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Bus lanes are used to separate traffic and ensure it flows freely through cities and busy urban areas.

 

Here we’ll cover everything from how to spot and use bus lanes, to the possible penalties incurred if you’re caught illegally driving in one.

 

How do you know if it’s a bus lane?

Bus lanes are clearly marked by dashed white lines or a solid white line.

 

The solid white lines mark out the edge of the bus lane and should not be crossed while it’s in operation.

 

The dashed white lines signify the beginning and end of the lanes, as well as points where it’s acceptable for vehicles to cross into it – for example to reach a loading bay or to turn left.

 

They will also have the words ‘bus lane’ marked along the road.

 

When can’t you use a bus lane?

All bus lanes have blue signs signalling their times of operation, which can vary significantly from road to road. By times of operation, we mean the periods within which only buses can drive in the lanes.

 

The sign will usually show a time period, and the days of the week when restrictions for non-buses are to be observed.

 

Sometimes they’ll show two sets of times (e.g. Mon-Fri 7.30 – 9.30am, 3.30 – 6.30pm).

 

If there are no times are shown on the sign then the lane is in operation 24 hours a day and can’t be used at any point by unauthorised vehicles.

 

When can you use a bus lane?

If you’re driving outside a bus lane’s operational hours, then you can use it as long as it’s safe to do so.

 

This will help ease traffic congestion, freeing up another lane for other vehicles.

 

Be aware that not using a bus lane when it’s safe to do so during your driving test could result in a marking down.

 

The bus lane’s blue sign will also show which other road users are permitted to use it…

 

Who can use a bus lane?

This all depends on the lane in question. While some are reserved entirely for buses (which must have a minimum of 10 seats including the driver), individual signs will signal which other road users may drive in them.

 

If they display the word ‘local’ then the lane can only be used by local bus services.

 

The following vehicles may be allowed to use bus lanes at indicated times if they are shown on the sign:

 

Licensed London Taxis (Hackney carriages)

Motorcycles (without side cars)

Mopeds

Scooters

Tricycles (non-motorised, motorised under 450kg, not with side cars)

Bicycles

What happens if you cross in to a bus lane?

In some circumstances you may be required to cross the solid white line into the bus lane. You should only drive into the lane when you have no other choice but to move over.

 

These cases could include; to avoid an obstruction in the road, to move out of the path of an emergency vehicle or to avoid an accident.

 

If you do enter a bus lane you must make sure you leave it again as soon as is safe to do so.

 

What are the penalties for using bus lanes?

Bus lanes are introduced using Traffic Regulation Orders through powers issued under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and carry penalties for misuse.

 

Bus lanes are increasingly monitored by CCTV cameras to record any unauthorised vehicle driving or parking within the operational area.

 

The recordings are also checked to determine whether the lines may have been crossed in mitigating circumstances (e.g. to make way for emergency services).

 

If you’re caught using a bus lane during operational hours you could be liable to pay a penalty charge notice.

 

A PCN will be sent to the vehicle’s registered keeper containing details of the contravention, vehicle information and photographic evidence.

 

The amount payable varies across the country – being much higher in the capital and its Congestion Charge zone.

 

Fines for driving in bus lanes are as follows:

Inside Greater London         Full Fine:  £160    Paid Within 14 Days:   £80

Outside Greater London      Full Fine:  £65      Paid Within 14 Days:   £30

Can I appeal a bus lane violation?

If you think you’ve been wrongly penalised, you can appeal against the notice on the following grounds:

 

the contravention didn’t occur

the charge is more than the relevant amount

a Fixed Penalty Notice had already been issued

you are not the registered owner/hirer

the vehicle was being hired out to someone who had signed a statement of liability

it was being kept by a motor trader

the vehicle was being used without consent

Be aware that failing to pay a PCN notice could result in your local authority taking action against you. By Graham Hill Thanks To RAC

Drivers across the country will soon be liable for fines for offences like stopping in yellow box junctions, the Government has indicated.

 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps looks set to hand all local councils legislative powers to crack down on ‘moving traffic violations’ – currently only available to London and Cardiff.

 

While accepting the move broadly makes sense, the RAC remains concerned some councils could use their new powers as a cash cow.

 

Nicholas Lyes, head of roads policy at the RAC said: “Local authorities know where congestion might require some form of enforcement, particularly in the case of box junctions, so it stands to reason they should be able to improve this through the use of enforcement.

