Drivers are being warned about eleven new and updated highway laws that could catch them out.

The motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have revealed some of the lesser known, recently introduced rules that motorists might not know.

Updated regulations range from it being legally required to get a good night’s sleep before embarking on big journeys, to now having to leave much larger gaps between vehicles on icy roads.

Other updates include safety measures and on motorways, reiterating sensible driving, and a ‘hierarchy of road users’, which prioritises pedestrians and cyclists over all other road users.

A spokesperson for LeaseCar.uk said: “Every sensible motorist knows that exceeding the speed limit and drink driving is illegal and dangerous.

“Many won’t realise, though, that new rules are constantly being added to the Highway Code. Their amends are usually quite straightforward, but the reminder never hurts.

“The laws make being a road user safer and it’s important for every driver to understand the updates. The Highway Code has more than 300 rules and many people don’t give the 150-page book a second thought after passing their theory test.

“Some of their recent amendments, like asking drivers to ‘focus on the road ahead when passing an incident’ are generally common sense, but it’s better to be written down.

“Acknowledging, applying and sharing these new and updated rules could save a life.”

LeaseCar.uk’s reminder of new Highway Code rules to note:

1. Awareness of stopping distance is crucial for any driver, but especially those who travel on fast roads. The gap should be doubled on wet roads, but an update to the rules means drivers should leave a gap up to ten times greater when travelling at high speeds on icy terrain. 
2. A ‘hierarchy of road users’ has been introduced, to help protect those that are most at risk of harm. Pedestrians are at the top of the hierarchy, with priority going to children and those less mobile. Cyclists are next, followed by horse-riders, then motorcyclists, cars and taxis, vans and minibuses, coaches and finally heavy goods vehicles.
3. An update to the rules means sleepy drivers can’t stop in emergency areas of the motorway or road. This is in addition to the hard shoulder. The Highway Code also tells drivers to get enough sleep before setting off and to take rest breaks at service stations.
4. It also recommends that drivers have high vis clothing in the vehicle, and a mobile containing emergency contacts on them.
5. People that hog lanes on fast roads are often moaned about for being a nuisance, but it is also an extremely dangerous thing to do. An update to the Highway Code rule number 138 states that road users on a dual carriageway with three or more lanes, can use righthand lanes to overtake, but they should return to the left-hand lane. Rule 264 now states ‘keep in the left lane unless overtaking’.
6. There is an extra clause added to ‘be aware emergency services, traffic officers, recovery workers and other people or vehicles that have stopped’ and encourages those in the left lane, to move into the adjacent lane if it’s safe.
7. An update also states that drivers should check all their mirrors and slow down ahead of entering foggy areas.
8. Drivers can’t reverse or drive against the traffic on a motorway and amended text to highway code rule 263 adds slip roads, hard shoulders, and emergency areas too.
9. The Highway Code also recommends that drivers who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired should register for the 999-text service called emergencySMS.net, so they can receive help on busy roads quickly and safely if needed.
10. People that hold provisional licences can’t drive on the motorway, unless they are driving a dual controlled car with L plates on, and they are accompanied by a DVSA approved instructor. Motorcyclists with a provisional can’t practice on the motorway and pedestrians, cyclists, riders of motorcycles under 50cc, horse riders shouldn’t be on there either.
11. Motorways are also having a revamp, motorists will be warned of any upcoming hazards, like a spillage, an incident, fog, road workers with signs above lanes. Red flashing light signals and a red ‘X’ on a sign indicate a closed lane in which hazards are present. Drivers must follow instructions on signs in advance of a closed lane to most safely to an open lane.

• Google Trends data analysed by Compare the Market have revealed that Toyota is the world’s most searched car brand for the second consecutive year
• The Japanese car manufacturer was the top search term in 47 out of 154 countries for 2021
• Toyota has held the title for 3 out of 4 years that Compare the Market has run the report, but is losing ground to competitors like BMW and Mercedes

For the second year in a row, Toyota reigns supreme as the most searched car brand according to Compare the Market’s annual analysis of Google Trends data.

The data reveals that the Japanese car manufacturer topped searches in 47 of the 154 countries analysed, representing around 31% of all searches. But it’s not all about winning glory – searches have decreased from almost 35% in 2020, and other brands are starting to gain some ground.

