Tighter UK driving laws on mobile phone use and vehicle emissions are expected to come into force in 2021.
The British government is in the middle of a consultation process on mobile phone use. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, Baroness Vere, says British roads are some of the safest in the world but could be safer with tougher UK driving laws.
Last year, more than 600 casualties on British Roads occurred when the driver was using a hand-held phone.
Changes To Driving Laws In The UK
Currently, UK driving laws make it illegal to receive or make calls in a vehicle if you are driving. However, the law only covers ‘interactive communication.’ This means that drivers can take photographs, scroll through music playlists, and play games.
To close this loophole, UK driving laws will be updated to make all phone interactions in a vehicle illegal. The goal is to stop dangerous distractions and ensure risky drivers do not escape punishment.
The new driving laws for 2021 are expected to be introduced early in the year, with a £200 fine and six penalty points for breaking them.
UK driving laws will also change for vehicles entering Birmingham’s new Clean Air Zone. A daily fee of £8 will apply for taxis, cars, minibusses, and LGV’s with petrol engines that do not meet Euro 4 Standards (vehicles made before 2004) and for diesel vehicles that do not meet Euro 6 Standards (vehicles made before 2015). The fee will be £50 per day for Heavy Goods Vehicles.
Post Brexit Impact
Brexit will have no impact on driving laws in the UK, but in almost all European countries, you will need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive on European roads at the cost of £5.50. This is not needed if you drive on Irish roads.
Post Brexit driving and EU driving laws will also mean that you will need a green card from your insurer to prove you have insurance for driving abroad. You also need to put a GB sticker on your vehicle.
For more information, or if you are looking to expand your fleet contact a member of our team today.
