Vehicle Speed Compliance Statistics Review
Updated 27 October 2026
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/free-flow-vehicle-speed-statistics-guidance/vehicle-speed-compliance-statistics-review
The publication has been paused while work is undertaken in three areas:
- Vehicle classification methodology
- Additional data sources
- Automation
Vehicle classification methodology
The vehicle speed compliance statistics are based on data collected from the Department’s network of Automatic Traffic Counters (ATCs) across England. Vehicles are classified into categories using a methodology based on vehicle characteristics.
The algorithms for classifying vehicle types are continually developed to ensure that vehicle classification is as accurate as possible. As a result, work is underway to implement an updated vehicle classification methodology. This will improve the accuracy of vehicle classification and ensure the statistics continue to provide a robust measure of vehicle speed compliance.
Additional data sources
The ATC network is primarily located on roads operating under free-flow traffic conditions. As many 20mph roads include traffic-calming measures, the number of sites available for monitoring vehicle speed compliance in these environments is limited.
To improve understanding of vehicle speed compliance on 20mph roads, the Department is investigating the potential use of additional data sources, including in-vehicle GPS data, to supplement the existing statistics by providing contextual insights into vehicle speeds on these road types.
Automation
As part of the Department’s continued adoption of Reproducible Analytical Pipelines (RAP), the production process for the vehicle speed compliance statistics is being reviewed and redeveloped. The aim is to increase automation within the publication process, improving efficiency, reproducibility and quality assurance. This work will support the production of more timely vehicle speed compliance statistics.
Timetable
The Department aims to publish the 2025 and 2026 vehicle speed compliance statistics in July 2027, which will include an update on progress on this review.
In the interim, feedback is welcomed via the Road Traffic Statistics Team inbox: roadtraff.stats@dft.gov.uk