A number of driving rules changed in September and motorists may have missed them in the flurry of politics and world news. The changes have been followed by a number that are coming up in October.
Last month, new numberplates were released with the 74 signifier – and the DVLA announced 150,000 new personalised registration numbers would be auctioned.
The plates all start with letters between A and H followed by a second letter, the numbers 25 or 26 then three more letters.
For drivers who claim expenses on their fuel, HMRC’s new advisory fuel rates were introduced on September 1. For a car with a petrol engine drivers will get 13p per mile (engines up to 1,400cc), 15p (between 1,401cc and 2,000cc) and 24p (over 2,000cc). Diesel prices are 12p per mile (1,600cc), 14p (between 1,601cc and 2,000cc) and 18p (over 2,000cc).
LPG prices are 11p, 13p and 21p and electric vehicles 7p per mile.
Transport for London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) scrappage scheme closed on September 7. The scheme helped pay 54,000 drivers to switch to lower-polluting vehicles.
More changes take effect in October.
Parking
There are four key parking areas which will be affected this month. Under the new Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice motorists are hopefully going to find life easier.
One of the key changes is that drivers will not have a mandatory 10 minute grace period which means they cannot be fined if they return to their vehicle within 10 minutes of their paid-for parking. Published by the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community it aims to “raise standards and deliver greater transparency and consistency for the benefit of motorists”.
Other main changes are:
- Introduction of an Appeals Charter, creating clear parameters for motorists to appeal against a parking charge
- Consistent rules for private parking operators
- Clear signage to help motorists navigate parking on private land
- Ensures the protection of the most vulnerable in society, with no decrease to the deterrent for abuse of Blue Badge bays or those who choose to park selfishly, putting their own convenience above the needs or rights of others.
- Maintains a cap on the parking charge at £100 reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Private Parking Operators will implement the new single Code by 1 October 2024 with all existing sites needing to be updated by December 2026. The new sector Code can be downloaded here
Budget
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver Labour’s first budget on October 30 with many fearing fuel duty will be one of the areas used to tackle a “£22billion blackhole” in the finances. A 5p per litre fuel duty cut was introduced by then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak to deal with high petrol and diesel prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In March this year Jeremy Hunt extended the cut by 12 months as driver still needed the support. However some believe this will be scrapped in the budget, especially as fuel prices have recently dropped to their lowest since 2021.
Other motoring experts have raised concerns that a pay-per-mile road pricing system could be introduced. However this is unlikely to be in place soon even if approved.
Medical licences
On October 5 there will be a change in medical standards and medical certificate requirements for people using Jersey driving licences. This will include when someone needs to submit a medical certificate, their driving licence validity period and the requirements for some medical conditions.
Medical standards will also change for those who suffer from poor vision, epilepsy and seizures, and diabetes. All drivers are advised to check the new rules, which will bring them in line with UK and EU rules, on the Jersey Government website.
HGV drivers
Also coming into force next month are changes to the standards required for HGV drivers. From October 28, HGVs over 12 tonnes will require a minimum three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating or to fit the updated system of enhanced safety features – the Progressive Safe System (PSS) – in order to operate in Greater London.
The DVS and PSS requirements, alongside other measures being introduced, could save an estimated 25,000 lives by 2038, according to the European Commission. There will be a grace period allowed to ensure vehicles comply with the new Progressive Safe System.