Latest news with #HighwayCode
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Motorists who perform 'friendly gesture' could end up landing £1k fine
A survey has revealed that more than half of motorists in the UK are breaking the highway code due to common driving myths - and this could be leading to fines of up to £1,000 Over half of UK motorists are unwittingly contravening the Highway Code, believing in widespread driving myths, according to new research. A study by LKQ Euro Car Parts quizzed British drivers on their understanding of road regulations to uncover the most prevalent misconceptions and the potential repercussions of such beliefs. With a staggering 58% of drivers flouting the Highway Code due to these fallacies, potentially facing fines up to £1,000, specialists at LKQ Euro Car Parts have pinpointed the top five blunders and debunked each one. Take a look below at the myths to make sure you don't end up landing any driving fines. Myth 1: You should flash your lights as a friendly gesture (60%) A significant number of motorists, 45%, confess to occasionally using their full-beam headlights as a cordial signal, with some even sharing their actions on social platforms. Often it's used to permit another driver to merge from a junction or as an expression of gratitude. Yet, this seemingly benign act contravenes the Highway Code and could lead to a fine of as much as £1,000. Alarmingly, 60% of drivers are oblivious to the fact that this practice is prohibited. The Highway Code's Rule 110 clearly instructs: "Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed." Myth 2: Driving with the interior light on is illegal (38%) A common belief instilled from a young age is that it's illegal to drive with the interior light on, with 38% of drivers thinking this. Despite this widespread belief, there are no rules against driving with your vehicle's interior lights on. However, it can be distracting, so it should only be used when absolutely necessary and for brief periods. Myth 3: You can beep your horn to express frustration (52%) More than half of UK drivers (52%) believe it's harmless to honk their car horn at other road users out of frustration, with over a third (36%) admitting they have done so in the past. However, while you can use your horn to signal danger to yourself or other road users, you're breaking the highway code if you honk simply out of annoyance and could receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of £30. According to rule 112 of the highway code: "Use your horn only while your vehicle is moving, and you need to warn other road users of your presence. Never sound your horn aggressively. You must not use your horn while stationary on a road - "except" when another road user poses a danger." Myth 4: It is illegal to drive in certain footwear or barefoot (43%) The type of footwear you wear while driving can impact your ability to drive safely, but there are no strict rules or laws about what you can wear on your feet, including flip flops, high heels and even going barefoot. Many motorists mistakenly believe it's illegal to drive in flipflops (41%), barefoot (43%) or in high heels (29%). However, you can be stopped for unsafe driving, so always ensure you can competently operate your vehicle in whatever footwear you choose. Myth 5: Air-con is more fuel efficient than rolling down the windows (68%) Over two thirds of drivers (68%) believe that air-con uses less petrol than driving with the windows down, thus making it the most economical choice. However, this isn't accurate. When driving at slower speeds, having the windows open is the more fuel-efficient option as it creates minimal drag compared to the constant energy consumption caused by AC.
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
UK Blue Badge holders issued 'never assume' warning over parking in 7 places
Although the Blue Badge scheme does provide parking concessions to help disabled people get closer to their destinations, it doesn't permit them right to park anywhere Blue Badges provide a much-needed life-line for disabled people who drive, offering a number of hugely helpful benefits to holders. Getting around can be a significant challenge to begin with, so convenient on-street parking concessions make the world of difference for many drivers with disabilities. While some private or council car parks may offer free or extended parking to Blue Badge holders, this is not guaranteed, so be sure to check local signage or the relevant council website. Off-street locations including airports, hospitals, shopping centres and private car parks often enforce their own rules, which can differ significantly from council-operated on-street parking. Disabled parking permit holders must always comply with the Highway Code and local traffic regulations. With that in mind, here are seven specific places where parking with a Blue Badge is not permitted: Loading bays: Parking in loading bays is not allowed unless local signage explicitly permits Blue Badge holders to do so. These areas are reserved for vehicles actively loading or unloading goods. Resident or permit-only bays: Spaces reserved for specific users, such as residents or business permit holders, are generally off-limits. Always check for local exemptions, but do not assume access. Bus stops: