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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
World
Jenna Thompson - Senior Editor & Shashana Brown

DVLA: Councils handed new powers to hit motorists with fines for driving offences

Motorists are being warned about new fines which came into force on New Years Day.

The new charges mean that local authorities now have powers to issue £70 fines, which could previously only be handed out by police.

The fines could be handed out for "moving traffic" offences such as stopping in yellow box junctions and performing bad turns, reports Hull Live.

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At the moment, most councils are only able to send out penalties for parking and driving in bus lanes.

But 300 local authorities will now also be able to apply to hand out the punishments.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “We’re fearful that some authorities may be over-enthusiastic in using their new powers for revenue-raising reasons.

“Drivers who blatantly ignore signage or highway rules should expect penalties but there are instances which are not always clear-cut."

A new £200 fine has also been introduced on January 1 for anyone caught using their mobile phone to take photos or videos, scroll music or play games.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Too many deaths and injuries occur while mobile phones are being held.

"By making it easier to prosecute people illegally using their phone at the wheel, we are ensuring the law is brought into the 21st century while further protecting all road users."

They are among several new driving rules and laws coming into force this year which includes parking on pavements, vehicle tax increase and speed limiters build in all new cars from July 6.

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