Council says update your knowledge to avoid fines

Bury Council ‘s road safety team is encouraging all drivers to refresh their knowledge of the Highway Code to improve safety and avoid possible prosecution.

 This advice follows hot on the heels of the recent advertising campaign “The Highway Code is for life – not just for learners” by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and after several drivers received fines and points on their licence for parking on roads where there are central double white lines.

 Councillor Gill Campbell, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and regeneration, said: “Ignorance of the law is no excuse, because the actions of a driver can have a severe impact on others. A road marked with double white lines is not suitable for overtaking due to the nature of the road and the environment, but drivers should also be aware that they are not allowed to stop or park on those roads except to pick up or set down passengers and for this reason the offence carries a fairly hefty penalty.”

There are now more ways than ever to keep up to date with the Highway Code and any changes that are introduced in revised editions. As well as in hard copy, the code is also available online at www.direct.gov.uk and via Twitter and Facebook.

Ian Lord, Bury Council’s road traffic manager, said: “We don’t take any satisfaction in seeing drivers prosecuted for breaches of road traffic law, but we have a responsibility to make the roads safer for everyone. Drivers can help themselves by refreshing their knowledge and keeping an up to date edition of the Highway Code to hand.”