The Department for Transport has issued an update on nine key traffic law and rule changes which would impact every motorist. Areas covered in the raft of measures include speed limits - with a potential stop being put on blanket 20mph zones.

Other areas being looked at are the Ultra-Low Emissions Zones (ULEZ) which have caused controversy with charges and low traffic neighbour road closures which have been a very controversial topic. The documents released today also include consultation on local authorities profiting from traffic restrictions.

Bus lanes are being targeted in terms of their operating hours and whether they should be used by motorbikes, charging companies which cause delays during street works, for example for broadband fitting and other utilities, and also utilising ‘noise’ cameras to take pictures of and prosecute people who have modified their car exhaust to make too much noise.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “In October 2023, this government announced the Plan for Drivers, setting out 30 measures that improve the experience of driving through smoother journeys: stopping unfair enforcement, easier parking, cracking down on inconsiderate driving and helping the transition to zero-emission driving.

“We continue to implement these measures, taking action to ensure drivers are treated fairly. Today, we are publishing the latest series of guidance, consultation and research findings, which will help motorists and other road users to benefit from smoother journeys and reduced congestion, with local people getting a stronger voice on road schemes that affect them.”

“These measures demonstrate our intent that drivers should be treated fairly, and the wishes of local people taken into account when decisions on traffic management are considered by local authorities. Further action on these measures and others in the Plan for Drivers will be announced later this year.”

Here is a rundown of the traffic measure updates:

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods – following the recent Low Traffic Neighbourhoods review, this sets out the requirements on local authorities, including particularly that, via engagement and consultations, an authority should be confident that a scheme is capable of carrying the support of a majority of the community before introducing it.

20mph speed limit guidance – strengthened guidance restricting 20mph limits to where they are sensible and appropriate, not on all roads indiscriminately, and with safety and local support at the heart of the decision. Other factors include the DFT would expect traffic authorities to consider include journey time, the needs of all road users, and impacts on the local economy.

Fines for flouting traffic restrictions - call for evidence on restricting a local authority’s ability to profit from enforcing traffic restrictions – seeking evidence on the way local authorities carry out enforcement and how any surpluses generated should be used. Local authorities can issue penalty charge notices (PCNs) for contraventions of moving traffic restrictions including: no entry, no left or right turn, prohibited vehicles, unlawful entry into box junctions, driving in mandatory cycle lanes. The government said: “These enforcement powers help free up police time while helping councils to reduce traffic congestion. However, enforcement should be undertaken proportionately and not used as a means to raise revenue.”

Bus lane guidance – ensuring they only operate when it makes sense, for example when traffic is heavy enough to delay buses.

Co nsultation on allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes by default– so journeys are quicker for those who choose 2 wheels, a further initiative to reduce congestion and speed up journey times.

Lane rental schemes guidance – making it easier for councils to charge utility companies who slow drivers when conducting street works, and allowing the funds generated to be used to repair potholes.

£50 million investment to upgrade traffic signals – £30 million to replace outdated equipment, and £20 million to reduce poor traffic light performance through innovative technology that responds to live traffic conditions, for 80 local highway authorities across England to improve journey times and reduce congestion caused by red lights

Consultation on removing the right of uninsured drivers to claim compensation for property damage. Currently, uninsured drivers are able to claim this compensation if involved in an accident with other uninsured drivers or untraced drivers.

Noise camera research – showing local authorities the success of this technology to secure evidence to prosecute those who have illegally modified their vehicle’s exhaust

All the above measures are seeking information and evidence and the proposals can be found through links.