British motorists are being reminded of new driving laws that have launched in recent weeks that could have a huge impact on their driving habits in the future.
Even though February is the shortest month of the year, a number of crucial driving law changes were introduced, including electric vehicle targets, the threat of new fines and driving licence rules.
To help drivers deal with the countless motoring changes, GB News has rounded up the most important new rules you need to be aware of.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Motorists are being warned of new driving law changes which launched in February
GETTY/PA
New punishments
The new Crime and Policing Bill is currently making its way through Parliament in a bid to crack down on people breaking the law, especially when behind the wheel.
The Bill will make it illegal to be in possession of electronic devices like signal jammers, which are often used in vehicle thefts. It would also frack down on those importing, manufacturing, adapting, or distributing jamming equipment.
Chief Constable Jenny Simms, the National Police Chief’s Council’s vehicle crime lead Assistant, supported the move, saying the devices have no legitimate purpose outside of trying to steal vehicles.
The additional funding will be for electric vans, taxis and motorbikes
PA
Electric vehicle funding
In a bid to help those who own vans, taxis and motorbikes, the Government has launched a £120million boost to help motorists switch to electric vehicles.
Businesses will be able to receive grants up to £2,500 when buying small vans up to 2.5 tonnes and up to £5,000 for larger vans up to 4.25 tonnes
Lilian Greenwood, Future of Roads Minister, said: “By making the transition to zero emissions a success, we’re helping to drive growth all over the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets and rebuilding Britain to deliver our Plan for Change.”
Larger car brands are required to have 28 per cent of sales come from electric vehicles
PA
ZEV consultation
The long-awaited Zero Emission Vehicle mandate consultation came to an end in February, with the Department for Transport now working to develop new rules to ensure manufacturers meet specific net zero targets.
The ZEV mandate outlines that manufacturers must have at least 28 per cent of total sales come from zero emission vehicles by the end of this year. Targets will increase every year, reaching 80 per cent in 2030.
The consultation was met with mixed reviews from key industry players amid fears the Government could water down rules for manufacturers. It is expected that an announcement from the Government will be unveiled in the coming months.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Driving licences
At the end of February, it was announced that the Ukraine driving licence scheme would be extended on March 3, to help motorists from the nation keep their Ukranian licences for a longer period of time.
Under the new rules, drivers will be able to keep their Ukrainian licence for up to 54 months after becoming a GB resident if they applied for permission to stay or entry clearance.
The new rules come in response to a consultation which found that an overwhelming majority of the respondents (98 per cent) supported the measures to allow Ukrainians to stay on the road without having to exchange their licence for a GB card.
