Dorset speed limit reduced to cut emissions after trial

By

-

May 18, 2021

A lower, temporary speed limit on a road passing through a village in Dorset will become permanent after a trial aimed at cutting emissions.

During the 18-month experiment, the limit along a section of the A35 at the western end of the village of Chideock was lowered from 40mph to 30mph.

The trial also involved the use of the air quality monitoring equipment and patrols by an emissions monitoring vehicle. Analysis of the data found there was a small reduction in emissions.

Reduction in nitrogen dioxide

“As part of our ongoing work, we undertook and completed a trial that saw additional diffusion tubes installed and an electric-powered van monitoring real-time pollution before and after the speed limit change,” said Andy Roberts, Highways England route manager for the A35.

“This identified a small reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels following the reduction of the speed limit and, as a result of the localised air quality benefit, we propose to make the extended 30mph zone a permanent fixture.”

Doset councillor Ray Bryan added: “I’m pleased to hear that the speed trial in Chideock has gone towards helping improve the air quality in the village, and the 30mph speed limit is being made permanent. Due to the challenging topography of the village, the solution to improving air quality on this strategic route depends largely on wide-spread adoption of clean technology and other changes to travel habits.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work with our partners at Highways England to monitor emissions in the area and continue to seek ways to further improve air quality for residents.”

ALSO READ:

Motorway accidents soar 88% in lighting switch-off areas

Poor mobile phone signal could leave UK drivers stranded

1 in 5 Londoners ‘have no choice but to own a car’

Millions of motorists ‘don’t understand MOT process’

By

Daniel Puddicombe

-

May 17, 2021

0

Many drivers don’t understand the process of getting a car through an MOT test, new research suggests.

According to a poll of 2,000 British adults, 44 percent are unaware that an expired MOT could invalidate their car insurance.

The poll by Gocompare also revealed that six percent of drivers say they don’t understand the MOT process. And a further eight percent are confused about MOT jargon surrounding the categories of Pass and Fail.

In addition, seven percent said they don’t understand what an Advisory repair means in relation to their MOT and eight percent don’t know the difference between Minor, Major and Dangerous faults.

The research also revealed that 26 percent of motorists think the MOT test guarantees their car will be safe to drive for the next 12 months. And six percent erroneously believe MOT test centres have a percentage of cars they are required to fail.

Misunderstanding the MOT

Cars aged over three years are tested annually to ensure they are roadworthy and safe to drive; this year, 2.3 million cars will be due their first MOT. The MOT test produces a Pass or Fail outcome. Dangerous or Major faults lead to a failed test. The category applied will depend on the type and seriousness of the problem.

“The regular testing of vehicles as they get older helps to ensure cars are safe and roadworthy,” said Ryan Fulthorpe from Gocompare.

“A valid MOT certificate confirms a car has met the minimum standard of roadworthiness at the time of testing. It doesn’t guarantee the car will be in good running order over the next year, so it’s essential that drivers carry out regular checks and have their car regularly serviced.”

ALSO READ:

Motorists happy to visit garages for MOTs during pandemic

1 in 10 with Covid MOT extensions ‘don’t know when test is due’

Almost 2 million cars may be driving WITHOUT a valid MOT

Sadiq Khan confirms Ultra-Low Emission Zone will expand

By

Daniel Puddicombe

-

May 15, 2021

0

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has committed to expanding the Ultra-Low Emission Zone from October 2021, after being re-elected earlier this month.

City Hall says the new zone will be 18 times the size of the current central London area. From 25 October, it will cover all streets inside the North and South circular roads in the capital city.

Owners of non-complaint vehicles will be required to pay £12.50 a day to enter the area. The mayor’s office said around 100,000 cars and 35,000 vans could be affected by the tighter standards every day.

Petrol cars must comply with Euro 4 standards – usually vehicles registered from January 2006 – and diesel owners will need to pay up unless their car meets the Euro 6 standard, meaning they were registered after September 2015.

The mayor said the central London ULEZ has been “transformational since its introduction in April 2019” and claimed it helped to reduce roadside concentrations of nitrogen dioxide gas by nearly 50 percent.

He added that the initial ULEZ cut the number of state schools suffering illegal levels of pollution by 97 percent – from 455 schools in 2016 to 14 in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic

“I pledge to be the greenest Mayor London has ever had, with a mandate from Londoners to put the environment and climate policies at the heart of my second term in office. Today I am reaffirming my commitment to speed up the cleaning of London’s toxic air,” said Khan.

