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07.07.2023
New Driving Laws for 2023
Councils to have authority to fine drivers
Twelve councils now have the authority to fine drivers and enforce ‘moving traffic offences’. Areas to be monitored include; illegal U-turns, incorrectly driving in a bus lane, ignoring a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), stopping in a yellow box junction, going the wrong way down a one-way street, and banned left or right turns.
It is hoped that giving Councils the power to issue fines for moving traffic offences will reduce road collisions and improve road safety, as well as providing support for police force workloads.
The following is a list of the councils who will be able to fine motorists as well as monitor traffic:
| Council | Start Date | Areas to be monitored |
| Durham | Oct 2022 | 1 weight limit bridge |
| Luton | Jan 2023 | Pedestrian zones |
| Oxfordshire | Feb 2023 | School pedestrian-only zones |
| Reading | Spring 2023 | 15 yellow box junctions |
| Hampshire | Spring 2023 | School yellow markings at 10 sites |
| Surrey | May 2023 | Yellow box junctions |
| Kent | Spring/Summer 2023 | Multiple sites |
| Bedford | Summer 2023 | Undecided/unspecified |
| Bath & NE Somerset | TBC | “5 sites, yellow box junctions and left turns” |
| Derby City | TBC | TBC |
| Buckinghamshire | TBC | TBC |
| Norfolk | TBC | TBC |
New 20mph speed limits to be introduced in Wales
From 17th September 2023 some 30mph roads in Wales will be reduced to 20mph.
Most of these changes will be happening on roads in residential or built-up areas with high pedestrian activity. The restrictions will apply to streets that have street lights placed no more than 200 yards apart.
Eight areas in Wales implemented the 30mph to 20mph speed limit reduction between July 2021 to May 2022. Data collected shows this reduction had a positive effect with 64% of drivers travelling at, or below, 24 mph. Before this, only 45% travelled below the speed limit.
Reducing speed limits from 30 to 20 in Wales is expected to reduce the risk of collisions and casualties, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers driving steadily at a slower speed will also reduce noise pollution, cut fuel consumption and help reduce impacts on air quality.
