Motorists are being warned about four new driving laws that could see them fined almost £800 this summer. As the school term ends and out of offices go on, many people will be people across the country will be getting ready to set off on holiday in their cars.
After waiting all year for a much-needed break, the last thing anyone needs is an unwanted fine or points on their licence disrupting their getaway.
With that in mind, Steven Edwards, motoring editor at used car search platform MOTORS is warning people of four new driving laws which have been introduced in the UK since last summer – and have the potential to cost Brits more than £750 in fines.
1. Pavement parking is now banned in Scotland – potential £100 fine
If you are travelling to Scotland this summer, you need to be aware of the new pavement parking ban, which could see you fined £100. Enforced from December 2023, it is now illegal to park your car on the pavement (including partial curb parking).
The ban has come into place to make streets more accessible and safer for those in wheelchairs and those with pushchairs.
2. 20mph speed limits enforced on restricted Welsh roads – potential £100 fine
Anyone heading to Wales this summer should be aware of the new 20mph speed limit enforced on restricted roads across the country. Restricted roads refer to built-up and residential roads that would usually be 30mph.
While there should be signs alerting you of the new limit, it’s worth familiarising yourself with in case you miss them and your GPS has not updated to recognise the new limit.
For those caught speeding in the 20mph zones, you could face a minimum fine of £100 and receive three penalty points on your licence.
3. New Scottish Low Emission Zones (LEZs) – potential £480 fine
Drivers heading to Scotland will also need to be aware of the new Low Emission Zones (LEZs) now enforced in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
LEZ enforcements prohibit more polluting vehicles from entering areas to improve air quality for residents. They operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including bank holidays and public holidays.
The zones identify non-compliant vehicles through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Enforced by Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), there is no option to prepay for vehicles so non-compliant models should avoid these areas.
Initial charges are set at £60 per vehicle, reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days – though penalties double with each following breach. Charges are capped at £480 for cars and LGVs and £960 for minibuses, buses, coaches and HGVs.
Generally speaking, vehicles with a diesel engine registered after September 2015 and petrol vehicles registered from 2006 onwards will be compliant. However, it’s important to double-check your car is compliant before setting off.
4. Oxford County Council is running a 20mph scheme – potential £100 fine
If you’re planning a summer jaunt to Oxfordshire, be sure to check if your destination is part of the 20mph trials. Oxford County Council is testing out the new speed limit in several towns and parishes, with areas constantly being added and removed.
Motorists can verify which regions are currently under the 20mph limit project on the Oxford County Council website to avoid a hefty £100 fine and three points on their licence.
More information about additional driving laws that could land Brits in hot water can be found in MOTORS’ summer driving guide, along with extra advice on how drivers can ensure their car trips go as smoothly as possible this summer.
