Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show that 32,000 licences have been revoked or refused since 2022 where eyesight was identified as the primary issue. Of those, around 20,000 involved drivers aged 70 and over.

The data indicates that, on average, approximately 8,000 motorists per year are found not to meet the minimum legal eyesight requirement to drive.

A breakdown of the figures shows that 9,479 licences were revoked in 2022, followed by 7,362 in 2023, 8,200 in 2024 and 7,845 in 2025. In addition, 4,177 bus and lorry drivers have had their entitlement revoked or refused over the same period due to eyesight concerns.

While older drivers account for the largest proportion of cases, the issue is not confined to one age group. The figures show that 1,468 drivers under 25 were affected, alongside 2,273 aged between 25 and 39, and 2,785 aged 40 to 54.

Among older age groups, 6,361 drivers aged between 55 and 69 lost their licences, with the number rising significantly to 10,794 for those aged 70 to 79. A further 8,060 cases involved drivers aged 80 to 89, and 1,202 affected those aged over 90.

The legal requirement for drivers is to be able to read a standard number plate from a distance of 20 metres. Failing to meet this standard can result in a licence being revoked or a renewal application being refused.

Commenting on the findings, motoring journalist Ben Welham highlighted the gradual nature of eyesight deterioration.

“Eyesight deterioration usually happens gradually, so drivers might not notice small changes over time. The data shows this isn’t limited to one age group, so maintaining good vision is relevant at every stage of life,” he said.

“Regular professional eye tests remain the safest way to make sure you meet the legal standard and can continue driving confidently. Drivers should be able to clearly read a standard number plate from 20 metres away.”

The figures underline a consistent legal principle: holding a driving licence is conditional upon continuing to meet the required medical standards, including eyesight.

For motorists, the position is clear. Drivers are under an ongoing duty to ensure they remain fit to drive, and failure to do so can result not only in licence revocation but also potential legal consequences if driving standards are compromised.

About Freeman & Co.

Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.

Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.

The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.

Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.

The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.

If you are facing a road traffic matter or criminal offence and need the services of Freeman & Co. please call on 0161 236 7007.

Freeman & Co. are available for Police Station attendances and an experienced criminal lawyer is on hand to take your call.

If you would prefer to send a confidential email the please click here.

Our Details

Freeman & Co Solicitors
8 Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ

Tel. 0161 236 7007

Our Location

The post DVLA Revokes 32,000 Licences Over Eyesight Failures As 20,000 Over-70s Affected appeared first on Nick Freeman Solicitors | Drink Driving & Road Traffic Law Solicitors.

An e-bike, or electrically assisted pedal cycle, is a bicycle fitted with an electric motor and rechargeable battery that provides additional power whilst the rider is pedalling. Legally, anyone aged 14 or over may ride one on public roads and cycle paths in the UK without a licence, provided the bike meets strict criteria: the motor must produce no more than 250 watts and must not propel the bike beyond 15.5mph. The bike must also have working pedals.

Where a bike exceeds these limits or lacks pedals, it is classified in law as a motorcycle or moped. That means it must be registered, taxed and insured, and the rider must hold a valid driving licence. Those caught riding such a vehicle illegally on a public road face the same penalties as any unlicensed motor vehicle driver. Importantly, higher powered bikes can be used lawfully on private land, such as by farmers working across large areas of land.

The Scale of the Problem

The Metropolitan Police reports that it has seized more than 2,900 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters since January 2026. In a single operation at Cambridge Circus in the West End, officers seized 38 e-bikes in just five hours.

Superintendent Luke Baldock, the Met’s lead officer for tackling e-bike crime, confirmed the force was “ramping up action to tackle the dangerous riding of illegally modified e-bikes, increasing the roll-out of specialist operations across London.” Officers say they are encountering a rise in “illegally modified e-bikes with improvised batteries and motors far exceeding the legal 250W limit.”

