Work

Evaluating driver preferences between punitive and non-punitive speeding penalties: Results from a stated choice experiment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Speeding remains a major contributory factor to traffic crashes, making the design of effective penalty schemes a critical policy concern. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate driver preferences regarding penalties for speeding violations in Greece: (Option A) immediate fines with off-road short detention (administrative process); (Option B) attendance of compulsory road safety seminars; and (Option C) judicial processes with possible dispute of fines in court. METHOD: Data were collected via a Stated Choice (SC) survey conducted during June and July 2023 in Greece, involving 161 participants resulting in 805 choice situations, and were analyzed by utilizing a random parameter multinomial logit model to capture unobserved heterogeneity among drivers. RESULTS: Results showed that only 4.6% of respondents preferred the judicial process, indicating a strong deterrent effect of potential trial and associated costs. For Option A, statistically significant results included the monetary fine and penalty points, as well as the compulsory detention time off-road. For Option B, time and cost of road safety awareness seminars were significant. For the administrative process (monetary fine), the value that respondents were willing to pay to save 1 h of waiting off-road, was significantly higher (from 81.46 to 82.69 euros per hour) when compared to the driving education and awareness seminars (from 0.356 to 1.18 euros per hour), suggesting that drivers show a preference for higher monetary fines rather than being subjected to an off-road delay imposed by the police officer. CONCLUSION: The findings point towards more effective enforcement strategies while balancing penalty costs and duration of compulsory off-road detention and promoting educational-related non-punitive measures. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The study could inform policymakers in designing and integrating a more diverse range of speeding penalties that align with driver preferences, potentially improving compliance, acceptability and better road safety outcomes.

Source: Journal of Safety Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2025.11.012

Authors: Athanasios Theofilatos, Apostolos Ziakopoulos, Evangelia Stratigi, Pantelis Kopelias, Dimitris Potoglou

Institutions: University of Thessaly, National Technical University of Athens, Cardiff University

Language: English

Topic: Traffic and Road Safety

Subfield: Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,220