Almost three out of four motorists (73%) are worried about car insurance costs rising in 2024, reveals latest research. The January Startline Used Car Tracker also shows that 67% are concerned about rising petrol and diesel prices and 34% about the cost of servicing. Additionally, there is apprehension about not just the cost of running an existing car but buying a new one, with 46% … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 May
Here are the first views of the next generation MINI family, with Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. Each new MINI model gains its own strong individual character that is expressed in distinctive design features, while exuding individuality with a clear brand affiliation and sustainable materials are another essential part of the new design language. Another Chinese manufacturer will be … [Read more...]
Motorists cannot sniff at thunder fever
The unusual weather this summer is causing issues for drivers that could result in fines or penalty points – adding to the mounting cost of living expenses. This week alone has seen warnings from medical experts about ‘thunder fever’ – a rare weather phenomenon that makes hay fever and asthma much worse with a combination of thunderstorms and elevated pollen counts across the country. It happens … [Read more...]
Welsh police sniffing out more drug-drivers
Over-the-counter anti-hay fever medicines are thought to have fuelled a rise in positive drug-driving tests by Welsh police forces. Drug-driving offences in Wales have increased 62% in just two years, according to new research by Confused.com through Freedom of Information requests to three police forces in the region which revealed 501 drivers were charged with driving under the influence of … [Read more...]
Motor crimes blackspot Wales
Wales is a blackspot for some motor crimes. A survey shows 172,000 motoring offences recorded in Wales in 2015/16 and speeding accounted for 159,000 motoring offences in Wales while it ranks as fourth worst region for seatbelt crimes with 5,700 violations. Just one driver was prosecuted for lane hogging on a road in Wales. To highlight the research, Confused.com has launched an … [Read more...]
Drink and drugs clampdown highlights police cuts
A total of 306 motorists failed drink-drive breath tests and 131 others tested positive for drugs during a summer clampdown, report police. In 2015, 52 drivers tested positive for drugs after new laws were introduced. More than 9,500 breath tests and 190 drug wipes were administered during the All Wales Campaign in June and July. The latest national figures from the police show worrying … [Read more...]
Off-the-shelf hazard of routine medicine
The hazards of drink-driving, as well as drug-driving have been well documented, but an expert has warned that many drivers are unaware of the potential dangers of prescribed and over-the-counter medicines when it comes to driving. In March 2015 the UK drug driving law changed meaning it is now an offence to drive with certain drugs above a specified level being present in the … [Read more...]
Welsh police lag behind drug-driving detection rates
Welsh police forces have shown widely differing detection rates for new drug-driving offences. Gwent Police failed to make any arrests at all for this offence in the first two months of its existence. Dyfed Powy made five arrests in two months, South Wales 8 in the same period but North Wales caught 34 in two months. The Institute of Advanced Motorists has revealed for the first time the … [Read more...]