Wearing this everyday item while driving in Storm Herminia could land you with £5k fine
As the country continues to recover from Storm Eowyn, further flood warnings have been issued as Storm Herminia moves in across the UK
On Monday morning, there were 48 flood warnings and 172 alerts in place with parts of Britain seeing flash flooding, road closures, and hazardous driving conditions.
But it’s not just the treacherous roads that pose a danger to drivers. Footwear expert Julian Nelson, from A Fine Pair of Shoes , is warning motorists of an easy-to-make mistake that could land them with fines of up to £5,000 .
READ MORE: New Winter Fuel Payment update on legal bid to reverse cuts for all pensioners
READ MORE: Exact date snow flurries to hit Scotland as wild weather continues to batter UK
With the wet weather, many people are likely to be driving in boots or wellies. However, these types of footwear can reduce your control over the car’s pedals and put you at risk of a hefty fine.
According to the Highway Code, drivers must maintain proper control of their vehicles at all times. Wearing unsuitable shoes, like boots or wellies, could lead to an on-the-spot fine of £100 and three penalty points on your licence. If the case is taken to court, penalties could escalate to a fine of up to £5,000, nine points, or even a driving ban.
The risks don’t stop there. Driving with inappropriate footwear can also invalidate your car insurance . This means that if you’re involved in an accident, you could end up footing the bill for repairs or damages yourself.
Julian said: "I’d advise drivers to always carry a pair of appropriate shoes in their car. Wet or unsuitable footwear can reduce grip and make it harder to control pedals, especially in these dangerous weather conditions. Shoes should be lightweight, allow for ankle movement, and fit snugly so you don’t accidentally press multiple pedals at once. Unfortunately, this rules out most boots and wellies for driving.”
As Storm Herminia continues to batter the UK, drivers are reminded that the small action of swapping footwear could prevent accidents, avoid fines, and ensure safe journeys.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter .