Local councils will be given authority to manage and allocate local bus services in the biggest shakeup to the transport sector for 40 years. Welsh Government is introducing a Bus Services Bill which means operators will have to bid for routes and councils will have power to run their own services if demand is there in a move designed to boost falling passenger numbers and reduce wasteful and … [Read more...]
Industry
Vauxhall temporarily shut UK plants
Vauxhall is closing its Ellesmere Port car plant tomorrow and Luton van assembly plant from thursday. They along with other PSA plants throughout Europe will be shut until 27 March and the 2,560 UK workers will get paid leave. It is part of the industry's response to the spread of Coronavirus around the world with many plants closing to protect workers as well as suppliers curtailing … [Read more...]
Home deliveries need health check
A protocol is needed to ensure that home delivery fleets do not place drivers or the public at additional risk from coronavirus, says FleetCheck. These fleets could serve an essential role in the next few months by ensuring that people who are self-isolating can easily access food and other essentials – but there is a possibility that drivers could be exposing themselves to risk as well as … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 March
A unique, record-breaking Triumph TR2 prototype sports car has been acquired by the British Motor Museum with £250,000 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund. One of just three prototypes of the extremely successful 1953 Triumph TR2 model produced by the Standard Motor Company, it is the only one known to survive. In May 1953, during speed trials at Jabbeke in Belgium, this car reached a speed … [Read more...]
Auto Vivendi add more Aston Martins to stable
Auto Vivendi, one of the UK’s leading providers of supercar-related lifestyle experiences, has taken delivery of six Aston Martins at the company’s sports car home and global headquarters, Gaydon. The six Aston Martins comprise Vantage, DB11 Volante, DBS Superleggera and three DBS Superleggera Volantes, and account for 25 per cent of Auto Vivendi’s collection of cars amassed by … [Read more...]
Putting the L into Llandrindod is almost failsafe
As the driving test approaches its 85thbirthday on 16 March, a new look at pass rates has thrown up some wide differences. Taking your driving test is a huge milestone in any motorist’s life, and while some are able to pass their tests the first time, most need a couple of attempts. Just Tyres has analysed data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to reveal which towns in the UK are the … [Read more...]
Budget of hope to smooth rough ride ahead
The Budget provides something for today’s and tomorrow’s drivers, said RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes. “Today the Chancellor has given a boost to drivers of today’s vehicles with a fuel duty freeze while also investing in tomorrow with funding for rapid charging hubs for electric vehicles, an extension to the plug-in car grant, funding to repair Britain’s roads and a commitment to spend on … [Read more...]
Traders attack new consumer advice
Car dealers and auction houses have fallen out with trading standards officers. “It is disappointing that following a number of responses, including our detailed comments on the draft guidance consultation, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute has ignored the majority of the issues NFDA had outlined alongside other industry trade bodies”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National … [Read more...]
Call for Budget rethink on VED rebates
Today's Budget should be used as an opportunity to re-examine the impact of Vehicle Excise Duty on rental companies and other businesses that keep new vehicles for less than a year, says Meridian Vehicle Solutions. Phil Jerome, managing director at the medium-term rental specialist, said that the current inability to obtain a full refund on any outstanding balance from the first VED payment at … [Read more...]
TVR apply to convert Rassau building into car plant
TVR has moved closer to building its new Griffith supercar after a planning application to refurbish the existing factory site has been submitted. According to Business News Wales, an application was submitted to Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council for a former board factory on the Rassau Industrial Estate, Ebbw Vale. A Welsh building firm has been appointed to carry out the work, but it’s not … [Read more...]