DVLA increases automatic driving licence extension to 11 months

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September 1, 2020

Photocard driving licence

The DVLA has announced a further extension for motorists with driving licences expiring in 2020.

Drivers who have a photocard or entitlement to drive expiring between 1 February and 31 December 2020 now have a further 11 months from the date of expiry to apply to renew their licence.

The extension is automatic, and drivers don’t need to do anything.

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Motorists will only need to apply to renew their licence when they receive a reminder before the automatic extension expires.

In June, the DVLA granted a seven-month automatic extension for driving licences, after agreement with the EU.

This followed a new EU regulation that allowed automatic extensions to be applied.

“The initial extension from the EU expired at the end of August and we have now agreed a further extension with the EU to the end of December,” said a DVLA spokesperson.

Motorists are required to renew photocards every 10 years: it’s every five years for bus and lorry drivers.

“Drivers who have already applied to renew their photocard driving licence or entitlement to drive can usually carry on driving while we process their application providing they have not been told by their doctor or optician that they should not drive,” added DVLA chief executive Julie Lennard.

The automatic extension means motorists can carry on driving – and “don’t need to worry about the admin or the associated costs with renewing their licences”.

Renewing a driving licence costs £17 for those who apply by post, and £14 for those who do it online.

DVLA delays

The DVLA has been experiencing delays in dealing with paper applications during the coronavirus pandemic.

This is leading to motorists waiting far longer than normal for paperwork to be processed and returned.

The DVLA says this is due to social distancing at its Swansea HQ restricting the number of people who can work on site at any one time.

Online applications, a spokesperson told Motoring Research, are unaffected by delays.

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Eat Out To Help Out: the motorway services taking part

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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August 31, 2020

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Motorway services operators Moto, Roadchef and Welcome Break are all taking part in the government’s August 2020 Eat Out To Help Out scheme.

This means that you can enjoy a 50 percent discount when dining at selected motorway service areas.

The August Bank Holiday is officially the final day of the initiative.

Eat Out To Help Out is designed to give a boost to the UK hospitality industry, which has been struggling since lockdown measures were introduced in March. It is hoped that the initiative will encourage customers to eat out, now that restrictions are easing.

Discounts are available from Monday to Wednesday throughout August, with a maximum £10 available per person.

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Meals at all catering outlets without Roadchef’s main buildings will be eligible for the discount. Outlets include McDonald’s, Costa, Leon, Fresh Food Cafe, Cornish Bakery, Chozen Noddle and Restbite. The discounts are not available at Drive Thru outlets and restaurants located outside the main buildings.

The ‘eat out to help out’ discount is also at motorway services operated by Moto. This means you can get £10 off the price of food at Eat & Drink Co, KFC, Burger King, Costa, Arlo’s, Bar & Grill and Chow.

Similarly, Welcome Break is taking part in the scheme. A 50 percent discount is available at Burger King, Starbucks, The Good Breakfast, Chopsti, Harry Ramsden, KFC, Pret and Pizza Express.

In all cases, the discount is only available when you eat in. The scheme is not valid on takeaway orders.

Motorists who enjoy fine dining will be pleased to discover that Tebay and Gloucester Services are also taking part in the scheme. Discounts are available in the ‘Kitchen’ on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August.

Announcing the scheme, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “Our restaurants, cafes and bars play a vital role in our economy, employing more than a million people. They have been hit hard by coronavirus, so it’s vital we do everything we can to help them recover.

“Our Eat Out To Help Out scheme is deigned to get more customers through the door – protecting jobs by giving businesses the confidence to retain and hire staff.”

To find a restaurant that’s registered for the scheme, visit the government website.

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MOT enforcement officers to wear bodycams

By

Richard Aucock

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August 28, 2020

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The government body responsible for checking and enforcing standards on MOT garages is now equipping all its officers with bodycams.

All frontline staff will now wear bodycams, which the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) says is to “reduce physical and verbal assaults”.

Bodycams record both video and audio, rather like a personal CCTV device.

“Whilst the majority of people we come into contact with are courteous,” said the DVSA, “we need to be able to protect the public without fear of violence or abuse.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to physical and verbal assaults, and the bodycams will act as a deterrent.”

The devices will help the agency manage, support and respond to any assaults that do take place.

The DVSA bodycams are similar to those used by other enforcement officers such as the police.

DVSA and AI

DVSA frontline staff routinely visit MOT garages to check up on those it believes are not testing vehicles properly.

The organisation is actually now using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify problematic garages – analysing 40 million annual MOT tests to profile the country’s testers.

For the first time, the tool can drill down to individual MOT testers, giving them a risk score that incorporates factors such as pass rates, disciplinary history and both the frequency and duration of tests.

