New driving laws including £70 fines for pavement parking set to take effect this month

A wave of new driving law changes are set to come into effect in August and motorists could be slammed with hefty fines if they don’t comply.

Drivers are warned to make sure they familiarise themselves with the new rules so as not to be forking out on fines.

The changes include additional costs for heavy goods vehicles, certain parking bans, and some new low emissions zones.

Here are all the major changes that every driver should be aware of:

HGV levy payment

Heavy goods vehicles weighing over 12 tonnes pay a levy cost for the wear and tear on the roads. These payments had been suspended during the pandemic in order to help haulage companies reduce cost issues and driver shortages.

But the suspension came to an end this month, meaning companies will have to begin paying the levy costs again

Pavement parking ban

The pavement parking ban, which has been in talks since 2019, is expected to come into force this summer.

If this law is enforced, motorists could face a £70 fixed penalty notice for parking on a pavement.

However, pavement parking may not see a complete blanket ban due to narrow roads and allowing emergency vehicles to be able to pass.

Low emission zones expanding

Low and ultra-low emission zones are expanding from this August. 

The ultra-low emission zone aims to improve air quality for residents within the zone by charging people with high polluting vehicles.

Motorists driving through these zones could have to pay £12.50.

You’ll also need to pay this if you’re a resident in the ULEZ and the car doesn’t meet emission standards.