Traffic volumes appear to still be below pre-pandemic levels with flexible working patterns that have become commonplace across the UK likely to be a major factor, said RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes. "Nonetheless, the trend is upwards, especially so for vans and HGVs – both of which show higher traffic volumes than prior to the pandemic. Therefore it remains vitally important that the … [Read more...]
Welsh Government dictate road closure
Welsh Government has told Cardiff to reconsider traffic arrangements and consider permanently closing Castle Street. It was shut to traffic during the Covid pandemic in summer 2020 and then gradually reopened but modified with restricted lanes. The Welsh government has now told the city council to find alternatives to cut pollution. The council said its cabinet will take a … [Read more...]
Easing off & driving abroad
As the school holidays end and Brits head home, it's the perfect time for taking an autumn break and driving abroad before winter sets in. Picture yourself driving under the wild Spanish sun, through the Black Forest of Germany, or along the coastline of the French Riviera. Windows down, you can feel sunshine on your face and a warm breeze, with your favourite playlist on full blast. Europe is … [Read more...]
Government unveil £100M plan for autonomous cars
UK roads could see self-driving vehicles rolled out by 2025 under Government plans backed by £100 million spending which prioritise safety through new laws and create thousands of new jobs in the industry. Some vehicles, including cars, coaches and lorries, with self-driving features could be operating on motorways in the next year, and today’s (August 19) plans set out new legislation which … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 August
Welsh motorists rank in the middle of UK victims of car crime, according to Direct Line insurance. Over three years soe 36,831 vehicle crimes were reported to police, under 4% of the share of all crime in Waes and about 12. vehicle crimes per 1,000 people, while London topped the hit list with 321,000 vehicle crimes, almost one-in-ten of all offences and hitting nearly 39 vehicle crimes per 1,000 … [Read more...]
Smart motorways scare a third of drivers
New research commissioned by IAM RoadSmart charity has revealed that potentially millions of drivers are worried about driving on Britain’s roads, mostly smart-motorways. The charity surveyed 1,004 motorists on which roads they are most worried about driving on, with 60 per cent of respondents declaring that they are worried about getting behind the wheel, in some form. Worryingly, this … [Read more...]
Welsh Labour Government’s tolls’ plan for drivers
The Welsh Conservatives have accused the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay of pulverising motorists following the news that road tolls and congestion charges are part of its transport plan. News of the latest punishment for drivers – which forms part of Labour’s transport plan – comes just days after the Labour and Plaid Cymru coalition under the alias of their cooperation agreement powered … [Read more...]
Tolls to replace lost fuel duties and taxes
Road tolls are back on the Government's agenda. The fleet sector needs to start having a constructive discussion about the likelihood of road charging being introduced in the future and the kind of scheme it would like to see, says FleetCheck. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software specialist, said that the rapid growth in electric vehicles expected over the next few years – and … [Read more...]
Holiday crawl begins this week
Huge jams are possible on UK roads at the end of this week as the summer getaway begins in unprecedented heat, says the RAC. Parts of the M4 in South Wales, the M5 in the West Country, M25 around London and the main roads to North Wales, the Lake District and popular coastal spots are expected to be the worst. The RAC is urging every driver to check their car now before setting off, plan a route … [Read more...]
Nonsensical new 20mph speed limit criticised
A decision to make all urban roads across Wales 20mph has been branded “nonsensical and deeply disappointing” by Natasha Asghar MS. Senedd members voted on the highly controversial scheme with the Welsh Conservatives voting against, and Plaid Cymru supporting Labour by giving it their backing. Natasha Asghar MS (above) – who represents South East Wales and is the Shadow Minister for Transport … [Read more...]