New driving law changes launched recently could have huge impacts on all UK motorists
Electric car drivers could save massively when charging at home or in public under the new changes
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Drivers are being urged to make themselves aware of new motoring law changes introduced over the last month which could impact their journeys this winter.
Many new driving laws have already been brought in since January, with the Government taking a stance against anti-motorist policies.
He described the move as vital to allow more time for drivers to switch and allow for the upfront cost of electric cars to drop, as well as improvements for the charging network.
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Motorists in Wales have also seen massive changes with the slashing of speed limits on restricted roads from 30mph to just 20mph, which has attracted the ire of many drivers.
A petition launched in September has already attracted more than 460,000 signatures calling on the Government to “rescind and remove the disastrous 20mph law”, which is expected to be debated in March next year.
Electric cars
New laws were introduced on October 25 which the Government hailed as being beneficial for all electric car drivers by making public charging easier and more reliable.
The regulations will ensure that prices across chargepoints are transparent and easy to compare with other chargers in their local area.
It also mandates that new public chargepoints should have contactless payment options to slash the number of different payment apps drivers previously needed.
Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said the new regulations would “improve EV charging for millions of drivers” by helping them find the chargepoints they want.
He added: “They will make the switch to electric easier than ever for drivers, support the economy and help the UK reach its 2035 goals.”
Electric car drivers who can charge at home can also make use of cheaper charging costs thanks to the introduction of the new energy price cap, which fell down to £1,923.
If a motorist has a smart, EV-friendly tariff, they could pay as little as £127.50 for a full year’s worth of charging – around 6,800 miles - using an Octopus Intelligent rate of 7.5p/kWh.
Oxford charging zone
Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone currently charges all polluting vehicles, with charges ranging from £2 per day for the newest petrol and diesel cars to £10 a day for older, more polluting vehicles.
A consultation was launched to see whether exemptions currently in place should be extended indefinitely, which would benefit local residents, businesses and Blue Badge holders.
The second proposal was to scrap the planned price hike in 2025 which would have seen daily charges double, with Oxford County Council saying the changes were being done to help drivers deal with the cost of living crisis.
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The consultation could see any price rise plans ditched
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Parking
The Government’s consultation into the Parking Code of Practice ended in October, with drivers giving their views on how to protect drivers from predatory private parking companies.
There have long been calls for such a plan, with many demanding action to be taken against companies who are overzealous with their powers, often issuing fines for small infractions.
A new code would allow drivers to easily challenge an unfair parking charge, with other potential changes including grace periods for parking tickets.
Similarly, London Councils were consulting on whether to increase the cost of parking tickets, having not raised charges for the last 12 years.
Many are concerned that the fines being given out for parking issues are not enough of a deterrent to stop illegal parking.