2024 Road Safety Information From Your Tyre Specialists
As 2024 comes to an end, it can be helpful to know what has changed for road users over the past year. This complete guide explores the key updates that have impacted road users in 2024, explores how they affect daily journeys and provides insights into potential developments for 2025.
Why Road Safety Should Be a Priority
Regardless of the method you use to travel, road safety should always be something you think about as you’re on the move. Roads can be highly dangerous places for all types of road users, particularly if a road user is not travelling carefully or lawfully. Read on to learn why road safety should be a priority for you as you use your local roads.
Prevents Injuries and Fatalities
Certain road users are more vulnerable than others, as they are more exposed to potential injuries. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are key examples of vulnerable users, as, unlike those travelling in cars, they lack a wide range of physical protection measures. Similarly, the significant difference in speed and mass between motor vehicles and vulnerable road users means they are likely to be injured more severely.
When operating a vehicle, road safety is a must as it helps to keep vulnerable road users safe. Adhering to lower speed limits, for example, is a measure that can help to drastically reduce the risk of fatalities for vulnerable road users, should an accident take place.
Supports Communities
While road safety can make a significant impact on road users themselves, it can also surprisingly support local communities. Knowing a road is safe to use and travel around can put the minds of local residents at peace. Dangerous local roads can often prevent local people from wanting to walk and cycle near them, preventing them from getting exercise and leading mentally and physically healthy lifestyles. Safe roads may also enable smoother traffic flow and reduce congestion, helping to make communities more liveable and appealing to all.
The Latest Road Safety Laws in 2024
In 2024, the UK has seen some significant changes in the laws relevant to road users. Many of these are designed to make roads safer, while others are laws implemented with the protection of local environments in mind. Below, you can discover some of the latest road safety laws that have been introduced in 2024.
Exemptions for Electric Vehicles
While UK residents enjoyed tax exemptions for electric vehicles in 2024, this is set to come to an end next year. Tax exemptions for electric vehicles were first introduced to encourage their adoption, which in turn supports economic and environmental goals.
From 1 April 2025, registered keepers of electric, zero or low-emissions vehicles will need to pay vehicle tax in the same way as petrol and diesel vehicle keepers. This change will apply to both new and existing vehicles. For example, electric, zero or low-emission cars registered on or after 1 April 2025 will pay the lowest first-year rate of vehicle tax, set at £10 from 1 April 2025.
Mandatory Speed Limiting Systems
A European Union Mandate came into force on the 7th of July 2024 that stipulates all new vehicles sold will need to be equipped with a speed limiter. This regulation is designed to enhance road safety, helping to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries. Some speed limiters use Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems, which employ cameras to detect traffic signs. Other speed limiters, on the other hand, may use GPS technology which combines information on the driver’s location and the local speed limit. While new cars must be fitted with speed-limiting systems, they are not currently required to be activated.
Key Changes This Year
In 2024, the new road safety laws and other measures have led to some significant changes to the way UK drivers use the roads. Here, you can discover how the increased pedestrianisation has impacted road travel for certain vehicles.
Increased Pedestrianisation of Cities
One palpable change that has been noticed over the past year is that cities are becoming increasingly pedestrianised. Many cities are choosing to take initiatives that reduce vehicular traffic and promote active travel instead. Some measures, for example, include introducing cycle tracks and new bus lanes. It should be noted, however, that despite pedestrianisation efforts, travelling by car has still been incredibly popular in 2024. When multiple cars are on the road at once, proper road safety measures can help to prevent accidents and injuries.
The Role of Tyre Specialists in Keeping You Safe
Here at Acorn Tyres, our tyre specialists work hard to ensure our customers have safe vehicles and supportive tyres. In this section, you can learn how our tyre specialists will use our services to make sure your vehicle is compliant and safe to drive.
Tyre Damage Inspections
As one of the most important features of a vehicle, it’s important to know how healthy your tyres are. Often, however, it’s hard to detect damage if you’re unsure of which signs you should be looking for. Luckily, our tyre specialists at Acorn Tyres can use their expertise to catch potential issues that could lead to sudden tyre failures, such as uneven wear.
Compliant Tyres
To make sure it’s not dangerous to drive a vehicle, we must make sure the vehicle is safe to drive before setting off. In the UK, the tread of the tyres must be above a specific minimum. For cars, light vans and light trailers, the tread depth must be above 1.6mm. On motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles, the tread depth must be at least 1mm. Professional tyre specialists, thankfully, can change your tyres, making sure you remain compliant with these regulations as you drive.
Professional Advice
Experienced tyre specialists will be able to help you select the right tyres for your particular vehicle, ensuring that your tyres are both appropriate and compliant with local laws. As experts in tyres, our team at Acorn Tyres can fit your vehicle with the tyres they need, meaning you can easily travel without worry.
Get in Touch
To help you remain safe while driving in 2025, you will need professional tyre specialists. At Acorn Tyres, we can provide you with first-rate garage services in Aylesbury that keep your vehicle in check. We offer a wide range of services, from car repairs to vehicle maintenance. Simply visit our website or get in touch with our local mechanics today for a free quote on our expert services.
