Use of AI in Road Transport: A Compliance Perspective

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how the road transport industry works, from planning routes and predicting vehicle maintenance to helping with safety checks and paperwork. While AI can make things faster and more efficient, using it the wrong way, especially for creating policies and procedures, can lead to serious problems.

How AI Is Being Used in Road Transport

AI is now part of many systems used by transport companies. It helps with tracking vehicles, managing fleets, and even analysing driver behaviour. These tools can save time and money, but they also bring new risks. As the RHA’s guide on Technological Adaptation and Cybersecurity in Road Haulage points out, it is important to make sure technology is used responsibly and with proper checks in place.

The Trouble with AI-Generated Policies and Procedures

One growing concern is the use of AI to automatically write policies and procedures. While this might seem helpful, these documents often miss the mark in key areas:

• Accuracy: AI can misunderstand rules or how things work in real life.

• Legal compliance: The content might not follow UK transport laws or safety standards.

• Relevance: The procedures may be too general and not suited to a company’s specific needs.

Examples of AI-Generated Errors in Transport Compliance

While AI can assist in drafting documents, it often lacks the understanding required for transport-specific compliance. Here are some examples where AI-generated content could fall short:

• Brake Testing Procedures: AI-generated guides can omit critical details such as laden roller brake tests. These tests are essential for assessing braking performance under load, and skipping them can result in non-compliance with DVSA standards and compromised vehicle safety.

• Incorrect Vehicle Type References: Some AI-generated policies have included procedures or specifications meant for the wrong vehicle category. HGV standards being applied to light commercial vehicles or vice versa. This can lead to confusion during inspections and audits, and may result in vehicles being operated outside of their legal parameters.

• Driver Hours Misinterpretation: AI tools can also have difficulty differentiating between drivers hours rules. Using mixed-up GB domestic rules and EU drivers’ hours regulations could lead to incorrect guidance on rest periods, driving limits, and tachograph use. This can expose operators to enforcement action and fines, especially when cross-border operations are involved.

RHA Compliance Audits: Keeping Standards High

To help members stay on track, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) offers compliance audits that assess how companies are managing safety, legal responsibilities, and operational standards. These audits are carried out by experienced RHA professionals and include:

• Reviews of current policies and procedures

• Checks against legal and industry standards

• Practical advice to improve systems and reduce risk

As part of this service, RHA also provides support with contract of employment services, helping members ensure that employment documentation is legally sound, up to date, and aligned with best practice.

These audits are a key part of making sure members are not relying too heavily on AI-generated documents that may not meet the required standards.

Compliance Audits

Health & Safety Audit Services

In addition to general compliance audits, the RHA also provides Health & Safety audits, which include:

• On-site visits by RHA experts

• Reviews of safety documents and practices

• Clear recommendations based on UK laws

Health and Safety Services

Advisory Support

RHA members also have access to advice from compliance specialists. This includes:

• Help with legal and procedural questions

• Support when reviewing or updating policies

• Guidance on how to stay compliant with changing regulations

Help Desk

These services ensure that members are supported by real people with real expertise—not just automated systems.

Using AI Responsibly

The IRU’s 2024 guidance on AI in transport highlight the need for human oversight, clear rules, and ongoing training. AI should be used to assist experts, not replace them, especially when it comes to safety and compliance.

Final Thoughts

AI is a powerful tool, but it needs to be used carefully. If it is relied on too much or used without proper checks, it can lead to unsafe practices and legal trouble. The RHA is committed to helping members use AI responsibly, backed by strong compliance systems and expert audits. We encourage all members to review AI-generated content carefully, seek professional advice, and make use of RHA’s support services to keep their operations safe, legal, and ready for the future.