Some new driving changes are being implemented over the next month (Image: GETTY)
UK drivers will have to navigate new laws and regulations on the roads this month, with some alterations already in effect as of yesterday – Sunday, December 1.
While some are typical seasonal adjustments, others are brand-new rules introduced by the Labour government and will now be enforced by . One of the first changes being rolled out is the regular quarterly update on advisory fuel rates.
These rates, released by on December 1, determine how much employers should compensate employees who drive company cars for fuel expenses and whether these employees need to reimburse fuel costs for any personal journeys made in the company vehicle.
The changes include new pence per mile rates for diesel and petrol cars, with all diesel vehicles seeing a 1p decrease in their rate per mile. The full list of changes can be found on the .
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New regulations for electric vehicles and their charging points were introduced in November and non-compliance could now result in a potential £10,000 fine. Charge point operators may be particularly at risk of the hefty fine if their EV charge points don’t offer contactless payments.
Although the push to modernise electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the UK has been widely welcomed, concerns have been raised by the ESP Group about the potential impact on larger operators.
They highlighted, as reported by “As the number of public charge points in the UK surpassed 68,000 earlier this year, total non-compliance could result in billions of pounds in fines for the sector.”
In a move to boost driver confidence, the government has promised new regulations starting from December to enhance the dependability of charging stations. Operators are now required to ensure a 99% reliability rate and facilitate contactless payments across the board.
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Car buyers may need to reassess their options as Labour aims to modify the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate introduced by the Conservatives at the beginning of 2024. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds revealed on last week his plans to expedite consultations on possible revisions to this mandate.
Reynolds has committed to providing clarity to the automotive sector shortly. The original mandate aimed for a complete transition to zero emission cars in the UK by 2035, using a phased approach and imposing penalties on manufacturers that don’t meet specific targets for zero emission vehicle sales.
One of the final changes hitting UK roads is the new requirements for Heavy Good Vehicles, or HGVs. From December 31, these vehicles will need to be equipped with a full or transitional smart tachograph 2 if they’re embarking on international journeys.
These gadgets log a vehicle’s driving time, speed, distance and the driver’s activity.