Motorists may be caught out by four new driving laws set to be introduced across the UK in May. Updates to VAT paid on petrol and diesel fuel prices will affect motorists from the start of his month before new HGV permit rules are introduced within days.

Those travelling in London will have to obtain a safety permit meeting certain criteria before operating HGVs from May 4. New parking fees will be introduced in one area later in the month while road users may also be affected by a new car finance report from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Daily Express takes a look at the biggest updates coming into effect within the next four weeks:

Petrol prices - May 1

Officials at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have published new VAT road fuel scale fees which come into effect today.

These are the rates used on a VAT return to account for private consumption while driving company cars or business vehicles.

HMRC states that vehicles which emit 125g/km of CO2 will pay £990 over a one-year period.

However, officials have confirmed that the most polluting cars will pay up to an eye-watering £2,314.

New HGV rules - May 4  

Transport for London will enforce new HGV safety standards from May as a grace period comes to an end.

Owners of HGVs will be forced to comply with the new Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme to stay on the roads.

It means HGV owners will have to install a range of safety equipment including a camera monitoring system and blind spot information.

Parking updates - May 26 

Cheshire East Council has confirmed that new parking charges will come into effect from the end of May.

Fees at council-operated car parks will be extended by four hours to cover between 8am and 10pm.

Parking charges will be extended by four hours to cover the period 8am-10pm.

New parking charges will also apply on Sundays while an increase will also be spotted in some parking charges and permits.