A few different laws and rules are being introduced for drivers in 2022, here’s a summary of what you need to know.
- Highway code updated.
- Rules tightened for using a phone behind the wheel.
- No more new smart motorways for five years.
- Local councils can enforce traffic laws.
- Plug-in car grant reduced.
- All new homes to get EV chargers by law.
- All new cars to get speed limiters from July.
Highway code updated
The highway code has been given an update, the priority now is to pedestrians and cyclists. A new ‘hierarchy of road users’ puts far more responsibility on the car drivers to protect those who are most at risk.
Drivers are now told to give way to people walking who are waiting to cross the road, while cycle riders have to give way to them on shared cycle paths.
Rules tightened for mobile phone use while driving
The new law now specifies that you cannot use your mobile for playing games, taking videos or photographs or scrolling through playlists on Spotify for example.
You can still use your mobile for sat nav as long as it’s in a cradle and you don’t touch it while you are driving the vehicle. The fine if you’re caught using your phone remains at six points on your license and £200 in fine costs.
Plug-in car grant reduced
The plug-in car grant was reduced from £2,500 to £1,500 in Dec 2021, and only vehicles under £32,000 are eligible for the scheme. Plug-in hybrids are also no longer part of this. The £1,500 discount is applied automatically to the car dealer, who will then have the money reimbursed.
All new homes to get EV chargers by law
New-build houses from 2022 will need to be fitted with electric car chargers, in a bid to speed up the rollout of EVs across the UK.
Any new homes, new supermarkets or buildings undergoing major renovations will need to have EV chargers. The UK Prime Minister Johnson - said this scheme could mean an additional 145,000 chargers per year across the UK.
No more new smart motorways for five years
The introduction of smart motorways has been paused until there’s 5 years worth of safety data, following government findings. Smart motorways monitor traffic flow and vary the speed limit and number of live lanes to minimize the actual congestion.
They have no “hard shoulder” for drivers to pull onto in the event of a breakdown, instead, they use overhead gantry signs to close the live lane in an actual emergency. This is where the safety concerns come from, as drivers could be stranded in a live lane.
Local councils were given authority to enforce traffic laws
Local councils can apply for permission to issue tickets for minor traffic offences, a power that was previously only held by the police force.
Councils can now hand out tickets for stopping in a yellow box junction, driving in a bus and cycle lanes, illegal turns and disobeying a no-entry sign, amongst other things.
All new cars to get speed limiters from July
Any new car sold in Europe after 2022 will have to be fitted with a speed limiter to boost overall road safety.
A speed limiter is a device that will stop your car from exceeding a certain speed set by the driver of the vehicle. This can be handy for making sure you don’t inadvertently break the speed limit.
So for all your motoring needs look no further than the team at H Bowers. Call us today on 01782 590 700 or email enquiries@bowersautoparts.