Drivers face massive £1,000 fine for being 'hot, sweaty and tired' during heatwave this week

A busy motorway

Temperatures could reach 32C this week

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Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 04/09/2023

- 11:16

Temperatures this week could exceed 30C and parts of the UK may be hotter than Thailand

Drivers are being warned that they could face a massive £1,000 fine if they feel too hot, sweaty or tired when at the wheel.

The Met Office is predicting scorching temperatures all week, with parts of the UK expecting to see the mercury hit 30 degrees.


The heatwave could even see the UK hit a new highest temperature of the year, with some optimistic that it will beat the 32.2C seen in June.

It is not just the south of England seeing the high temperatures, with northern areas also expected to see temperatures between the “mid to high twenties”.

A busy road next to the beach

Many drivers may be heading to the beach to indulge in the warm weather

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Many may be taking the sunny weather into account when they travel this week, with motorists looking to get to the beach or other popular locations to make the most of the heat.

However, drivers must be careful when travelling as they could face a fine worth £1,000, with estimates showing one in five motorists could be at risk.

When asked if the impacts of warm weather including feeling too hot, sweaty, and tired had affected their driving 18 per cent of Britons said yes.

This could result in a £1,000 fine and three penalty points on their driving licence for failure to have proper control of a vehicle.

A spokesperson for Vanarama said: “If you start to feel like this whilst driving you should pull over when safe to do so and only restart driving once you feel better.

“In the spring and summer months, it is a good idea to have a bottle of water in your car whilst driving to keep hydrated and cool.”

With the higher temperatures, the UK could be hotter than parts of Thailand, with some forecasting the warm weather to stay until October.

The Met Office has urged motorists to remain safe and keep updated with its social media channels to ensure they are informed of any warnings and advice.

The “last dose of summer” has resulted in experts urging motorists to use sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing to ensure they do not overheat in the car.

It is estimated that 10 per cent of Britons admitted sunburn affects their driving, which could also result in a £1,000 fine.

Vanarama added: “Having sunburn is an uncomfortable and often painful experience, depending on where your sunburn is sometimes even sitting still can cause discomfort.

“Driving is not something normally associated with sunburn but Vanarama’s survey surprisingly revealed that sunburn had affected 10 per cent of Brits’ driving in the Spring and Summer.

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Drivers at the side of the motorway

Drivers are being urged to remain safe when travelling in hot temperatures

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“If this leaves you unable to have proper control of the vehicle you could be hit with a £1,000 fine and three penalty points.”

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