The European Commission has tightened the WLTP test for new cars after indications automakers were 'gaming' their results. It may also demand manufacturers retest cars already signed off, leading to confusion in showrooms and where emissions figures are used by Governments to assess tax levels. The updated regulation, which came into force in February, requires automakers to switch on all … [Read more...]
News
Lessons in history on wheels from India
Britain can learn a great deal from what’s happening in India right now, when it comes to attracting young people into the historic vehicle movement, says FIVA President Patrick Rollet. In March, FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or international federation of historic vehicles) held its General Council meeting in Bangalore, India’s fast growing tech city. Explaining why … [Read more...]
Potholes take a pounding on road users
Councils repaired 1.86 million potholes over the last 12 months, more than 20% increase on the previous year. The Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey found that highway maintenance budgets have increased from an average of £20.6m to £24.5m year-on-year, mostly "patch and mend" repairs. The report estimated that councils would actually need to spend £1bn a year for the next … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 March
The number of motorists ditching vehicles in Wales has increased by more than 200% in five years, as the region has become a scrapyard for abandoned cars. Details obtained by Confused.com through Freedom of Information requests to local authorities in Wales reveals 466 abandoned vehicles were removed by councils in 2017/18 – that’s one car per day on average, at a cost of £30,793. Delaying … [Read more...]
Illegal mobile-phone use is rising, says RAC
After a fall in the proportion of drivers admitting to using a handheld phone while driving in 2017 following the introduction of tougher penalties, RAC figures show the problem is actually worsening – and illegal use among some groups has rocketed. Across all age groups, a quarter (25%) of drivers – the equivalent of 10m people – admit to illegally making or receiving calls while driving, … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 March
Hyundai has announced UK pricing for NEXO, the company’s 2nd generation hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle which is available to order directly from Hyundai Motor UK. The £65,995 NEXO brings the very latest in hydrogen fuel cell and electric powertrain technology, with a range of up to 414 miles and it joins Kona Electric and IONIQ Electric as the latest electrified Hyundai model … [Read more...]
Transport review poses new safety fears
With a wide-ranging review of transport laws announced by the government this week, IAM RoadSmart has warned that the rise in the use of electric scooters alongside vehicles on our roads is bad news for road safety. The Department for Transport revealed its report 'Future of mobility: urban strategy' today, which is described as the biggest regulatory review in a generation to explore … [Read more...]
Welsh drivers spent almost £4,000 on first cars
New drivers in Wales are forking out just over £3,900 for their first car. In the North West and London they splash out more than £5,000 on their first wheels. The average amount of money spent on buying a new driver’s first car is now £4,276, an increase of 42% on the 2017 figure of £3,005. According to GoCompare Car Insurance new drivers in the North West spend the most on their first … [Read more...]
New cars still offering poor theft security, say experts
Half of new cars so far launched this year have been rated as offering poor security and one was said to be "unacceptable" by insurance test body Thatcham Research. The new ratings assess whether measures to specifically address the keyless entry/start vulnerability, have been adopted. Six of the 11 vehicles launched this year have been given a ‘Poor’ rating as the keyless entry/start system … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 March
Police officers enforce seatbelt laws throughout the year and during the current all-Wales enforcement campaign efforts will be stepped-up to remind drivers and their passengers that non-compliance is not acceptable. Drivers are also legally responsible for ensuring that passengers under the age of 14 are using the correct child restraint for their height and age, or the adult seatbelt if they … [Read more...]