The picture beyond policing is equally concerning. Data compiled by Sky News shows that crimes involving e-bikes and e-scooters increased by more than 730 per cent over the five years to 2025, with these vehicles appearing in cases involving theft, robbery, drug trafficking and stalking.

The London Fire Brigade has also raised the alarm, describing e-bike batteries as one of the capital’s fastest growing fire risks. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field stated: “From our investigations, we know many of the fires we’ve attended have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online.” The Brigade attended a record 205 e-bike and e-scooter fires in 2025, rising from 171 in 2024, with at least 30 call-outs already recorded in 2026.

Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns at Cycling UK, told The i Paper: “It’s stopped being a cycling and e-bike problem. It’s become a very complex product safety problem and also an employment law problem.”

At the heart of the problem lies an exploitable gap in online retail regulation. E-bikes and conversion kits capable of speeds far beyond the legal limit are freely available to purchase online, often without any legal warning. This is technically lawful because higher powered e-bikes are permitted on private land and off-road sites.

A conversion kit labelled “for off-road use only” may not constitute an illegal listing, even if the product is plainly capable of being used on public roads. Sellers are not legally responsible for how buyers choose to use the product once purchased.

Dollimore stated that this loophole was being openly exploited: “We’ve got multiple platforms advertising bikes, saying things like ‘fix the commute’ and then saying it’s for off-road use, which is misleading, and it’s verging on mis-selling.”

Both Amazon and Temu issued statements indicating they monitor their platforms for non-compliant products, but campaigners argue that self-regulation is insufficient.

The Employment Dimension

Labour MP Fabian Hamilton, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cycling and Walking, has drawn attention to another driver of illegal e-bike use: the pay structures used by major food delivery platforms. “If you pay the riders by the delivery rather than by the hour, then you’re challenging people to cut corners,” he told The i Paper. The APPG found evidence that many food delivery riders felt pressured to use faster, illegally modified bikes simply to meet delivery expectations.

Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat all stated that their terms require riders to comply with the law, with Deliveroo adding that it had partnerships in place to give riders more affordable access to compliant vehicles. However, Hamilton is calling for structural reform, arguing that employment law must be changed to require delivery companies to engage riders on terms equivalent to those of other workers.

Labour had previously committed to replacing the distinction between “employees” and “workers” with a single worker status, which would extend full employment rights and make it easier to impose safety obligations across the gig economy. That proposal was not, however, included in the Employment Rights Act 2025. The Government has indicated it will consult on the matter as soon as possible.

What the Government Is Doing

Last year, Parliament passed the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025, granting the Government new powers to update product safety laws and potentially make online marketplaces such as Amazon and Temu legally liable for illegal products sold through their platforms. Currently, liability rests with the individual third-party sellers, not the platforms themselves.

A Government consultation is now under way, though critics note that it does not address the off-road loophole that allows retailers to sell products capable of exceeding legal road limits. A Government spokesperson stated that the work includes “proposals to introduce stringent responsibilities for online marketplaces to take proactive measures to ensure the products on their sites are safe.”

Hamilton has also called for a scrappage scheme to remove illegal bikes from circulation and a kitemark system to allow police and businesses to identify compliant vehicles at a glance.

Separately, the Government’s Crime and Policing Bill, currently at report stage in the House of Lords, proposes a new criminal offence of causing death or serious injury by dangerous or careless cycling, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The Position for Riders

The message for anyone using or considering an e-bike is clear. If your bike exceeds the 250 watt or 15.5mph threshold, or lacks working pedals, it is not a bicycle in the eyes of the law. Riding it on a public road without registration, insurance and a licence is a criminal offence, regardless of where the bike was purchased or what the product listing may have stated.

About Freeman & Co.

Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.

Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.

The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.

Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.

The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.

If you are facing a road traffic matter or criminal offence and need the services of Freeman & Co. please call on 0161 236 7007.

Freeman & Co. are available for Police Station attendances and an experienced criminal lawyer is on hand to take your call.

