Drivers who wear Crocs behind the wheel could be hit with a £5,000 fine
Drivers who wear Crocs behind the wheel could be hit with a £5,000 fine
As the weather warms up, many people choose to wear comfortable footwear such as Crocs - however experts are warning that drivers who wear the shoes could face a hefty fine
Those who break the rule could land themselves with a £5,000 fine (stock image)
(Image: Markus Bernhard via Getty Images )
Motorists are being cautioned by experts to don suitable shoes while driving to avoid potential fines on the road.
With the arrival of warmer weather, many individuals opt for more relaxed footwear, and Crocs have become a particularly favoured choice. The popularity of Crocs has surged in the UK, with a staggering 1.3 million Google searches for the brand in just the last month, and celebrities from Stormzy to Kendall Jenner have been spotted sporting them.
Despite their summer appeal, drivers who wear Crocs behind the wheel could face a hefty £5,000 fine, warn the specialists at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
According to Rule 97 of the Highway Code, it's imperative for drivers to wear "footwear and clothing which does not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner.", reports Bristol Live.
While there's no specific law against driving in summery footwear like Crocs or sandals, it's essential to choose shoes that ensure full and easy control over the vehicle's functions.
The risk with such footwear is that it may slip off, leading to safety issues when trying to use the car's pedals.
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Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, emphasised: "While it is not illegal to drive shoeless or in improper footwear, drivers should hold off on wearing footwear that doesn't allow them to operate their car properly."
He added, "Anyone who is driving has the responsibility to operate their car and pedals correctly.
"So even with the warm weather, it may seem easy to slip on your Crocs and other sandals, however, this can have a large impact on your ability to drive and safely operate your car.
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"Drivers should consider having an extra pair of shoes in their car, but they should make sure they are not too wide or too thick to avoid pressing two pedals at once.
"Ultimately, an extra pair of shoes will mean drivers can avoid fines and prioritise safety on the roads by ensuring they have the correct footwear for their vehicle."
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