It even has a ‘predictive vehicle failure model’ for individual cars, giving the likelihood of a vehicle passing or failing its MOT.

Testers who repeatedly record results contrary to the prediction are targeted.

This allows the DVSA to direct enforcement officers to individual garages or MOT testers who may either be underperforming or committing fraud.

One tester in Devon was identified by the AI system. When investigation officers delved further, he was found to have carried out more than 300 fraudulent MOTs.

He was prosecuted, given a suspended prison sentence and banned from testing.

As the DVSA steps up such activity thanks to the efficiency of AI risk rating algorithms, so it is eager to protect officers investigating fraudulent or deliberate testing.

The new bodycams, it is hoped, will give more confidence to those officers tackling what the DVSA describes as “the bad eggs”.

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Child car seats confuse 4 in 10 parents

By

Richard Aucock

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August 28, 2020

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Parents say they are overwhelmed by the number of different child seats on sale – and four in 10 admit they have no idea which seat to buy for their children.

One in 10 says that even once they’ve bought the correct seat, they are not at all confident they will be able to fit it correctly.

“There’s a lot of confusion out there about car seats,” said Vik Barodia, COO of online marketplace heycar, which carried out the research.

“It’s easy to see why parents don’t know what way to turn.”

This is why the marketplace has developed a unique car seat chooser, which Mr Barodia says will “take away the hassle, provide peace of mind and leave families confident in their choice”.

The tool is simple to use (motorists enter the registration number of their car) and lists the exact fit for different car makes and models.

Safety first

Understandably, almost half of parents surveyed said their number one priority when choosing a child car seat was safety.

Being right for their child was next, followed by being good quality, easy to fit and remove, and long-lasting.

Fitting is a particular worry for many, particularly mums, who are less confident than dads.

The survey revealed the average time taken to fit a child car seat is 11 minutes 30 seconds.

Almost one in three parents reckon they can fit a seat in less than five minutes. By contrast, one percent of parents admit fitting their child car seat took more than an hour…

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New 195mph Lister Stealth stakes claim as Britain’s fastest SUV

By

John Redfern

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August 27, 2020

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Specialist British sports car manufacturer Lister has announced details of its new limited-edition Stealth SUV.

The company claims that a top speed of 195mph secures the position of Britain’s fastest SUV, and that it can accelerate “with the urgency of a supercar”.

A total of 100 examples are set to be produced by the Blackburn-based firm, with prices beginning from £109,950.

The devil is in the (engine) detail

Lister uses the already rather rapid Jaguar F-Pace SVR as the basis for the Stealth. This means a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine, producing 550 horsepower, is the starting point for the new SUV.

Adding a new custom-built intercooler, along with improved air filters and upgraded supercharger pulleys, has created a substantial increase in output. Peak power now stands at 666 horsepower, with torque a considerable 650 lb-ft.

Upgrading the Stealth has been made easier by Lister’s experience with the 5.0 V8 engine. The same unit appears in the company’s LFT-666 coupe and LFT-C convertible, both based upon the Jaguar F-Pace.

Is this the fastest SUV on sale in the UK?

The extra power is what lets Lister claim to have made Britain’s fastest production SUV. A top speed of 195mph does push it firmly ahead of both the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga Speed.

A 0-60mph time of 3.6 seconds is also impressive, putting it into genuine contention with supercars for acceleration. The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat SUV can do the same sprint in 3.5 seconds, but is not officially sold in the UK.

Handmade body panels, including a front bumper made from carbon fibre, have been designed for optimal aerodynamics. Lister has also fitted a set of 23-inch alloy wheels, and upgraded the brakes to cope with the increased performance.

A warranty fit for a 195mph SUV

Lister plans to use Bridge of Weir leather for the interior of the five-seater Stealth, with 36 colours and 90 different stitching options to choose from. Buyers will be able to tailor the steering wheel finish, seat belts, and roof lining for a true bespoke vehicle.

One of the most impressive features for the 195mph SUV is the warranty supplied by Lister. Backed by Warrantywise, the Stealth will come with a lengthy seven-year warranty. It gives this 666hp SUV something in coming with a Kia Sportage.

A starting price of £109,950 makes the Stealth notably cheaper than a Lamborghini Urus or Bentley Bentayga.

Potential buyers for the 100 examples to be made can place their order now through the Lister website. The process includes a virtual consultation to pick through the endless interior options.

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Driving test booking service briefly reopens – then closes until SEPTEMBER

By

Richard Aucock

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August 27, 2020

0

The driving test booking service has closed again after every available slot was taken when it briefly went back online.

