Barry Island is seeing a proper tidy rise in customers as new trains and the return of some old favourites give the area a welcome boost.
More than 100,000 people caught the train to the Island in July and August, a huge rise from 57,000 the previous year and some of that’s put down to filming the final Christmas special of Gavin and Stacey comedy programme.
In the 12 months to August 2024 10.60m battery-electric vehicles were sold globally, an increase of 13.0% on the previous 12 months, with the increases primarily being driven by China and the US.
Some 30 markets – including 8 of the 10 largest EV markets – saw sales increase on the previous 12 months, whilst Germany and 10 smaller markets saw a decline partly due to ending of incentive support, according to New Automotive Tracker.
The head of Ford in Britain has called for clarity and commitment from the Government over the move to electric cars and phasing out of petrol models.
Lisa Brankin, Ford UK Chair, said, “Three years ago the government announced the UK’s transition to electric new car and van sales from 2030. Ford has announced a global $50 billion commitment to electrification, launching nine electric vehicles by 2025, supported by £430 million invested in Ford’s UK development and manufacturing facilities, with further funding planned for the 2030 timeframe.
“This is the biggest industry transformation in over a century and the UK 2030 target is a vital catalyst to accelerate Ford into a cleaner future. Our business needs three things from the UK government: ambition, commitment and consistency. A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three. We need the policy focus trained on bolstering the EV market in the short term and supporting consumers while headwinds are strong: infrastructure remains
One in five drivers say they’re concerned by potholes damaging their vehicle, according to research from Close Brothers Motor Finance.
The research comes as a new report finds Britain’s potholed roads are killing drivers, and the number of pothole-related incidents in 2023 was the highest for five years.
For the first time, Mattel Hot Wheels brand and Formula 1, are partnering to bring the sport’s fans a full range of Hot Wheels products.
The new product line from the two iconic brands will feature F1 Teams and bring the thrill of F1 races to 1:64 scale to deliver a brand-new way for automotive enthusiasts to play and collect, allowing kids and adults to celebrate their passion for racing with Hot Wheels.
The Transport and Road Research Laboratory has been given Government contract to investigate modern vehicle lights which may dazzle drivers.
The move follows the well publicised campaign by the RAC to highlight the danger of very strong LED units and their use in some models at eye-level to people in some cars.
Nearly 13,580 drivers have been given penalty points, a £300 fixed penalty and hefty fines for not having insurance in a 12 months period, according to a FoI request to the DVLA by Scrap Car Comparison site.
Manchester is the worst location for uninsured drivers and the North West generally is also high.
National charging network Be.EV has partnered with EV charging space specialist Formula Space and Derbyshire Police to crack down on charging cable vandalism in Chesterfield.
In response to the recent spate of electric vehicle charging cable thefts across the town and the country, Be.EV has launched the ‘Charging Hub Intelligent Protection’ initiative, or CHIP, to deter future charger vandalism and keep locations safe and available for drivers.