Lorry drivers and companies who cut corners on satnav technology are facing a new clampdown. The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for all lorry drivers who use sat navs to be compelled to use commercial models following a "fresh catalogue of chaos on the nation’s roads". The Trucker sat nav from TomTom is designed to stop lorries, trucks and vans getting wedged down narrow … [Read more...]
Travel Features
French cities impose ‘clean air’ vehicle charge
The RAC is advising UK motorists driving to France to be aware of a new vehicle emissions sticker system which has been introduced in Paris, Lyon and Grenoble to tackle pollution and which bans older cars altogether. The Crit’Air scheme, which came into force in Paris on Sunday 22 January, requires all vehicles – cars, lorries, motorbikes and buses – to display a windscreen sticker, or … [Read more...]
Ministers & planners move along in bus summit
Key players from Wales’ bus industry will come together for the first time today in a summit arranged by Welsh Government. The summit formed part of Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates’ 5 point plan to support the bus industry , an intervention which has helped stabilise the industry after a difficult start to 2016. The aim of this summit is to look at longer term solutions for … [Read more...]
Welsh roads plan outlined amid anger over existing tolls
The Welsh Government will shortly begin consulting on major improvements to one of North Wales’ busiest sections of road, Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates has announced. Consultation on the Deeside Corridor project will begin on the 13 March and last 12 weeks. The project will look to address congestion and safety issues between Queensferry and Northop and gather views on two … [Read more...]
Severn Crossing plans fall short for Welsh economy, say FTA
Government plans for the future of the Severn Crossing are a missed opportunity, say transport businesses. The Freight Transport Association represents the transport interests of companies moving goods by road, rail, sea and air, and has welcomed the announcement from the Department for Transport that tolls payable at the Severn Crossing are to be reduced. The reductions, which are to be … [Read more...]
Cardiff to unveil super-cycle corridors this week
Cardiff council will on thursday set out its plan for a massive increase in cycle-routes and lanes for commuters. Motorists will be discouraged to drive into the city with priority being given to pedal cycles and public transport. The City of Cardiff Council’s Cabinet will be asked to agree the Cycling Strategy on Thursday, 19 January and a public consultation exercise will then begin on … [Read more...]
Crash, bang wallop, it’s national pothole day !
Pothole problems are opening up on Britain's roads at an increasing rate and the worst of the winter weather has yet to come. The RAC reported ‘pothole breakdowns’ rising in last quarter of year for first time since 2013. The number of pothole-related breakdowns attended by RAC patrols from October to December 2016 gave rise to the first fourth quarter increase in this type of problem since … [Read more...]
Severn Tolls plan to slash costs
Severn Bridge tolls will be slashed when the crossings revert to public ownership next year under Government proposals. Talks will be held on plans to have a £3 fee for small vehicles and £10 for larger ones, as well as the possible introduction of free-flowing tolling using a number-plate recognition system as on the Dartford Crossing. The plan has been outlined to Welsh AMs by the Welsh … [Read more...]
4x4xnow, before prices go up more
With the UK expecting severe weather later this week, BCA, Europe’s leading used car marketplace, is preparing itself for a rise in demand for 4x4s. As Stuart Pearson, Managing Director, BCA UK Remarketing explained, there was a steady interest in 4x4s throughout 2016, but the sudden drop in temperatures, with icy and even snowy conditions forecast across the country, is likely to mean that … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 January
The anticipated drop in Severn Tolls in January 2018 when the twin crossing revert to public ownership has brought an unexpected benefit in South East Wales. Local estate agents have reported more enquiries from people living in Bristol who want to pay less for properties but it's going to raise values expected by sellers, and this week the bridges’ tolls went up to £6.70 for cars, £1340 for … [Read more...]