Parking at bus stops is strictly prohibited. These areas must remain clear for public transport vehicles at all times. School 'keep clear' areas: Marked with yellow zig-zags, these zones are designed to keep children safe. Blue Badge holders cannot park here during the times indicated on the signage. Bus, tram or cycle lanes: Blue Badge holders cannot drive or park in bus, tram, or cycle lanes during their hours of operation. These lanes are reserved to keep public transport and cyclists moving efficiently and safely. Double white lines in the middle of the road: Parking is not allowed where double white lines are present, even if one line is broken. These markings indicate areas where stopping is dangerous or disruptive. Out-of-use parking metres: If a parking meter is out of service, parking is still not permitted, even with a Blue Badge. These spaces are considered unavailable until the metre is repaired. Aside from these specific locations, there are some general parking considerations to keep in mind. Even where parking is technically allowed, Blue Badge holders must not park where it would cause an obstruction or danger to other road users or pedestrians. This includes blocking driveways, emergency access points, or parking on pavements unless specifically permitted. Some local councils, especially in central London, have unique rules and require additional permits, so always check local regulations before parking. The Blue Badge scheme is a vital support for disabled motorists, but it still comes with certain responsibilities. But be sure to check local rules, signage, relevant websites and the Highway Code to ensure you don't get stung with penalties or lose your parking privileges.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
people watch on as rows erupt on infamous 'Swearing Bridge'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info For best views of the action, locals recommend the Tu Hunt i'r Bont tearoom or the Eagles beer garden. From here, there's a reasonable chance of seeing a 'hilarious' row erupting on Llanrwst's 17th Century bridge over the Afon Conwy. For as long as anyone can remember, High Noon showdowns have been taking place on the apex of a humpback bridge that's a Welsh icon. When drivers approach the single-lane bridge, there's no way of knowing if a vehicle is also crossing from the opposite direction. A recent video shared online showed the inevitable outcome: two motorists gesticulating, each insisting they have right of way. A few hours later, an almost identical scenario played out, this time involving a truck and a queue of cars. Some residents shake their heads sadly, others draw up their seats and watch the unfolding dramas. 'Who needs Netflix...?' noted one man online. Another added: 'We used to sit on the bridge watching them argue, it was fun!' Impasses on Pont Fawr bridge are part of local folklore – so much so that it's been dubbed Pont y Rhegi (The Swearing Bridge). One celebrated individual used to arbitrate disputes and for a while the bad language dissipated. Attempts to find a solution have done little to ease the problems. Sensors embedded in the bridge asphalt near the A470 trigger a flashing amber light on the other side of the bridge, warning oncoming drivers to stop. But by then it's often too late: two or more drivers are trundling towards each other en route to yet another Mexican stand-off. Regular users have long lived by the rule of 'first to the top wins' – first to the apex has the right of way and the other motorist must reverse off the bridge. 'I've reversed 6 times in a row before now,' sighed a local woman. 'Saves arguments.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now It's not a perfect system and increasing numbers of tourists not familiar with the local rule means the number of stand-offs is on the rise. There are other issues too: as well as endangering pedestrians on the bridge, drivers reversing onto the A470 are contravening Highway Code rule 201, which advises motorists not to back up onto main roads. Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders has asked the Welsh Government to intervene on 'numerous occasions'. 'Our understanding is that Conwy Council was working with the Welsh Government to find solutions for the A470 side of the bridge,' said a spokesperson for her office. 'But in the last 12 months we've heard nothing, so Janet will be raising further questions in the hope of reducing the risk of bridge stand-offs in the future.' (Image: Wayne Thorley) A joint project between local and national government was announced in February 2024 by Lee Waters, the former deputy minister for climate change. Its main aim was to assess new A470 and pavement markings to prevent turning vehicles from scraping the bridge parapet. The study, which would also examine traffic priorities, was 'subject to prioritisation and funding'. Former Llanrwst mayor Cllr Mostyn Jones, now chair of the town's finance committee, would prefer a solution involving three-way traffic lights – one on the Trefriw side, the other two on the A470. The latter pair would need to be sited so as to give sufficient room for traffic turning on and off the bridge. It follows years of bridge strikes by long-axis vehicles: the most recent involved a coach said to have sent mortar tumbling into the river last week. (Image: Google) Worried about constant repairs to a listed structure and a scheduled ancient monument, Cllr Jones has been lobbying heritage body Cadw for action. While Pont Fawr's 18-stone limit can accommodate two-axle HGVs and coaches, its narrow nature means slight misjudgements can have serious impacts. 