In the four years since Compare the Market began publishing the report, Toyota, BMW and Mercedes have remained a consistent trio on the podium, with Toyota on top in 2018, 2020 and 2021.

The anomaly was 2019, where BMW secured the win in a whopping 118 countries, leaving its competitors in the dust. The impressive lead contributed to BMW holding the title of most searched across all four years, on average.

Despite Mercedes sitting in third place each year, in 2021 the brand closed the gap by almost 70%, sitting only 6 countries short of 2^nd place in comparison to last year where it was 19 behind.

Audi also saw considerable improvement in its ranking. Not only did the brand more than double the number of countries where it was the top search (from 5 to 11 countries in 2021), its ranking position increased from 6^th to 4^th this year.

2021 was also the first year that Compare the Market incorporated Tesla into the analysis. Despite appearing in the top 3 searches for 24 countries, only 5 of them listed the brand as their top search (China, Hong Kong, Israel, Macao and Singapore).

In contrast, brands such as Ford, Nissan and Peugeot appear to be losing speed in the race. Each search term’s ranking dropped by at least three places, with Ford barely scraping into 9^th place in comparison to 5^th place in 2020.

There are a number of reasons which could explain why Toyota remained in the top spot for the second consecutive year. In November 2021, Toyota Gazoo Racing announced that it would start reproducing spare parts for its Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno makes.[i]

These parts had previously been discontinued, but with the reintroduction of them, car lovers could continue driving and enjoying vehicles from the past. Toyota also launched a suite of other vehicles in 2021. This included a full line-up of electric cars that reduce CO2 emissions,[ii] the world-first Corolla SUV[iii] and a completely redesigned Land Cruiser.[iv]

Visit comparethemarket.com.au to see the full list of most searched car brands around the world, including the ranking list from 2018 to 2021.

[i] Toyota – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to Reproduce and Sell Spare Parts for the AE86 Corolla Levin / Sprinter Trueno

[ii] Toyota – Details of All-New bZ4X BEV Announced

[iii] Toyota – Toyota to Launch All-New Corolla Cross in Japan [iv] Toyota – Toyota Launches New Land Cruiser

A recent study has identified some interesting facts… Breakdowns and car faults are the most common reason UK drivers replace their vehicles and apparently those living in the North of England will, on average, own more cars than motorists in the South.

The study was conducted by the car-buying experts at www.perrys.co.uk who asked 2,200 UK drivers over the age of 35 years old a series of questions about the average length of their vehicle ownership, to find out just how many vehicles UK adults go through in a lifetime. 

One of the most significant findings revealed that British motorists will get through 13 cars in their lifetime, on average. 

When asked about their experiences of vehicle ownership throughout the years, it was revealed that respondents typically own cars for longer, later in life. Demographically, it was found that those aged 50+ will usually own a car for seven years, whereas more than two thirds (67%) admitted that when they were younger drivers (aged 18-24) they replaced their vehicle on average every two years.

What’s more, location impacted how long drivers keep their cars for as well. Regionally, it was found that those living in the North of England will, on average, go through 16 cars during their lifetime, while those in the South will own just 10. 

When asked what key factors have led to respondents replacing vehicles more frequently, the most common reasons why were found to be:

1. Breakdowns and car faults – 81%
2. Change of lifestyle – 75% 
3. Change of employment – 63%
4. Moving to a different area – 60% 
5. Environmental reasons – 32%  

Some of the lifestyle changes that factored into purchasing a new car included financial reasons (27%), followed by having children (18%) and wanting a new car type (15%).

Quizzed further on the potential environmental reasons for switching cars, the most common answer was revealed to be ‘wanting an electric or hybrid vehicle’ (34%), with ‘reducing car size to lower emissions’ (29%) and ‘wanting a car with an eco-friendlier fuel type’ (19%). 

Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson from www.perrys.co.uk said:

“This study offers a fascinating insight into the reasons why drivers want to buy a new car.  While it’s not surprising that breakdowns and car faults are big factors, it’s a reminder that you can never be too prepared to have to purchase a new or replacement vehicle. We’re pleased to see sustainability is becoming a major reason to change cars, with the demand for electric and hybrid vehicles constantly on the rise. Consequently, we think these cars will continue to grow in popularity in the future, helping to improve people’s carbon footprint and ultimately take crucial steps towards a greener future.”

