10th June 2022

New driving laws and changes to be aware of

motorway drone photo

As of June 2022, new driving laws and changes are being introduced as part of the Highway Code’s annual update focusing on electric vehicle charging, safety and potential driving fines.

 

The Department for Transport is now accepting applications from councils across England and Wales to charge drivers for traffic offences.

For example, motorist can be fined £1000 for not abiding by regular road rules when letting an ambulance pass. The Highway code states that motorist should give way to vehicles with flashing lights, however if you end up driving into a bus lane, you will receive a fine. This being said, when an Emergency or Incident Support vehicle approaches, it’s important not to panic. The Highway code suggests: ‘Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.’

You can also be fined if you park your vehicle at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless your vehicle is in a recognised parking space.

If you unnecessarily honk your horn, this can cost you £30 as the horn is only designed to be used for alerting other drivers or warning them of your presence.

As of 15th June, all new homes and buildings will need to have an EV charger installed.

Businesses and homes with existing EV charges will be required to ensure they have smart charging capabilities. It will be also required buildings undergoing large scale renovations who have more than 10 parking spaces, to install EV charge points. These regulations will be introduced on the 30th of June and are aiming to encourage electric vehicle drivers to avoid charging during peak hours.

In the UK, one of the leading causes of air pollution is transportation. Some areas across the UK fail to meet the national air quality objectives, so for that reason local authorities are introducing Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in order to tackle the high levels of CO2 in the air. CAZ is an area where the pollution exceeds the limits of the EU limit value, and measures are taken in order to improve air quality.

Vehicles which do not meet the emission standards need to pay a daily charge.

With more cities introducing CAZ, keep an eye on our page here to find the latest information and updates.

From 6 July 2022, mandatory speed limiters will be fitted to new cars. This was confirmed by the Department for Transport, after new rules have been approved by the European Commission. Although, the UK is no longer part of the EU, this ruling will be followed. Speed limiters aim to increase safety measures by promoting and encouraging drivers to not exceed the limits. Find out more information here.