The UK has been battered with bad weather recently, from the chaos of Storm Debi to the plummeting temperatures brought on by an arctic blast over the weekend. With these comes risks to those on the roads - be that as a cyclist, motorbiker, or driver.
Discover our latest podcast
It’s easy to forget that many finable offences centre around maintaining a certain level of safety in these conditions. As parts of Britain are set for snow, we’ll see icy roads and dark nights, and the Highway Code has a list of instructions for drivers in these wintery months. Failure to comply could lead to some hefty fines. Here are the most important rules to follow - including the one that could cost you a whopping fine of £2,500 if you break it.
Clearing your windows of snow and ice
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, spoke to Birmingham Mail to outline the key areas to watch out for. He explained:
According to Rule 229 of the Highway Code, ‘you must be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows’.
We all know this one, but it can be tempting to just scrape your windscreen before jumping in when temperatures are hitting the sub-zero mark. However, it’s worth getting your fingers chilly:
Disregarding this rule could result in a £2,500 fine and three points on your licence, as you will be considered to have been driving a vehicle in ‘dangerous condition’ should you be unfortunate to be involved in a serious accident
So - drivers - please take the time to clear all of your windows!
Clean lights, number plates and don't leave your car running
Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. You must also be sure to clean your lights and number plates. Failure to comply could get you slapped with a £1,000 fine:
Remember that roads in winter are often caked in dirt and road salt, which then ends up clinging to your car, obscuring lights and number plates.
Try to maintain a regular cleaning regime throughout winter so you don’t run the risk.
Furthermore, Rule 123 of the Highway Code states, ‘you must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running’ or ‘leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road’. This rule stems from a desire to cut down on emissions, and Conway cautions:
So, while you might think it’s a good idea to leave your vehicle running to warm itself up before driving, doing this could land you a £20 fine.
As the cost of living has a lot of Brits struggling to cover expenses over the winter months, a fine is the last thing any of us need. Follow this advice and hopefully you’ll enjoy a fine-free festive season!
Read more:
⋙ Christmas: The right time to buy your tree revealed by experts
⋙ Millions of Brits could get an extra £900 Cost of Living payment under new plan
⋙ Rising cost of living in the UK forces elderly to work beyond retirement
Sources used:
Birmingham Mail: Drivers warned they face losing £2,500 from bank account after Wednesday
GOV.UK: The Highway Code, road safety and vehicle rules