“In central London, the Ultra-Low Emission Zone has already helped cut toxic roadside nitrogen dioxide pollution by nearly half and led to reductions that are five times greater than the national average. But pollution isn’t just a central London problem, which is why expanding the ULEZ later this year will benefit Londoners across the whole of the city and is a crucial step in London’s green recovery.

“There is no time to waste. We know pollution hits the poorest Londoners the hardest, which is why I’m doing everything I can to improve the health for all Londoners.”

ALSO READ:

London ULEZ: what you need to know

London ULEZ charge: How to check if you need to pay

ULEZ scrappage schemes: how to save money on a clean car

Number of cars on UK roads falls for first time since 1991

By

Daniel Puddicombe

-

May 14, 2021

0

The number of licensed vehicles on UK roads fell for the first time over the course of a whole year since 1991. That’s according to new statistics released by the Department for Transport.

According to the data, the number of road-legal vehicles declined by 192,000 last year, due to more people declaring vehicles as being off the road.

The DfT revealed the number of applications for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) increased by 421,000. The AA attributed this to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The statistics are yet another indication of just how much the coronavirus epidemic has disrupted travel in the UK,” said Jack Cousens, the AA’s head of roads policy. “Stuck in their homes for months on end, many car owners took the opportunity to save money by declaring that they had taken their vehicles off the road during the lockdowns.

“Even today, with lockdown rapidly easing and a new relaxation of restrictions due on Monday, car travel during the working week remains at least 10 percent below pre-pandemic levels. The AA expects travel to pick up with the staycation, but the true test of ‘long covid’ for UK travel will come after the August Bank Holiday and a full return to work.”

Diesel’s downward spiral

The government figures also show that 179,000 ultra-low emission vehicles (those that emit less than 75g/km CO2 – primarily electric cars) were registered last year, a 125 percent rise on 2019. ULEVs made up 8.5 percent of all new registrations.

More alternative fuel cars, notably petrol-electric hybrids, were registered during 2020 than diesel cars (338,000 versus 295,000). This represents an 87 percent annual increase for alternative fuel cars year-on-year, against a sharp decline for both petrol and diesel cars.

“With ever-more electrified models available, it’s looking increasingly likely that sales of diesel cars may now never recover to previous levels, which will help improve the air quality in towns and cities,” said RAC spokesman Rod Dennis.

ALSO READ:

Revealed: the cars most likely to be off the road

How lockdown could affect your car insurance

Motorists told to beware of SORN scam websites

AA to provide 24/7 support to Instavolt EV charger users

By

Daniel Puddicombe

-

May 13, 2021

0

Breakdown giant the AA has partnered with Instavolt, a provider of EV charging points, to offer telephone advice to electric car drivers.

The firms said the agreement is ‘intended to give drivers further confidence to switch to electric vehicles, by reassuring them with reliable and high-quality customer service whatever the time of day’.

As part of the deal, the AA will provide call centre support for Instavolt customers via a dedicated phone number. The AA customer service team will be able to resolve common charging queries, direct customers to Instavolt charging stations and help with account or payment queries.

However, the agreement doesn’t extend to calling out a man (or woman) with a van. A spokesperson for the Instavolt told Motoring Research the partnership is limited to customer service support, and not breakdown cover.

“Despite the rapid growth in EV adoption and the continual improvements in facilities and support for EV drivers nationwide, there still remains some hesitancy among certain owners to switch from petrol and diesel vehicles,” said Adrian Keen, Instavolt CEO.

“Securing the support of the AA’s customer services team will help to dispel any lingering concerns around the ease with which EV drivers encountering difficulties can find high quality help.”

ALSO READ:

UK electric car charging stations top 15,000

Zap-Map to add JustPark ‘community charging’ network

How to find your nearest Tesco electric car charging point

Birmingham named ‘crash for cash’ capital

By

Daniel Puddicombe

-

May 13, 2021

0

Birmingham has been named as the UK’s ‘Crash for Cash’ hotspot in new figures released by the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB).

Birmingham postcodes B25, B34 and B8 made up the top three high-risk areas, while Bradford’s BD7 and BD3 postcodes completed the top five. A further Birmingham area – B27 – was listed in ninth place.

The IFB analysed 2.7 million insurance claims over the last 15 months and suggested a staggering 170,000 of these could be linked to ‘crash for cash’ schemes.

‘Crash for Cash’ is a common insurance scam which sees fraudsters invent or deliberately cause road traffic collisions, often involving innocent people, to try and get compensation.

Scams can range from paper-based fabrications, or vehicles being damaged behind closed doors, through to the most dangerous where collisions are being caused by fraudsters with innocent road users, the IFB said.

It added criminal gangs can be behind thousands of orchestrated collisions in some areas, with the combined value of their fraudulent claims ‘running into the millions’.

