Driving warning as major law change to come in next MONTH as councils given more power to fine drivers

DRIVERS are being warned to make sure they are aware of an avalanche of new laws coming into effect next month.

Councils across England and Wales will be handed new powers to charge drivers for a number of traffic offences.

GettyStopping in yellow box junctions could see drivers handed a fine from the council[/caption]

On May 31, councils will be given new powers to fine motorists up to £70 for minor traffic offences such as stopping in yellow box junctions, illegal turns and driving in cycle lanes.

Currently, only the police can enforce this – but new CCTV cameras will inform council officers of any offenders.

But motoring experts have warned that the changes could mean drivers are handed “wrongly issued” fines which will then have to be appealed.

The Department for Transport has said this increased supervision will allow buses to be more punctual as well as to protect cyclists.

For London, councils are already able to issue parking fines for stopping in yellow boxes using cameras.

Other infractions leading to a penalty charge notice include making illegal turns or driving the wrong way on  a one-way street.

The RAC has claimed many motorists will be unfairly punished unless the government improves its design and guidelines for box junctions.

Nicholas Lyes, head of roads policy for the RAC, said: “In the absence of definitive guidance on the design, maintenance and enforcement of box junctions there will be a high degree of confusion among drivers and local authorities.

“[It] could lead to an avalanche of penalty charge notices being wrongly issued and then having to be appealed.

“This will inevitably lead to an unnecessarily high number of appeals for local authorities to review, as well as some poor outcomes for drivers.

“We are worried that failing to update guidance to include the lessons learnt from more than 15 years of enforcement in London will lead to countless wrong fines being issued, no end of unnecessary stress for drivers who feel they have been unfairly treated and thousands of wasted council hours investigating appeals.”

Drivers committing an infraction in a box junction on Transport for London’s red routes can be hit with a £160 fine which is halved if paid within 14 days.

Sam Wright, a chartered engineer who was formerly responsible for the design of yellow boxes on the TfL network, said: “The key design principle is that yellow boxes should be no bigger than is necessary to prevent vehicles obstructing through movements.

“Drivers may also be surprised to hear that there is no legal requirement for authorities to meet this design criteria and it’s simply down to the competence of the enforcing authority.”

A DfT spokeswoman said: “These new powers are designed to improve cycle safety, air quality and support of bus services.

“It’s for local authorities to enforce them and ensure they meet local needs.”

But parking law expert Shaf Jade has warned drivers what to look out for.

The yellow box junctions must have the approved devices, location, and the certificate to prove such an offence occurred – along with clear and enforceable yellow boxes in order for motorists to be eligible for a fine.

Mr Jade said: “Now that these new laws are being introduced councils will be more trigger happy with their tickets.

“They expect motorists not to appeal and that’s why they issue fines.

“According to contravention code 31, entering and stopping in a box junction when prohibited allows councils to issue fines in yellow boxes. ‘When prohibited’ is the key term here.

“Drivers may park or stop in some situations where they believe the contravention does not apply, or in mitigating circumstances.

“If motorists receive a parking fine under any of these mitigating circumstances, there are grounds for appeal.”

GettyThe rule changes come into force at the beginning of next month[/caption]