 

“However, we remain concerned that cash-strapped authorities may see this as an opportunity to extract more revenue from drivers.”

 

Under the Traffic Management Act 2004, councils must apply for powers to tackle parking, bus lane contraventions and moving traffic violations. Many have taken measures to enforce parking and bus lane contraventions, but not moving traffic violations.

 

Members of the committee had raised concerns that police officers are too busy policing minor offences to deal with more serious crimes.

 

Mr Shapps said: “I have been looking at powers outside of London provided to local areas to do some of these things, and think that I’ll shortly be making an announcement.”

 

Transport for London has been penalising drivers for stopping in yellow box junctions for 15 years. In the 2017/18 financial year alone, it issued £16 million in fines.

 

In many cases drivers claim stopping was unavoidable – either because of traffic light sequencing, or because of drivers ahead of them blocking their path.

 

Drivers are allowed to wait in a box junction to turn right, providing their exit road is clear.

 

Nicholas Lyes added: “Should powers be extended to cover all moving traffic offences, local authorities must use this as an opportunity to improve traffic flow and safety, and not as a way to generate more revenue.”  By Graham Hill Thanks To RAC

According a new report 43% of drivers believe that electric vehicles (EVs) should mimic the sound of a diesel or petrol powered vehicle when driven at low speed.

 

The new survey by Venson Automotive Solutions coincides Brake Road Safety Week (November 18 – 24). Of those polled, 72% believed EV sounds should be standardised, with 23% in favour of a continuous low decibel sound. However, 6% of respondents “would choose something completely different, such as classical music, whale song or ocean waves”.

 

Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) are sound generating devices fitted to pure EVs and hybrids to warn pedestrians and other vulnerable road users of the vehicle’s presence.

 

Compliance with the new requirements on AVAS becomes mandatory from July 1, 2019 for “new types of pure electric vehicle and new types of hybrid electric vehicle that are capable of operating without their internal combustion engine running”, and from July 1, 2021 “for all new vehicles of such types”.

 

Positive move

Alison Bell, marketing director for Venson Automotive Solution, said: “The integration of AVAS into hybrid and electric vehicles is a very positive move. Almost silent electric and hybrid cars put vulnerable road users at risk, especially children, the partially sighted and blind.

 

As more fleet drivers opt for emission-free electric models, with the introduction of zero BIK tax from April 2020, they will be relieved to know that with the introduction of AVAS their choice will no longer put road users at risk.”

 

Under EU law, from 2021, EV drivers will be able to manually trigger a warning sound, as in a horn but less urgent, to alert pedestrians and road users of their presence. 70% surveyed said they would like to hear a horn sound similar to that made by a petrol or diesel engine vehicle. Just 13% wanted to hear a phrase such as “EV approaching”, however, 6% would prefer an animal sound like a roar, bark or quack instead of a traditional vehicle horn.

 

Bell added: “With over 100 years of petrol and diesel engine sounding vehicles on our roads, people naturally react to the sound of an approaching vehicle or a horn being sounded. Keeping sounds we are used to hearing on UK roads makes the most sense when it comes to road safety and saving lives.”  By Graham Hill Thanks To Fleet News

I came across a piece that explained some things to be wary of as an employer but is also useful if you drive a car on business even though you may be self employed or use your own car but are paid a car allowance or mileage.

 

The Christmas work party season will soon be with us! It is therefore worthwhile taking the following into account. If you as an employer are putting on a Christmas party, whether on your premises or at an outside location then you have responsibilities under employment and health and safety laws.

 

And as an employee you need to be aware of your responsibilities should you be attending a works party.

 

The company should have the relevant policies in place and staff handbooks should be up to date with the issues below covered. This helps to avoid any misunderstandings in the future as employees will be aware of the company expectations.

 

Alcohol and Drugs

 

If the employees have to drive a vehicle, they cannot be over the legal limit, including the following morning. As an employer, you are liable for their actions when they are acting in the course of their employment so be mindful of employees who could potentially be over the limit the next morning.

 

If a majority of employees are likely to consume alcohol, it would be wise to arrange transport.

 

Remember some people want a soft drink rather than alcohol and for some it’s a necessity on religious grounds or due to the fact they are the designated driver.

 

Watch for drugs use.  It is an offence to knowingly permit (or ignore) the use/supply of drugs.

