News

A few months into 2022, we have already seen several new laws and rules coming into place over various sectors, from divorce and driving to environmental issues, with yet more changes to take effect later in the year.

Given that these rules and changes affect many of us in our day-to-day lives, it is useful to remind ourselves of what they are and what sort of impact they may have upon us.

Driving and Highway Code

In January 2022, several key changes were made to the Highway Code, including the creation of a “hierarchy of road users” establishing priority for those most vulnerable to harm.  Pedestrians are placed at the top of the hierarchy, with horse riders, cyclists, motorcyclists and cars on the next tier, with vans, buses and lorries at the bottom.  What people now need to remember is that:-

• Drivers no longer have priority at junctions;
• All traffic must stop for pedestrians waiting at crossings;
• Cyclists can ride wherever they feel most visible;
• Drivers should treat cyclists as though they were another motor vehicle; and
• Rules on the use of phones behind the wheel are also now stricter, with the use of handheld mobiles and devices banned, except in an emergency.  This includes the taking of videos or photos, scrolling through playlists, or playing games even when your vehicle is stopped at a red light. Mobile phones can be used on a hands-free basis, and drivers are still allowed to use their devices to make contactless payments at toll bridges and drive-thru restaurants.

Environment

1 April 2022 saw the introduction by the government of a Plastic Packaging Tax ( PPT) on materials that contain less than 30% of recycled plastics.  All UK manufacturers of plastic packaging, their business customers and importers will be affected and expected to pay £200 per metric tonne of packaging.

With concerns about the climate at an all-time high, the aim of the tax is to provide a clear economic incentive for businesses to use recycled plastic in the manufacture of plastic packaging, which will stimulate increased levels of recycling and collection of plastic waste, diverting it away from landfill or incineration. 

Divorce

From 6 April 2022, it is no longer necessary or even possible for either party to prove fault in order to obtain a divorce.  This is part of the new No Fault Divorce law that is intended to end the “divorce blame game”.  Many practitioners have long felt that the legal requirement to assign blame makes it harder for couples to reach an amicable agreement at what is often an already difficult and emotional time.  The introduction of no-fault divorce is the first change to divorce law in 50 years. Significant changes now mean that the grounds for divorce are entirely non-fault instead of a mix of both fault and non-fault, such as unreasonable behaviour.  Couples can now make a joint application for divorce but should be aware that the new law does not affect the financial settlement process, which is separate.

Health

In October 2022, new rules governing the placement and promotion of HFSS (high in fat, salt and sugar) foods are set to come into force. This will restrict shops from offering promotions on unhealthy soft drinks and snacks high in fat, salt and sugar.   The change will target medium and large retail businesses like supermarkets and aims to end the practice of offering impulse buys at checkouts, entrances, and aisle ends in the hope of steering shoppers towards making healthier dietary choices and keeping temptation out of the way.  This may be the end of an era for the buy-one-get-one-free (BOGOF) deal!

This new law forms part of the Government’s wider strategy for tackling obesity, highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic, where we have seen the impact that an unhealthy weight can have on people’s health.

If you would like further information, please contact Lesley Purveur on 01636 703333 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.