Drivers are being warned of new law changes being unveiled, with councils gaining new powers to fine drivers, consultations ending and young drivers potentially seeing new rules.
A handful of new driving law changes have already been rolled out this year including electric car parking fines, new Clean Air Zones and Highway Code changes.
Young drivers
Drivers under the age of 25 could be stopped from carrying passengers under the same age limit in a bid to boost road safety.
The proposals would look to introduce a “graduated driving licence” which would restrict newly-passed motorists from doing certain things for a short time.
A few experts said a form of a probationary period for a younger drivers could benefit all road users and reduce the risks of accidents.
Further considerations for the plans will be discussed by Transport Minister Richard Holden at a road safety meeting on May 16.
People of all ages rely on the freedom that driving provides and graduated driving licencing risks placing restrictions on this. However, data shows that in countries where graduated driving licencing is in effect, it is being received well and, in an environment where incidents on our roads are commonplace, taking steps to reduce the risks of death and serious injuries is a protocol we support.
Road safety remains an ultimate concern, and this probationary period for drivers who are more likely to be involved in an incident allows us to prioritise this even further.
ZEV mandate
The Zero Emission Vehicle mandate will promote the uptake of electric vehicles and ensure manufacturers are meeting targets to build new EVs before the 2030 petrol and diesel ban for the manufacturing of new cars.
A consultation was launched in March to assess how the ZEV mandate will work, including how it will affect businesses and whether any exemptions are necessary.
The consultation on the final design of the UK’s ZEV mandate and CO2 emissions regulation will close at 11.45 pm on May 24.
New council powers
According to a Freedom of Information request, 12 councils have been handed new traffic powers to fine drivers for offences that were previously only issued by the police.
In May, the Surrey Council will begin monitoring yellow box junctions and potentially issuing fines of up to £70. Reading and Hampshire Councils will also receive powers in “Spring 2023”.
Buckinghamshire, Derby City, and Norfolk councils have also been granted powers, but it’s not yet known which areas they’ll be monitoring.
The Government is currently consulting on the viability of allowing fuel tankers to carry more fuel - potentially more than the existing 44-tonne weight limit.
It was launched in response to the fuel crisis experienced in 2022 when drivers up and down the country when forecourts were hit with massive disruptions to fuel supplies.
The consultation will end on May 17, with the Department for Transport accepting feedback until 11.45 pm.
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