Drivers are being forced to slow down on motorways and A-roads in England, as the speed limit has been reduced from 70 to 60 miles per hour along extensive stretches of major roads, according to new analysis from Churchill Motor Insurance. The proportion of major roads with a 70mph limit has declined from 83 per cent in 2020 to 78 per cent in 2023 and drivers cannot rely on navigation apps … [Read more...]
Rural Wales safest in UK for car theft
Motorists in West and Mid-Wales are the luckiest in Britain. Car theft analysis shows they are the least likely to have a vehicle stolen. DVLA statistics studied by insurer Confused.com reveals those living in Dyfed-Powys are the safest from vehicle theft, where just 22 per 100,000 cars are stolen. North Wales is only slightly worse with 37 per 100,000, possibly due to its proximity to thieves … [Read more...]
Hundreds driving without valid licences
Hundreds of motorists are still on the road despite having their licences revoked because they’re not fit to drive, new stats have revealed. A driver can have their licence cancelled or refused on medical grounds. They would then be deemed to be driving without insurance cover as well. Motorists also have a duty to inform the DVLA of any medical condition that might affect their performance … [Read more...]
Older drivers risking big fines
About 1.5 million older drivers are breaking the law and risking massive fines. A study by Scrap Car Comparison has revealed that over 1 in 4 UK motorists aged 70 years or older – the equivalent to 1.5 million drivers - are leaving it four years or longer to renew their driving license after turning 70, which is illegal according to government law. The DVLA states that you must be renew your … [Read more...]
Inheriting bad driving habits
A new study has revealed that bad driving is hereditary, finding that you're more likely to commit a driving offence, if your parents have done too. Scrap Car Comparison who conducted the study, analysed the driving records of both 'bad' drivers and those with a clean motoring history, and compared them with the records of their parents. From this, they found that those that have previously … [Read more...]
More speed cameras to enforce 20mph zones
Extra cash is being provided to pay for additional speed camera enforcement to police new 20mph default speed limit. Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport Natasha Asghar MS said, “In addition to the £33 million cost of the Welsh Government’s 20mph zone vanity project, it has now been revealed that additional funding will be provided to enforce this new speed limit. "Many … [Read more...]
Number plate cloning is on the rise
DVLA files show that 12,300 UK motorists received either fines, penalties or letters for misdemeanours involving other vehicles displaying their registration mark between January 2021 and September 2022. Additional research into the issue by private registration supplier Platehunter found that vehicle cloning has been on the rise for much longer. Their data indicates that 4,021 complaints of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: GWM Funky Cat 1st Edition
The UK’s electric car revolution is becoming a bloody affair. From initially resisting the new technology on cost grounds including writing off established investments in petrol and diesel engine technology and having to develop hybrid or pure electric powertrains, along with making tens of thousands of workers redundant, manufacturers have struggled to convince buyers into showrooms or on-line … [Read more...]
Outlaw private parking tickets, say drivers
Four in ten (41%) of drivers believe private companies should not be allowed to issue parking tickets, with more than half (54%) of over 65s saying this. The Opinium survey of 2000 UK drivers, commissioned by InsuretheGap.com, a leading provider of Guaranteed Asset Protection insurance, also finds that paying for parking is a major frustration. Two-fifths (40%) feel it’s unfair that paying by … [Read more...]
Newslines 24 March
Returning for its third edition, the International Automotive Photography Awards is back for 2023 and Bentley is proud to sponsor the IAP Awards again this year. The IAP Awards aim to establish and promote the best automotive photography, bringing together a passionate community of like-minded people and showcasing a variety of talent and creative works, but you’ll have to be quick as entries can … [Read more...]