The IFB said collisions are often caused by fraudsters who slam on their brake on busy junctions and roundabouts in the hope that the driver behind won’t stop in time.

It added that some particularly sophisticated fraudsters also do this with an accomplice that drives erratically in front of them, so they can divert the victim’s suspicions by blaming the driver in front.

“These criminal gangs are often highly organised and put lives at risk. The amounts that they fraudulently claim can be huge, and can impact on the motor premiums paid by honest motorists,” said James Dalton, the director of general insurance policy at the Association of British Insurers.

“With more vehicles on the roads as we emerge from the pandemic restrictions, the potential targets for these criminals increases. This is why it’s so important for all motorists to be on their guard.”

ALSO READ:

Crash for cash schemes are a ‘real and growing threat’

New ‘hide and crash’ fraud tactics on the rise

How to avoid being a victim of lockdown car fraud

Cruise into summer with this 351-powered ERA Cobra

By

John Redfern

-

May 13, 2021

0

Of all the cars that have seen replicas created, none has perhaps been imitated so frequently as the Shelby Cobra.

Limited Shelby production numbers, and the huge sums of money required to buy one, mean a replica Cobra is the most accessible way to experience one.

Such demand means there are plenty of replica options. However, the ERA Replica Automobiles version, like the car currently for sale on Bring a Trailer, is regarded as one of the most accurate renditions.

Daydream in blue

This particular 289 FIA ERA Cobra is said to have originally been purchased by legendary baseball player, Reggie Jackson. ‘Mr October’ bought the ERA kit in 2012, with the current seller having acquired the car in 2019.

Ford Police Interceptor Utility can decontaminate itself from viruses

On the outside, the fiberglass bodywork is finished in Yankee Blue, and features additional red stripes and racing roundels. Rather than being decals, these have actually been painted on.

The seller has had ceramic paint coating applied to the paintwork. Clear protection film has also been used on the nose and other exposed parts.

More go, more gears

At the heart of the Cobra replica is a 351-cubic inch Ford Cleveland V-8. Noted as supplied by BluePrint Engines of Kearney, Nebraska, the engine was supplied in 400 horsepower specification. It now benefits from ceramic-coated headers, and a custom stainless steel exhaust system.

Originally built with a four-speed Toploader transmission, the seller has replaced this with a five-speed Tremec TKO manual unit. A Centerforce clutch was installed at the same time.

The Cobra wears a set of 15-inch FIA-style knock-off wheels, fitted with Avon tires. All four corners use disc brakes, with the rear pair mounted inboard. Adjustable coilover suspension allows for fine tuning of the Cobra’s ride and handling.

Passenger grab handle is included

When first built, the ERA Cobra had an interior with bare aluminum trim and racing seats. The seller has changed this, installing carpeting, along with new bucket seats upholstered in black leather.

The seats are mounted on adjustable runners, allowing drivers of differing heights to get comfortable behind the wood-rimmed steering wheel. A dash-mounted rear view mirror, and the all-important passenger grab handle have been fitted, too.

A speedometer that reads to 160 mph is part of the Stewart Warner instrument cluster, along with oil and water temperature gauges. The odometer is said to show just 1,000 miles, with 400 of these having been added by the seller.

A snake to get bitten by

With a choice selection of upgrades, including the 351 V-8 engine, this replica Cobra is likely to attract plenty of interest on Bring a Trailer.

Multiple questions and comments have already been posted, with many more bids expected before the auction closes on Tuesday, May 18.

Although the Cobra is located in Moorpark, CA, Bring a Trailer’s own shipping service means it could be delivered anywhere within the contiguous 48 states. Perfect timing for summertime cruising.

ALSO READ

Rolls-Royce owned by HRH Princess Margaret heads to auction

Hennessey has made a 1,000hp seven-seat SUV

Award-winning Ringbrothers Mustang up for sale

7 in 10 fatal young driver accidents happen on rural roads

By

Daniel Puddicombe

-

May 13, 2021

0

Nearly three quarters of fatal accidents involving young drivers occur on rural roads, shows new research by the AA.

The breakdown organisation says 71 percent of all fatal crashes involving drivers aged between 17 and 24 take place on country roads. Motorists in that age bracket are over-represented in rural crashes by nine percent, relative to all roads, with the over-representation highest for those aged 17 (27 percent) and decreasing with every subsequent year.

The AA added the proportion of crashes on rural roads on Sundays is 24 percent higher for young drivers than for others. Young drivers are also at higher risk of a single-vehicle crash.

In addition, young drivers face a higher risk of death (two percent) or serious injury (15.2 percent) when involved in a crash on a rural road compared to an urban road (0.6 percent and 11.3 percent respectively).