 

Whilst it may be an office Christmas party, on or off company premises, it is still deemed as a working environment. Employees telling one another how they really feel about one another in ‘banter’ or playing pranks could be misconstrued.

 

Any grievance, should be dealt with. This extends to the world of social media, any confession or inappropriate posts will still have to be dealt with accordingly.

 

Any failures of employees to attend work the next day is a disciplinary offence and should be made clear to those attending. This should be applied to all employees to ensure no discrimination claims arise. If a manager doesn’t turn up with no action but a subordinate staff member is disciplined – it could end up in a tribunal.

 

It is a good idea to designate certain people in management/supervisory roles to oversee the level of behaviour at parties and make sure that things don’t get out of hand.  Remember that your involvement in putting on the party can lead to claims for discrimination, harassment, assault which the company could be liable for.

 

Some religions or faiths don’t recognise Christmas since it is a Christian holiday.  Make it clear that attendance at a party is entirely voluntary. Whilst it’s important that everyone enjoys themselves – it’s a Christmas party after all, you don’t want to find yourselef out of a job the following day or week for telling your boss or an employee what you think of them. By Graham Hill

UK drivers are risking their licences by breaking the speed limit when overtaking, shocking government figures have shown.

 

According to official stats, in 2017 almost 8,000 vehicles were involved in collisions when overtaking – and over half (55%) of these were cars.

 

Safety chiefs are now urging motorists to watch their speed when overtaking to avoid putting themselves and other road users at risk – and avoid getting hit with heavy fines or even losing their licence.

 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is keen to set aside myths that speeding is acceptable when overtaking another vehicle.

 

“The common-sense message is do not overtake unless you are sure you can complete the manoeuvre safely and without causing risk or inconvenience to another road user,” warns an RoSPA spokesman.

 

“Although you should complete an overtaking manoeuvre quickly, never exceed the speed limit for the road.”

 

As rule 125 of the Highway Code states, the speed limit is the absolute maximum you should drive on any particular road. This does not exclude overtaking.

 

Exceeding the speed limit for any reason is dangerous as well as illegal and could see you hit with penalty points, a hefty fine, or even being banned from the roads entirely.

 

While overtaking is, of course, legal, there are strict rules about how and when it is safe to overtake – the most fundamental being that you should only overtake ‘when it is safe and legal to do so’.

 

If you’re caught speeding while overtaking, you could collect a fine up to £2,500 and six points on your licence, depending on your speed and the road you’re caught on.

 

Should you get 12 penalty points or more in any three-year period, you’ll have your licence revoked.  By Graham Hill Thanks To RAC

Breathalysers must be able to be fitted into all new cars from 2022 following a landmark decision by the European Council.

 

The technology, that could prevent drink-drivers from starting their engines, was approved in March but has only just been rubber-stamped by European officials last week.

 

The UK’s position is yet to be confirmed, but the current Government has previously said it will mirror European road safety rules post-Brexit.

 

Cars made before 2022 will have to comply with the new rules by 2024. Road safety charity Brake has labelled the move the “biggest leap forward for road safety this century”.

 

The recent approval also covers the mandatory installing of speed limiter software.

 

Timo Harakka of the European Council, said: “These new rules will help us to reduce significantly the number of fatalities and severe injuries.”

 

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) said the measures could cut collisions by 30% and save 25,000 lives across Europe over the next 15 years.

 

Details on how car breathalyser protocol will play out remain deliberately vague. Some systems require repeat breath tests at random intervals to prevent drunk drivers to ask a sober friend to start their car.

 

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Although all new cars from 2022 will be enabled to have an alcolock, it will be up to the UK Government to decide how they are used.”

 

Speed limiters – or intelligent speed assistance (ISA) software – are already fitted on many cars and can be overridden by pressing hard on the accelerator.

 

The ETSC has suggested drivers should be able to deactivate ISA software.

 

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns at Brake, said: “Drink-driving and speeding are a scourge on our roads and the cause of devastating crashes every day.

 

“On the eve of Road Safety Week, it’s fantastic to hear that alcohol interlock compatibility and speed limiting technology will soon be mandatory.”

 

Mr Greig said: “We see them (in-car breathalysers) as a useful tool for repeat drink drive offenders to get them back to safe driving after a ban.

 

“It is very unlikely that the vast majority of the law-abiding public will ever have to blow in a tube to start their car.”

 

RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: “Improving road safety is vital as too many lives are lost or ruined every year as a result of accidents on our roads.

