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...]
Education: Road Safety
KIA blazing a trail through Wales
The Kia Sportage is blazing a trail as the latest recruit to join Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Covering nearly 12,000 square kilometers - almost two-thirds of Wales it is served by 58 stations across six counties and MAWWFRS attends around 255 incidents weekly on average. The five Kia Sportage PHEV ‘GT-Line’ in eye-catching infra-red paint, were bought from business specialist … [Read more...]
Government likely to miss its zero carbon goal
The Government threatens to miss its own zero carbon targets for transport, say car makers. It set out obejectives it wants to attain in a new consultation document last week but critics say it is late, lacks choice, does not address costs and is confusing for vehicle makers. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said, “Automotive is on track to deliver zero emission motoring, so we welcome this … [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...]
Cutting insurance premiums – legally
With the cost of living continuing to rise and the average annual cost of car insurance reaching £586, many people will be looking for methods to reduce this expense. From enhancing security to seeking rewards, the car insurance experts at Confused.com share their tips on how to get cheaper car insurance: Don’t accept your renewal price - Many factors affect the price of car insurance. In … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 March
European countries are failing to provide enough ev charging or hydrogen refuelling points for their aim to cut carbon emissions, according to vehicle makers. The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation agreed last week was welcome but “Already today, a lack of charging and refuelling stations is severely hampering the market uptake of zero-emission vehicles,” stated ACEA Director General, … [Read more...]
Over 212,000 vehicles seized by police
Motorists in North Wales are most likely to get back a seized set of wheels but less likely to see their car again in the West Midlands. With 212,000 vehicles being impounded across the UK, just how many of these seized vehicles are actually returned to their owners? It is a quested posed by Confused.com which analysed Freedom of Information data from police forces across the UK to reveal how … [Read more...]
Testing time runs out for MoT change view
A split is developing over the Government’s proposal to extend the first MoT Test from three to four years. Consultation on the proposal ends tomorrow night. The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has responded to the Department for Transport’s (DfT) consultation proposing changes to the MOT frequency and other MOT enhancements. Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive said, “As the voice of the … [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...]
Call to crack-down on drug drivers
Driving under the influence of both legal and illegal drugs is an issue that is growing on all measures in the UK - collisions and casualties have gone up by over 260 per cent over the last ten years, and convictions are now at over 12,000 a year. The impact is devastating, far-reaching, and only getting worse, said IAM RoadSmart. This issue was brought to the government’s attention in 2011 … [Read more...]