York plans to introduce real-time transport modelling data to reduce congestion in the historic city.

The City of York Council said it is using the technology to manage the road network and estimated travel times could be reduced by 10 percent, based on a trial.

The council gave an example that if there was a road traffic collision on the York outer ring road, the new software would be able to predict the impact on the wider road network based on traffic conditions at the time.

This gives the council the ability to react ‘live’ by changing traffic light timings across the city and informing people sooner of possible delays.

Fans of The Italian Job may remember this is how gridlock was created in the film, allowing the thieves to escape with the gold…

Previously, the council monitored the network through CCTV and social media feeds, with network operators and transport engineers manually implementing traffic signal changes to better manage the flow of traffic in busy periods.

‘Proving to be a success’

The real-time prediction model is used to predict traffic conditions ahead of time by combining historical data with live traffic information. It also integrates with 100 live traffic flow sensors, 100 signal controllers and speed data.  

“At this early stage it’s already proving to be a success,” said Dave Atkinson, head of programmes at City of York Council.

“We’re able to predict future traffic levels based on our live traffic behaviour and manage the flow of traffic better in busy periods by adjusting traffic lights to best suit traffic conditions.” 

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The RAC has launched a warranty scheme for second-hand electric and hybrid cars.

It can be applied to any used electric or hybrid car, up to a maximum of eight years old and with up to 80,000 miles on the clock at the time of purchase. Cover is available for a variety of periods up to 24 months, while claims can be made up to a limit of the vehicle purchase price.

The warranty covers components in the electric drivetrain and charge system, with the exception of the batteries. These are generally already covered by long manufacturer warranties, the RAC says.

‘Building consumer confidence’

“Electric cars – from plug-ins through to conventional hybrids – are starting to appear on the used market in greater numbers, something that will gather huge momentum in the coming years,” said RAC director of electric vehicles Sarah Winward-Kotecha.

“This new warranty, which provides the most comprehensive level of warranty cover that the RAC has yet offered on any vehicle, delivers peace of mind to electric car buyers, especially the vast majority who will be moving away from petrol or diesel power for the first time.” 

“Indeed, we’re confident it could play a key part in helping to build widespread consumer confidence in electric cars and hybrids as an attractive and reliable choice right across the used car market. 

“Given the profile of the likely buyer and the age of the vehicles, we are expecting dealers to typically offer six or 12 months of cover using this warranty when a consumer buys a car and then give them the option of an upgrade to the full 24-month maximum.”

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A shortage of lorry drivers in the UK has hit ‘catastrophic proportions’, according to the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

It believes the driver shortage has hit ‘crisis levels’ due to a combination of factors, including Brexit, hostility towards lorries and Covid-19. The RHA has called upon the government to make urgent changes in order to support the sector.

The lack of drivers means freight rates ‘are rising to a level that operators are finding unsustainable’, says the RHA. It warns costs may have to be passed onto consumers as a result.

In order to improve the situation, the organisation has produced a 12-point list of changes that it wants the government to introduce:

·       Include HGV drivers on Government’s Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation List

·       Offer a seasonal visa scheme for qualified HGV drivers

·       Continue to provide priority driving tests for HGV drivers

·       Establish a ‘Return to HGV Driving’ scheme

·       Promote the job and sector better than at present

·       Offer an apprenticeship funding gap for C+E drivers in England and Wales

·       Offer apprenticeships for Class C drivers

·       Launch an SME-focused HGV driver training scheme

·       Launch an independent HGV training loan scheme

·       Introduce other training schemes

·       Increase the productivity of the road network

·   Improve site productivity and the treatment of drivers at collection and delivery points

‘Upturn in the economy is increasing demand’

“The upturn in the economy since Covid-19 is increasing demand across supply chains and the reopening of non-essential retail outlets and parts of the hospitality sector is making the situation even worse,” said RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett.

“The pandemic also resulted in the loss of about 12 months of driver training and testing. The long-term ineffectiveness of apprenticeships for lorry drivers and the general hostility from authorities and the government is also unhelpful for recruiting and retaining drivers. 

“We need the Government to act and address the driver shortage for the industry and the drivers. While we welcome the increase in HGV apprenticeship funding to £7,000, this barely scratches the surface of the problem.”

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The all-new Kia Sportage, due in the UK later in 2021, has been revealed with a bold new design and tech-laden interior.

The fifth-generation version of an SUV popular with UK motorists will also offer a mystery version just for European buyers: this is to be revealed in the autumn.

Design-wise, it’s a big step on for the 2022 Kia Sportage, with the looks inspired by the pure electric Kia EV6.

Design chief Karim Habib has named it the ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, which is said to be based around tense and crisp lines, clean and muscular surfaces, and intricate graphics.

This all gives it a “dynamic and assertive road presence.

“With the all-new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward but instead move on to a different level in the SUV class,” said Habib.

“In the all-new Sportage, we believe you can see the future of our brand and our products.”

Tech-packed interior

The high-quality interior is based around a fully-integrated curved display.

Kia’s added an ‘integrated controller’ that’s intuitive and easy to use, to support the large touchscreen display.

Other highlights include the 3D air vents, gloss-finish centre console and promise of high-quality materials and colourschemes throughout.

Kia’s also offering, for the first time in the Sportage’s 28-year history, a special bold-look derivative, called Sportage X-Line.

This has unique bumpers, a curved roof rack and, inside, signature sage green or black seating. It also features quilted upholstery and black metal wood trim.

The new Kia Sportage will roll out later in the year, with prices to be confirmed ahead of its retailer launch.

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