Strict mobile rules for motorists to speed limiter requirement know all about the new rules and avoid the fines. Drivers in the UK are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new changes to the Highway Code with driving laws that have already come into effect. This includes stricter mobile phone use when driving.
Motorists have also been warned about clean air zones that will require their vehicle to have a permit to avoid getting a fine. UK drivers have for several months been warned about the new road changes that will be implemented this summer to help them get more familiar with the changes before they were implemented. Since the changes have now been rolled out all UK drivers are expected to follow them.
A car leasing company LeaseCar.UK spokesperson said: “it is really important for all drivers to keep an eye out on the changes to motoring rules this summer. No one wants to be landed with a fine or severe driving penalty by simply not staying updated on new regulations.”
On explaining on which areas the new rules are focusing on he said: “the government and local councils have both introduced further rulings to help improve air quality in city centres, as well as the general road safety for all users- two areas which have become increasingly more recognised to implement measures of change.”
He also advised drivers to “stay up-to-date with the latest updates and regulations of the Highway Code this summer to avoid fines and driving sanctions, and help to keep fellow drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians safe. Below are the law changes that rolled out in September that motorists should be aware of:
Low Emission Zones (LEZ)
Low Emission Zones are schemes that have been designed to have better air quality and manage pollution in cities. Vehicles travelling to cities that have these clean air zones will have to be below minimum emission standards or face a fine if they have entered a clean zone after reaching the minimum level.
Several cities in the UK have already launched LEZ schemes with London, Birmingham, and Brighton taking the lead while other cities such as Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen are expected to follow in the coming years.
Drivers entering into LEZ will need to pay daily charges and failure to do so will attract heavy penalties.
Mobile Phone Use
The new law for mobile phone use when driving has now made it illegal for a driver to use their phone at any point when driving in the UK.
While moderate photo use was allowed for music selection or taking photos during a journey, drivers were limited to only these none “interactive communications” tasks while driving, the new law has become a lot stricter scrapping off these previous privileges.
With tighter restrictions, any driver caught using their phone while en route for any reason whatsoever will get six points on their license and a fine of £200.
An additional measure, drivers who passed their driving test within two years and are caught using a phone may completely lose their license.
Speed Limiters
A speed limiter for all new cars driving on UK roads is now a requirement as of this summer. A speed limiter is a device that limits car speed by restricting engine power and can be fitted on different cars. The speed limiter can help monitor the speed of a car but it remains the responsibility of any driver to stay within speed limits.
Transporting Goods into Europe
A new licence requirement has also been introduced for drivers carrying people or goods for hire or reward into the EU or Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. For example, group minibus trips with shared costs will require this licence.
Light goods vehicles, cars or van towing trailers and normal vas will require a standard international goods vehicle license to travel.
Drivers are being warned to be cautious of the new laws and abide by them to avoid heavy fines and restrictions that may be imposed if they break any of them. The toughest of the outcomes may be a driver losing their license. Drivers should keep in mind that the new rules are already running since September and will apply across all roads in the UK.
The new rules have been designed and rolled out to help cities get better air quality while cutting down on emissions, protect cyclists and pedestrians by restricting phone use for drivers (making it illegal to use your phone even when at a red light) but also limiting car speed by getting a speed limiter device on all new vehicles.
The new regulation for restricting speed limit using a device was proposed by the European Commission in the General Safety Regulation for vehicles to use technology to improve road safety and reduce road casualties. The European Parliament passed the proposed changes into law back in 2019.
Drivers will still need to familiarise themselves with these laws as they are relatively new but even if drivers are ignorant of the new laws they may likely get fined or receive a penalty for breaking one.
For new drivers or those who have only passed their test within two years, caution will have to exercise because drivers under this category may end up losing their licence altogether if caught using a mobile phone during their journey. A safe bet will be packing your vehicle at the next parking lot or authorised parking space to attend to all your text messages before getting back on the road.
Bath, Bradford, and Portsmouth are now designated clean air zones among those mentioned before and drivers will need to stay under minimum emission standards to drive through if your vehicle does not meet this standard you will pay a daily charge or face stiffer fines if you default. Sheffield, Gateshead, and Newcastle will introduce the LEZ scheme as the year ends or in early 2023.