If you would prefer to send a confidential email the please click here.

Our Details

Freeman & Co Solicitors
8 Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ

Tel. 0161 236 7007

Our Location

The post Illegal E-Bikes on Britain’s Roads: The Loophole the Law Has Yet to Close appeared first on Nick Freeman Solicitors | Drink Driving & Road Traffic Law Solicitors.

A Trial That Has Gone On Too Long

Rented e-scooters have been operating in British towns and cities under a trial scheme for several years. According to Transport for London, the current trials began in September 2023 and are scheduled to run until May 2028. However, no decision has been made as to whether shared e-scooters will be permitted to operate permanently on UK streets.

Christina Moe Gjerde, Vice-President for Northern Europe at Voi, the Swedish e-scooter and e-bike company operating in nearly 20 UK towns and cities, has spoken candidly about the consequences of this inaction. Voi currently accounts for around two thirds of all e-scooter journeys in the UK, placing it at the centre of the debate.

“My stance on this is, the UK needs to wake up,” she told The i Paper. “The UK e-scooters trial has been running for too long. And if this is the way the UK plans to go about new tech and innovation… this country will continue to be lagging behind other European countries.”

Safety Concerns and Outdated Equipment

One of the more striking arguments put forward by Moe Gjerde concerns not just commercial viability, but public safety. She contends that the absence of regulatory certainty is preventing operators from investing in newer, more technologically advanced scooters for the UK market.”
If you look at the scooter vehicles that are out on the street here are outdated models compared to other markets, because, again, there’s no certainty,” she said.

Modern e-scooter models available in European markets are equipped with built-in cameras capable of detecting pavement riding or reckless behaviour such as running red lights. Upon detection, the system automatically alerts the rider and reduces the vehicle’s speed. These features are not being rolled out in the UK at the same pace, she argues, precisely because operators are unwilling to invest in hardware with no guarantee of a permanent operating environment.

Rider Behaviour and Over-Regulation

Moe Gjerde also offered a candid assessment of rider behaviour, suggesting that the heavily regulated nature of the UK trial has had an unintended consequence. She argued that by removing so much responsibility from riders, the current system has made British users less aware of traffic rules than their European counterparts.

“Brits need a little bit more enforcement and healthy incentives and encouragement than other countries,” she said. “So it’s more restrictive here than it is in other markets. But in my opinion, that is because we are a pilot that is totally over-regulated, super restrictive in terms of what our riders can and cannot do… it allows users to become lazy because we’re doing the job for you.”

Threat to UK Operations

Moe Gjerde has not shied away from issuing a stark warning to the Government. She pointed to the withdrawal of car-sharing firm Zipcar from London as evidence that regulatory uncertainty is already causing operators to redirect investment elsewhere, and suggested Voi could follow suit.”
If they extend the trial again, then worse comes to worst and we will be looking to pull the plug and put that investment elsewhere,” she said, adding: “I would be as bold as to say you will see more and more e-scooter operators threatening to quit the UK over UK delays.”

“We’re screaming out for a direction, we’re screaming for a strategy,” she added.

The Government’s Position

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport responded by acknowledging the need for updated legislation: “We know the law needs updating to make sure e-scooters are safe for everyone on the road and have committed to regulating them as soon as possible. The trials currently running are allowing us to understand how e-scooters operate in the real world in a controlled environment, ahead of legislating for their widespread use.”

What This Means in Practice

For members of the public, the legal position on e-scooters remains straightforward but frequently misunderstood. Privately owned e-scooters are not permitted on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes in England and Wales. Only rental e-scooters operating within an approved trial area are lawful for use on public roads, and only within the specific boundaries and rules of that trial.

Riding a privately owned e-scooter on a public road is a criminal offence and can result in a fixed penalty notice, points on a driving licence, and potentially seizure of the vehicle.

Until Parliament acts to create a permanent legal framework, this position will not change — regardless of how long the trials continue.

