New Driving Laws for 2024 That Fleet Managers Should Know

There's been a huge change in driving regulations this year, with ongoing efforts to make our roads safer and more efficient. The introduction of new driving laws in 2024 is a great opportunity for fleet managers to look at business operations, focusing on key areas like safety, efficiency and environmental impact. Here, we're going to break down these new regulations, offering insights into how fleet managers can prepare for and benefit from these changes.

The fuel duty freeze to end in March 2024

Since 2011, fuel prices have been somewhat stable thanks to a freeze on fuel duty, sitting at 52.95 pence per litre for both diesel and petrol. This includes a 5p cut per litre, a temporary break introduced to ease the strain during the cost of living crunch. Following the Spring Budget of 2024 the extra 5p relief will continue or come to an end from March 22nd.

Benefit in Kind (BiK) rates steady until 2025

The Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax, which affects employees who receive their cars through their employers' salary sacrifice schemes, is set to remain the same until 2025. This tax, which varies depending on how much CO2 your car emits, hasn't seen any changes since 2022. However, starting in April 2025, all tax brackets will see a 1% increase in BiK rates, which includes zero emissions vehicles.

Zero emission vehicle mandate

We're about to witness a major shift with electric vehicles (EVs). The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is perhaps one of the most ambitious updates – it requires that by 2030, 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold must be zero emission, with the goal of reaching 100% by 2035. This law is supported by substantial investments in charging infrastructure and incentives for people to switch to electric cars. For fleet managers, going electric sooner rather than later may just be the key to staying competitive.

Updates to the electric vehicle tax exemptions

Staying on the subject of electric vehicles, starting in April 2025, the tax exemption for EVs will change. While EVs will continue to enjoy a zero percent rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in 2024, a £10 fee will be introduced in 2025, moving to the standard annual rate of VED the following year. It's important that fleet managers factor in these future costs when calculating their total ownership costs, as well as fleet insurance, maintenance, management fees and licencing.

HGV safety

Starting on the 28th October 2024, London’s heavy goods vehicles must comply with new safety regulations, requiring a three-star safety rating or a Progressive Safe System (PSS). Drivers who fail to comply with these standards will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). This move aims to make the roads safer for everyone, especially pedestrians and cyclists. If you manage a fleet of HGVs, it’s time to look into this and make sure you're compliant before the deadline hits.

20mph zone enforcement

In September 2023, Wales decided to take a bold step towards safer roads by updating their Highway Code to set a new standard speed limit of 20mph on many streets. This means that as we move into 2024, drivers travelling through Wales will need to keep a closer eye on their speed. If you're caught going over 26mph in these 20mph zones, be prepared to pay a fine. It's a big step by Wales, being the first in the UK to lower the default speed limit like this, and it looks like Scotland's planning to follow in their footsteps by 2025.

Eyesight test modifications

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is looking to change the eyesight test. This new driving law 2024 may involve checking the drivers' ability to read number plates under different lighting conditions, or testing their vision more thoroughly. It’s a good idea to stay ahead and perhaps perform these checks yourselves to make sure all drivers meet the new standards that are set.

Stricter mobile phone penalties

Penalties for using a mobile phone while driving are about to become tougher. There will be heavy fines and stricter consequences for offenders, aimed at curbing distracted driving. This means reinforcing mobile phone policies and making sure your drivers understand the serious consequences of breaking these rules.

The UK's driving laws are evolving, and for fleet managers, this means there's quite a bit to stay on top of. Adhering to the new driving laws 2024 is crucial for legal compliance, and also ties into larger objectives like improving road safety and promoting environmental sustainability.