The full lifting of coronavirus restrictions in England may have been delayed by four weeks – from 21 June to 19 July 2021 – but the rules on sharing a car are now less limiting than during the official lockdowns.
The government says: ‘When car sharing, you should only travel in groups of no more than six people, or two households, unless you are travelling for a reason that is exempt.’
Ways you can reduce the risk of infection when sharing a car include:
Sharing transport with the same people on every journey
Minimising the size of the group
Opening windows for ventilation
Travelling side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them
Facing away from each other
Using seating arrangements to maximise distance between the car’s occupants
Asking the driver and passengers to wear a face mask
Rules for taking a taxi
There are different rules for sharing a taxi or minicab. Again, you are limited to a group of six people from different households, or no more than two households for a larger group.
However, you must wear a face mask unless you are exempt. Failure to do so could result in a fine – and the driver is entitled to refuse entry to the vehicle. You should also pay via a contactless card if possible.
Microsoft has released the first details of its Forza Horizon 5 racing game, ahead of its release later this year.
Set to be offered for both Xbox consoles and Windows PC, the fifth instalment of the Horizon franchise will be set in Mexico.
With restrictions on international travel likely to continue in 2021, a virtual trip to the North American country could be welcome.
New location, larger environment
Announcing Forza Horizon 5 at E3 2021, Microsoft has promised that it will deliver the “largest, most diverse open world ever” in the Horizon series.
Based around a fictional festival, the Forza Horizon franchise began in 2012. Compared to the traditional Forza Motorsport range of games, Horizon is designed to offer a dramatic arcade experience.
Previous games, such as the UK-based Forza Horizon 4, have placed an emphasis on larger-than-life fun. This has included racing the Flying Scotsman train, or even competing against a giant hovercraft.
Hitting peak performance
Setting the game in Mexico will see Forza Horizon 5 take players across a varied landscape. This will range from the desert, to snow-capped mountains, and deep into the jungle.
Seasonal variation, first introduced in Horizon 4, will change the weather conditions and even create tropical storms. The launch trailer features a terrifying sandstorm, and players will even be able to tackle a volcano!
Gamers using the latest Xbox Series X, or Series S, consoles will gain an even more detailed environment.
Ready for a virtual test drive?
One of the stars of the Forza Horizon 5 trailer is the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar. Frequently delayed in the real world, the virtual release of the F1-powered could beat the physical car to production.
Other new cars spotted in the video trailer include the latest Land Rover Defender, along with the reborn Ford Bronco SUV. New modification options, including 100 different alloy wheels, and special body kits will be available to players.
Greater online multiplayer interaction is planned. This even includes being able to create and tune cars to leave on the map for other players to find.
Multiple options for arcade action
More details on Forza Horizon 5, such as a full list of cars to be included, will be confirmed closer to the release date.
Along with the Xbox consoles and Windows PC, players will be able to use the Xbox Gaming Pass Xbox Cloud Gaming to get their racing fix.
The finished game is due to be released on 9 November 2021, with three different versions available. Along with the Standard and Deluxe games, those buying the Premium edition will get early access on 5 November.
Drivers may now be charged to enter Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone. The UK’s second CAZ went live on 1 June 2021, but no charges were levied for the first two weeks. This was to allow motorists “time to adjust”.
Cars, taxis and vans that don’t meet the required exhaust emission standards will be subject to an £8 daily charge, rising to £50 for coaches and HGVs.
The Bath Clean Air Zone was Britain’s first CAZ and, following Birmingham, more are set to be introduced in Manchester, Oxford, Bradford and other cities.
Not all Clean Air Zones are the same. Here, we detail all you need to know about the Birmingham Clean Air Zone.
Why is there a Birmingham Clean Air Zone?
The government is committed to reducing deaths due to air pollution, which causes up to 36,000 deaths a year across the UK – and a reported 900 a year just in Birmingham.
People who live close to busy roads are particularly vulnerable – as are children.
Because children are closer to the ground than adults, scientists say they are exposed to three times more air pollution as a result.
Birmingham has been defined as an air pollution hotspot, due to persistent breaches of statutory NOx levels, and is obliged to take targeted action.
When did it go live?
The Birmingham Clean Air Zone went live at midnight on 1 June 2021 and charges were introduced from 14 June 2021.
