Motorists are at risk of being fined £2,500 this December, with inclement weather likely to play a part. Alexander Haraldsson, driving expert and CEO of Lotus Car Rentals, stressed that failing to de-ice their car properly this winter could backfire.
Accidentally forgetting to clear snow and ice off the roof is against Rule 229 of the Highway Code and could see motorists caught out. It could result in road users incurring the hefty £2.5k bill and even face the threat of penalty points on their driving licence. It comes after the Met Office warned of “colder air in place” from next weekend, with meteorologists warning there was a “risk of sleet or snow" in northern England and southern Scotland.
Alexander said: “Failing to remove snow and ice from the roof means it can slide forward, blocking your view, or fall onto the road, endangering other drivers.
“Use a long-handled brush or scraper to remove all snow and ice from your roof, bonnet, and lights before you start your journey.”
However, that's not all; experts suggest this may not be the only problem to affect motorists as the country experiences cold weather. Rule 229 of the Highway Code also makes clear that road users must have a clear and proper full view of the road ahead.
Road users must make sure to clear every inch of their car windscreen and windows before setting off to dodge a £1,000 fine. The Highway Code also warns that drivers can be penalised for a failure to have proper control of their vehicle.
Experts say road users need to maintain a gap at least ten times greater on icy roads than under normal conditions to avoid being caught out. Finally, the experts warned road users were at risk of being fined up to £80 for simply leaving their car idle to defrost.
Alexander added: “Starting the engine and leaving the car running unattended on a public road to de-ice is an idling offence, which becomes more tempting on busy, cold mornings. If your car is parked on a public road, you must stay with your vehicle while the engine is running and you de-ice.
“Leaving it running and unattended is not only illegal but also creates a major security risk: if your car is stolen while the keys are in the ignition, your insurance claim could be rejected.”