As winter fast approaches in the UK, motorists are being offered expert advice on how to clear their windscreen and avoid a fine and possible penalty points on their licence.
The car leasing experts at LeaseCar.uk have provided their top tips for effectively clearing windows and windscreens on a freezing cold morning. And the humble onion could help – by acting in a similar way to vinegar – to clear windows.
With the temperature across the UK likely to drop below zero over the coming weeks and months, frosty windscreens will become a common occurrence for drivers.
A spokesperson for LeaseCar.uk said: “Trying to scrape the windscreen of a vehicle on a cold and frosty morning can be a huge inconvenience especially before setting off to work or school.
“Every year it is almost guaranteed that drivers will use their credit card or an old CD to clear the snow from their cars, but this can cause lasting damage to a vehicle.
“Making sure the windscreen is covered with tarp or some sort of sheet can help to ease the ice build up. And there are a number of homemade solutions that can be made that act as a great alternative to de-icer.”
Frost and ice build-up is caused when water vapour in the air is cooled and because windscreens and windows are made of glass, they tend to freeze over much more quickly than any other parts of vehicles. This is because a glass window releases heat faster than plastic or metal. 
The Highway Code clearly states that windows and windscreens must be kept clean and free of obstructions to vision – breaking this rule could result in a fine and points on your licence. 
As a result, British motorists are being encouraged to utilise windshield covers and garages where possible and to also be resourceful and use home products to create a DIY de-icer.
Here are LeaseCar.uk top 12 tips for keeping your windscreen clear in winter:

Watch out for DIY scrapers
When rushing to get to work in the morning, it’s easy to reach for the nearest flat object – like a bank card or CD – to scrape the ice off, but using anything other than a car ice scraper could lead to a severely scratched windscreen.  Keep a made-for-purpose ice scraper on hand and use short, powerful strokes to chip the ice away.

Salt water solution 
This will dissolve the ice with a chemical reaction rather than melting it with heat. The ions in salt also lower the freezing point of water, making it difficult for it to refreeze. Apply the solution sparingly, as heavy application could damage the glass. 

Vinegar solution 
If you spray an iced windshield with a mixture of water and vinegar, while the mixture will not melt ice, it can help ice from forming in the first place if you spray your windshield with it the night before.

Rub an onion
Onions have a similar effect on windscreens as vinegar does. If there is nothing but this root vegetable left in the house, then rub generously on the windows and windshield the night before and this should keep Jack Frost at bay. 

Vodka
Arguably the most expensive way of clearing a frosty windscreen, but the alcohol content in vodka means that it makes for a great de-icer in freezing temperatures. 

Let the car warm up
If your car has a ‘defrost’ setting on the temperature gauge, switch it on. It could take around fifteen minutes for the glass to get warm on the inside and melt the ice on your windscreen. It’s important to avoid leaving a vehicle to defrost whilst the engine is idling. This can incur a £20 fine – up to £80 in London. 

Clear properly
Not only does a small peephole through the ice make it difficult to drive but it can also get motorists into a lot of trouble. Make sure to clear the whole windscreen as well as the car’s mirrors before setting off on a journey. If not drivers could risk getting a £60 fine or a possible three penalty points. 

Avoid boiling water
Although this may seem like the quickest method to clear a windscreen in a rush it can cause the glass to crack due to thermal shock because of the sudden temperature change. Leave 10-15 minutes before setting out to allow some time for the car to defrost instead of damaging the vehicle in a mad panic. 

Keep a bottle of de-icer 
Although there are many great homemade alternatives, nothing quite beats the convenience of the real deal. They’re available from most petrol stations and can really reduce the stress on a cold morning.  

Don’t forget the exhaust
A lot of attention can be given to clearing the windscreen which can leave other important parts of the car neglected in the cold. Whilst the car is heating up, make sure the exhaust isn’t black with snow or ice otherwise this could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Try industrial lubricant
This isn’t the best thing to use for the windscreen and windows of the car but is great for use on the number plate. Spray a small amount on the surface of the plate and this will help ice from sticking to it. If a number plate isn’t clearly visible it can leave drivers in hot water. 

