Motorists are being warned their footwear could see them hit with a hefty fine this weekend as the hot spell continues.
Heat warnings are currently in place with temperatures set to reach as high as 28C and people urged to keep hydrated. UKHSA's Dr Agostino Sousa said: "In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far".
Amid the high temperatures, drivers are being urged to make sure they don't wear flip flops or sandals while behind the wheel.
READ MORE: Highway Code rule means you could be fined £1,000 for letting ambulance pass
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states you must wear clothing and footwear which "does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner", and while it is not illegal it does make you potentially liable for a "driving without due care and attention" charge.
As previously reported, the charge carries a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on your licence. If it goes to court then it could rise to the maximum penalty of a £5,000 fine, nine penalty points and even a driving ban.
According to the RAC: "While light, flimsy and impractical footwear can be dangerous, so can sturdy, robust shoes, such as walking or snow boots. It's important to have a good base and grip to apply pressure to the pedals, but you need a certain degree of finesse to manipulate the controls.
"If not, you could strike the brake and accelerator together, producing a heart-in-mouth incident." The RAC have given guidelines on what footwear to drive in.
Your shoes should:
• Have a sole no thicker than 10mm
• The sole should not be too thin or soft
• Provide enough grip to stop your foot slipping off the pedals
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