Page 19 - PA_Enterprise_March_2022

PAE
Some of the changes include:
 A hierarchy of road users that prioritises at-
risk road users like cyclists, horse riders and
pedestrians.
 Improving pedestrian priority on pavements
when crossing or waiting to cross the road.
 Guidance on passing cyclists and horse
riders safely. This includes safe passing
distances and speed. Cyclists also have
priority at junctions when travelling straight
ahead.
The government explains that, ‘road users
who can do the greatest harm have the
greatest responsibility to reduce the danger
they may pose to others’.
Stricter rules on mobile phone use in
vehicles
The government is tightening up the rules on
mobile phone use behind the wheel.
In 2021, motorists could only be penalised
for communicating on their phone behind the
wheel. For example, calling or sending a text.
The new rule, which could start early this year,
will penalise drivers for touching their phones
behind the wheel.
This means using your phone for gaming,
taking selfies and scrolling through playlists
will be illegal. Drivers could receive a fine of
£200 and six points on their licence if they’re
caught.
But there are some exceptions.
Drivers should still be able to use their phone
as a sat nav as long as it’s secured in a
mobile phone holder. You’ll have to pull over
March 2022
and stop when it’s safe if you want to adjust
your route though.
Local councils could enforce minor traffic
offences instead of police
Motorists could be fined up to £70 by local
councils for minor motoring offences. For
example, stopping in yellow cross hatching
and driving in cycle lanes. Before the rule
change, the police were responsible for
issuing these fines.
All motorists banned from parking on
pavements
Councils in England and Wales could have the
power to issue fines for motorists that park on
the pavement.
The new rules could mean that councils UK
wide could issue £70 fines for pavement
parkers.
Speed limiters from 6 July 2022
In 2022, speed limiters will be mandatory in all
new cars.
The speed limiter – known as an Intelligent
Speed Assistant system (ISA) – alerts drivers
if they’re going too fast. If the driver doesn’t
slow their speed the car will intervene.
Five-year delay on new smart motorways
The government will pause smart motorways
for five years for a full safety review.
The five-year pause will give the government
and the Department for Transport time to
collect in depth data on the safety of smart
motorways.
19