Drivers in Wales are up to six times more likely to be breath tested in December than other months. Analysis of Home Office data by AlcoSense Breathalysers shows that in December last year, 7,345 motorists were stopped by Police across Wales on suspicion of drink driving. North Wales led the way with 3,964 tests – far higher than any Police force in England. Second on the list was … [Read more...]
JLR move to block VW premium models in United States
A row has erupted over intelligent all-wheel-drive systems used by a number of car marques. Jaguar Land Rover filed a complaint in the US to block imports of VW Group's Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi and VW SUVs. JLR allege they are using its patented Terrain Response technology without permission. JLR said in its court documents with the US International Trade Commission the systems negotiate a … [Read more...]
Car trade shake up from 1 January
Car trades between Wales, England and Scotland to Northern Ireland face a shake up at the end of December. The issue arises from the status of VAT margin schemes for goods moved between GB and NI from 1 January 2021. This will apply regardless of whether there is a free trade deal agreed between now and December 31. Margin schemes enable traders of used goods, such as vehicles, to pay VAT based … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 November
Nissan has denied it is considering selling a third of its stake in Mitsubishi Motors, as reported by Bloomberg News. It is most likely to sell the Mitsubishi Motors business to the larger Mitsubishi Group, which owns a fifth of the car business said the media agency, but this has been denied by Nissan. Honda’s first battery electric vehicle for Europe, the Honda e, has been named ‘German Car of … [Read more...]
Drivers delay servicing but risk fines
Nearly half of UK drivers have put off servicing or essential car maintenance across 2020, according to a new study from money.co.uk. The study from the financial comparison service found that 48% of drivers had delayed repairs or services for their vehicle across the coronavirus pandemic, as average mileage has plummeted, and MOT’s have been deferred. The survey of motorists … [Read more...]
Beware – puddle police could take you to cleaners
The “puddle police” are lurking on a kerb near you. Lawyers who have seen a business decline from the clampdown on insurance miss-selling can target drivers who splash pedestrians or cyclists. Drivers face a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice and three points for each offence for splashing others but this can escalate to £5,000 if contested and lost in court. Then more money has to be paid through … [Read more...]
Welsh drivers’ parking wars
About a third of motorists in Cardiff are prepared to park outside someone else’s house, according to a report by Uswitch. They are among the highest percentage in Britain it as was shown in a survey of 1,000 Brits to find out how much they know about the laws on residential parking, and what extremes they’re going to in order to secure a spot outside their home. From leaving angry notes on … [Read more...]
Chequered flag for UK club motorsport this year
Club motorsport is over for this year in Britain. Motorsport UK has consulted on the implications for motorsport in England with the Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in respect of the plan to enter a four-week national lockdown on Thursday 5 November. The governing body confirms that following DCMS guidance it must suspend all non-elite motorsport until 2 December. … [Read more...]
BREAKING NEWS: Welsh showrooms can reopen next week
Car dealerships in Wales can resume normal trading with local customers from Monday morning. The Welsh Government earlier announcing the post-lockdown actions said non-essential businesses which closed at the beginning of last week can reopen with social distancing safeguards in place. Dealerships in England must close on thursday for a month under Government orders but potential buyers are … [Read more...]
Insurance warning over lapsed MoTs
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...]