Six driving and DVLA changes rolled out in September now in effect
SIX driving law changes have been rolled out across September, with the DVLA launching new number plates, and Transport for London making changes in the capital too. The changes are already in force - but with September ending, drivers are being reminded.
Motorists and road users can brush up on their knowledge of the new regulations and restrictions. BirminghamLive had revealed all of the changes below, with the shake up starting at the beginning of the month on September 1.
There is changes for those with a company car, and plenty else besides. The changes have been communicated with drivers as we head into a new month, with October starting next week, and bringing with it a string of fresh changes.
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Number plate changes
The 74 plate registration made its debut in September 2024, so here is everything you need to know about this new plate and what it means for car buyers and sellers. Vehicles that are first registered between 1 September 2024 and the end of February 2025 will feature the brand new ‘74’ registration plate.
The new 74 plate corresponds to the batch released in September 2024; the “7” s represent the year’s second half, while the “4” signifies the year 2024.
Advisory fuel rates
HMRC has announced the revised advisory fuel rates (AFR), applicable from 1 September 2024 until 1 December 2024. The rates apply to company cars and differ based on engine size and fuel type. Compared to the last revision from 1 June 2024, the advisory fuel rates for petrol cars have decreased, with 1p per mile for all engine sizes up to 2000cc and 2p for engines over 2000cc. The rates for diesel cars have also decreased by 1p for engines up to 2000cc and by 2p for engines over 2000cc.
For LPGs, the fuel rates have remained the same. The current advisory fuel rate for electric cars (from 1 September 2024 until 1 December 2024) is 7 pence per mile. If you drive an electric car, you might also want to familiarise yourself with the mileage rates for electric cars in 2024.
Silvertown Tunnel consultation
East London residents and businesses currently face chronic congestion in the area around the Blackwall Tunnel. The Victorian-era tunnel suffers from frequent closures - more than 700 times a year - which results in large tailbacks, poor air quality and millions of hours lost due to drivers being trapped in traffic.
The new modern tunnel linking Silvertown in east London to the Greenwich Peninsula will reduce journey times and help manage air pollution. It will also support economic growth and allow TfL to increase the number of buses able to cross the river in this area from five to 21 buses an hour in each direction during the busiest times between 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday - all of which will be zero emission at the tailpipe.
The consultation can be viewed at https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/TC-yourview
Ulez scrappage scheme
Transport for London called for final applications to be submitted by 23:59pm on 7 September 2024. This scheme has committed more than £186m ($240.72m) to approximately 54,000 applicants, with an additional £61m for central and inner London ULEZ, resulting in over 15,000 successful applications.
Since its launch in January 2023, the scheme has been expanded to cover all of London, contributing to the city’s clean air initiative. TfL has proposed a deadline for new applications and an extension of the grace period for minibuses used by not-for-profit community transport organisations until October 2027.
The remaining funds post-closure may be redirected to support the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.
Pothole crackdown
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh chose Blackpool to launch a national campaign to improve the nation’s roads yesterday. Blackpool Council’s Project Amber scheme uses an advanced imagery system that takes high-definition pictures of roads to detect potholes and compile data on areas most in need of repair.
As well as saving money on the highways budget and reducing road closures due to roadworks, the council has cut its compensation bill for pothole-related payouts since using the technology. In previous years it was paying up to £1.5m a year to settle claims, but last year it paid out £36,976.
NO pay-per-mile
After much speculation, the Department for Transport confirmed this week it would NOT be introducing pay-per-mile car tax.