I’m sure everyone is aware that changes to the Highway Code have been taking place and many rules are being updated, introduced and reviewed for future changes.
In 2021 things started to change to reflect modern society, technology and lifestyles that impact how we drive on the road and the safety implications for other road users.
2022 has seen a raft of changes which will affect you as a driver of both company vehicles, and also as a driver of your own vehicle.
Key changes to be aware of now.
There are many changes to the highway code and many more being planned, but let’s take a look at some of the key points which could have an impact on you as a driver.
- Stricter rules on mobile phone use in vehicles.
- Pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists have priority.
- Driving licences to be taken off drug users.
- Motorists banned from parking on pavements.
- Local councils could be granted the power to enforce minor traffic offences.
- New clean air zones in Manchester, Bradford and more in 2022.
Stricter rules on mobile phone use in vehicles.
The government is tightening up the rules on mobile phone use behind the wheel.
Previously, motorists could only be penalised for using their phone behind the wheel if for example making a hand held call or sending a text.
The new rule, which could start early this year, will penalise drivers for touching their phones behind the wheel.
This means touching and using your phone for activities such as dialling a number, hand held calls, gaming, taking selfies, photos, videos and scrolling through playlists will be illegal.
Drivers should still be able to use their phone hands free if secured in a mobile phone holder. However, you will have to pull over and stop in a safe area if you want to dial a number or adjust your route if you are using your phone as a sat-nav.
To be clear, the law will regard being stopped at traffic lights or a traffic jam as behind the wheel of a moving vehicle except in very exceptional emergency situations.
There are some small exceptions.
There should be an allowance to use your phone to make contactless payments at places such as drive throughs and toll roads, provided the vehicle is stopped of all motion at the time of paying. It does not include any other form of online payment. There has to be a pay terminal present.
If you’re caught using your mobile phone while driving, you’ll get six points on your licence. You’ll also be hit with a £200 fine – double the previous penalty.
If you’re taken to court, you face a fine of up to £1,000 and could be disqualified.
If you’re a new driver who’s passed your test within the last two years, you’ll automatically lose your licence.
For further clarification visit the .Gov website. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/any-use-of-hand-held-mobile-phone-while-driving-to-become-illegal.
Pedestrians, horse riders, and cyclists have priority.
The Highway Code has prioritised a hierarchy of vulnerable road users and urge drivers to pay close attention by giving extra distance and considering their safety if they’re sharing the road.
Pedestrians sit at the top of the hierarchy, followed by cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles.
The emphasis is now on everyone on the road to take into account their own safety, and the safety of other road users.
As a driver, you are now required to –
- Give way to pedestrians waiting to cross or crossing at junctions, and allow them to cross.
- When turning into a road, give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.
- When driving towards a junction if you see a pedestrian waiting or starting to cross, you have to allow them to cross before you reach the junction.
- Motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists must give way to pedestrians at a zebra crossing.
- Motorists and motorcyclists must give way to cyclists on a parallel crossing. Parallel crossings are similar to zebra crossings but with a cycle lane.
Drug users banned and driving licences removed.
In December 2021, the prime minister announced that passports and driving licences could be removed from illegal drug users.
Boris Johnson stated “We need to look at new ways of penalising them (drug drivers). Things that will actually interfere with their lives. So we will look at taking away their passports and driving licences. We’re keeping nothing off the table.”
The government is likely to introduce harsher sentences for offenders, and this is part of a wider 10-year plan to tackle illegal drug-related crime.
Motorists banned from parking on pavements
Councils in England and Wales could have the power to issue fines for motorists that park on the pavement.
Although the government is still consulting on the pavement parking ban, reports claim that the decision in England and Wales could be made in 2022. In London it is already illegal to park on the pavement,
The new rules could mean that councils have the power to issue £70 fines for pavement parkers.
Local councils to be given the power to enforce minor traffic offences.
Motorists could be fined up to £70 by local councils for minor motoring offences. This could be for offences such as stopping in yellow junction box and driving in cycle lanes. Previously, the police were responsible for issuing these fines.
New clean air zones to be introduced in Manchester.
The Manchester CAZ (clean air zone) will launch on 30 May 2022 following the relaxation of the pandemic rules. CAZ is an area within a city that charges high-emission vehicles to enter.
Some zones target buses, taxis, and HGV’s while others also charge private vehicles if they emit over a certain amount of emissions. The Manchester CAZ will apply to:
- HGVs
- Buses
- Coaches
- Vans
- Minibuses
- Hackney cabs and private hire vehicles
- Motorhomes and camper vans.
These vehicles could pay up to £60 per day to enter the CAZ. For motorhomes and camper vans, it depends on the emmissions of the vehicle.
At the moment it looks like private cars, mopeds and motorbikes shouldn’t be affected.
#Update. The government has given Greater Manchester a further review period to make the GM CAZ more workable and not damage business with further financial burden. The intended roll out on May 30th will now not go ahead.
Source:
https://cleanairgm.com/clean-air-plan/
While the UK has one of the best road safety records in the world, the government and safety campaigns are determined to build on that.
As a driver of a vehicle for work or private use you have a duty of care on the road to continually assess the situation, be aware of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, be aware of your own actions, and take responsibility for the safety of your vehicle and quality of driving.
In other words, you have a legal requirement to act in a professional and safe manner at all times behind the wheel. These days there is no allowance or excuse for recklessness on the road. At the end of the day recklessness will result in the loss of your licence, your money, and in severe cases the loss of your liberty.
To find out more about driving rules, regulations and penalties visit https://www.gov.uk/transport/road-safety-driving-rules-and-penalties