Drivers are being warned they could face an unlimited fine and up to nine penalty points for a simple mistake during the ongoing UK heatwave. The warning comes from Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Car Leasing, who highlighted that failing to keep a car properly ventilated could lead to prosecution for careless driving.
Highway Code Rule 237
According to Conway, Rule 237 of the Highway Code requires drivers to keep their vehicles well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness. The rule states: “Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Be aware that the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery. These conditions could affect your steering and braking. If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop.”
Conway explained that drivers who fail to take the heat seriously could face severe penalties. “Drivers could face an unlimited fine and up to nine points on their licence for this offence,” he said. He advised drivers to open all windows slightly when first entering the car to remove trapped air, then wind them back up once the air conditioning has kicked in.
Heatstroke Risks Behind the Wheel
Conway also warned about the dangers of heatstroke in poorly ventilated cars, especially during long journeys or in traffic. “Typically your body cools itself through sweating, but if you’re dehydrated or sitting in a poorly-ventilated car, your body isn’t able to cool itself down effectively. This can quickly lead to symptoms of heatstroke which include headaches, dizziness, nausea, cramps, tiredness and weakness,” he said.
He noted that many motorists skimp on fluid intake to limit comfort breaks, but that tactic could be catastrophic. “The signs of heatstroke can come on quickly and once your concentration starts to slip, your ability to make quick decisions or even stay alert at the wheel is compromised, which increases the risk of accidents,” he added.
Port of Dover Concerns
The warnings echo concerns from Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister, who told The Times last month about the dangers of long queues in high temperatures. “If you have elderly people, children and dogs in 12-hour queues with no lavatory facilities, inadequate water supplies, somebody will die, somebody will have a heart attack. I’m not overegging it,” Bannister said. He urged authorities to pause the system until technology is properly implemented.
This weekend, temperatures are expected to reach 29°C in parts of the UK, prompting further caution for drivers heading out on one of the busiest weekends of the year for road travel.
