So far, a host of driving law changes have been made in January 2022, with car insurance loyalty penalties being scrapped and the introduction of numerous new Highway Code rules. Drivers are being warned that additional charges are to be expected in some areas of the UK and more bureaucracy when travelling to the European Union in some circumstances
Oxford Zero Emission Zone
Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) will launch in February, with Oxford City Council saying it will launch on February 28.
Only electric cars which do not burn fossil fuels and create emissions will be able to enter the zone for free, with much of Oxford city centre being included in the charging zone.
Ultra-low emission vehicles – those which emit less than 75g of CO2 per kilometre – will be charged £2 per day.
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This includes anyone doing cabotage jobs, cross-trade jobs and moving goods for their own business’ use.
The Government website states: “Cabotage is loading goods in one of these countries and unloading them at a different place in the same country, using a vehicle registered in the UK.
“Cross-trade is loading goods in one of these countries and unloading them in different one of these countries, using a vehicle registered in the UK.
“You must also register journeys where you move goods for your own business’ use between these countries. This includes if your business is not mainly about moving goods.”
Highway Code
Highway Code changes are being made on Saturday January 29, with many drivers testing their knowledge on the roads in February.
A “hierarchy of road users” will be introduced to make the roads a fairer and safer place for the most vulnerable users.
It will ensure that quicker or heavier modes of travel have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others on the road.
Cyclists will also receive fresh guidance to ride in the centre of a lane on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions in order to make themselves as clearly visible as possible.
The introduction of the “Dutch Reach” will also be included, with drivers being advised to use their opposite hand to open their car door, forcing their body to turn and see if any pedestrians or cyclists are coming their way.
Nicholas Lyes, Head of Roads Policy for the RAC, commented on the changes: “These major changes to the Highway Code should make the roads safer for the most vulnerable road users, in particular those walking and cycling, so are to be welcomed.
“But it’s vitally important that all road users – especially drivers – take the time to fully understand what’s new as some of the changes are a significant departure from what’s gone before.”