Winter clothing and special cameras

Hot on the (w)heels of another post regarding clothing and driving – if you recall the previous post was for summer attire. Well, as the seasons have changed, we’re being warned yet again about what to wear whilst driving.

Rule 97 again

Yes, Rule 97 of the Highway Code states you must not allow clothing to hamper your driving in any way. This includes wearing coats and scarves, as well as gloves as they may lessen your grip on the steering wheel.

No flip flops!

Coats, scarves, and hats must not affect your visibility in any way. You also need to make sure you are wearing proper shoes (although we do expect nobody will be wearing flip flops in winter!)

If caught with inappropriate clothing, this could result in a fine of up to £5000 and points on your licence.

Is it just clothing?

No, is the simple answer. Anything that restricts your vision whilst driving is considered to be a hazard and therefore could land you with a fine and points. Just trying to keep you safe, folks!

Noise pollution

A bit of a different topic but one that affects quite a few of us living in built up suburbs. Boy Racers. We’re quite sure most of us have had the misfortune of having to listen to and put up with the noise created by their (often illegally) modified vehicles.

A noise-detecting camera?

A new, noise-detecting camera has been developed and tested in the West Midlands and other cities will follow suit over the next few months. The camera can record both images and sound which the local police will be able to examine and use as evidence to issue fines and possibly impound the offensive vehicles.

Some readers may feel this is a bit excessive and over the top, however, this type of anti-sociable behaviour can contribute towards numerous health problems. According to a report by the Department for Transport, the estimated financial impact of this is around £10 billion per year. These are certainly avoidable costs to our already stretched NHS.

Enough is enough

The noise cameras have already been installed in some areas in London in response to continuous noise, dangerous driving, and vehicles performing doughnut manoeuvres late at night. This had been going on for quite some time and residents were fed up with this anti-social behaviour.

Hopefully, those causing the noise pollution will soon be brought to book and dissuade others from making illegal modifications to their cars, which is causing misery to so many residents up and down the country.

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