The number of vehicles registered for use on British roads has surpassed 40 million for the first time, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The UK’s largest automotive analysis reveals that more than 35 million cars and five million commercial vehicles were in use in the UK in 2019, representing a 1.0% increase on the previous year. Light commercial vehicles saw the … [Read more...]
Roads falling apart faster, says industry body
Britain's roads are crumbling at an increasing rate and need much more investment in major and minor spending than has been used or promised, according to the maintenance industry. This morning's Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey of UK roads is in its 25th year, is launched at a time of unprecedented challenges due to the spread of COVID-19, and understandably, the country’s … [Read more...]
Budget of hope to smooth rough ride ahead
The Budget provides something for today’s and tomorrow’s drivers, said RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes. “Today the Chancellor has given a boost to drivers of today’s vehicles with a fuel duty freeze while also investing in tomorrow with funding for rapid charging hubs for electric vehicles, an extension to the plug-in car grant, funding to repair Britain’s roads and a commitment to spend on … [Read more...]
Thousands of drivers find flood insurance is void
Thousands of car owners over the next few days will find their insurance does not cover flood damage. Usually, only comprehensive policy cover will pay for the repair or replacement of flood damaged vehicles, and there may be limits to that. Drivers who ignored advice and tried to negotiate a flood which then overcame their vehicle may also find they get less, if any, payout from their … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 October
The Volkswagen Group is taking a fresh look at its brands as they face future challenges and opportunities. It may mean uplifting Seat models while Skoda will scale down premium extras in future models and focus more on previously neglected markets, especially in eastern Europe against Hyundai, Kia and Dacia and all brands will have to reduce overlaps and clashes in ranges. A change in … [Read more...]
Cardiff dampens bikers’ spirits
Cardiff is the motorbike owner’s worst nightmare for riding. Due to a number of factors the city scored particularly low with wet days per year and low number of bike clubs. In the U.K many bike owners are familiar with rain and can experience increased stopping distances and slippery surfaces. Rain can also cause reduced visibility as well as the chance of other effects from inclement … [Read more...]
How we use our roads is changing
While the number of miles travelled on our roads hardly changed in 2018 compared to the previous year, the forms of transport used has changed. Van traffic, despite experiencing slower growth in 2018, still saw a slight increase which sets a new record high. Cycling miles also rose and is now 34% above what it was 25 years ago. RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes, responding to the latest … [Read more...]
Easter getaway begins today for some
This year’s Easter getaway will start two weeks early as millions of families take to the road when many English schools break up at the end of this week. Figures from the RAC suggest some 14m leisure trips will be taken by car between this Friday – the day when most schools finish for Easter – and the end of the weekend. Friday itself is expected to be busiest with some 5.3m individual … [Read more...]
Infrastructure commissioners appointed for Wales
Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates has announced the members of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales which met for the first time yesterday. Welsh Government established the NICW to support independent, better informed advice on a longer-term strategy for infrastructure investment, which enshrines the goals and principles of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act … [Read more...]
Backlog of road repairs is growing, says report
The UK’s perennial pothole problem shows no sign of ending any time soon, according to the latest breakdown data analysed by the RAC. While, as is customary, the total number of pothole-related breakdowns, such as damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels, attended by RAC patrols in the third quarter of the year dropped substantially to 1,746, the number of such … [Read more...]
