From smart motorways to pavement parking, some changes to the laws on driving are planned for Northern Ireland's motorists in 2022.
While a major revamp of the Highway Code to boost protection for cyclists and pedestrians does not currently apply in Northern Ireland, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is currently working on implementing a number of other new rules.
Belfast Live has compiled a list of changes that are in the pipeline over the coming months and others that under consideration.
Speed limiters
Intelligent Speed Assistance systems (ISA) will alert drivers if they are speeding, rather than limiting the speed, much like satellite navigation does now. It is understood that ISA systems of the latest type will start to appear on new cars from 6 July 2022, and will be fitted to most new cars registered in Northern Ireland after July 2024. The driver is not obliged to use the system, although by default it will be activated when the engine is started.
Smart Motorways
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) operates part-time hard shoulder bus lanes on both the M1 and M2 motorways which provide a significant benefit to public transport users.
There is also a section of Controlled Motorway on the M1 from Junction 3 (Black’s Road) to Clifton Street on the A12 West Link where variable speed limits are applied.
These schemes can be considered as types of SMART motorway and have operated successfully for a number of years without safety concerns.
The Department is aware of the safety concerns associated with All Lane Running and Dynamic Hard Shoulder types of SMART motorways.
Officials have carried out a preliminary assessment of the suitability of All Lane Running schemes on our M1 and M2 motorways and can confirm there are no plans to progress these at this time.
In the meantime officials will continue to closely monitor the debate on SMART Motorway safety.
Electric car charging points
New homes are to have EV charging points fitted by law in 2022. Options are currently under consideration on how best to bring forward the provision of EV charging points in residential and non-residential dwellings here in NI.
Mobile phone use in vehicles
New legislation was brought forward by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon in February 2021 to increase the penalty points and fines in Northern Ireland for those using a hand-held mobile phone while driving. This is in line with the current penalty in GB.
While this was an important first step in bringing about a positive change in road user behaviour, the Minister indicated that she wanted to do more.
A review of the current hand-held mobile phone offence in Northern Ireland will be carried out by DfI with a view to tightening it to reflect use of modern smart phone technology.
The review will take cognisance of similar work carried out by DFT in GB to broaden the offence and also the position in Ireland. Proposals to change the existing offence in Northern Ireland will be subject to public consultation.
Highway Code Update
The Department is aware of the changes to the Highway Code for Great Britain currently being implemented and will consider whether corresponding amendments are required for the Northern Ireland Highway Code.
A review of the Highway Code will be considered as part of the work on the new Road Safety Strategy. Departmental officials are now considering the responses to the consultation before providing the Minister with a final report for her consideration, in advance of a final strategy being published by spring 2022.
Rule changes on what you can tow
Last December, GB brought into force changes to Class B+E trailer tests to try to help the sector tackle lorry driver shortage. The changes mean that GB licence holders, who passed their driving test from the 1 January 1997, will no longer have to pass a test to gain the B+E entitlement. The B+E category will automatically be added to their driving record. Car and trailer driving tests in GB stopped from 20 September. The implication of these changes for road safety continue to be considered and so there are no current plans to replicate these changes here.
Testing is not seen as a significant reason for HGV driver shortages here. A recent RHA survey identifies driver’s retirements, Brexit and changes to off-payroll working rules as the three main reasons for the shortages. Hauliers in the UK wide survey did not identify testing as an issue.
Pavement Parking
Last December, the Department launched a public consultation on parking on footpaths following concerns about how inconsiderate pavement parking is impacting road users and pedestrians.
Options being considered include individual bans using existing powers, outright bans on pavement parking and powers that would allow Traffic Attendants to enforce against vehicles parked on the pavement and causing an obstruction.
They also want views on dealing with vehicles parked across dropped kerbs lowered specifically to help people cross the road.
Self-driving cars allowed on UK roads
The Department said it continues to keep a watching brief on developments regarding self driving cars in order to ascertain any impacts this future technology will have on vehicles in Northern Ireland.
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