At Hi-Way Services, we spend much of our time working on road systems and contributing to the ease and safety of motorists, both in Britain and abroad (although these aren’t our only specialities!). As such, we are always interested in updates to the Highway Code – keeping our ear to the ground for any amendments that might be relevant to us, our customers and road users in general.
As of September 2022, there are several new driving rules in the UK that are important for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to understand in order to improve the safety of our roads. Keeping on top of changes is also essential if you wish to avoid fines or a driving penalty. Not being aware of changes to the Highway Code is not considered a defence in the event that motorists are caught not abiding by the rules.
Why the Highway Code Changes
The Highway Code is something that every UK driver (should be!) familiar with, and comprises of a collection of information, advice and legal requirements for all road users. This includes cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders, as well as motorists and pedestrians. The particulars include a vast scope of information related to driving and road use (including road markings and signs) and sections related to topics such as vehicle maintenance.
Written by the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and first published in 1931 (when there were less than one million cars on the road in the UK, compared to today’s 32.5 million), the Highway Code is updated regularly. Our vehicles and roads are a continually evolving phenomenon, and as the world changes, so must the rules which help us navigate them with the greatest possible safety.
What Changes to the Highway Code and Roads Have Taken Place?
Both the government and local councils are enacting a variety of adjustments to our road network and the rules which govern it. These changes include:
A crackdown on mobile phone use:
The first mobile phone driving laws were introduced in December 2003, and it has now been illegal to message or call someone while driving for many years. However, there was a loophole in the law which allowed motorists to play with their phones while driving. This allowed for any use which wasn’t considered an ‘interactive communication’ – for example to take photos, choose songs or play games.
Due to growing media attention and increased lobbying from the RAC, the dangerous use of mobile phones is now being cracked down on by new regulations which make it illegal for UK motorists to use their mobile phones for any purpose, even whilst stopped at a red light. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps describes this as “a zero-tolerance approach to those who decide to risk lives by using their phone behind the wheel.”
With this update, it is illegal to hold, use or even unlock a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any handheld device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle. This includes when drivers are stationary (for example in heavy motorway traffic), and includes only two exemptions.
The first exemption is rather a practical one, with drivers allowed to use their phone if it is their means of payment at a drive-thru, although it is specified that this only applies to contactless payments made when the vehicle is stationary. The other exemption makes allowances in the case of an emergency, so you can use your phone to call the police, fire, ambulance or other emergency services on 112 or 999, if it is unsafe or impractical to park up and cease driving to make the call.
The consequences for ignoring these rules can be severe, and can include both financial and driving penalties. Those caught using their phone illegally while driving may have to pay £200 in fines and suffer six points on their license. Those who only passed their driving test within two years can even lose their license entirely, while anyone supervising a learner driver who uses their phone could face a hefty £1000 penalty.
The introduction of ‘Clean Air Zones’
In order to improve air quality in congested areas, Clean Air Zones (also known as Low Emission Zones) are being introduced in several cities across the UK, including Manchester and Bath, with more planned over the coming year in areas such as Aberdeen, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
These moves are in response to concerns over air pollution and its resulting impact on public health and mean that if your vehicle exceeds emissions standards (perhaps due to age or model) you will be subject to a fee when travelling within Clean Air Zones.
New rules for transporting goods to Europe
Since Brexit, businesses that want to import and export from or through The European Economic Area (EEA) have had to prepare for evolving circumstances regarding rules and regulations. As of May 2022, regulations within the post-Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement mean that drivers now need an international goods vehicle operator licence to transport goods in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Applying to all vehicles used for carrying goods (whether they are cars, trailers and light vehicles, or full HGV haulage), this means it is no longer possible to manage your transportation of imports and exports without the necessary qualifications or a Transport Manager.
Government regulation on speed limiters
With the ongoing aim of reducing road accidents caused by unsafe driving, the Government announced this summer that all new cars will be fitted with a speed limiter that restricts engine power and ensures the vehicle cannot exceed a certain speed. While drivers will still have a personal responsibility to stick to the speed limit, this technology is seen as a step forward for driverless cars, and a means through which to make the roads safer for all users.