About Freeman & Co.

Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.

Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.

The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.

Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.

The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.

If you are facing a road traffic matter or criminal offence and need the services of Freeman & Co. please call on 0161 236 7007.

Freeman & Co. are available for Police Station attendances and an experienced criminal lawyer is on hand to take your call.

If you would prefer to send a confidential email the please click here.

Our Details

Freeman & Co Solicitors
8 Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ

Tel. 0161 236 7007

Our Location

The post E-Scooter Regulation in the UK: Is the Government Stifling Innovation and Safety? appeared first on Nick Freeman Solicitors | Drink Driving & Road Traffic Law Solicitors.

Latest Home Office figures show that 2.93 million offences were recorded in 2024, representing a 9% increase on the previous year and the highest total since comparable records began in 2011.

Speeding continues to dominate enforcement data, accounting for 2.53 million offences, 86% of the total, and reaching a new record high. The figures exclude London, although separate data indicates that the Metropolitan Police recorded nearly 600,000 motoring offences in the capital in 2024, a 19% rise on the previous year.

The enforcement outcomes varied, with fines issued in 37% of cases, 12% resulting in court proceedings, and just over half, 51%, dealt with by way of driver retraining courses.

Beyond speeding, several other categories of offending have seen notable increases. Careless driving rose by 27% year-on-year, while offences involving handheld mobile phones increased by 11%. There was also a 6% rise in cases involving the failure to comply with traffic signs and pedestrian rights.

The figures sit alongside Department for Transport data indicating that speed was a contributing factor in 59% of fatal collisions in Britain in 2024, underlining the continued link between excess speed and serious road traffic incidents.

Motoring organisations have expressed concern at both the scale of the increase and what it suggests about driver behaviour.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, said the figures were of “great concern” and called for increased police visibility on the roads.

“AA members say they regularly see examples of poor driving standards but rarely see traffic officers on patrol,” he said. “At the moment, too many people think they can get away with it.”

A similar position was adopted by RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis, who warned that a broader cultural issue may be developing.

“Half of drivers believe there is a culture of speeding in the UK. We urge the government to work with police forces and take firm action,” he said.

“While enforcement through speed cameras has its place, greater visibility of police officers can also make a significant difference in changing driver behaviour.”

The effectiveness of existing enforcement measures has also been questioned. Research commissioned by Churchill Motor Insurance found that 31% of drivers who had attended a speed awareness course in the past three years were subsequently caught speeding again.

William Porter, policy and public affairs manager at IAM RoadSmart, said the data pointed to a wider issue of compliance.

“Without decisive intervention, we risk normalising dangerous driving habits that have devastating consequences,” he said.

In response to rising concerns, Transport for London has confirmed it will trial a new generation of speed cameras capable of monitoring multiple lanes of traffic simultaneously without the need for a visible flash. The radar-based systems are expected to be installed at up to 10 locations across the capital.

The latest figures reinforce a consistent message for motorists: while enforcement methods continue to evolve, the legal obligations remain unchanged, and the risks associated with non-compliance, particularly in relation to speed, remain significant both in legal and safety terms.

About Freeman & Co.

Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.

Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.

The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.

Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.

The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.

If you are facing a road traffic matter or criminal offence and need the services of Freeman & Co. please call on 0161 236 7007.

Freeman & Co. are available for Police Station attendances and an experienced criminal lawyer is on hand to take your call.

If you would prefer to send a confidential email the please click here.

Our Details

Freeman & Co Solicitors
8 Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ

Tel. 0161 236 7007

Our Location

The post Motoring Offences Hit Record High As Warnings Issued Over ‘Normalised’ Dangerous Driving appeared first on Nick Freeman Solicitors | Drink Driving & Road Traffic Law Solicitors.

The figures, compiled by the RAC Foundation, are based on data showing how often private operators accessed vehicle keeper details from the DVLA in order to pursue alleged parking infringements. Between April 2019 and September 2025, there were 68.4 million such requests, with a further eight million recorded since.

