NEW legislation means that motorists will face a £200 fine and six points on their licence if they are caught TOUCHING their phone behind the wheel.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere unveiled the latest law on 17 October 2020 – making all hand-held mobile activity while driving illegal.

Can you use a mobile phone while driving?

No, you can’t use a mobile phone while you are driving.

It has been illegal to touch a mobile phone – even with a hands-free set – while driving since 2003.

This includes using a mobile to follow a map, read a text or check social media.

The law applies even if you are stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic as your engine is still running.

You can only use a handheld phone if you are safely parked or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it is unsafe or impractical to stop.

Drivers can also use their mobiles for contactless payments if a vehicle is stationary at a drive-thru takeaway.

Close-up Of A Person’s Hand Sending Text Message By Mobile Phone While Driving Car

Can I play games and take photos while driving?

No, you can’t play games or take photos on a phone while driving.

The new rules will end a loophole that formerly allowed drivers to use a hand-held device to play games or take a picture while behind the wheel.

You also can’t scroll through music while driving under the new law.

When does the new ban start?

The new law will be enacted next year, making it illegal for anyone to touch or pick up their mobile phone while driving.

Can you use hands-free?

You can use hands-free phones – as long as you don’t press any buttons  – sat navs and two-way radios when you’re driving or riding.

But if the police think you’re distracted and not in control of your vehicle you could still get stopped and penalised. The law also applies to those riding a motorcycle.

Any hands-free devices should be fully set up before you start your ride.

What are the fines for using a mobile phone while driving?

The fines for using your phone while driving is now set at £200.

If caught, you will receive six penalty points on your licence too.

You will also lose your driving licence if you passed your test in the last two years.

If you’re caught using a mobile while driving, how many points do you get on your licence?

Previously, drivers caught on their phones received three penalty points.

But government legislation doubled the amount to six points.

As new drivers only start with six points for their first two years on the road, a conviction will mean your licence being revoked – meaning you have to retake both your theory and practical test.

Previously, motorists in some police force areas could avoid points by taking a remedial driving course.

But ministers believed it wasn’t tough enough so now those caught using a mobile phone for the first time will automatically receive six penalty points.

What are the risks of using a phone while driving?

Drivers using mobile phones were responsible for 33 deaths on Britain’s roads in 2017 alone.

More than 200 people have been killed by drivers distracted by their devices in the last 10 years.

In 2019, research from the Department of Transport suggested that nearly half a million people were using mobile phones while driving.

What is the roadside detection system?

Motorists who use mobiles at the wheel will be shamed by a roadside detection system which can sense if a phone is in use in a car.

If the scanner senses a phone in use in a car, a symbol of a mobile with a line through it then flashes up on a sign as drivers pass.

It will not record plates or issue fines, but data will be shared with police.

The scanner is unable to tell whether a driver or passenger is using a handset, but officials hope the kit will help remind people of the dangers of using phones while driving.

Norfolk County Council’s Road Safety team has developed the technology in partnership with vehicle sign technology firm Westcotec.

How many people are caught using a mobile while driving each year?

The number has fallen 84 per cent in five years, with just 16,900 receiving fixed penalty notices in 2015  compared to 123,100 in 2011.

But 11 million drivers have admitted to using their phone while driving.

Just 13,000 motorists are convicted for using – or causing others to use – a mobile phone when they’re at the controls of a car in Britain each year.

This has resulted in combined fines of £2 million annually, Direct Line said in 2019.

More than a quarter of motorists in 2019 used their phone behind the wheel, be it for calls, messaging or checking updates, according to its survey of 2,000 drivers.

This amounts to nearly 11million individuals, or a motorist using their phone every three seconds on Britain’s roads.

Trials of a 60mph limit will assess how slower speeds affect pollution levels next to junctions or on routes to towns and cities.

More than 40,000 premature deaths a year are linked to poor air quality and the government has identified 101 parts of England’s strategic road network that potentially exceed recommended NO2 levels.

