New driving laws, including those concerning pavement parking, Clean Air Zones, and electric car charging, have been implemented since February 26. Motorists need to be mindful of these four new regulations that will affect them across the UK throughout the month. Following the recent introduction of pavement parking charges in Edinburgh, other regions in the country will also be impacted. Uninformed drivers may face fines of £100 once enforcement begins at the end of the month.
Additionally, updates to regulations regarding Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Clean Air Zone fees, and electric cars are among the significant changes affecting Britain’s roads. Regarding pavement parking, enforcement commenced in Edinburgh in January, with more Scottish areas expected to follow suit. The Highland Council has confirmed that penalties will be issued to drivers who obstruct pathways starting this month as the introductory period concludes.
Offenders may face a £100 fine, which can be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. The Council has stated that in early 2024, Warning Notices will be issued for violations, transitioning to Penalty Charge Notices from February 2024. As for HGVs, new tachograph technology must be installed in vehicles starting from February 21, in accordance with updated regulations. This technology automatically records journey start and location data, which is crucial for the transport sector. The DVSA mandates the installation of a ‘full’ or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 in all newly registered in-scope vehicles from February 21, 2024.
Further changes to HGV tachographs are planned for later in the year, with retrofitting requirements for in-scope vehicles undertaking international journeys by December 31, 2024. In Sheffield, numerous motorists will face charges under the Clean Air Zone scheme later this month. According to ProEV, commercial vehicles with existing finance agreements were previously exempt from fees, but this exemption will cease on February 26, 2024. Some motorists may continue to be exempt until the end of their finance agreements.
Motorway service operators interested in benefiting from the Rapid Charging Fund (RCF) must submit applications before the end of February. Launched in December, the scheme aims to accelerate investments in transport, particularly in rapid chargers, to encourage more drivers to adopt electric vehicles. The government expects the private sector to install charge points, but under the pilot, it will fund the non-commercially viable costs of upgrading grid capacity at motorway service areas in England only.