The scale of enforcement has led to concerns that the system is operating in a way that disproportionately impacts drivers.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “No one denies there are some drivers who will always try it on, but the idea that the vast majority of the estimated 48,000 people who get ticketed daily set out to flout the rules is absurd.

“In this financial climate who knowingly risks getting charged a ‘penalty’ of typically £100? This suggests something fundamental is wrong with the system and we urge ministers to finally act to curb some of the power of the parking industry whose aim, which is understandable in a way, is to make as much money as possible.”

Efforts to reform the private parking sector have been ongoing for several years. In 2019, the Parking (Code of Practice) Act received Royal Assent, with the intention of introducing a unified code of conduct. The reforms were designed to address longstanding concerns about unclear signage, aggressive debt recovery practices and disproportionate charges.

Among the proposed changes was a reduction in the cap on parking charges, which would have seen most penalties set at £50. However, the implementation of the code was withdrawn in 2022 following a legal challenge, delaying the introduction of nationwide standards.

A further consultation on a revised code was undertaken by the current Government in 2025, although no final framework has yet been implemented.

Responding to the latest figures, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “Motorists must be protected when using private car parks and we are determined to drive up standards in the industry.

“We have run a consultation on this issue and will set out further details on the private parking code of practice as soon as possible.”

Industry representatives, however, maintain that enforcement plays a necessary role in maintaining order within car parks.

Isaac Occhipinti, head of external affairs at the British Parking Association, said: “The BPA recognises the need for a code of practice that reflects today’s motoring environment.

“With record numbers of vehicles on the road, the new framework is an important step to address current concerns, protect decent drivers and deter behaviour that harms communities.

“Parking charges act as a deterrent. When they are reduced, evidence shows that compliance falls, disruption rises and more people ultimately receive charges.”

The debate highlights the ongoing tension between consumer protection and enforcement within the private parking industry, with ministers under increasing pressure to deliver a regulatory framework that balances both interests.

For motorists, the current position remains unchanged: private parking charges continue to be enforceable, and drivers should exercise caution when entering privately managed car parks, particularly where terms and conditions may not be immediately clear.

About Freeman & Co.

Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.

Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.

The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.

Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.

The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.

If you are facing a road traffic matter or criminal offence and need the services of Freeman & Co. please call on 0161 236 7007.

Freeman & Co. are available for Police Station attendances and an experienced criminal lawyer is on hand to take your call.

If you would prefer to send a confidential email the please click here.

Our Details

Freeman & Co Solicitors
8 Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ

Tel. 0161 236 7007

Our Location

The post Private Parking Firms Issue 76 Million Tickets As Calls Grow For Reform Of ‘Broken’ System appeared first on Nick Freeman Solicitors | Drink Driving & Road Traffic Law Solicitors.

In my latest column for Cheshire Life, I reflect on why I have never believed in charging by the hour, and why time is, in truth, one of the least meaningful ways to assess a lawyer’s worth. From high-profile cases to moments in court that appear over in seconds, the reality is that what clients are really paying for is judgement, experience and the ability to deliver results when it matters most.

This piece explores the difference between effort and impact, and why the best legal work, though it may appear effortless, is anything but.

You can read the full article in this month’s edition of Cheshire Life.

About Freeman & Co.

Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.

Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.

The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.

Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.

The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.

If you are facing a road traffic matter or criminal offence and need the services of Freeman & Co. please call on 0161 236 7007.

Freeman & Co. are available for Police Station attendances and an experienced criminal lawyer is on hand to take your call.

If you would prefer to send a confidential email the please click here.

Our Details

Freeman & Co Solicitors
8 Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ

Tel. 0161 236 7007

Our Location

The post Why Time Isn’t the Measure of a Lawyer’s Worth appeared first on Nick Freeman Solicitors | Drink Driving & Road Traffic Law Solicitors.

