The coronavirus lockdown earlier this year resulted in millions of cars receiving a six-month extension to their MOT certificate but that leeway has ended. With the current MOT failure rate at 32%, millions of vehicles that don’t meet levels of roadworthiness could be on the streets. GoCompare Car Insurance is warning that this year, more than ever, it’s essential that drivers ensure that their … [Read more...]
Covid drinking up as breath tests decline
Roadside breath tests have plunged to their lowest level on record. Data shows that in 2019 only 302,281 motorists were breathalysed by Police – just 43% of the number of tests carried out ten years ago and an 11% decrease on 2018. Yet, despite the slump in tests, 16% of drivers were over the limit – the highest proportion since 2007. According to a recent report by PACTS, there was an 18% … [Read more...]
“Frost Jacking” warning
With the average first day of frost striking as early as 11 November in some regions of the UK, Tracker warns motorists of the perils of ‘Frost Jacking’ and urges extra vigilance when de-icing vehicle windscreens. Over three and a half million pounds worth of stolen vehicles were recovered by Tracker between November 2019 and January 2020, the peak months for vehicle thefts and typically when … [Read more...]
Killer drivers should have longer sentences, says survey
Two-thirds of drivers want to see increased maximum sentences for those causing death by dangerous driving, according to the RAC. On the day a Private Members’ Bill to do just that is scheduled to have its second reading in Parliament, research carried out with 2,800 drivers found that a quarter (25%) believe maximum sentences should be increased to somewhere between 15 years and a life sentence, … [Read more...]
Video calling is latest driving hazard
The rise in popularity of the likes of FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Snapchat for video calls is posing a new and present danger on roads. Amost one-in-five (18%) of drivers aged 17-24 admit taking part in video calls while behind the wheel, figures for the RAC Report on Motoring 2020 reveal. Younger drivers are more than twice as likely to say they make or receive video calls while … [Read more...]
Thieves out to burst your holiday bubble
Wales-based comparison site GoCompare warns that fraudsters are targeting the boom in motorhomes and caravans. There’s been a dramatic rise in the number of insurance quotes for motorhomes and campervans as frustrated holidaymakers scramble to get away safely and independently. After months in lockdown at home people are eager for a change of scenery, but, with restrictions on travel and social … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 September
Drivers caught by cameras watching bus lanes in Cardiff had to fork out over £1.85M last year, said comparethemarket insurance. But that contrasts with nearly £8.4M in penalty charges imposed in Manchester and around £14M for London boroughs. As they move closer together the next generation small cars from Fiat Chrysler will be developed from the floorpans used by PSA Group marques. That … [Read more...]
Speeding rose three-fold during lockdown
Motorists were speeding three times more frequently during lockdown compared to normal, according to AX. The study of telematics data by the vehicle protection and management technology provider suggests motorists were making the most of unusually low traffic levels, giving drivers the opportunity to speed in otherwise normally congested areas. Serious speeding events – the most … [Read more...]
Newslines 20 July
With figures published by the RAC Insurance confirming a 56% leap in vehicle thefts over four years stolen vehicle recovery business Tracker is warning drivers that the figures could be significantly higher for 2020. New car production ground to a hold as a result of the global epidemic, causing delays to the supply chain and creating a shortage of spare parts so pent-up demand for both new cars … [Read more...]
Masks’ mandate from monday-week
Face masks will be compulsory on public transport in Wales from 27 July. The mandate was made by Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford earlier today at the morning press briefing and coronavirus update, but it immediately drew criticism from Welsh Conservatives who wanted to know why there was a delay if any medical evidence supported use of masks. In two weeks time, masks must be worn on buses … [Read more...]