Drivers issued urgent warning of huge £2,500 fines for 'performing car repairs on public roads'

Car breakdown

Experts are warning that drivers could see more breakdowns over the summer

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Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 27/06/2024

- 15:57

'This regulation is in place to ensure public safety and maintain the quality of life for residents'

Experts are warning drivers that they could face hefty charges if they are unfortunate enough to suffer a breakdown in the coming months.

Over the warmer, summer months, drivers could be more likely to break down on the road because the engine could overheat and cause further issues for drivers.


Flat batteries could also turn into a major issue in the near future, especially if people are using their air conditioning units constantly to battle against higher temperatures.

All of these will require urgent care and attention if drivers want to continue with their journeys, as some will choose to try and fix the issue before calling their breakdown recovery provider.

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A person checking his car engineIn the August 2022 heatwave, car breakdowns rose by 22 per cent across the UK PEXELS

However, this could see drivers end up in hot water and land a huge bill when pulled over on the roadside to try and fix their cars.

Experts point to the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 which states that performing any work on a motor vehicle on the roadside, is described 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".

It also deals with completing works for the "installation, replacement or renewal of any such part or accessory".

Despite this, there is one exception, which allows motorists to work on their vehicles when responding to a vehicle breakdown.

Car repair experts from Bumper urged drivers to be aware of the "crucial" matter, saying that roadside repairs, maintenance, or servicing are prohibited unless the vehicle has broken down.

A spokesperson for the organisation 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.

Even if it is for their own vehicle, motorists could still be fined if the repairs create excessive noise or air pollution.

The experts warned that the authorities may intervene to stop you from continuing these activities and slap you with a fine.

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Drivers will not be breaking road rules if they are not making the repairs for profit

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Many are expecting the UK to see warmer temperatures over the coming months with millions already basking in the sunny weather earlier this week.

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