Where is the Birmingham Clean Air Zone?
Simply, the Birmingham CAZ is everywhere within the A4540 Middleway ring road – but not the Middleway itself.
Every entrance to the zone will be clearly marked so motorists should know that they have entered it – and alternative routes will be open for those who wish to avoid it.
Importantly, motorists will not receive any alert or message if they enter the zone in a non-compliant vehicle: it is up to car owners to know this.
ANPR cameras throughout the Birmingham CAZ will monitor vehicles for compliance.
How much is the Birmingham Clean Air Zone?
Charges for cars, taxis and light goods vehicles (small vans) are £8 per day. For heavy goods vehicles and coaches, the charge is £50 per day – unless a valid exemption is in place.
Motorists can drive in and out of the zone as many times as they wish once they have paid it – but the charge works day-by-day, not on a 24-hour basis.
Those who drive into the zone at 11pm and leave it at 1am will therefore have to pay the charge for two days, not one.
The Birmingham Clean Air Zone charge can be paid six days prior to a visit, on the day of the visit, or six days afterwards.
Motorists who fail to pay the charge within this time will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice.
What is the fine for not paying the Birmingham Clean Air Zone?
Failure to pay the charge results in a £120 Fixed Penalty Notice.
This is reduced to £60 for those who pay it within 14 days of receipt.
Which vehicles are included in the Birmingham Clean Air Zone?
The Birmingham Clean Air Zone is a ‘category D’ zone. All vehicles are included: cars, non-compliant buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles, HGVs, vans and minibuses.
A Category D CAZ is the only Clean Air Zone to include cars. Local authorities also have the option to include motorcycles, but Birmingham has chosen not to.
The council estimates that one in four vehicles currently driving within the zone will be subject to the charge, although other studies have suggested up to 60 percent of the 200,000 vehicles entering the city each day could be affected.
Which cars will be charged in the Birmingham Clean Air Zone?
Euro 4 petrol vehicles – that’s most models from 2006-onwards – and Euro 6 diesels – most vehicles from September 2015 – are compliant with the Clean Air Zone.
Pre-Euro 4 petrol models and pre-Euro 6 diesels will be charged in the Clean Air Zone as they are not compliant.
As a rule of thumb, pre-2006 petrols and pre-September 2015 diesel cars may be charged – but motorists must check their registration online to be sure of their car’s status.
Diesel vehicles have traditionally been worse for NOx emissions, which is why the age limit is much stricter for diesels. Newer diesels are as clean as petrol cars.
Is there a Birmingham Clean Air Zone Scrappage Scheme?
Car retailer Motorpoint has been selected by Birmingham City Council to deliver a Scrappage Scheme. People working within the CAZ for more than 18 hours a week, earning less than £30,000 a year, can scrap their old car and receive a £2,000 credit towards a new vehicle from Motorpoint.
The scheme runs at its Aston and Oldbury branches.
The £2,000 can also be spent as a mobility credit to use on public transport via Transport for West Midlands’ Swift Card scheme.
Is the Birmingham Clean Air Zone a Congestion Charge?
Birmingham City Council is keen to stress the Clean Air Zone is not a London-style Congestion Charge.
Only non-compliant vehicles are charged, rather than all vehicles. What’s more, the money raised has to be used in emissions-reducing projects and can’t go into general council coffers.
“If the scheme doesn’t raise a single penny, that’s fine by us,” council communications manager Jemma Callow told Motoring Research. “It will mean it’s doing its job in tackling pollution.”
Brands outside the Stellantis group will also be included, if a Spoticar retailer decides to add them.
“Stellantis is always looking at new ways to innovate the market”, said used vehicle operations director Nick Richards.
“With the launch of Spoticar, we bring our excellent used-approved programmes across our brands into a single platform for customers to use.
“We’ve also optimised the platform so customers can view online, or visit a showroom to finalise the details, giving them the convenience and choice to decide what is best for them.”
Online-ready
Spoticar has been designed with online used car purchases in mind. The firm claims it allows buyers to complete a deal entirely from home, including obtaining part-exchange values and organising a finance package.
At launch on 16 June, the platform will advertise more than 12,000 approved used cars.