Utilise cover 
Keeping the car in a garage overnight can prevent frost from building up on the windscreen. Motorists without access to a garage or storage unit can use a tarp, newspapers, or an old bedsheet to prevent the build up of frost on the windscreen. 

• The Compensation Experts analysed figures from The Department of Transport to reveal the areas that have the most road accidents due to ice. 
• Kent, Lincolnshire, and Surrey have the highest number of winter accidents

 Driving with windows full of condensation and icy roads to look out, certainly makes you doubt the most wonderful time of the year when on the roads. Winter can be a challenging time for drivers, as sub-zero temperatures lead to dangerous road conditions. 

The Compensation Experts has analysed the Department for Transports Road Traffic Statistics to reveal the areas across the UK that have the most road accidents due to icy conditions. By studying five years of data from every local authority in the UK, looking at the number, the top 10 worst areas for motor accidents on ice are as followed:

Kent revealed to have the highest number of winter road accidents

The statistics from The Department for Transport show that out of all 333 local authorities in the UK, Kent has the highest number of road accidents recorded in winter conditions. A total of 310 accidents occurred due to frost and ice, Kent drivers should be extra cautious when is comes to driving in freezing conditions. After Kent, Lincolnshire is revealed to come second in the rankings with 284 in five years. Surrey follows with the third-highest number of accidents due to ice with 272 accidents over the same period.

Spokesperson at The Compensation Experts comments on the findings, “In the winter months, drivers are suddenly being thrust into some of the worst driving conditions they’re likely to face on the roads. We urge motorists in these areas to take extra caution when driving and if the temperature does drop to freezing you should consider postponing the journey unless essential”.

Drivers can cause outrage by parking on other’s private driveways, so what can homeowners do to get rid of pesky unwanted parkers?

Car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com are providing insight into the bizarre legal loophole surrounding parking laws. 

A number of UK households have been stuck with the issue of coming home to see someone else has parked on their private property. 

Although it might be assumed a quick call to the authorities would solve this issue, homeowners are often faced with the unfortunate news that a legal loophole means the act can go unpunished. 

A spokesman for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Unfortunately, many homeowners stuck with someone else parked on their driveway are turned away from local authorities and councils as they have no authority to remove vehicles from private properties. 

“Although this act can very often go unpunished, there are some things irritated homeowners can do to help avoid this problem happening to them again.”

When a motorist parks on someone else’s driveway there is very little chance of the law getting involved. This is because the council has no authority over private property and cannot dictate or control access. 

However, If the car is parked on a public road blocking a driveway, the driver is committing a parking offence. In these circumstances, local authorities have the power to get involved and issue a fine to the motorist. 

If a homeowner suspects the vehicle has been abandoned, their local council would be required to move the car regardless of its position on private or public land. However, if the car has up to date MOT, tax, insurance and is not in a position where it could cause danger to anyone around, the council are again powerless.

While there is no criminal law against a stranger parking on a driveway without the homeowner’s consent, a driveway is a part of private property so by driving on to it the unwanted motorist is committing an act of trespassing.

Trespassing is classed as a civil offence rather than a criminal offence, this means that the police do not have the power to make an arrest. 

The only way courts would have jurisdiction to remove the car from the driveway would be if the homeowner decided to pursue a civil case for trespassing. 

This would involve a solicitor from the homeowner’s side getting the civil court’s permission to find out the legal owner of the unknown vehicle and the court would then need to make an order to remove the vehicle. 

Alternatively, the affected party could pursue a legal claim for nuisance behaviour. This would need to be on the grounds that the driver is interfering with the use and enjoyment of the property. 

Homeowners should be aware pursuing action through the courts can be a long and potentially costly process if they do not have legal expenses insurance.

In the hope of catching the driver of the unwanted vehicle and discussing the issue sensibly, homeowners can park their car behind the vehicle of the perpetrator. 

The best thing for the owner of the driveway to do is keep calm and try to not let the situation escalate. They should most certainly not take the law into their own hands as this can very often result in them committing criminal offences themselves. 

Failing this, installing a locked fence around the driveway could give homeowners the peace of mind that no one is able to park outside their property whilst their vehicle is off the driveway.