New Rules for 2022?

In our last post we took a look at a few of the changes that are making their way into the Highway Code this year. But it’s not all about the Code; there are some big changes planned that may – or may not – be heading our way covering a range of road and highway legislations. We take a look at a few that many of you may be unaware of.

Can’t touch this

Currently, drivers in the UK can be penalised for any 'interactive communication' while driving. That means you can be penalised for animated discussions behind the wheel; being caught recording a video, scrolling through a playlist, or taking a selfie with your phone, means you could avoid a fine and points on your licence (of course, that depends on a number of factors, so best not test the theory). From early this year, though, ALL such activities will be illegal. 

New rules will mean that using any hand-held device behind the wheel will be illegal in nearly every situation, not only when making a call or 'interactively communicating.' Getting caught could result in a £200 fine and six points on your licence, and these apply whether you’re driving, at a red light, stationary, or stuck in traffic. So hands off that mobile!

There are a few significant exceptions, though, designed to enable newer time- and effort-saving technologies to be used. For instance, drivers will be able to use a phone as a sat-nav as long as it is secured in a holder, and accept hands-free calls. You will also be allowed to use a mobile for payments at drive-throughs and toll roads, so you can keep the apps for now.

Fine. FINE. I’ll pay!

Now, this one is going to cause controversy in some areas (albeit not as much as some of the rules further down this list). From spring, English and Welsh councils will be handed the powers to fine motorists for minor traffic offences (stopping in a box junction, driving in cycle lanes, illegal U-turns, etc). This is the first time local authorities have been given such powers (London and Cardiff excepted), and fines could go as high as £70.

It may be unwelcome with some, but it does mean that local authorities should benefit from potentially large increases in revenue, which can be used for other cash-strapped services. Minor infringement penalty revenues from London and Cardiff brought in a whopping £58.2million in 2018-19.

Nurse!

Every UK driver must meet a set of medical standards for 'fitness to drive,' and the DVLA makes over half a million medical licensing decisions every year, which can often only be completed by a registered GP or consultant.

In an effort to speed up UK licence renewals, which have suffered a backlog over the last few years, the government is considering allowing health professionals such as Nurse Practitioners to complete the health questionnaires required, easing the workload on GPs. A consultation has taken place, but the findings are yet to be published. 

Pavement hogs

Pavement parking is already illegal in London, and Scotland will roll out a similar law in 2023, but this year sees a decision being made on whether pavement parking will be banned across the UK. There are some roads where pavement parking is common and (believe it or not) helpful in easing traffic flow. Having said that, these areas are rare, with pavements often as wide as the carriageway itself, so parking doesn't impact negatively on pedestrians. 

But, in more urban areas, city centres, and towns, pavement parking can be highly dangerous to road users and pedestrians alike. Whilst a blanket ban may be a sledgehammer to crack a walnut, it should make a positive difference to accident statistics in the worst affected areas. No decisions yet, but keep your eyes peeled for a Yay or Nay.

ALKS Lvl 3 OK FYI

A new law relating to driving aid technologies is expected this spring, giving the green light for Automated Lane Keeping Systems to be used on UK roads. There are five levels for this type of technology, and, currently, UK drivers can only use Level 2 lane assist systems, which require active driver engagement and monitoring of the environment by the driver at all times. 

Level 3 ALKS systems take full control of the car, and when used in conjunction with adaptive cruise control, can take control of braking, acceleration and steering,  enabling a driver to remove their hands from the wheel. Sounds scary, but the new law would only apply at speeds of up to 37mph on motorways – over that and it's all hands to the wheel!

There are obviously many concerns relating to autonomous vehicles and self-driving tech, so the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) published a set of guiding principles for motorists, clarifying precisely when, and if, a system can be used.

Charge!

You may have seen this proposal in the media recently, but it’s thought that developers of all new homes and offices will be required to install electric car charging points. New-build homes, workplaces, shops, etc, would all have to install these as standard, and even in some renovated properties.

There are already doubts about the effectiveness of this in helping society switch to electric vehicles, particularly given the cost of the vehicles and the potential outpacing of technology over the coming years. Probably the biggest backlash, though, has come from – no surprises here – property developers, so we’ll see if, and how far, the proposal is implemented in reality.

Nationwide Clean Air Zones

CAZ, LEZ, ULEZ and ZEZ – no, I haven't spilled coffee on my keyboard – these are abbreviations of the four types of zone used to improve air quality currently employed in the UK; Clean Air Zone, Low Emissions Zone, Ultra-low Emissions Zone and Zero Emissions Zone, respectively. London has long had such zones, but more are planned for other cities across the UK. 

Each zone has a different criteria for the vehicles that enter it, based on the pollution the vehicles generate, with each charged differently. Also, these are separate from Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) charges. For example, if you’re heading to an ULEZ in London, you can expect to be charged £12.50 (if your diesel car isn’t at least Euro 6, or petrol car at least Euro 4). And that will be on top of any CCZ. 

At the limit(er)

This one is bound to be controversial. From 6th July this year, all newly-launched EU cars must be fitted with a speed limiter by law. Now, we should say that a provisional agreement for this was reached by the European Commission in 2019, but it’s expected that the UK will follow suit, even though we have now 'Brexited' from the EU.

Speed limiters aren’t new: many cars are limited to a speed well below their actual capabilities. But the speed limiters in question here are Intelligent Speed Assist devices; these use GPS data, traffic-sign-recognition, or a combination of the two, to determine the maximum speed in an area, and modulate engine power to ensure the speed limit isn’t broken. In theory, this would mean no more speeding drivers, and a reduction in road traffic collisions – not to mention road-related deaths.

In practice, though, regulations permit the switching off of these devices. Many use audible pings and voice cues as warnings, which themselves can be distracting to drivers. Plus, there is plenty of concern that this technology isn’t yet sophisticated, stable and advanced enough to work effectively. 

EU proposals

While the UK's exit from the EU is now complete, it's likely that a number of EU road safety proposals will be adopted by the UK. Currently under consideration in the EU are laws covering compulsory safety equipment, such as autonomous emergency braking systems, Black Box data loggers, automatic emergency stop signals, driver fatigue detection systems, and built-in breathalysers that prevent a car being started if the driver is over the limit.

Some will see the laws as Big Brother impositions, but there's no doubt that suggested proposals covering new technology – particularly automated driving – are essential given the rapid pace of development. Of course, quite how many of the commission’s proposals will be implemented in the EU is unknown, but it’s highly likely that at least some of these will be adopted, or maybe adapted, for the UK. Either way, anything that improves road safety and driving enjoyment is worth considering, no matter which side of the Channel it comes from.