 

“As we progress on the journey to self-driving cars it is important to take advantage of all the associated technological developments to take safety to the next level, particularly as road casualty statistics appear to have stopped falling in recent years.

 

“Features such as lane keep assistance, autonomous emergency braking and driver-drowsiness warning systems have the potential to have a very positive effect on the number of accidents.

 

“Speed limiting equipment while sounding somewhat Big Brother-like could also play a role in reducing road casualties. It’s important to realise, that as it stands, the technology could be overridden in certain situations – for example by pressing hard on the accelerator to complete an overtaking manoeuvre.

 

“In addition, vehicles will not brake automatically when going from a faster to a slower speed limit, meaning it will still be down to the driver to brake appropriately.

 

“As the limiters can be overridden it naturally begs the question whether some drivers will do this regularly to bypass the system, potentially undermining some of the system’s benefits.

 

“But just because a vehicle’s speed is limited doesn’t mean that drivers can accelerate as fast as they like up to the limit they are in. We should always drive at the right speed for the conditions, whether that’s due to traffic, bad weather or other hazards.”

 

Hunter Abbott, member of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety and managing director of AlcoSense Laboratories comments:  “New cars manufactured after 2022 will have a ‘breathalyser interface’ fitted, which is essentially a universal port to enable the ‘plug and play’ installation of a breathalyser that can stop the vehicle from starting, if required.

 

This will make it easier for fleet operators to implement the safety technology and, potentially in future, for the mandatory installation of an in-car breathalyser for convicted drink drivers.” By Graham Hill Thanks To RAC

RoSPA has called for the Government to dismiss the October clock change, and instead stick to British Summer Time (BST) on a permanent basis to improve road safety.

 

From March 1968 to October 1971, the clocks remained on BST, and RoSPA says it saved hundreds of lives.

 

Data collected by the road safety organisation revealed that approximately 2,500 fewer people were killed and seriously injured during the winters of 1968/69 and 1969/70 compared to the previous two years, showing a reduction of 11.7%.

 

RoSPA chief executive, Errol Taylor, said: “Each year, when the clocks go back in the autumn, there is a marked spike in the number of vulnerable road users killed and seriously injured.

 

“In 2017 a similar pattern emerged, with pedestrian fatalities as a result of road accidents rising from 37 in September to 46 in October, 63 in November and 50 in December.

 

“From the 1968-1971 experiment, we know we can reduce accidents, particularly those involving child pedestrians, by having lighter afternoons and evenings throughout the year.

 

“So the question remains, why aren’t we doing this now?”

 

According to statistics provided by the Department for Transport, in 2018 pedestrian deaths in Britain rose from 40 in October, to 56 in November and 70 in December.

 

The casualty rate for all road users increased from 490 per billion vehicle miles in October, to 523 per billion vehicle miles in November.

 

Recent research from The RAC Foundation shows that the October clock change sees an average increase of 278 collisions- which is up by 5.1%.

 

Head of road safety at RoSPA, Nick Lloyd, gave evidence to a House of Lords committee, which is discussing the discontinuation of the Autumn clock change.

 

Earlier this year, the European Union Parliament stated that its members should switch to permanent winter or summer time by 2021, helping RoSPA’s campaign, which started in the 1960s.​  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News & Others

The number of speeding tickets issued to UK motorists have reached a record level, exceeding 2.1 million in 2018.

 

Figures released by the Home Office reveal that 85% of all motoring offences reported last year were for speeding (2,105,409), which was up by one percentage point on 2017.

 

The year-on-year statistics show that speed limit offences have continued to increase since 2011.

 

Edmund King, president at the AA, said: “Speed kills, so drivers should remember that lower limits on residential roads and are there for a very important reason.

 

“The next Prime Minister can become a champion of road safety, by reversing the cut to cops in cars who not only act as a deterrent, but also catch and penalise those with a heavy right foot.”

 

The latest data on the UK’s fixed penalty notice (FPN) statistics cover offences such as speeding and others such as using a handheld mobile device whilst driving.

 

Punishments can include fines, speed awareness courses and court action.

 

Of all the speeding tickets issued, 97% were captured by speed cameras.

 

The rise in such FPNs has led to some calling for increased speeding limits, but RAC head of roads policy, Nicholas Lyes, earlier this year, said: “Given that inappropriate speed is still a major factor in collisions, it’s unlikely many motorways in the UK are suited to an 80mph limit.

