Here’s some info which could be useful for fleet insurance brands, as a reminder on new rules surrounding HGV and delivery fleet drivers;
GM Direct Hire, leading motoring experts, are helping drivers navigate the new UK driving regulations that came into effect on October 1, 2024. These changes include key updates to parking rules, fuel costs, and heightened safety standards for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), with significant impacts expected for SUV owners and long-haul drivers across the country.
Changes to Parking Regulations for SUV Owners
One of the most notable changes affecting SUV owners is the new Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice, which introduces a mandatory 10-minute grace period before drivers can be fined for overstaying in paid parking. This change is designed to offer greater flexibility, especially for drivers of larger vehicles like SUVs, who often face challenges with parking space availability. Alongside the grace period, consistent rules for private parking operators have been set to ensure fairer practices across the board.
“These updates will benefit SUV drivers, particularly in high-traffic areas where finding suitable parking can be a challenge,” said Majid Ismailzada, Marketing Director at GM Direct Hire. “It’s important that motorists are aware of their rights under this new law to avoid unnecessary fines.”
Rising Fuel Duty and Pay-Per-Mile Concerns
With speculation that the fuel duty increase could be reintroduced in the upcoming budget, drivers of SUVs and larger vehicles are likely to feel the pinch. The rise, potentially as high as 10p per litre, could increase the annual running costs for many. Additionally, while a pay-per-mile tax has not yet been officially implemented, it remains a looming concern for drivers, particularly those who rely on their vehicles for long-distance travel.
“Fuel duty increases will disproportionately affect drivers of larger vehicles like SUVs, and we encourage our customers to plan for this possibility in their budgets,” added Ismailzada. “At GM Direct Hire, we are committed to helping our clients find cost-effective vehicle solutions to mitigate these potential impacts.”
HGV Safety Standards and New Requirements
HGV drivers face additional changes this month, with new safety standards coming into force in Greater London. From October 28, HGVs over 12 tonnes will be required to meet a minimum three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating or install the updated Progressive Safe System (PSS) to enhance road safety. These changes are expected to reduce accidents involving heavy goods vehicles by improving driver visibility and introducing advanced safety features.
“Safety is always our top priority,” said Ismailzada. “The new DVS and PSS requirements are a major step forward in protecting both drivers and pedestrians. GM Direct Hire is here to ensure that our fleet meets these standards, and we’re offering assistance to all HGV operators to upgrade their vehicles accordingly.”
As allways more onus on hgv drivers to look out for pedestrians and cyclists. I do not recall in forty plus years hgv driving these parties having to stump up a brass farthing to ensure their own safety.