'For the last two or three years I've been complaining to Cadw about the poor state of the bridge,' he said. 'With the high volume of traffic now seen in the Conwy Valley, a sustainable solution needs to be found urgently. 'Pedestrians use the bridge and we've seen that funding can be sourced for active travel schemes. A list of potential ideas must be drawn up and put out for public consultation.' Booming tourism in Eryri has brought more traffic into the Conwy Valley and its road infrastructure can struggle to cope. Notoriously, all four river crossings between Conwy town and Betws-y-Coed involve either single-lane bridges (Pont Fawr and Pont-y-Pair) or single-lane approaches (Talycafn and the Conwy town wall arch). 'There needs to be a more strategic approach to getting traffic across the river from the west side of the valley,' added Cllr Jones. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox See what's on in your area
North Wales Live
a day ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
'Better than Netflix' - people watch on as rows erupt on infamous 'Swearing Bridge'
For best views of the action, locals recommend the Tu Hunt i'r Bont tearoom or the Eagles beer garden. From here, there's a reasonable chance of seeing a 'hilarious' row erupting on Llanrwst's 17th Century bridge over the Afon Conwy. For as long as anyone can remember, High Noon showdowns have been taking place on the apex of a humpback bridge that's a Welsh icon. When drivers approach the single-lane bridge, there's no way of knowing if a vehicle is also crossing from the opposite direction. A recent video shared online showed the inevitable outcome: two motorists gesticulating, each insisting they have right of way. A few hours later, an almost identical scenario played out, this time involving a truck and a queue of cars. Some residents shake their heads sadly, others draw up their seats and watch the unfolding dramas. 'Who needs Netflix...?' noted one man online. Another added: 'We used to sit on the bridge watching them argue, it was fun!' Impasses on Pont Fawr bridge are part of local folklore – so much so that it's been dubbed Pont y Rhegi (The Swearing Bridge). One celebrated individual used to arbitrate disputes and for a while the bad language dissipated. Attempts to find a solution have done little to ease the problems. Sensors embedded in the bridge asphalt near the A470 trigger a flashing amber light on the other side of the bridge, warning oncoming drivers to stop. But by then it's often too late: two or more drivers are trundling towards each other en route to yet another Mexican stand-off. Regular users have long lived by the rule of 'first to the top wins' – first to the apex has the right of way and the other motorist must reverse off the bridge. 'I've reversed 6 times in a row before now,' sighed a local woman. 'Saves arguments.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now It's not a perfect system and increasing numbers of tourists not familiar with the local rule means the number of stand-offs is on the rise. There are other issues too: as well as endangering pedestrians on the bridge, drivers reversing onto the A470 are contravening Highway Code rule 201, which advises motorists not to back up onto main roads. Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders has asked the Welsh Government to intervene on 'numerous occasions'. 'Our understanding is that Conwy Council was working with the Welsh Government to find solutions for the A470 side of the bridge,' said a spokesperson for her office. 'But in the last 12 months we've heard nothing, so Janet will be raising further questions in the hope of reducing the risk of bridge stand-offs in the future.' A joint project between local and national government was announced in February 2024 by Lee Waters, the former deputy minister for climate change. Its main aim was to assess new A470 and pavement markings to prevent turning vehicles from scraping the bridge parapet. The study, which would also examine traffic priorities, was 'subject to prioritisation and funding'. Former Llanrwst mayor Cllr Mostyn Jones, now chair of the town's finance committee, would prefer a solution involving three-way traffic lights – one on the Trefriw side, the other two on the A470. The latter pair would need to be sited so as to give sufficient room for traffic turning on and off the bridge. It follows years of bridge strikes by long-axis vehicles: the most recent involved a coach said to have sent mortar tumbling into the river last week. Worried about constant repairs to a listed structure and a scheduled ancient monument, Cllr Jones has been lobbying heritage body Cadw for action. While Pont Fawr's 18-stone limit can accommodate two-axle HGVs and coaches, its narrow nature means slight misjudgements can have serious impacts. 'For the last two or three years I've been complaining to Cadw about the poor state of the bridge,' he said. 'With the high volume of traffic now seen in the Conwy Valley, a sustainable solution needs to be found urgently. 'Pedestrians use the bridge and we've seen that funding can be sourced for active travel schemes. A list of potential ideas must be drawn up and put out for public consultation.' Booming tourism in Eryri has brought more traffic into the Conwy Valley and its road infrastructure can struggle to cope. Notoriously, all four river crossings between Conwy town and Betws-y-Coed involve either single-lane bridges (Pont Fawr and Pont-y-Pair) or single-lane approaches (Talycafn and the Conwy town wall arch). 'There needs to be a more strategic approach to getting traffic across the river from the west side of the valley,' added Cllr Jones.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
