Gwent is home to the most significant increase in phone-related driving offences, with a huge year-on-rise of 229 percent, rising from 134 in November 2021-2022 to 441 in November 2022 - 2023. Figures from the Ministry of Justice highlight that this is a consistent issue in the area. In 2022, 2,695 motorists caught by Gwent Police were convicted in courts for speeding offences, which was up 20 … [Read more...]
Public sector services should be open to fleet ev charging
Public sector charging facilities could be opened up to provide new options to all fleets as they target electrification, suggests the Association of Fleet Professionals. Chair Paul Hollick (right) said that some central and local government fleets were investing heavily in infrastructure to support their electric vehicles (EVs), and these could be made available in areas where private … [Read more...]
Fleets must face up to drug-driving rising risks
Fleets need to redouble their efforts on drug-driving, FleetCheck is warning, as a leading police officer reported that the issue was a bigger problem than drink-driving in some constabularies over the Xmas period. Speaking to the BBC this week, chief constable Jo Shiner of the National Police Chiefs Council said there was a "social acceptance" of drug taking and driving, particularly among … [Read more...]
Tradelines 6 March
Car makers, component suppliers and the recycling industry across Europe have criticised proposed new legislation on dismantling. A planned EU law would require the complete recycling of vehicles down to the smallest component, such as a circuit board, but the opponents say this is unrealistic, impractical and would generate more carbon emissions than would be saved by ethically disposing of the … [Read more...]
Car sales boom on eve of Budget
February’s figures reinforce the robust performance of the UK automotive sector, maintaining a strong start to 2024 and signalling a nineteenth month of consecutive growth, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, commenting on the latest SMMT new passenger car registration figures. In February, a total of 84,886 new cars were registered, an increase of … [Read more...]
Car makers Budget plan to overcome stalling EV sales
The automotive industry is calling for the Chancellor to use this week's Budget to put the UK’s shift to electric vehicles back in the fast lane. Research commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders from Savanta has revealed that rising numbers of would-be EV drivers are now likely to delay their switch to a battery electric car – but a three-point plan of tax reform would … [Read more...]
Increase taxes on bigger private cars, says T&E
The UK could be using its tax system to discourage the growth of large new SUV sales, which recent T&E analysis found had grown by 23% between 2022 and 2023. With the Budget due next week, the environmental group said that the UK has shown some leadership with its tax system, however as company car drivers in the UK are benefiting from a progressive tax system, otherwise known as the … [Read more...]
Makers are building the ‘wrong’ cars for ev buyers, says executive
Cheaper electric cars are urgently needed for motorists to accelerate their switch away from petrol and diesel models, says an industry financial expert. Fleets need to be able to buy electric vehicles now that used car buyers will want in four years’ time – but are being hampered by a lack of choice, FleetCheck is warning. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software company, said … [Read more...]
Welsh Labour Government move to restrict private cars
The Welsh Labour Government want to discourage all private car use and encourage voters to jump on buses and trains. Deputy minister for climate change Lee Waters has written to opposition leader Andrew R T Davies who questioned the stated policy on new road building in the controversial Welsh Roads Review and told him, "We confirmed that we will continue to consider investment in roads 'to … [Read more...]
Turning the corner with an electric classic car
Since the government’s announcement to ban the sale of new petrol or diesel vehicles by 2035 and as more electric and hybrid cars start to roll off production lines, converting classic cars to electric powered motors is increasing. In fact, searches for ‘electric classic cars’ have increased by 40% in the past month as the rising popularity of converting classic cars to electric power goes … [Read more...]