The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 states that performing any work on a motor vehicle on the roadside, is described as “restricted works” and can see you fined
Motorists could be hit with whopping £2,500 fines for carrying out car repairs on public roads.
With experts predicting a surge in breakdowns over the summer, drivers are being warned that stopping to fix their vehicles on public highways could leave them seriously out of pocket. During last year’s August heatwave, there was a 22 per cent spike in car breakdowns across the UK.
If motorists stop to deal with issues like a flat battery while on the move, they could find themselves facing a hefty fine. Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, any work carried out on a vehicle at the roadside is classified as “restricted works”. This includes “the repair, maintenance, servicing, improvement or dismantling of a motor vehicle or of any part of or accessory to a motor vehicle”.
The law also covers tasks related to the “installation, replacement or renewal of any such part or accessory”. Car repair specialists from Bumper have urged drivers to take note of this “crucial” issue, stressing that roadside repairs, maintenance, or servicing are only allowed if the vehicle has broken down, reports Birmingham Live.
A spokesperson for the company said: “This regulation is in place to ensure public safety and maintain the quality of life for residents. Ignoring this rule can result in significant fines. Many drivers are unaware of the repercussions of performing car repairs on public roads.
“The fines can be severe, reaching up to £2,500. This aims to reduce nuisances and hazards associated with roadside repairs, and we strongly advise Brits to adhere to it to avoid hefty penalties.”
The 2005 Act does highlight how drivers are able to repair their own car, but cannot allow drivers to make repairs for financial gain or profit. Drivers could still be fined if the repairs create excessive noise or air pollution, the experts have warned. And authorities may intervene to stop you from continuing these activities and slap you with a fine.
