Shadow Minister for the Welsh Language Suzy Davies AM/AC has reacted with astonishment at a leaked report that shows Transport for Wales (TfW) broke the law nine times over its failure to provide services in Welsh on trains. Mrs Davies said, “What a shocking example this Welsh Labour Government is setting, and what a shocking message it sends to our Welsh speakers and learners.” According to a … [Read more...]
Industry
Welsh car buyers most loyal in disappointing 2019
UK car sales last year hit a six-year low and the industry does not expect an early recovery but Welsh buyers were most loyal, writes Robin Roberts. The SMMT said today that overall sales in 2019 were 2.4% below the previous year at 2.31M new models. Consumer confidence, confusion over clean air legislation which is tightening each year and challenging car makers, and the Brexit debate with a … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 January
The Welsh Government is considering changing the law under its powers to fine registered vehicle keepers if anyone inside is seen throwing litter onto the roads. Currently the person throwing the litter can be fined but it’s proved difficult to trace them and enforce the law, so the change will result in an automatic fine after photographic evidence has been viewed or a vehicle’s details are … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 January
Train fares across Wales have been reduced, bucking trends across the rest of the UK, from this week. Transport for Wales said overall average prices will drop by just over 1% but English services coming through Wales will rise about 2.8%. Interpol has issued Lebanon with an international arrest warrant for fugitive motor mogul Carlos Ghosn, but it’s unclear if he will be detained and he’s … [Read more...]
Ghosn’s home but not alone
Ousted and jailed Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn has fled to his Lebanon home country after escaping from Japan. He has spent over a year in custody, latterly in a private house under surveillance, before making his getaway, reportedly hidden in a harp or double-bass instrument case and aboard a private jet. Although his three passports were held in Japan, he was allowed to freely enter Lebanon where … [Read more...]
Middle of the road motoring review 2019
With the chaos that is politics I’m steering away in this end of year motoring review from such things although, of course, how the domestic car industry survives when we are out of the EU is very worrying for GB Plc., writes David Miles. If politics weren’t bad enough the car industry has for a long while been wrestling with new WLTP emission and more accurate fuel consumption legislation which … [Read more...]
Scottish kit car announced
The latest new car to be built in Scotland since the Hillman Imp in the Seventies – and the first ever to come from Dundee – has been revealed. Called the ADO Coupe after the initials of the three men behind the project, it brings to life a concept from 1964 which was intended to be a replacement for the iconic MG Midget. Although an early version was built as a prototype by BMC, it … [Read more...]
Beware of using uninsured “taxis”, warn insurers
Wales' based GoCompare has issued a warning to drivers not to offer people lifts home for profit this Christmas, following reports of young people offering their services on social media. Pembrokeshire Council said it had been made aware of “illegal taxis” operating throughout west Wales and previous reports have found numerous Facebook groups around the country with more than 50,000 … [Read more...]
EU car sales expected to fall over next two years
The improvement in registrations during November has been due to several factors and despite at least one less working day in most markets. However, IHS Markit still expects that passenger car registrations in the EU will fall in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Passenger car registrations in the European Union have recorded further growth during November, according to the latest data published by the … [Read more...]
Tradelines 18 December
Sports orientated Pontypool-made MS-RT Ford vans have won a national prize. What Van? of the year judges praised the Welsh business adapting Transit and Connect vans for its innovation and manufacturing facilities and culminating in a limited edition 40-strong MS-RT R185 Transit Custom. GMB members working for Carmarthenshire County Council highways have accused the authority of ‘dirty’ tactics … [Read more...]