Four-fifths of van drivers are unaware of the different speed limits which apply to vans and commercial vehicles, a study by Total Motion has found.

The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 determines that the national speed limit for vans and commercial vehicles more than two tonnes is 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways.

Simon Hill, managing director of Total Motion, said: “Knowledge is most definitely the best solution. It’s cost effective and empowers your fleet drivers to take responsibility.

"However, our research demonstrated that up to 80% of drivers act illegally, even surpassing 90mph on motorways, whether that be through ignorance or carelessness.

"There are tools available which can help fleet managers to protect their drivers.

"These can include the use of telematics or speed limiters on your vehicles and we believe mandatory training for drivers should be an essential element of any fleet policy.”