The four precautions Blue Badge holders must take when parking to avoid £130 fine
The four precautions Blue Badge holders must take when parking to avoid £130 fine Experts say that, contrary to popular belief, the blue badge scheme does not allow drivers to park anywhere There are a wide range of conditions and restrictions (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto ) Blue badge holders have been warned that they could potentially be fined £130 when parking if four proper precautions aren't taken. Experts say that, contrary to popular belief, the blue badge scheme does not allow drivers to park anywhere. There are a wide range of conditions and restrictions and these can vary by factors such as the location you are parking in or the time of day. Drivers also need to use the badge correctly to be entitled to accessible locations or payment-free parking. Matt Fieldhouse, group managing director and accessible car expert at Mobility in Motion , explained that badge holders need to check these four things before parking to avoid a potential £130 fine. Acknowledge regional parking differences Mr Fieldhouse said: 'While the Blue Badge scheme is valid for parking across the whole of the UK, it is important to note that not every area will have the same rules. "For example, if you are travelling to London, there are different local regulations to follow when it comes to specific boroughs, including: City of London, e.g. Blue Badge holders cannot park on double yellow lines in this area. City of Westminster - the blue badge scheme doesn't apply here due to huge amounts of congestion and high parking demand. Kensington and Chelsea - again, the scheme isn't upheld here due to large amounts of congestion. "Outside of London, there are also different regulations that blue badge holders must check before parking at popular holiday destinations: "While Lake District car parks do have Blue Badge holder spaces, their charges apply to all vehicles - including those with Blue Badges. However, they do also allow an extra hour for blue badge holders. "When visiting the Cotswolds, valid Blue Badge holders may park free of charge in most of the Cotswold District Council car parks up to the maximum stay of that car park. The one car park they must pay to park in, however, is the Market Square car park in Chipping Campden. "It is crucial that you check first where you can park with a Blue Badge on the government website to prevent a parking ticket, or on the local council's website if you're parking in Scotland.' Never assume you can park anywhere Mr Fieldhouse said: 'Private land (like airports or hospital car parks) often have their own rules. Some car parks or town centres may offer free parking for badge holders, but you should always check local signage or the council website before relying on this. "Ultimately, you still have to abide by the Highway Code. For example, Blue Badge holders cannot park in loading bays, where parking is only for certain people, e.g. the people who live or work there, bus stops, school 'keep clear' areas, bus, tram or cycle lanes - Blue Badge holders cannot drive in bus lanes during their hours of operation, where there are double white lines in the middle of the road, or where there is a parking meter, but it is out of use." Parking on double yellow lines without the clock can cost you £80 The expert explained: 'Blue Badge holders can park on double yellow lines for up to 3 hours if there are no other restrictions, such as a loading ban. However, you should never forget to display your parking clock clearly showing your 15-minute arrival time. Once drivers leave the spot, they must wait at least one hour before parking in the same place again. Failing to do these things can result in fines of up to £80.' Always remember to display the badge properly - or risk £130 He added: 'Make sure that the blue badge is clearly visible from outside the vehicle. It is important to remember that the front-side of the badge should permanently be on show, not the photo side. An incorrectly displayed badge can result in a parking fine, even if the driver is entitled to be there - costing UK drivers up to £130, if they're parking in London. "Important note: Police officers, traffic wardens and some other people may ask to see your blue badge at any point. This also includes civil enforcement officers, who may be in plain clothes. Article continues below While you do have to show your blue badge to these members of authority upon request, you do also have the right to ask them for their ID first.'
