Four driving law and rule changes in October 2024 - including free parking for all

Motorists are set to see a number of changes in October - and some will be welcomed by motorists. For a new parking code means "all private parking operators" will have to stick to the same set of rules and this includes giving a period of grace for motorists a few minutes late back to their vehicle.

It is also addressing the misuse of disabled parking bays as well as keeping a cap on parking charges. There are a number of other changes coming into force next month in addition to the parking rules review.

These cover a number of areas from petrol and driving costs to medical certificates and rules for HGV drivers. Many of the changes will affect all motorists.

Parking

There are major changes being implemented across private car parks in October. The British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC), the two trade bodies for private car park operators, have announced a new code for its members.

Their aim is to "raise standards and deliver greater transparency and consistency for the benefit of motorists". And with all private care parks required to belong to one of them, it should make parking rules more consistent.

Under the new code, drivers will have a 10-minute grace period at the end of their parking stay. This means being a couple of minutes late back is no longer putting you at risk of a fine.

All private car parks will be required to provide clear signage. There will also be a single set of rules for all private parking operators.

For those being fined there will be a new appeals charter if they have 'mitigating circumstances'. There will also be a new oversight group ensuring that the interpretation of the code is consistent across private car parks.

It also aims to protect the most vulnerable in society. There will be no decrease to the deterrent for abuse of Blue Badge bays or those who choose to park selfishly, putting their own convenience above the needs or rights of others.

All new private parking sites are expected to be compliant from 1 October 2024. Pre-existing sites have until late 2026 to comply with the new rules.

Budget

Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver the patry's first budget on October 30 and there are concerns the motorist will be targeted. Some experts have warned fuel duty could be one of the areas used to deal with a "£22billion financial blackhole" the party says it inherited from the previous government.

A 5p per litre fuel duty cut was introduced in 2021 by then Chancellor Rishi Sunak to help motorists facing high petrol and diesel prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This was extended until March 2025 by Jeremy Hunt earlier this year but some believe this will be scrapped in the budget, especially as fuel prices have fallen to their lowest since 2021.

Other motoring experts have warned a pay-per-mile road pricing system could be on the way. However, this is unlikely to be in place soon even if approved.

Medical licences

From October 5 there will be a change in medical standards and medical certificate requirements for motorists using Jersey driving licences. This includes when someone needs to submit a medical certificate, their driving licence validity period and the requirements for some medical conditions.

Medical standards will also change for those who suffer from poor vision, epilepsy and seizures, and diabetes. All drivers are advised to check the new rules, which will bring them in line with UK and EU rules, on the Jersey Government website.

HGV drivers

Changes to the standards required for HGV drivers will also come into effect next month. From October 28, HGVs over 12 tonnes will require a minimum three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating or to fit the updated system of enhanced safety features - the Progressive Safe System (PSS) - in order to operate in Greater London.

The DVS and PSS requirements, alongside other measures being introduced, could save an estimated 25,000 lives by 2038, according to the European Commission. There will be a grace period allowed to ensure vehicles comply with the new Progressive Safe System.