It’s the first time that lower limits will be introduced to tackle emissions alone and the new measures could be rolled out to more locations.

A 60mph limit will be enforced for 24 hours a day on the following motorways:

• M6 between junctions 6 and 7 (near Birmingham)
• M1 between junctions 33 and 34 (at Rotherham, South Yorkshire)
• M602 between junctions 1 and 3 (near Eccles, Greater Manchester)
• M5 between junctions 1 and 2 (at Oldbury, West Midlands)The signposted speed limits will remain on stretches of road up to 4.5 miles long for at least 12 months with a chance of extension if air quality improves.

  Drivers caught breaking the new 60mph limit could face a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence.

  Although Highways England expect a drop in NO2 levels they confirmed that if lower limits were “not having the desired impact after 12 to 15 months then we’ll remove them and look at alternative ways to tackle air quality in that area”.

  They say initial assessments show that a 60mph limit led to an average 17% reduction in emissions.

  Another four locations with poor air quality already have lower speed limits, mainly implemented because of roadworks. There are restrictions at the M32 in Bristol; the A1 in Blaydon, Tyneside; the M4 in Harlington, London; and the M621 near Leeds.

  A separate plan to test pollution barriers is already in place

  Ivan Le Fevre, head of environment at Highways England, said: “Ultimately the air-quality challenge will be solved ‘at the tailpipe’ by vehicle manufacturers and changes in vehicle use. Until this happens we will continue our programme of research and solutions.”

  

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  RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Drivers will already be getting used to speed limits lower than 70mph on stretches of motorway that have been converted to ‘smart motorways’, so targeted speed reductions to reduce emissions in many ways makes sense – so long as doing so doesn’t lead to congestion, and therefore poorer air quality, elsewhere.

  “However it’s also right that all options are considered when it comes to tackling air pollution hotspots on major roads, so in time we look forward to seeing how effective both lower speed limits and pollution barriers prove to be.”

  Over the past 20 years, traffic on motorways has risen by almost a quarter, twice the increase for all roads. The chancellor has promised a £27 billion investment to upgrade motorways and A-roads until 2025.

Engine failure, tyre-blowouts and brake fade can all be caused by extreme temperatures – so are you maintaining your car well enough to avoid a breakdown as the mercury rises? Extreme temperatures won’t just give you sunburn and melt roads, but they also risk causing severe damage to your car.

Millions of motorists could be risking breakdowns by failing to complete basic checks.

Roadside assistance experts Green Flag estimate the UK will experience as many as 60,000 car breakdowns this week due to higher temperatures.

Easily maintainable car parts threaten to shut down under the sweltering sun as disinterested drivers fail to look after their motors.

The most vulnerable parts of your motor are batteries, tyres, brakes and shock absorbers.

And according to the RAC, hot weather can actually cause as much trouble for motorists as icy winters.

The Department for Transport has launched a consultation which could see the driver’s rule book updated with changes including making it clear where cyclists and pedestrians have priority or ‘right of way’ over drivers.

Major changes to the Highway Code being considered by the Government would see roads made safer for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

The Department for Transport has launched a consultation which could see changes in the driver’s rule book including making it clear where cyclists and pedestrians have priority or ‘right of way’ over drivers. The Plan is trying to improve safety for pedestrians- in particular children, the elderly and disabled people.

There would be new rules around what to do when you see someone waiting to cross the road as well as how drivers should deal with cyclists at junctions.

Cyclists will be given clearer priority at junctions, and pedestrians clearer priority when crossing or waiting to cross the road.

There would also be mention of the Dutch Reach – a method for opening your car door without endangering cyclists – as well as making sure warning sounds are working on electric cars and making sure your charging cable is not a trip hazard.

The main alterations to the code being proposed :

• Introducing a hierarchy of road users which ensures that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others
• Clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements, to advise that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road
• Providing guidance on cyclist priority at junctions to advise drivers to give priority to cyclists at junctions when travelling straight ahead
• Establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse riders.
• The plan reads: “The consultation document is seeking views on proposed changes to The Highway Code to improve safety for pedestrians, particularly children, older adults and disabled people, cyclists and horse riders.”It is important that these groups feel safe in their interactions with other road users.”

