New driving laws coming into force in May 2024 - including car insurance and e-scooters

A host of new driving laws are set to roll out this month, affecting motorists across the UK.

These changes, which will kick off on May 1 and continue throughout the month, represent a significant shake-up in road regulations depending on your location. April witnessed a slew of alterations to driving laws, including new car rates for millions of Brits and major modifications to driving permits.

But more changes are looming - from parking charges and e-scooters to clean air charges and elections. The London Mayor election is poised to be a hot topic for drivers this month, with the future of the vehicle pollution-busting ULEZ hanging in the balance.

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Londoners will head to the polls on Thursday (May 2), with ULEZ predictably surfacing as one of the key issues in the lead-up to the election. Sadiq Khan has consistently shot down the idea of implementing a pay-per-mile system, while Green Party candidates have cautioned they would immediately consult on this if victorious, according to BirminghamLive..

Car insurance

On the insurance front, The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has unveiled its new 'Premium Finance Principles' report aimed at curbing car insurance costs for drivers. The report outlines five goals for car insurance providers to achieve in an effort to tackle skyrocketing costs.

Insurance companies should provide a clear comparison between the total annual cost and total monthly cost when presenting costs for paying monthly instalments. They should also release updated, easily understandable information on their common or average premium finance charges.

It's important for insurance firms to remember that many customers can't afford to pay for their insurance upfront. Therefore, additional costs for paying monthly instalments may hit those who are least financially prepared the hardest.

Insurers are being urged to ensure that costs associated with monthly instalments represent fair value. They should make sure that charges are reasonable, relative to the costs of providing premium finance for monthly payments.

Moreover, insurers must regularly review the cost to customers of premium finance, using suitable information or data to ensure any charges remain appropriate.

E-scooter trials

The government's electric scooter trials have been extended once again until May 31, with no new vehicle requirements needed for the regulations. The trial began in October 2020 and has now been extended to May 31, 2024, following advice from the Department for Transport.

ULEZ

Meanwhile, in London, the Mayoral race is heating up with transport policies playing a big role. Sadiq Khan, aiming for re-election, points out in his manifesto that central London has seen a nearly half reduction in toxic air pollution during his tenure, proudly proclaiming: "By reducing toxic air pollution by nearly half in central London, and planting more than half a million trees, we've become a beacon of environmental and climate progress the world over."

Conservative hopeful Susan Hall promises to eliminate last August's expanded ULEZ scheme right off the bat if she clinches the win. Echoing her sentiment, but going even further, Reform UK candidate Howard Cox reveals he'll drop the whole scheme should he triumph in the polls next week.

Parking charges

If you're out and about in the Midlands, take note. People driving in West Bridgford and Rushcliffe Country Park near Nottingham can expect a slight increase in parking fees starting from May. Those grabbing a space for less than two hours will find a small 20p hike on their parking tickets.

Sadly, the all-day rate of £1 at Rushcliffe Country Park will be abolished with a new fee structure. That will be £1.50 for up to three hours or £3 for longer stays coming into play.

Low emission zones

Up in Dundee, the city will commence enforcing its Low Emission Zone from May 30th, marking an end to a two-year grace period intended to give locals ample time to switch to compliant vehicles, thereby dodging fines. This comes despite the emissions scheme having been initially launched in May 2022.

The sweeping changes will come into effect at the end of the month, imposing charges on all non-exempt vehicle types within the Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Heather Anderson, convener of the city council's climate, environment and biodiversity committee expressed that: "This is a major change in the way people will access areas of the city within the Inner Ring Road, but we must remember that only the worst polluting vehicles will be excluded and there is still time for people to make changes before enforcement starts."

Parking in North Wales

Meanwhile, adventurous drivers stopping at Colwyn Bay Promenade in Wales will have to cough up an additional £1 for parking fees. Starting May 29, over four hours parking time is going to levy costs above £7.50.