In a strongly worded decision, Mr Justice Pepperall ruled that the council had exercised its statutory powers for an improper purpose when making the schemes permanent in 2024. The court determined that the “dominant purpose” behind retaining the LTNs was to safeguard income generated through enforcement cameras, rather than to reduce congestion, improve air quality or enhance road safety.

As a result, the legal orders underpinning the six schemes have been quashed, raising the prospect that the restrictions may need to be dismantled. The ruling also opens the door to potential reimbursement claims from motorists who were fined for entering the restricted areas.

The schemes were originally introduced in 2020 during the pandemic, before being formalised four years later. They were enforced using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, with penalty charge notices set at £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.

Financially, the schemes proved highly lucrative. Freedom of Information data showed that £1.4 million in fines was issued in a single month, with council projections estimating revenues in excess of £10 million over a four-year period.

However, the court found that such financial considerations had improperly influenced the decision-making process.

In his judgment, Mr Justice Pepperall placed particular weight on public statements made by Croydon’s mayor, Jason Perry, noting a lack of clear support for the schemes on health or safety grounds. The judge highlighted repeated references to the council’s financial constraints, concluding that budgetary pressures had become the driving factor behind the decision to retain the LTNs.

He stated: “Taking the relatively modest benefits of the schemes into account together with the mayor’s apparent lack of public enthusiasm for the road safety or health case for these schemes and his clear and repeated comments before and after the vote as to his hands being tied by the budgetary considerations, I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the dominant purpose for these orders making the schemes permanent was the need to safeguard the revenue raised by enforcement.”

The ruling is particularly significant given Croydon Council’s well-documented financial difficulties, having effectively declared bankruptcy multiple times in recent years. Its proposed net expenditure budget for the 2026–27 financial year stands at £485.4 million, underscoring the scale of the financial pressures facing the authority.

Campaign group Open Our Roads welcomed the decision, calling for immediate action to halt enforcement, remove the schemes and establish a process to refund affected motorists.

The group said: “Today’s judgment confirms that local authorities must act lawfully and for the purposes parliament intended. Residents deserve transparency and decisions based on evidence, not financial necessity.”

The case is likely to have wider implications for local authorities across England, many of which have introduced similar traffic management measures in recent years. Courts have previously scrutinised such schemes, including a ruling against Lambeth Council’s West Dulwich LTN, which was found unlawful due to a failure to properly consider residents’ objections.

Further legal challenges are already in progress, with a separate case involving Tower Hamlets expected to reach the Supreme Court.

For motorists, the judgment serves as a reminder that while local authorities have broad powers to manage traffic and environmental concerns, those powers must be exercised for their intended statutory purposes, not as a mechanism for revenue generation.

The post High Court Rules Croydon LTNs Unlawful After Revenue Motive Exposed appeared first on Nick Freeman Solicitors | Drink Driving & Road Traffic Law Solicitors.

As part of a wider drive to improve public health, ministers are looking to introduce fresh measures aimed at shielding children from the effects of second-hand smoke and vapour.

A 12-week public consultation on the proposed restrictions is now underway and will close on 8 May 2026. The outcome will help shape future regulations under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament.

Smoking in a car carrying a child has been illegal in England and Wales since October 2015. Both the driver and the person smoking can be issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice, even if the vehicle’s windows are open.

In Scotland, a similar ban came into force on 5 December 2016.

Under the latest proposals, people would be prohibited from smoking, vaping or using heated tobacco products in cars where children are present, as well as in public playgrounds.

England’s Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, said:

“People who do not smoke but who are exposed to second-hand smoke can suffer significant harmful effects on their health, including an increased risk of asthma, poor birth outcomes, several cancers, stroke and heart disease.

“The health risks are greatest for children, pregnant women and people with medical conditions.”

The proposals would also extend smoke-free and heated-tobacco-free rules to outdoor areas around healthcare settings and to indoor spaces where smoking is already banned.

