Around 62% of people think it should be illegal to park on pavements, according to new research. The February Used Car Tracker from Startline Motor Finance has looked at the issue just as the Local Government Association has demanded new powers to make pavement parking illegal across England and Wales. The research shows that 28% think that parking on pavements is “just lazy” while 23% believe … [Read more...]
Education: Road Safety
Driving tests heading for a crash, says broker Marmalade
Driving tests are heading for a crash with demand far exceeding available examination slots. New research shows demand for practical driving test slots across the UK far exceeds the DVSA’s ability for testing, despite the new measures it’s put in place. The data gathered through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and existing Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures by learner driver … [Read more...]
Welsh drivers sticking to limits – even before the 20mph reduction
Wales has the most law abiding drivers and that's was before the controversial 20mph default urban speed limit came into force last September. Gwent boasts the safest drivers in the UK, breaking the fewest amount of speed limits. With a population of 588,300, recorded speeding fines in this area averaged just 31 per 100,000 people and drivers committed a staggering 99% fewer offences than … [Read more...]
Welsh haven’t got a grip on St Valentine’s Day
Love might be in the air with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, but Welsh motorists aren’t extending any TLC to their cars, according to Bridgestone, with 74% of drivers never checking their tyres. A survey conducted by Bridgestone amongst 500 motorists across the country revealed that nearly three-quarters of drivers don’t check their treads or pressures themselves, either never thinking about it, … [Read more...]
Essential questions to ask before buying a used car
If you cannot afford to buy a new-plated car next month there is a massive choice of used cars out there and whether for convenience, cost, or quality, Brits’ interest in used cars is showing no sign of waning. Nevertheless, buying a used car is still a significant financial commitment, which is why it’s essential to be prepared for the process. In fact, in the last year alone there has been a … [Read more...]
Look after your van to look after your business
Vans are often a mission-critical asset for businesses, so it’s important to keep them on the road. From accidents to breakdowns, unplanned downtime can be disruptive and costly – so here are some hints to help reduce those risks. Allow time for daily checks Fleets operate some of the UK’s hardest-working vehicles. According to the latest BVRLA data, the average mileage for a new personal … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 February
A new intelligent ZF seat belt will measure the size and weight of a driver and passengers to provide the best possible protection before an accident. It will also integrate with a vehicle's other safety systems including airbags and brakes to progressively decelerate a seat occupant and minimise any possible bruising when a Multi-Stage Load Limiter belt tightens in the milliseconds before impact … [Read more...]
Eye tests can save life and your licence
Experts are urging drivers to add an eye test to their to do list or risk a £1,000 and three points on their licence as well as a potentially serious or fatal accident. Every year, approximately 3,000 people are either killed or injured in incidents caused by poor eyesight. As such, the police have the power to stop any driver and conduct an on-the-spot vision test to determine whether their … [Read more...]
20mph protest convoy planned
A new protest convoy is being organised to highlight continued opposition to the default 20mph speed limit in Wales. Running along part of the North Wales coast, it aims to show how congested roads could become when the tourism season gets underway in a few months. Organisers anticipate 50 vehicles will join a cavalcade that will set off from Llandudno and pass through Penrhyn Bay, Rhos on Sea … [Read more...]
Highway Code changes doubts remain
Half of drivers still feel unsure whether changes to the Highway Code made two years ago today have made the roads safer for pedestrians, shows RAC research. One of the most notable changes advises drivers turning into or out of a junction to give way to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders who are either crossing or are waiting to cross the road. This rule was part of a new hierarchy of road … [Read more...]