Private parking firms are on course to issue a record 14.5m tickets to drivers this year with just five companies responsible for almost half, RAC analysis of latest government data shows. In the first half of the 2024/25 financial year, requests to the DVLA from car park management companies for vehicle keeper details hit 7.2m – the equivalent of 41,000 a … [Read more...]
Personal plates you can lose overnight – and forever
Thousands of private number plate owners will forever lose their registrations due to a rigid DVLA rule that provides no second chances, even if an owner was never properly notified, says a Welsh specialist business. Many retained plates are already expiring and the government has made it clear that once they’re gone, they won’t be reinstated. Antony … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 March
If you're going to Gatwick next weekend better plan ahead as the M25 will be fully closed. Work between Junctions 10 and 11 near Cobham Services necessitates closure to remove a bridge from Friday to Monday and diversions will be signed but anticipated to be heavily congested and RAC advice is to allow more time, top up fuel or charge. New number plates … [Read more...]
Drivers admit not looking at speedometers
A survey of British road users from private plate supplier Regtransfers saw 1 in 10 drivers admitting they don’t use their speedometer to judge speed on the roads. When asked which method they use most, a majority (86%) said they use the car’s dashboard speedo to ensure they remain within legal speed limits. However, the remaining 14% admitted … [Read more...]
Cloned cars’ rising crime rate
Motorists must guard against unscrupulous car cloning criminals to avoid fines and penalties for offences they’ve not committed, warns leading vehicle data and valuation specialist HPI. Criminals use cloned registration plates to avoid detection via police automated number plate recognition (ANPR) systems, which can have serious financial implications for … [Read more...]
Christmas is just down the road….
With only five weeks to go until Christmas Day, a study by The Motor Ombudsman has revealed a glimpse of ‘Car-istmas’ for the first time, showcasing what UK drivers are anticipating for the popular festive getaway. With millions traditionally hitting the road to spend time with friends and relatives for this much-loved annual occasion, the poll of 1,000 … [Read more...]
Little car mods can come with big fines
Customising your car’s interior has become a popular way for drivers to express their individuality with Google searches for ‘car modifications’ up 21% in the last month and ‘custom car’ up 5% in the last year. However, experts warn that certain modifications, while seemingly harmless, can have serious safety implications and lead to significant fines. Some … [Read more...]
The world of excess & trivia on wheels
Trivia surrounding cars and driving fascinates a wide audience, ranging from television quiz show fans to social media enthusiasts sharing viral videos and memes. While often regarded as simple amusement, trivia like this often emphasises important achievements and peculiar details that illuminate broader cultural trends. In this article, private plate … [Read more...]
Golden anniversary of Mitsubishi in Britain
Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is celebrating its 50th year of trading in 2024 and is marking the anniversary with a calendar of events to honour the brand and its heritage. The 50th anniversary year kicked off in February at the annual Mitsubishi Motors in the UK Aftersales Conference. The event brought together all 110 Mitsubishi aftersales dealers across … [Read more...]
Tamper-proof bolts deter car thieves, says loss adjuster
Specialist motor insurance loss adjuster, Claims Management & Adjusting has welcomed the new Association of British Insurers roadmap “to combat the rising costs of motor cover”, and recommended anti-theft number plate bolts as the best value solution. Philip Swift, a former detective, now Technical Director at CMA, said, “While we very much welcome the … [Read more...]
