More than half a million potholes were reported by members of the public to local authorities in Britain for repair in 2017 – an increase of 44% on two years earlier, according to the RAC. A freedom of information request made to the 212 councils in England, Scotland and Wales responsible for roads found 512,270 potholes were reported last year to 161 authorities compared to 356,432 from 152 … [Read more...]
Education
Better prepare for harsher winters
There is no doubting that car technology is becoming much more advanced and working to better protect motorists while they’re getting from A to B. Just take the Jaguar E-PACE as an example. This car (above) comes complete with All Surface Progress Control — a low-speed cruise control system which works to ensure the vehicle can cope with low traction situations no matter the … [Read more...]
BMW drivers are UK’s worst, says insurer
GoCompare Car Insurance says BMW drivers are the worst in the UK. They are most likely to speed, run a red light or make an at-fault claim, according to data held by the insurer. A study by GoCompare Car Insurance has found that BMW drivers are the most likely to be convicted of an offence and cause a collision on the road. More than one in six BMW 4 series drivers (17.1%) have at least … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 December
The VW Arteon five-seat coupe is now available to order with a new 272ps 2.0 TSi engine and seven speed automatic transmission. The flagship 4WD model comes in two trim levels from £39,065 and £39,850. Only four out of ten UK motorists (41%) would call the Police if they thought a car was being driven by a drunk driver. A quarter would ignore it completely if they saw a car meandering in … [Read more...]
Mixed responses to new EU emissions target
Car makers have expressed serious concerns about the highly challenging CO2 target that auto manufacturers will have to meet by 2030. The European Parliament, Commission and Council agreed to cut carbon emissions from new cars and vans by 15% in 2025 and 37.5% in 2030, compared to 2021 levels. The European federation of transport NGOs, Transport & Environment, welcomed the agreement … [Read more...]
Newslines 18 December
Car-parts entrepreneur Ian Warhust has stepped in to save the Bloodhound supersonic speed project after it went into administration in November. The 1,000mph Bloodhound team said it is being bought for an undisclosed amount by the Barnsley businessman and a future plan will be unveiled in January. As many as 20 million individual Christmas leisure trips will take place this week in the … [Read more...]
MoT sees more cars fail tougher test
More than one million cars registered to drive on UK roads have failed tougher MOT tests this year. They were stopped because there were defects considered so dangerous under new, more stringent MOT rules, that they pose an ‘immediate risk to road safety and/ or serious impact on the environment’. This worrying finding was revealed on analysis of DVSA data on MOT tests obtained through a … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 December
Investigations during Tyre Safety Month revealed all used-tyre retailers were selling illegal and dangerous tyres. In total, 18 investigations were carried out involving 68 traders, all bar one of whom were supplying tyres which contravened the legislation governing their sale and more concerning, of the 129 tyres inspected, 75% were unsafe. Over 700 people from the automotive world … [Read more...]
Flash of inspiration after near accident
A near fatal accident to a Welsh businessman inspired a ground-breaking road safety product. The BriteAngle LED Warning Triangle is the idea of managing director of the South Wales company, Stephen Wornham (right), who while driving home from work one night, encountered a near life-changing experience for him and a fellow motorist. Turning into a poorly lit road and due … [Read more...]
Poor to be hit hardest by new green car targets
Green car targets over the next decade will force poorer families to go without the latest technology, car makers have warned. Ahead of the EU ‘trilogue’ negotiations on new CO2 targets for cars and vans, Europe’s automobile manufacturers warned that low-and-middle-income families will not accept CO2 standards with a negative impact on their freedom of mobility. During a board meeting of … [Read more...]