New Driving Law Changes you need to be aware of in 2023!
We take driving on UK roads for granted but we need to be aware of driving law changes, so we don’t get caught out with an unwanted fine or maybe worse! Some of these changes to driving laws are location specific or just in the planning stages but it’s worth taking the time to familiarise yourself.
20mph Speeding Cap
Drivers in Wales will need to observe new speed limit rules after September 11th, 2023. In a move they hope will improve inner-city road safety the 30mph maximum speed limit for residential roads will be reduced to 20mph!
This is a two-pronged approach which not only improves safety, but local authorities are also hoping this improves air quality and noise pollution. New signage is already popping up and surely, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the UK adopts this new law.
Ultra-Low Emission Zones
Known as ULEZ residents in certain parts of London will already be aware of this law. Like it or love it these zones are here to stay and as from August 29th, 2023, ULEZ is being rolled out across all London Boroughs.
Since 2019 drivers in London with vehicles that exceed minimum emission standards have had to pay a tariff for driving through selected boroughs in a bid to improve the high levels of air pollution in the capital. 2023 will see this now being the case for all 33 London boroughs and will operate 24 hours a day. If you’re in a vehicle that doesn’t meet the levels, you could be charged as much as £12.50 a day!
Pavement Parking
This is really a case of good manners and parking on a pavement causing an obstruction is something all drivers should avoid doing. However, a recent YouGov study highlighted 46% of UK drivers were unaware of the rules when it comes to parking on a pavement. Well motorists in Scotland are about to join motorists in London and finding themselves with a fine!
The pavement parking law is already in place in London and drivers can be slapped with a £70 fine if they break this new law and Scotland is poised to follow suit. In fact, this ban was due to already be in place by 2023 but the coronavirus pandemic meant they shelved plans. Whilst no official date has been announced it is highly likely this obstructive and inconsiderate behaviour will be in place this year.
Young Drivers Law
Not quite law but one new suggestion is designed to tackle the issue of road safety with new drivers. This new driving law would mean new drivers under the age of 25 would not be permitted from carrying passengers in the same age limit.
This idea forms part of a set of recommendations based on a probationary period for new drivers. This would form a major change in driving laws in the UK but, similar laws in other countries seem well received and could create an environment which is safer for new drivers and road users in general.