 

“We know a large proportion of drivers already regularly exceed the 70mph limit so there is a danger increasing it would send out the wrong message.”

 

Despite the FPNs rising for speeding offences, there has been a decrease for mobile phone usage.

 

In 2018, 38,600 FPNs were issued to those who offended, which is a drastic reduction on the 53,000 issued during 2017.

 

King, however, believes the reduction is not a result of drivers following rules and regulations, but a sign that a lack of police presence is to blame.

 

He continued “We must not be complacent as often drivers are still spotted using phones at the wheel.

 

“Only a fifth of drivers say there is a visible police presence on their local roads, so a more prominent presence would help to deter the use of hand-held mobiles and texting at the wheel.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The Government will close a legal loophole that allows drivers to escape prosecution for hand-held mobile phone use while behind the wheel.

 

Under the current rules drivers are not permitted to use a hand-held mobile phone to call or text, but drivers have evaded prosecution for filming or taking photos while driving as it is not classed as ‘interactive communication’.

 

The revised legislation will mean any driver caught texting, taking photos, browsing the internet or scrolling through a playlist while behind the wheel will be prosecuted for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

 

This is in response to the Transport Committee’s recommendation that the law be clarified to cover all hand-held usage, irrespective of whether this involves sending or receiving data.

 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he will urgently take forward a review to tighten up the existing law preventing hand-held mobile use while driving: “We recognise that staying in touch with the world while travelling is an essential part of modern day life but we are also committed to making our roads safe.

 

“Drivers who use a hand-held mobile phone are hindering their ability to spot hazards and react in time – putting people’s lives at risk.

 

“We welcome the Transport Select Committee’s report, and share their drive to make our roads even safer which is why this review will look to tighten up the existing law to bring it into the 21st century, preventing reckless driving and reduce accidents on our roads.”

 

The Government has previously given no indication it intended to change mobile phone laws after a driver won his case in the High Court.

 

Nick Lloyd, head of Road Safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: “Drivers who use their phones are up to four times more likely to crash, RoSPA highlighted this loophole in the summer and is delighted that such prompt action is being taken to ensure that all hand-held mobile phone use is to be prohibited, making our roads safer for all.”

 

While Ministers have also announced that they will consider the current penalties in place for hand-held mobile phone use, there are no plans to ban hands-free phone use.

 

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake, added: “Far too many people still use their phone behind the wheel, yet it should be as unacceptable as drink driving, with research showing that reaction times whilst texting are double those of drink-drivers. We will continue to press the future new Government for further action to tackle the menace of mobile phone use behind the wheel.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Supermarket chain Lidl has announced it will install rapid electric vehicle chargers at all of its new stores.

 

In addition to installing the Pod Point chargers in its new buildings, Lidl will also retrofit charging points into “a number of existing stores”, which together with new stores represents a total investment of over £25m.

 

The supermarket already has rapid chargers at over 40 of its stores, which it says have helped to power more than 6.9 million EV miles. Its new commitment means over a third of all Lidl stores (more than 300) will have rapid electric vehicle chargers by 2022.

 

Sustainable lives

Ingo Fischer, chief development officer for Lidl GB, said: “At Lidl, we are committed to tackling the environmental concerns that our customers care most about, whilst giving them access to solutions that will support them in their ambition to lead more sustainable lives.

 

“Not only will our customers be able to charge their electric cars in 50 mins – less time than it takes to do a big shop – they will be able to do it for the best price on the market. It is our hope that, through this significant investment, we will enable easier access to charging points, ultimately helping more households switch to electric vehicles.”

 

Apps and maps

The points, which can charge vehicles from 0-80% charge in under an hour can be used via the company’s Open Charge mobile app. Chargers will have their own allocated and marked parking bays for use, and stores with charge points can be viewed via the Lidl app or on Zap-Map and Pod Point’s maps.

 

Growing network

Morrisons recently unveiled its first 50 GeniePoint rapid charging points at its stores nationwide, with a further 50 planned by 2020.

 

Last year Tesco announced it was to install thousands of ‘free’ EV charge points across its network of sites.

 

In partnership with Volkswagen, Tesco aim to develop what it claims will be by the UK’s largest retail electric vehicle (EV) charging network, rolling out more than 2,400 Pod Point EV charging bays across 600 Tesco stores within the next three years. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News