Full list of new driving changes in 2023 – from parking ban to ULEZ expansion

Drivers constantly face motoring changes on the roads.

In recent months, we’ve seen new laws hit the scene and it looks like some more are heading for roads this year.

Now motorists need to be aware of the rules which include the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

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There could be changes to speed limits and adjustments to fuel duty.

Some of the new rules are nationwide but others are area specific so it’s important to take note.

Now to help drivers understand the changes, Fletchers Group solicitors broke down 8 upcoming rules.

ULEZ and Clean Air Zones

From August 29, 2023, London’s preexisting ULEZ will extend to all of the capital’s boroughs.

It was first introduced in April 2019 to tackle the poor air quality in the city.

Vehicles found to exceed the minimum emission standards could expect to pay a daily charge of £12.50.

The Transport for London (TfL) website states more than four out of five vehicles currently meet the standards.

London isn’t the only city with Clean Air Zones as Manchester, Tyneside and Sheffield all launched areas.

Glasgow is also set to tighten restrictions for its Low Emission Zones to include all vehicles.

Transport for London (TfL) scrappage scheme

Since January 30, 2023, Londoners receiving certain disability and benefits have been able to apply for the scheme.

Beneficiaries can receive a grant payment, or a grant payment plus one or two Annual Bus & Tram passes.

A separate van and minibus scrappage scheme has also been available for sole traders, micro-businesses, 10 or fewer employees, and charities.

Fuel duty rates

UK fuel duty rates were slashed by 5p for 12 months to help Brits with soaring costs of fuel among other rising household bills.

But from March 23, the reduction will end and fuel duty rates are due to return to normal.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggested that fuel duty may increase by 12p per litre in March.

Plans for fuel duty will likely be outlined by the Government in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget on March 15.

Pavement parking ban

Scotland’s delayed implementation of its ban on pavement parking and dropped kerbs is set to be enforced this year.

It was announced in 2019 but its implementation was pushed back due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Former transport secretary Michael Matheson said in 2021 the ban would not be enforced before 2023.

The ban is to help make pavements much more accessible and safer for pedestrians.

Number plates

The UK will get two new number plates in 2023 for newly-registered cars, something which happens every year.

From March, new cars will be registered under the “23” number plate, and in September, it’s the “73” plate.

Benefits in Kind (BiK) tax rates

Benefits in Kind (BiK) are goods and services provided to an employee for free or at greatly reduced costs on top of their salary.

Those furnished with a company car must pay a BiK contribution – which is more commonly referred to as a company car tax.

Every car has a BIK percentage banding and rates on this tax saw significant increases in recent years, with a petrol car emitting 100g/km emissions today having to pay 25% BiK, whereas in 2013, it levelled at just 13%.

Now the Government announced a freeze on BiK rates, ensuring that no increase will take place until April 2025.

Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) levy

Heavy goods vehicles weighing over 12 tonnes are charged a levy cost of any damage or wear they inflict on British roads.

It was suspended for UK-registered HGVs during the Covid-19 pandemic, and extended for another year in August 2022.

The suspension was extended to August 2023 and after this date, the levy will be reinforced again to cover any damages that HGVs may cause to road surfaces.

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