However, the measures would not apply to outdoor hospitality venues such as pub gardens, nor to private homes or private outdoor spaces.

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:

“Second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer, and we want to protect children and the sick from harm.”

About Freeman & Co.

Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.

Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.

The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.

Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.

The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.

If you are facing a road traffic matter or criminal offence and need the services of Freeman & Co. please call on 0161 236 7007.

Freeman & Co. are available for Police Station attendances and an experienced criminal lawyer is on hand to take your call.

If you would prefer to send a confidential email the please click here.

Our Details

Freeman & Co Solicitors
8 Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ

Tel. 0161 236 7007

Our Location

The post Vaping in Cars with Children Could Be Banned appeared first on Nick Freeman Solicitors | Drink Driving & Road Traffic Law Solicitors.

While the twice-yearly change implemented by the DVLA is routine, its arrival has prompted fresh warnings to motorists, not about the plates themselves, but about the legal and insurance risks that often arise during peak car-buying periods.

The introduction of the “26” plate is expected to have a knock-on effect across the used car market, particularly for vehicles currently bearing “75” registrations. As newer vehicles enter circulation, depreciation may accelerate, creating opportunities for buyers to acquire nearly-new vehicles at reduced prices.

From a legal perspective, the requirements governing number plates remain unchanged. Vehicles must display plates that are reflective, with black characters on a white background at the front and a yellow background at the rear. The use of the prescribed Charles Wright font, alongside correct spacing and sizing, remains mandatory to ensure compatibility with Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems used by enforcement authorities.

Permitted variations — such as 3D characters, approved national flags and green flashes for electric vehicles — remain lawful, provided all characters are solid black, non-removable and clearly legible. Any deviation from these standards may result in enforcement action, including fines of up to £1,000 and MOT failure.

However, the more immediate concern for many motorists lies not in compliance with plate regulations, but in insurance assumptions made during the purchase or transfer of vehicles.

Darryl Bowman of Cuvva highlighted a recurring issue during the March registration period, noting that it coincides with one of the busiest times of year for both dealership transactions and private sales.

“Plate-change season isn’t just about depreciation. It’s one of the busiest times of year for car purchases,” he said.

“We see a spike in drivers needing short-term cover for private sales and test drives, or even for driving their new car home.

“Assuming you’re insured without checking the fine print can be far more costly than any dip in value.”

The warning reflects a common misunderstanding among drivers that comprehensive insurance policies automatically extend to driving other vehicles. In practice, such cover, where it exists at all, is often restricted, conditional, or absent altogether.

Similarly, motorists purchasing vehicles privately may wrongly assume they are insured for test drives or for transporting the vehicle immediately after purchase.

The consequences of getting this wrong can be significant. Driving without valid insurance may result in penalty points, financial penalties, and in some cases, the immediate seizure of the vehicle by police.

Beyond the immediate sanction, such incidents can have lasting financial implications, with insurers likely to treat the driver as higher risk, resulting in increased premiums for years to come.

As the “26” plate enters circulation, the legal message remains straightforward: while the registration update itself introduces no new rules, the circumstances surrounding vehicle purchases at this time of year present a heightened risk, particularly for those who proceed without confirming that they are properly insured.

About Freeman & Co.

Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.

Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.

The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.

Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.

The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.

If you are facing a road traffic matter or criminal offence and need the services of Freeman & Co. please call on 0161 236 7007.

Freeman & Co. are available for Police Station attendances and an experienced criminal lawyer is on hand to take your call.

If you would prefer to send a confidential email the please click here.

Our Details

Freeman & Co Solicitors
8 Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ

Tel. 0161 236 7007

Our Location

The post DVLA ‘26’ Plate Launch Triggers Insurance Warnings And Seizure Risks For Uninsured Drivers appeared first on Nick Freeman Solicitors | Drink Driving & Road Traffic Law Solicitors.