The findings come after the AA commissioned analysts at the Road Safety Foundation to study six years’ worth of young driver crash data, which involved injuries of all severities.

“Many young drivers and indeed parents are unaware that rural roads pose a specific and significant risk to young drivers and potentially are much more dangerous than motorways or urban roads, said Edmund King, director of the AA Charitable Trust.

“Seventy-one percent of fatal car crashes involving young drivers take place on rural roads. The research should help target driver education at the times and places young drivers are most at risk.”

Raising awareness is essential – Shapps

Transport secretary Grant Shapps added: “Rural roads are often narrow with blind bends, which is why it’s essential we raise awareness among young people on how to drive safely on them. I strongly support the AA in its work to improve the education of drivers.

“Our award-winning THINK! campaign challenges social norms among younger drivers – including attitudes to speeding and driving on rural roads –and I look forward to working together to prevent further tragedies.”

ALSO READ:

Most accidents happen on slower roads

Revealed: The UK’s most dangerous roads

How to improve your vision when driving in the dark

Half of all London learner drivers is over 30

By

Daniel Puddicombe

-

May 12, 2021

0

Almost half of all learner drivers in London – 47.6 percent – are aged over 30, new data has revealed.

Figures released by car insurance website Quotezone also show that just under half of London’s learner drivers have had a provisional licence for more than five years. And 27 percent have held a provisional licence for over 10 years.

Advancing age has seemingly not held back people from learning to drive. Quotezone says over 300 learners nationwide, including 22 London residents, could qualify for a UK pension. Apparently more than 100 people in their 70s and 80s have renewed their interest in passing the driving test.

Nonetheless, across the country, 60 percent of first-time drivers are aged between 16 and 25.

London is the capital for older learners

Demand for learner driver insurance policies increased by 42 percent in 2020 compared with 2019, potentially due to the government discouraging the use of public transport during the pandemic.

“We’ve seen a big rise in learners looking into policies in 2020. Perhaps safety concerns using public transport have played a part in this surge, and with many services reduced, commuters are returning to the idea of having a car, said Greg Wilson of Quotezone.

“With lessons and tests returning and an economic bounceback looking promising, we expect more provisional licence holders to actively pursue their full licence this year

“School leavers or young professionals often come to mind as the typical learner driver. Our findings tell a more multifaceted story, though, showing many people hold back on getting their full driving licence until they’re well into their 20s and beyond. London is certainly the capital for older learner drivers.”

ALSO READ:

Government urges learners to take a Covid test before their driving test

12,000 learners could lose their licences after passing the driving test

Are failed driving tests costing the earth?

Birmingham Clean Air Zone Scrappage Scheme goes live

By

Richard Aucock

-

May 12, 2021

0

The Birmingham Clean Air Zone Scrappage Scheme is now live, offering eligible motorists £2,000 off a new vehicle from Motorpoint if they scrap their old one.

Birmingham City Council selected Motorpoint as its scrappage partner in the Clean Air Zone’s £10m Scrappage and Travel Scheme; the car retailer will fulfil the scrappage scheme from its Aston and Oldbury branches in the West Midlands.

What is the Birmingham Clean Air Zone?

Motorists who work within the Clean Air Zone for more than 18 hours per week, and who earn under £30k a year, are eligible for the scrappage scheme.

They receive a £2,000 credit towards a new vehicle from Motorpoint.

Motorists who don’t want another car can choose a £2,000 ‘mobility credit’ to use on public transport via Transport for West Midlands Swift Card instead.

The Birmingham Clean Air Zone goes live on 1 June 2021. Owners of vehicles that do not meet the standards will have to pay £8 a day to enter the zone.

Clean Air Zone compliant cars

Motorpoint general manager Kevin Cartwright said the Birmingham Clean Air Zone presented an opportunity to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide in the city.

“Motorpoint has hundreds of low mileage, nearly new vehicles, all under warranty, available at its branches across the city – every one of which is Clean Air Zone compliant.

Councillor Waseem Zaffar, Birmingham cabinet minister for transport and environment, said that every year, “up to 1,000 people in Birmingham are dying prematurely from conditions linked to air pollution including cancer, heart and lung disease.

“This is an unacceptable situation.

“The Clean Air Zone will help improve air quality within our city – and the Vehicle Scrappage and Travel Credit Scheme helps tackle the source of the problem by removing the most polluting vehicles from our roads.”

ALSO READ

New car wash licences to combat exploitation of workers

Audi on demand: hire a new car from 1 hour to 28 days

PM ‘mission’ for UK to be world leader in green car tech