Congratulations Daniel Henwood on passing your manual driving test today in Basingstoke. We spent our time practicing in Newbury and took the test in Basingstoke without knowing any test routes. You passed on your first attempt with just 2 minor marks. Enjoy your freedom 🙂
The RAC’s Nicholas Lyes, who is the head of roads policy, has called a recent change by Transport for London a ‘money-grab.’ He has claimed that Sadiq Khan is ‘waging a war on drivers and businesses that rely on their vehicle’ following an increase in fines for red-route offences by a maximum of £30 – these offences include blocking yellow box junctions, disobeying and ignoring parking rules, illegal turns, and using bus lanes unlawfully. Committing these offences could see you get a maximum penalty charge notice of £160, as opposed to the previous £130.
While making up just 5% of London’s road length, red-routes carry more than 30% of traffic, indicating that they are some of the most important stretches for motorists. TfL have justified these changes by claiming the updated fines will deter people committing offences such as illegal parking, and if less people are parking in inappropriate spots there will be less obstruction of ‘vital deliveries and collections’, as well as a reduction in road-time for emergency services and buses. TfL’s Siwan Hayward said ‘We’d much rather people follow the rules than fine them, and the proposed increase in fine is intended to increase compliance with the rules and make streets safer, cleaner and less congested for everyone.’ It will be interesting to see how the increase in fines actually affects motorist behaviour.
It is imperative that driving instructors illustrate the importance of following these laws, regardless of whether the pupil is driving in London or, let’s say, Basingstoke.