Latest news with #TheHighwayCode
Daily Record
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Motorists who make common 'hot weather' mistake could be slapped with fine
An expert has issued a stark warning to drivers about a little-known mistake many people make when driving, especially in the summer months, and the rule could see motorists hit with a hefty fine Motorists are being cautioned about a costly blunder they could make while behind the wheel during the warmer months. Eden Tyres and Servicing has taken to social media with a forthright video that pinpoints a typical " warm weather error" drivers make, which could lead to an unwanted dent in their wallets. The video's presenter warns of the mistake many make in sunny conditions, which is why spreading the word is deemed essential. The TikTok clip advises: "When the weather is lovely and hot, and cars are stuffy, many of us leave our car idling whilst parked to let the air conditioning cool the interior. "But, did you know, if you get caught by a police officer or traffic warden, and don't turn your engine off when asked to do so, you can land an £80 fine?" The regulation aims to cut down on exhaust emissions and noise pollution, urging drivers to remain vigilant to avoid the unnecessary penalty. While idling is sometimes unavoidable in daily traffic, it's advised to switch off engines during prolonged stops, such as outside schools or in stationary traffic, to minimise its impact. Motorists might not realise that leaving their car idling can land them in trouble with the law in various places. In some cases, individuals could face substantial fines for failing to turn off their vehicle while stationary. The RAC has shed light on the issue, explaining: "Some local authorities charge a £20 fixed penalty notice (FPN) for emission offences and stationary idling under The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002. There's potential for the fine to increase to £80. "However, it's important to note that fines are imposed only if a motorist refuses to switch off their engine when asked to do so by an authorised person." According to Rule 123 of The Highway Code, which addresses "The Driver and the Environment", drivers must not leave a vehicle parked with the engine running or let the engine run unnecessarily while the vehicle is stationary on a public road. Why is idling in a car frowned upon? Idling poses several problems. For example, allowing your engine to idle while stationary leads to more exhaust fumes being emitted into the atmosphere. These idling emissions are laden with noxious gases such as carbon dioxide, which harm our environment and are major contributors to climate change. Additionally, these emissions contain other toxic substances like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons. Pollutants, often linked to health issues like asthma and other respiratory disorders, are notably emitted from diesel vehicles, especially the older models due to their higher nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. The RAC has highlighted: "Local authorities have the power to issue £20 fixed penalties for engine idling if a motorist refuses to switch off their engine, regardless of the location." It further states: "The penalty is given as a result of rule 123 of The Highway Code, stating that drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while the vehicle is stationary on a public road."
Telegraph
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
What to do after a car accident
No one gets into a car planning to have a crash. But if the worst does happen, millions of us apparently don't know what we should do and who to call. Research by insurer Aviva found that a fifth of drivers (20 per cent) don't know the steps to take following a collision. And more than a third of drivers admitted to not knowing that The Highway Code stipulates you must stop at the scene of a crash. Here's what you should do in the aftermath of a collision, according to road safety experts, along with a quiz to test your possibly newfound knowledge. First steps Pull over to somewhere as safe as possible, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning lights. RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: 'Although there's no legal requirement to carry high-vis jackets, unlike in many other countries, we strongly advise that drivers keep some in the boot in case of a breakdown or collision. While you're waiting for help, you need to be as visible as possible to oncoming traffic. Wearing a high-vis ensures this.' Head of telematics at insurer Aviva, Matthew Washer, added: 'If you're involved in a crash – whether that's a bump or a more serious collision – the most important thing is to check whether anyone is hurt. If so, contact the emergency services straight away. 'From an insurance point of view – and only once everyone is safe – make sure you exchange details with the other party involved. Remember, all events, regardless of their severity, must be reported to your insurer.' When you're checking for injuries, ask other parties involved in the crash if they have been hurt. But this can be tricky because sadly it's not unusual for people who are unhurt to later claim for hard-to-prove injuries such as whiplash. But also bear in mind that the adrenaline from a crash can mask pain in the immediate aftermath. If the road is blocked, you should call the police. Keep calm – and don't admit anything That adrenaline rush immediately after the crash results in an elevated heart rate, hot or cold flushes and sometimes confusion as your body and brain process what has just happened. Before you engage with other drivers, take a deep breath, attempt to rationalise what has occurred and focus on what details you need to gather. It's important to stay calm and not to start shouting and finger-pointing at other drivers. Equally, don't say sorry. Technically that isn't accepting liability – although it might be used against you at a later date. Never admit liability either, even if someone is trying to pressure you to. Which details do you need to swap? The law says you must swap names, addresses and your car registration number with everyone involved if damage to property or injury has resulted from a crash. Also swap insurance details with other drivers. To make this easier, we suggest you carry a sheet of paper in your glovebox detailing your insurance company and policy number, as well as a phone number for your breakdown company, just in case. While you might know all these details, or have them stored on your phone, other drivers of the car might not. Can you get a witness? It can be helpful to find any witnesses to the accident and get their contact details. Also find out if the other driver is the car's owner; it might be a company car. And should a foreign truck be involved, be aware that tractor and trailer might have different registration numbers so make a note of both, as well as the haulage company's name. Now that most of us have a phone with a decent camera, it can be a wise move to take photographs of people's details, damage to their cars, those involved and any damage to property at the scene. An image is more reliable than post-incident recollections. You should pass all these to your insurer, including any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage. And make sure you have back-ups in case your insurer loses any of your evidence. Who do you call? If the other driver(s) leaves the scene without giving details, or you think they might be under the influence of drink or drugs, uninsured or have caused the accident intentionally, call the police. You must also call the police from the scene if someone has been injured. If any of the above does happen and you don't inform the police within 24 hours, you could be liable for a fine. The force that oversees the area in which the collision took place is the one to be notified, not your local force. The police add: 'You don't need to report a collision to the police if you've exchanged details, nobody was injured and there are no allegations of driving offences.' If your car can't be driven, your first port of call should be your insurer. 'It will arrange for collection, storage, repair and return of your car,' Aviva told us. Should you not have your insurer's number, be careful. Aviva's Washer explained: 'Some claims companies use misleading search engine adverts, or 'spoof ads', to make customers think they are contacting their motor insurer. 'But claiming via these companies could put customers at risk of being responsible for the cost of the claim, which can run well into the thousands of pounds.' Assuming your car can be driven away, you should still call your insurer. Most stipulate that you must inform them within 48 hours of any accident. But the sooner they're informed, the sooner you'll get any payout, or get your car fixed.
Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Having a child's baby seat in specific position could lead to fines of up to £500
Parents could face significant fines and points on their licence if they don't have their baby seat in the correct position while driving Parents could be hit with hefty fines and points on their licence if they fail to position their baby seat correctly while driving. It's a legal requirement for everyone in a car to wear a seatbelt, and babies in car seats must also be properly secured. The Highway Code stipulates that all passengers in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt, with additional rules for those travelling in baby seats. Specifically, children under three years old must be secured in an appropriate child restraint in both the front and rear seats, although exceptions are made for taxi journeys where no such restraint is available. The regulations differ slightly for children aged between three and 12. Children shorter than 1.35m (4ft 5in) are required to use a child restraint in the front seat and either a child restraint or adult belt in the back seat if no restraint is available. However, it's not just the type of restraint that matters - its placement within the vehicle is also crucial to avoid legal repercussions. It's important to note that rear-facing baby seats should never be placed in front of an active airbag. While airbags can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in adults, they can have the opposite effect on children small enough to require a rear-facing seat. Moreover, official guidelines emphasise that child car seats should never be positioned in side-facing seats as this could also compromise safety. The UK's child seat laws accommodate certain specific exceptions. For taxis or minicabs without the correct car seat, or during an "unexpected necessity over a short distance", children can be excused from the standard requirements. This flexibility extends to scenarios where a vehicle already contains two fitted child seats, making the installation of a third impractical. According to Rule 100 of The Highway Code, children shorter than 1.35 metres must use a suitable restraint system, which spans from infant carriers to booster seats adhering to the manufacturers installation instructions. The legislation intensifies under the Road Traffic Act 1988, which explicitly states: "A person who drives or rides in a motor vehicle in contravention of regulations under this section is guilty of an offence; but, notwithstanding any enactment or rule of law, no person other than the person actually committing the contravention is guilty of an offence by reason of the contravention." It's incumbent upon the driver to ensure all passengers adhere to seatbelt laws to avoid fines for non-adherence. Specifically, not properly securing a child under 14 in a recognised car seat can result in a fine up to £500. Medical exemptions Individuals with certain medical issues may qualify for exemptions, freeing them from these legal obligations: Despite these exceptions, the general rule applies: seatbelts are compulsory unless medically advised otherwise, with special considerations made for pregnant women and individuals with disabilities. Disabled drivers and passengers may require vehicle adaptations to accommodate their needs appropriately. For a comprehensive understanding of the latest seatbelt requirements as per the Highway Code, a full breakdown is accessible online here.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Camera to deter drivers flouting yellow box rules
A camera is being installed at a busy junction to crack down on drivers breaking yellow box rules. Durham County Council said drivers had been causing obstructions at the junction at Neville's Cross by stopping vehicles where they should not. According to The Highway Code motorists should only go into the boxes when their exit lane is clear, unless they are prevented from turning right by oncoming traffic. An Automatic Number Plate Recognition will monitor the area and those caught out will be issued with a £70 penalty notice. The initiative is being funded by councillors Elizabeth Scott and Liz Brown, who each contributed £10,655.50 through their Area Action Partnership (AAP) neighbourhood budgets. Craig Morgan, Durham County Council's AAP coordinator, said: "Stopping in the yellow box junction can contribute to traffic jams as well as block important blue light routes for emergency services. "This initiative aims to improve the traffic flow of this area by discouraging the number of drivers stopping in the junction and obstructing it for other road users. "It will also help protect pedestrians crossing, particularly during times when there are a high volume of families and school children using them." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here.
BBC News
16-02-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Cameras to deter Neville's Cross yellow box drivers
A camera is being installed at a busy junction to crack down on drivers breaking yellow box County Council said drivers had been causing obstructions at the junction at Neville's Cross by stopping vehicles where they should to The Highway Code motorists should only go into the boxes when their exit lane is clear, unless they are prevented from turning right by oncoming traffic. An Automatic Number Plate Recognition will monitor the area and those caught out will be issued with a £70 penalty notice. The initiative is being funded by councillors Elizabeth Scott and Liz Brown, who each contributed £10,655.50 through their Area Action Partnership (AAP) neighbourhood Morgan, Durham County Council's AAP coordinator, said: "Stopping in the yellow box junction can contribute to traffic jams as well as block important blue light routes for emergency services."This initiative aims to improve the traffic flow of this area by discouraging the number of drivers stopping in the junction and obstructing it for other road users."It will also help protect pedestrians crossing, particularly during times when there are a high volume of families and school children using them." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here.
