Motorists must be aware of four new driving laws set to impact road users across the UK throughout February.
Just weeks after pavement parking charges were launched in Edinburgh, other parts of the country will be affected.
Many car owners will be slapped with £100 fines if they are unaware of the new rules when enforcement starts at the end of the month.
Meanwhile, updates to HGV rules, Clean Air Zone fee updates and electric cars also make the list of major changes coming to Britain’s roads.
Express.co.uk looks at the four most important driving law updates set to hit road users in February.
Pavement parking – February
Pavement parking enforcement came into effect in Edinburgh in January and more Scottish regions are set to follow suit.
The Highland Council has confirmed that penalties will be issued to drivers stopping on the path from this month as the introductory period comes to a close.
Motorists caught breaking the rules will be slapped with a £100 fine but this will be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
The Council said: “In early 2024, there will be a grace period where Warning Notices will be issued for contraventions. From February 2024, Penalty Charge Notices will be issued.”
HGV rule changes – February 21
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV’s) must be fitted with new tachograph technology from February 21 under new regulations. Tachograph technology is used to automatically record the start and locations of journeys which could be vital in the transport trade.
The DVSA said: “On or after February 21, 2024, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be fitted into all newly registered in-scope vehicles regardless of journey types.”
It’s the first of two planned changes to HGV tachographs set for 2024 with more updates lined up for the end of the year.
The DVSA added: “On or after December 31, 2024, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be retrofitted into in-scope vehicles with an analogue or digital tachograph undertaking international journeys.”
Clean Air Zone – February 26
Dozens of motorists will be liable for charges under Sheffield’s Clean Air Zone charge later this month.
According to ProEV, commercial vehicles with existing finance agreements were exempt from paying fees but this will end on February 26, 2024. In some cases, motorists will continue to be exempt from paying until their finance agreement is up.
Electric car charging – February 26
Motorway service operators interested in benefiting from the Rapid Charging Fund (RCF) must apply before the end of February. The scheme has been open for interest since December but any submissions will close from February 28.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said the RCF is designed to “accelerate investments” in transport. They stress that access to rapid chargers will help encourage more motorists to go out and buy EVs themselves.
The DfT added: “The Government expects the private sector to deliver chargepoints, but will, under the pilot, fund non-commercially viable costs of future-proofing grid capacity. The pilot will fund a portion of the cost of upgrading connections at motorway service areas in England only.”