  The document says it gives: “specific consideration on overtaking, passing distances, cyclist and pedestrian priority at junctions, opening vehicle doors and responsibility of road users.”

  The changes would be made to a number of sections of the Highway Code including:

  • Rules for pedestrians (Rules 1 to 19)
  • Rules about animals (Rule 52)
  • Rules for cyclists (Rules 59 to 82)
  • Rules for drivers and motorcyclists (Rule 97)
  • General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (Rules 123 to 151)
  • Using the road (Rules 160 to 199)
  • Road users requiring extra care (Rules 204 to 215)
  • Waiting and parking (Rule 239)
  • Annex 1: you and your bicycle
  • Annex 6: vehicle maintenance, safety and security Discussing the planned new Hierarchy of Road Users the plan reads: “The ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’ is a concept which places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy.”The road users most likely to be injured in the event of a collision are pedestrians, in particular children, older adults and disabled people, followed by cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists.

     

     

    The hierarchy does not remove the need for everyone to behave responsibly. The following H rules clarify this concept.

    “It is important that ALL road users are aware of The Highway Code, are considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for the safety of others.

    It adds: “Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.

    “This principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, followed by vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles.

    “Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.

    Always remember that the people you encounter may have impaired sight, hearing or mobility, and may not be able to see or hear you. “None of this detracts from the responsibility of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, to have regard for their own and other road users’ safety.”

    T here would be new rules around what to do when you see someone waiting to cross the road.

    They would read: “At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.

    “You MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.

    “You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing.

    Horse riders and horse drawn vehicles should also give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.

    “Pedestrians have priority when on a zebra crossing, on a parallel crossing or at light controlled crossings when they have a green signal.

    “Cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared use cycle tracks. Only pedestrians may use the pavement.

    “This includes people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Compulsory MOT testing for cars, vans, and motorcycles is to be reintroduced in England, Scotland, and Wales on August 1st 2020 as coronavirus restrictions continue to be lifted, the Government confirmed. But why was testing suspended in the first place, why is it being reintroduced soon, and what does it mean for your vehicle?

Mandatory MOT testing was suspended at the start of lockdown to minimise the spread of coronavirus. The policy therefore reduces the number of drivers, mechanics, and support staff that have to interact in person. Furthermore, it makes it easier to keep vehicles on the road legally which is handy at a time of national crisis. This helps doctors and nurses travel to work, for instance.

However, it appears that coronavirus is becoming a less serious threat. The Government is therefore becoming less focussed on keeping drivers, mechanics, and support staff separate and more on ensuring vehicles are roadworthy. Compulsory MOT testing is therefore being reintroduced in the near future. What this means for your vehicle depends when your current MOT certificate expires.

March 30th 2020 to July 31st 2020

If your vehicle’s MOT expires between March 30th and July 31st 2020, you still have an automatic 6 month extension. For example, July 5th 2020 is extended to January 5th 2021. However, you do not have to wait until the end of your coronavirus extension to have your vehicle checked. If you prefer, it can be done on any earlier date.

Also, irrespective of any extension it is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. If not, you might be prosecuted.

August 1st 2020 onward

If your MOT expires on/after August 1st 2020 throughout England, Scotland, and Wales there is no extension for your vehicle. Simply have it assessed according to its normal, pre-coronavirus schedule.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: ‘As people return to our roads, it is vital motorists are able to keep their vehicles safe. That is why, as restrictions are eased, from August 1st MOT testing will again be  mandatory. Garages across the country are open and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test as soon they can.’

The Government added further context. It said ‘only some garages remained open’ at the peak of the outbreak for ‘essential services’. However, 90% are now open and MOT testing capacity is 70%. These figures are ‘steadily increasing’. Also, if you still have to self-isolate some garages will collect and return your car.