CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > May 2022 39 LEGAL: 2 In early March, Transport for London (TfL) began the review on expanding the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to cover the whole of Greater London and to develop proposals for a smart road user charge. The smart road user charging scheme is being proposed as a replacement to all existing road user charges, such as the Congestion Charge and ULEZ. Such a scheme would charge motorists on a ‘per- mile’ basis and could allow for different rates to be charged depending on: • how polluting the vehicle is, • the level of congestion in the area, and, • access to public transport. TfL will conduct an Integrated Impact Assessments on the expansion of the ULEZ, with a public consultation expected in the summer. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the ULEZ changes are likely to be introduced sometime between 2023 and May 2024. The smart road user charging scheme is a longer term proposal and is unlikely to be introduced before 2025/2026. ULEZ expansion and London smart road user charge Travelling and Subsistence Rates The rates set by HMRC regarding the mileage and subsistence allowance remain unchanged from last year. For someone using their own car for work purposes, may receive up to 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles. After that distance, the rate reduces to a maximum of 25p per mile. The maximum overnight subsistence rate that may be paid tax-free remains at £38.23 per night within the M25, and £31.83 outside of the M25. The Driver & Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) has become aware that there are a few fleet operators who are deliberately attempting to conceal their number plates from identification. As a result of this, DVLA began their enforcement on deliberate number plate tampering from 1st February 2022. In instances where DVLA believe that there has been an attempt to conceal a vehicle number plate, they will now consider any of the following sanctions: • issue an S mark roadworthiness prohibition - where the examiner believes a severe defect is due to significant breakdown in the vehicle’s maintenance procedure • issue either an immediate or delayed prohibition and a £100 fixed penalty notice • submit a report to the Courts or Traffic Commissioners • retain fraudulent number plates as evidence for any future investigation. It may be prudent to review the state and condition of number plates within your fleet and take appropriate action where necessary. DVLA Warning TfL to expand pedestrian road crossing scheme Transport for London (TfL) has published new data that show how ‘Green Person Authority’ traffic signals could be used to give pedestrians priority at road crossings. In May 2021, TfL installed the new technology at 18 crossings across London. These priority signals show a continuous green signal to pedestrians until a vehicle is detected approaching the crossing. The signal then changes to red for pedestrians, allowing the vehicle to cross the junction before returning to a green signal for pedestrians. Data from the trial suggests that pedestrians’ compliance with traffic signals increased by 13%. The data also show that the signals had no impact on traffic, with only minimal changes to journey times for buses and general traffic. Following the results of the trial, TfL is assessing how the technology could be further improved and used at other locations across London subject to funding. The adoption of these traffic systems may be implemented by other cities and large towns in due course. National Insurance Contributions (NIC) increases From 6th April 2022, the National Insurance Contribution (NIC) that employees will have to pay increased by 1.25%, equating to 13.25%. Employment Reference Document (ERD) Update The April 2022 version of the Employment Reference Document (ERD) is available to download from the CPA’s website at www.cpa.uk.net/legal-insurance-plant-theft/legal/employment. NATIONAL MinimumWage IncreaseS From 6th April 2022, the National Insurance Contribution (NIC) that employees will have to pay increased by 1.25%, equating to 13.25%. WAGE RATE UP TO RATE FROM BANDS 31 MARCH 22 1 APRIL 22 23 and over £8.91 £9.50 National LivingWage Aged 21 to 22 £8.36 £9.18 Aged 18 to 20 £6.56 £6.83 Under 18 £4.62 £4.81 Apprentice £4.30 £4.81