Drivers hit with new 1.5 metre driving rule and face £100 fines

Some areas of the UK have introduced new road rules, including 20mph speed limits in certain zones. Additionally, new regulations on parking on pavements came into effect in September, meaning drivers who fail to comply could face fines. The new ban warns drivers who "park with even one wheel on the pavement" will face a £100 penalty charge, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

Even on exempt streets, drivers must leave at least 1.5 meters of clear space for pedestrians. In the northern UK area of Cowdenbeath in Scotland, residents have been invited to provide feedback.

As reported in BirminghamLive, Councillor Altany Craik said: "The law aims to improve the safety of pedestrians - particularly those with mobility challenges, visual impairments, or young children in prams. Pavements are for people, not for parking."

Councillor Alex Campbell, convener of the Cowdenbeath Area Committee, said: "First and foremost, keeping road users safe - whether they're in a vehicle or not - is our priority.

"One person dying due to speeding is one too many. We know that some may be concerned about longer journey times because of the lower speed limits."

However, he added that studies suggest the impact is minimal, "adding less than a minute to a five-mile trip in most cases." He said he was sure everyone could spare the extra time if it meant saving lives and encouraged residents to review the proposals and share their thoughts through the online consultation. He also mentioned that they were particularly keen to hear from anyone who felt a specific street had been missed or who wanted to express support or concerns.

Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, described pavement parking as a "serious problem" that needs to be addressed.

He added: "A clear majority of drivers agree and want to see an end to needless pavement parking that causes accessibility problems, but when it comes to the solution, the jury is out.

"Any future Government policy, therefore, needs to strike the right balance between stamping out pavement parking that causes a danger to people walking or wheeling, and ensuring some of England's streets don't end up being inadvertently blocked by parked vehicles."