Mike Nunn, 53, who teaches in Lincoln, said incidents of impatience, close following and unsafe overtaking have become routine during lessons. He believes standards have declined in recent years, particularly since the Covid-19 lockdowns.

One of his former pupils, Louis Clayton, 27, from Scampton near Lincoln, recently passed his test and described feeling “the jitters” while learning due to the behaviour of other motorists.

Pressure Behind the Wheel

Nunn said tailgating and overtaking in inappropriate places regularly place learners under pressure. In some cases, he warned, it can lead to students making decisions they would not otherwise take.

“It can make them act in ways that wouldn’t normally be safe because they feel pressured,” he explained.

On one occasion, while teaching a pupil, a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction collided with his car during what he described as a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre. The other driver failed to stop.

“It was a hit and run,” he said. “If that doesn’t show a drop in standards, I don’t know what does.”

He suggested that periodic retesting could help reinforce standards, adding that driving should be regarded as a privilege rather than a right.

Learners Feeling the Strain

Clayton began lessons around a decade ago before taking a break, eventually passing his test on his first attempt earlier this month. Over that period, he said he noticed a change in attitudes from other drivers.

He described frequent tailgating and recalled one incident where a motorist repeatedly sounded their horn and shouted while he was attempting a hill start.

“I’ve found that people have become more impatient,” he said. “If you have a bad enough experience, it can really strike fear into you.”

Collision Figures Raise Concern

According to the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, there were 329 collisions resulting in serious injuries on Lincolnshire’s roads in 2025, up from 310 the previous year. Fatal incidents fell from 51 to 37 over the same period.

Simon Outen-Coe, from the partnership, urged motorists to reflect on their own conduct.

“We need to avoid distractions, be patient and concentrate,” he said. “We must look honestly at ourselves as road users and recognise the personal responsibility we all carry.”

The Psychology of Blame

Dr Nathan Heflick, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Lincoln, said research shows people often instinctively blame others for mistakes made on the road.

When drivers err themselves, he explained, they are more likely to attribute it to external factors such as stress or weather conditions, protecting their self-esteem and perpetuating a cycle of feeling blameless.

Legal and Insurance Considerations

Malcolm Tarling, who has nearly four decades of experience in the insurance sector and previously worked with the Association of British Insurers, advised drivers to remain calm following a collision.

While politeness is important, he cautioned against immediately admitting fault at the roadside.

“You can be calm and polite,” he said, “but that is not the same as accepting responsibility.”

Insp Jason Baxter of Lincolnshire Police said road rage itself is not a specific offence, but behaviour arising from it can quickly become criminal.

“It could easily escalate into a public order offence or even an assault,” he warned.

He encouraged motorists who capture footage of dangerous driving to submit it through the force’s Operation Snap portal, which can lead to prosecution where appropriate.

Nick Freeman Comments

Learner drivers are not the real problem. They are but one small piece of the huge frustration drivers face every journey they make. They have to navigate appalling pot hole ridden road surfaces ; have the patience of Job to deal with the numerous lane hoggers ; congestion is getting worse as every day goes by and a free stretch of road is often governed by a speed below the national speed limit and for no good reason. Factor in unreliable and inaccurate information on our “ smart motorways “ , and then work out the spiralling cost of participating in this road traffic debacle. Little wonder every motorist should probably have a therapist in the passenger seat!

About Freeman & Co.

Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.

Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.

The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.

Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.

The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.

If you are facing a road traffic matter or criminal offence and need the services of Freeman & Co. please call on 0161 236 7007.

Freeman & Co. are available for Police Station attendances and an experienced criminal lawyer is on hand to take your call.

If you would prefer to send a confidential email the please click here.

Our Details

Freeman & Co Solicitors
8 Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ

Tel. 0161 236 7007

Our Location

The post Drivers Have Lost Respect for Learners, Instructor Says appeared first on Nick Freeman Solicitors | Drink Driving & Road Traffic Law Solicitors.