."

In addition, new powers will mean that the polluters will pay for the cost of criminal investigations into wrongdoing. Authorities will now recover the costs of their enforcement activity, with the Environment Agency currently consulting on how they will use the powers.

The payment of bonuses to water bosses will also be banned if they fail to meet high standards to protect the environment, their consumers, and their company's finances.

Patrick Hurley MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Southport said:- "I was elected on a manifesto to clean up local waterways in Southport. Protecting our rivers and coastline has always been a personal priority for me, and I've spent years pushing for stronger action to stop the pollution that has been allowed to go unchecked for too long. I am glad the Labour Government's new powers to force water bosses to clear up our rivers, lakes and seas has come into force. "

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