Each one will have a one-year warranty and roadside assistance package (provided by the RAC). A 30-day exchange commitment is also included for customers who experience a fault that cannot be fixed.
Customers aren’t barred from a physical experience, either. For the two in three people who still want to view and test-drive used cars before purchase, Spoticar will let them choose the vehicle they want online and then link them to the relevant car dealer.
They can then either view the car in person – or arrange a home delivery test drive if they prefer.
Nissan has begun production of the third-generation Qashqai in Sunderland with a promise to offer every child in the North East a place on a special careers event.
The firm wants to inspire future generations of manufacturing and engineering professionals and is investing in a Nissan Skills Foundation event for youngsters.
The commitment to include every child in the North East is part of Nissan’s target to “step up our efforts to inspire the next generation of talent”.
This year, Nissan is marking 35 years of building cars in Britain – and the careers pledge comes after £400m of investment to build the latest Qashqai.
As well as being built in Britain, the Qashqai is also designed and engineered here.
Nissan has now sold 3.5 million Qashqai since launching the first one in 2007.
“We know it has been a tough year for young people,” said Nissan UK VP for manufacturing Alan Johnson, “so we’re using the launch of this next-generation car to step up our efforts to inspire the next-generation of manufacturing talent.
“We want every child in the North East of England to have the opportunity to be inspired by the Nissan Skills Foundation.”
Nissan founded its Skills Foundation in 2014 to encourage youngsters to consider careers in manufacturing.
Today, it comprises 10 different activities for children aged 7 to 18, and also provides resources for regional schools outside the area to take part in international STEM competitions.
More than 65,000 young people to date have taken part in a Nissan Skills Foundation event.
Signs will feature on fuel pump labels, and there will be targeted digital, radio and social media advertising.
The government warns “a small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s” won’t be compatible with E10 fuel.
They should continue to use E5 petrol – the supplies of which are being maintained in the ‘super’ petrol grade.
‘Build back greener with a tankful’
E10 fuel is being introduced because the government estimates it could cut road transport CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year – equivalent to the yearly uptake of a forest the size of the Isle of Wight.
“The rollout of E10 is the latest in a strong of measures we’re taking to cut road emissions, reduce pollution and keep us on track to meet our ambitious net zero by 2050 target,” said transport minister Rachel Maclean.
“This campaign will not only make drivers aware of the changes we’re making, but will also show millions of motorists how E10 introduction plays a part in helping reduce carbon emissions and build back greener with every tank of petrol.”
To support the introduction of E10 fuel – which will replace existing E5 petrol at filling stations – 100 jobs have been secured following the reopening of AB Sugar’s Vivergo plant in the north east.
Production at existing UK biofuel plants will also be stepped up.
Lexus has revealed the all-new NXcompact SUV that will launch in the UK later in 2021 – and for the first time, there will be a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version in addition to the core hybrid range.
The new NX 450h+ is actually the first-ever Lexus plug-in hybrid, and offers very competitive PHEV figures of at least 39 miles’ EV driving range and CO2 emissions below 40g/km.
This will be very advantageous to UK company car drivers in particular.
The NX 450h+ will sit at the top of the line-up, offering 306hp and 0-62mph in just over 6.0 seconds.
Alongside the PHEV version, the new ‘self-charging hybrid’ NX 350h has 22 percent more power, 10 percent lower emissions and 15 percent better acceleration than before.
Design step-change
The new NX marks a “significant evolution of Lexus design” says the firm: it is more sophisticated, dynamic and mature, with a “more muscular character”.
It’s a bigger car overall – 20mm longer, with a 30mm wheelbase stretch, 20mm wider and 5mm taller. This gives more space to rear passengers in particular.
The car’s wider tracks, wheels of up to 20-inches, short overhangs and long bonnet give it a more powerful appearance – and at the rear, instead of a Lexus logo, the word ‘LEXUS’ is now written across the tailgate.
Big step changes continue inside. The interior is the first to use Lexus new ‘Tazuna’ driver cockpit.
This replace the fiddly and oft-criticised setup of current Lexus, whose mouse-style trackpad infotainment system is awkward to use.
Instead, there is a large central touchscreen up to 14.0 inches in size, which is fully Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready.
The dashboard has been simplified so now requires minimal eye, head and hand movement to operate, and owners should generally find it all much easier to use.
