The new driving laws that affect YOU

The new driving laws that affect YOU

This year has seen a significant increase in new or updated Highway Code laws. From June 2022 onwards, there will be another smaller round of changes. Installation of electric car home charger points, information about clean air zones, and additional powers that allow councils to issue fines are all on the agenda. Here’s what you should know:

Local council authority 

According to the Express, new driving changes could result in an “avalanche of fines.” Councils across England and Wales will be given additional powers to penalise drivers for traffic violations. The Department for Transport (DfT) will shortly begin taking council applications to issue fines for moving traffic offences.

As of June, successful council applications will be entitled to issue penalty charge notices (PCNs) for these offences. This includes misusing a yellow box, making an illegal turn, or driving the wrong way down a one-way street.

The measure aims to promote cycling, walking, and safe roads for all users. Although, many motorists are likely to be unfairly fined as the government delays its design, maintenance, and enforcement guidance for local authorities.

New Clean Air Zones

More ‘clean air zones’ will be established this year and in the next few years. The goal of these zones, which have already been implemented by some local governments, is to improve air quality. Future clean air zones include Bradford, starting September 26 this year, followed by Bristol, Tyneside (Newcastle & Gateshead), and Greater Manchester in late 2022 and early 2023.

For drivers, this means if your vehicle exceeds pollution limits, you may have to pay a tax to drive in one of these zones. It’s unclear how much this will cost. Still, if the current Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in London of £12.50 a day is anything to go by, the charges could be substantial.  

Home chargers for electric vehicles

From June 16, all new homes and residential buildings must include an electric vehicle charger. So, if you are buying a new home that meets the required criteria, you should expect to have a charging unit installed before moving in. Although if dedicated parking isn’t attached to the property, you shouldn’t rely on its inclusion. Landlords and business owners should also be aware, as the EV stations rule will affect large-scale renovations to buildings with 10 or more parking spaces.

Likewise, any current EV chargers in homes and businesses must have Smart Charging Capability. These measures, which go into effect on June 30, are designed to aid and control the demand on the National Grid caused by thousands of EVs charging at the same time. The change is intended to encourage drivers to use smarter tariffs and avoid charging during peak hours during the day.

At INSHUR, we always have drivers’ best interests at heart and try to help them wherever possible. So, if you’re private hire, courier or food delivery insurance is up for renewal, ask about our annual or no-commitment 30-day policies. Get a quote in as little as 3 minutes.

Sources:

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https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1616694/driving-law-changes-council-powers-fines-warning-electric-car-chargers-june-2022https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-a-clean-air-zone#:~:text=Future%20clean%20air%20zones,late%202022%20to%20early%202023.

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