In January 2022, new rules, offences and penalties were introduced in the UK that drivers must be aware of. These are as such:
- Stricter laws have been implemented on the use of mobile phones
If you are caught handling your phone (hands-free access is allowed) you will receive a £200 fixed penalty fine and six points on your licence. The one notable exception is that you are allowed to use your phone at make contactless payments at tolls and drive-throughs.
- Councils have been given greater power to prevent minor traffic offences
Councils can issue £70 fines for “moving traffic” offences. This includes stopping in yellow box junctions, performing illegal turns and driving in cycle lanes.
- All new homes will have electric vehicle charging points and new cars will have Intelligent Speed Assistant systems.
The Intelligent Speed Assistant systems will inform the driver when they are breaking the speed limit. In some cases, the system might even reduce the cars speed.
- A speed limit of 20 mph is being implemented on busy pedestrian and residential areas
These areas will also see 20 mph speed cameras being installed.
- Clean air zones are expanding and being implemented by multiple cities
If your car is non-compliant, there is a charge to enter these areas. It is worth noting, the government will fund eligible individuals and organisations to assist them in moving to a compliant vehicle.
- The Highway Code has made some minor changes that give more protection to those that are more vulnerable.
- Rule H1: hierarchy of road users – The greater risk you pose to another road user, the greater your responsibility is on the road.
- Rule H2: clearer and stronger priorities for pedestrians – At a junction, drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road from which you are turning in to or out of.
- Rule H3: new priority for cyclists – Drivers must give way to cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead when turning in to or out of a junction or changing direction or lane. This applies whether they are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road.
For further information on this topic or on any other legal area, please contact John Szepietowski or Kay Stewart at Audley Chaucer Solicitors on 01372 303444 or email admin@audleychaucer.com or visit our Linkedin page.
John Szepietowski
This information was correct as at July 2022