Following a report in the i newpaper that suggests the Government may no longer build all-lane running smart motorways in the future, the RAC has expressed its concerns.. RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said, “If Ministers are giving serious consideration to completely scrapping new all-lane-running smart motorways, then this is an admission that the Government no longer has faith in these … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: GWM Funky Cat 1st Edition
The UK’s electric car revolution is becoming a bloody affair. From initially resisting the new technology on cost grounds including writing off established investments in petrol and diesel engine technology and having to develop hybrid or pure electric powertrains, along with making tens of thousands of workers redundant, manufacturers have struggled to convince buyers into showrooms or on-line … [Read more...]
Beware motorway closures before Easter getaway
Overnight motorway closures are planned across the UK from this weekend and threaten holiday plans of motorists, according to Select Car Leasing. The works on nearly all motorways are being carried out before the traditional Easter rush, but their night-time plans may hit families who like to travel when the roads are normally quieter but who will face unexpected detours. Graham … [Read more...]
Welsh councils filling more potholes at higher costs
This year’s Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance survey makes bleak reading, with worsening carriageway conditions and mounting costs set to spell more misery for road users. The ALARM survey, published today by the Asphalt Industry Alliance, reports that local authority highway teams in England and Wales only received around two-thirds of what they needed to stop our local roads from further … [Read more...]
Plan ahead for the cold and snow trips
With weather conditions deteriorating at short notice, the RAC has urged people to work from home if possible and only travel if necessary and with some precautionary planning. RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said, “Drivers must heed these uprated warnings, particularly as amber weather warnings aren’t issued lightly and point to the potential for some significant disruption on the … [Read more...]
Tradelines 1 March
Start-up French business Hyliko is planning to integrate Toyota’s second generation hydrogen fuel cell modules into heavy-duty trucks. This latest co-operation increases Toyota’s portfolio of partnerships in which it is providing its fuel cell technology to support hydrogen initiatives in diverse areas, including trains, buses, generators and marine to extend the technology for … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 February
Volkswagen will retrain over 22,000 assembly workers to transfer experience into building electric cars in its German plants, it has announced. The main plant in Wolfsburg will become a multi-platform location for the Volkswagen brand in Germany in the coming years and the company also intends to produce more ev components in-house to improve supply chain management and reduce costs. Drivers are … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 February
Britain’s small car makers have been exempted from forthcoming EU laws on zero emissions by 2035 if they register under 1,000 cars annually. But it’s unclear if the UK Government will permit them to continue selling petrol models in Britain after that date. The Public and Commercial Services union said members will be walking out in protest against pay, jobs, pensions and conditions at the … [Read more...]
Row erupts over axed Welsh roads
Axing plans for a third bridge between Anglesey and the mainland is an "insult" to islanders, said an MS. A roads review has recommended the scheme is parked, despite acknowledging congestion and delays made Anglesey less attractive to investors. Ynys Mon MS Rhun Ap Iorwerth said another Menai Strait crossing was "desperately needed" while residents have been left … [Read more...]
20mph limits accelerate Welsh Government spending
The amount of taxpayer money spent on 20mph roads in Wales has exploded by over 500% in just one year, according to the Welsh Conservatives. In response to a written question by the Party, £9.8m was given this year to councils to implement 20mph zones, more than five times the £1.8m spent in 2021/22. The most money this year was awarded to Neath Port Talbot, which received £1.4m, followed by … [Read more...]