Needless to say, quality will be impeccable: Takumi craftsmanship brings fine quality materials and “high sensory appeal”.
Lexus says it’s also been inspired by “omotenashi hospitality” principals, so people will “feel as welcome and comfortable as possible”.
Special mention to the e-latch doorhandles, that make it impossible to open a door into oncoming traffic or cyclists, and a power tailgate that operates twice as fast as before.
Lexus has sold 170,000 NX in Europe since its launch in 2014. The new second generation version will launch in the final quarter of 2021.
Values of run-of-the-mill classic cars are outperforming some iconic, sought-after classics such as the Jaguar E-Type.
That’s according to classic car insurance provider Hagerty, which tracks the market values for more than 2,000 vehicles. It said ‘unexceptional’ cars that were once the backbone of Britain are proving to be popular investments.
The company sources its data from UK auctions, trade sales and private sales. Comparing values from 2020 to 2021, the top 10 best performers are:
1965-1970 Triumph 1300 up 20.4 percent
1962-1966 Ford Cortina Mk1 up 19.4 percent
1973-1982 Austin Allegro up 13.6 percent
1962-1980 Renault 4 up 10.6 percent
1963-1976 Hillman Imp up 10.1 percent
1970-1976 Ford Cortina Mk3 up 7.8 percent
1968-1979 Renault 16 up 7.4 percent
1948-1960 Peugeot 203 up 5.2 percent
1975-1981 British Leyland Princess up 5.1 percent
1987-1994 Alfa Romeo 33 up 4.4 percent
During the same period, values of the Jaguar E-Type Series III increased by 8.2 percent, Hagerty added.
The company speculated that part of the appeal of the 10 classic cars mentioned above is that, on average, they cost less than £4,000.
“These everyday cars are becoming increasingly rare,” said John Mayhead, head of automotive intelligence for Hagerty. “For decades, the vast majority were unloved workhorses that would eventually be sold for scrap at best.
“Now, with rarity on their side and nostalgia tugging at the heartstrings, enthusiasts are snapping up the remaining examples, sometimes because of an emotional connection and sometimes perhaps because they feel a duty to preserve them for the enjoyment of future generations.”
A Ford Escort given to Princess Diana as an engagement present heads to auction later this month.
Sold by Reeman Dansie, the Ford Escort Ghia was given to the princess in May 1981 by the Prince of Wales, two months before the royal wedding. The car was used by Diana until August 1982.
According to the auction house, the vehicle has ‘disappeared from public view’ for the last 20 years, with the current owner keeping the car’s royal provenance from friends.
The car still carries its original registration and is in ‘incredibly original condition’, having covered 83,000 miles since new. It still retains its original paint and upholstery.
It also comes complete with a silver frog mascot on the bonnet, a copy of a gift from Diana’s sister, Lady Sarah Spencer, to remind her of the ‘fairy tale of a beautiful girl whose kiss turns a frog into a prince’.
The auction of the Ford Escort takes place on 29 June.
Motorists are spending a combined £4.2 billion a year on car maintenance, including servicing, MOT tests and visits to garages, reveals new research.
According to MoneySuperMarket, Brits spend an average £185 on car maintenance each year. Drivers in the East Midlands pay the most for maintenance (£211), followed by those from East Anglia (£209) and the North East (£207). Londoners spend the least (£148).
Meanwhile, nearly half of car owners (47 percent) do not have a budget for car maintenance, preferring to pay for it as and when it arises, the comparison website said.
Many motorists are unable to maintain their cars personally – just 11 percent said they are confident with a toolkit, while only 45 percent of drivers said they are capable of performing basic maintenance. Twenty percent saying they require assistance, with drivers from the South West and Wales most likely to need help.
‘Age is a factor’
Age is a factor influencing car maintenance confidence with older drivers aged 65 and over (37 percent) more likely to be very confident when it comes to changing a tyre than 25–34-year-olds (24 percent).
“Owning a car is a hugely liberating thing but it can be very expensive,” said Katie Devine from MoneySuperMarket.
“We all know about the upfront costs such as the car itself and insurance, but we often forget how much we spend on keeping our cars roadworthy. Our findings reveal just how seriously Brits take maintenance – something that doesn’t come cheap.”
