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

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May 14, 2021

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.

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

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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May 13, 2021

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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.”

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Birmingham named ‘crash for cash’ capital

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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May 13, 2021

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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.”

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Cruise into summer with this 351-powered ERA Cobra

By

John Redfern

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May 13, 2021

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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.

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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.

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7 in 10 fatal young driver accidents happen on rural roads

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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May 13, 2021

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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.”

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Half of all London learner drivers is over 30

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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May 12, 2021

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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.”

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Birmingham Clean Air Zone Scrappage Scheme goes live

By

Richard Aucock

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May 12, 2021

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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.”

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Rolls-Royce owned by HRH Princess Margaret heads to auction

By

John Redfern

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May 12, 2021

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A 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II, originally owned by Princess Margaret, is heading to auction later this month.

It offers a rare opportunity to own a car created for the Royal Family, built to the specification requested by the only sibling of Queen Elizabeth II.

The car is set to be sold by H&H Classics, as part of their sale being held at the Imperial War Museum on Wednesday, 26 May.

Handbuilt for a princess

First introduced in 1975, the Silver Wraith II was a long-wheelbase version of the existing Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. An extra four inches of metalwork were added to allow buyers to specify a dividing partition, but not lose out on legroom.

HRH Princess Margaret was exacting about the design of the Rolls-Royce. Along with the typical royal accoutrements of a flag mast and illuminated shield, she specified that the side indicators be set into the chrome swage line.

Standard to all Silver Wraith II models was the use of a stretched black Everflex vinyl roof, and smaller formal rear window.

Tailored by royal decree

Inside the Silver Wraith II, HRH Princess Margaret requested that the piping for the cloth upholstery be positioned to stop it contacting her neck if she reclined. Larger mirrors were added to the C-pillars, along with a lower rear seat squab and raised floor.

Black Nuella leather covers the top and bottom of the dashboard, with a Matt Rosewood veneer trim used. The non-reflective coverings were deliberate, to avoid causing glare if flash photography was used.

Her Royal Highness, using the pseudonym of ‘Mr Edgar’ gave Rolls-Royce five months to complete the work. The completed Silver Wraith II, painted in Cardinal Red, was finally delivered on 16 May 1980.

A moving museum piece

For some 22 years, the Silver Wraith II served HRH Princess Margaret and countless other dignitaries on official duties.

The Silver Wraith II is known to have carried HM The Queen, The Queen Mother, and Lady Diana Spencer. It was also used by President Ronald Reagan on a trip to the UK.

The final royal duty undertaken by the car was on 15 February 2002, where it carried family members to the funeral of HRH Princess Margaret at Windsor Castle.

Ready for a new life

Sold into private ownership, the Silver Wraith II was purchased by Ronald Allwright in June 2002. During his ownership a new Everflex roof was fitted, along with a refurbished steering rack. More recently, the current seller of the car acquired it in 2016.

Accompanying the Silver Wraith II is an extensive history collection, with copies of the build records and servicing work. Period photos of the car undertaking royal duties will also be included.

Given the importance of the car, H&H Classics estimates that the Rolls-Royce could achieve £45,000 to £55,000 ($64,000 to $78,000).

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New car wash licences to combat exploitation of workers

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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May 12, 2021

0

Licencing agreements for hand car washes are being trialled, with the aim of ensuring businesses treat employees, customers and the environment fairly.

According to the Responsible Car Wash Scheme (RCWS), the sector has been ‘consistently been identified as an industry where workers are at risk of exploitation, ranging from poor working conditions to modern day slavery’.

The trial is being funded by the Home Office and supporters of the RCWS – including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Asda.

In order to gain accreditation, operators must agree to:

Consent to trade and trading standards
Provide financial transparency and corporate governance
Provide safe and hygienic working conditions
Protect the environment
Offer compliant and ethical employment practices and prevention of worker exploitation

The RCWS says legitimate businesses can be undercut by those breaking the law, creating an unfair competitive landscape.

Many car washes also operate from unsuitable premises that discharge dangerous effluent into drains and water courses. And staff may be given ineffective protective equipment when handling dangerous and corrosive cleaning materials, it claimed.

“With car washes now reopening after lockdown, risks are resurfacing with regards to violation of labour, employment, health and safety and environmental regulations,” said Teresa Sayers, managing director of the RCWS.

“RCWS aims to ensure compliance, improve standards, and give consumers confidence that they are choosing a fair car wash, by accrediting businesses that adhere to the RCWS Code of Practice. With Home Office backing and an independent evaluation, this has the impetus it needs to work on a nationwide level.”

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British-built Ferrari V12-powered supercar breaks cover

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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May 12, 2021

0

UK engineering company RML Group has unveiled a new sports car, inspired by the classic 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB.

Called the RML Short Wheelbase, the new model ‘pays homage to the driving purity of supercars from the past, while offering occupants 21st century convenience’. It also integrates a ‘raft of modern features’, says RML, meaning owners don’t have to compromise on comfort.

These include electrically adjustable seats, navigation, air conditioning, cupholders and smartphone integration. All have been ‘artfully and discreetly’ integrated into the cabin, which can accommodate people up to 6ft 2in tall.

The car is powered by a genuine naturally aspirated Ferrari V12, displacing 5,474cc and producing 485hp.

Drive is delivered to the rear wheels via a Ferrari six-speed manual gearbox with a traditional open gate. The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in 4.1 seconds and top speed is ‘in excess of 185mph’.

RML says that while the car is larger than an original 250 GT SWB, its overall proportions remain faithful. Obvious design homages include the stacked rear lights, exposed fuel filler, front grille and vents behind the wheels.

Comparisons are likely to be made between the Short Wheelbase and the forthcoming GTO Engineering Squalo, given both are inspired by the 250 GT SWB. However, the Squalo is powered by a newly designed engine, rather than an existing Ferrari unit.

“Our emphasis has always been on capturing a more organic driving experience, with less intervention and more usable performance, while still making it comfortable and convenient enough for people to enjoy regularly on modern roads,” said Michael Mallock, chief executive of RML.

Just 30 examples of the Short Wheelbase are planned and the first arrive in October. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but don’t expect any change from £1 million.

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