British motorists are being alerted to new driving laws coming into effect in September. These changes will primarily impact fuel regulations, number plates, and the conclusion of a significant scheme.
Important Driving Laws Coming in September
September will be a crucial month for drivers, as the upcoming rules will affect how much they are paid by their companies, as well as petrol and diesel vehicle owners potentially missing out on the opportunity to make money by scrapping their cars, reports GB News.
Number Plates Changes
Beginning September 1, all recent vehicles on forecourts and within dealerships will feature a new “74” identifier on the number plate.
This is the second number plate change of the year, following the implementation of the '24' number identification on March 1, in accordance with tradition since 2001.
The new number plates will assist motorists identify which cars on the road are the most recent models, but they may have an impact on those looking to sell their older automobiles.
Fuel Advisory Rates
New rates for employees who use corporate cars will be implemented at the beginning of the month, and they can be used to either refund employees during business travels or reimburse the cost of fuel used for personal travel.
Drivers are being cautioned that they may lose money, with HMRC stating that rates for electric vehicles will drop again to 7p per mile, down from 9p in March and 8p in June.
Drivers will be hit by new rates for petrol automobiles, no matter the engine size, with prices diminishing by one to two pence. Diesel cars will experience the same reductions, LPG rates will stay unchanged at 11p for vehicles under 1,400cc, 13p for those between 1,401cc and 2,000cc, and 21p for engines over 2,000cc.
Ulez Scrappage Scheme
In August, Transport for London stunned motorists by announcing that the Ultra Low Emission Zone scrappage plan would be phased out, with a new application deadline of September 7.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan stated he was “proud” of the scrappage initiative, which has helped around 54,000 drivers move to cleaner forms of transport since its debut in January last year, as well as a 53% decrease in non-compliant vehicles since June 2023.
Consultation Regarding Silvertown Tunnel
Residents are being asked to respond to suggestions for charging motorists when the Silvertown Tunnel opens in 2025. The consultation period for the user charge of the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels ends on September 3.
Standard off-peak rates for cars, motorcycles, and small vans could be £1.50, while peak rates for motorbikes would be £1 more than off-peak rates and an additional £2.50 for cars and small vans. These rates would be in effect from Monday through Friday for four hours in the morning (from 6am to 10am) heading north and three hours in the evening (from 4pm to 7pm) heading south. Users of the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels will be charged fees from 6:00 to 22:00, seven days a week.