The AA is now warning the government must take “urgent action” to avoid the backlog of driving tests becoming insurmountable.

The DVSA took the service offline earlier in August for what it described as ‘essential maintenance’.

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The service reopened on Wednesday 26 August – but less than a day later, after around 100,000 learners tried to book tests, it has been closed again because no more tests were available.

Only 35,675 tests were released for the next six weeks.

The online service will now reopen again at 8am on Tuesday 1 September.

Driving test booking service 6-week warning

The DVSA says the number of tests is limited because priority is being given to those who had a test cancelled due to coronavirus. Key workers are also being prioritised.

What’s more, social distancing means the DVSA can only carry out a limited number of driving tests, far less than normal. The six-week cap also allows the DVSA to react quickly to government coronavirus guidance.

When the service reopens in September, new tests will become available each week, on a rolling six-week period.

There is no waiting list or cancellation list, officials advised. Only tests that can be seen online are able to be booked.

The DVSA adds that its customer service centre does not have access to online appointments – ‘so please do not call them’.

‘Winning the lottery is easier’

AA Driving School MD Sarah Rees says the waiting list to book tests is growing every day and urgent action is now needed.

“The government should now relax the two-year theory test rule and allow more flexibility for learners who cannot book their test.

“Learners have been unfairly hit with a double dose of problems, first with cancellations due to coronavirus and now because of technical glitches.”

Some learners, she added, “may feel it is easier to win the lottery than it is to book a test”.

What to do while you wait

The DVSA says it is vital that those who want to book now are ‘test-ready’, because tests could become available at very short notice.

‘If you’re not ready, do not try to book now.’

The organisation points to a test rate of less than 50 percent, and warns there could be a long waiting time for a retest, as those who fail drop to the back of the queue.

‘Spend time practising on a variety of roads and in different driving conditions with your driving instructor before you book your test.’

And, once it’s booked, be sure to keep on practising, to ensure you are confident you can pass.

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Rolls-Royce rebrand redesigns Spirit of Ecstasy

By

Richard Aucock

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August 25, 2020

0

Rolls-Royce has revealed a new brand identity – and a redesign of its famous Spirit of Ecstasy figure – as part of its evolution from mere automotive manufacturer into “the world’s leading house of luxury”.

It’s a step on from simply building the ‘best car in the world’ and is the next stage in the rapid growth and development of the Goodwood, England-based brand.

This expansion has seen the average age of a Rolls-Royce customer fall significantly to 43 years.

Now the firm is aiming to capitalise on this more youthful customer base with an overall brand refresh and refocus.

Part of it is getting Rolls-Royce ready for its increased digital presence. The old 3D artwork is out, replaced by a simplified, ‘flat’ R-R logo.

The brand now has a purple signature colour, depicting luxury, which will be offset with rose gold foil in printed communications.

The famous Sprit of Ecstasy has also been refreshed and simplified (in 2D form, she also faces right rather than left, “facing the future”), again so it works better in digital media.

London’s Pentagram agency was appointed to lead the redesign. Partner Marina Willer oversaw the project.

“What soon became apparent is that Rolls-Royce has evolved from being regarded as an automotive manufacturer into a leading light in the world of luxury.

“We needed to present Rolls-Royce in a forward-facing, fresh and relevant way – speaking to new audiences while respecting the company’s loyal clients.”

As she does not have an automotive background, “this vantage point provided me with the opportunity to observe Rolls-Royce as a manufacturer of luxury products”.

The brand redesign “celebrates the luxuriousness of the brand while providing it with the means to visually communicate with Rolls-Royce’s younger, increasingly diversified audiences”.

The new brand ID and communications style will be rolled out from next month – timed to coincide with the first new Rolls-Royce to be launched using the revised visual language: the new Ghost.

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Audi website now lists PCP deals alongside list prices

By

Richard Aucock

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August 25, 2020

0

Audi has begun listing the cheapest possible PCP finance price alongside on-the-road prices for every new car on its UK website.

The firm says the move will make it easier for car buyers to gauge affordability, and work out the cost of moving to a better trim spec or more powerful engine.

The figures are taken from the Audi Solutions PCP agreement – and the full terms and conditions for each deal are easily available too.

More personalised quotes can also be generated.

Here, customers can feed in their own deposit, agreed mileage, contract length and other specifics.

“At Audi, we are always seeking new ways to improve transparency,” said the firm’s national digital manager Antony Roberts.

“From initial research to final delivery, the route to a new car should be quick and smooth… but I think we all know this still isn’t always the case.”

Mr Roberts said the new monthly payment guideline tool “is another significant step” in making choosing a new car online easier.

On any given model page, Audi allows customers to quickly click between trim lines to compare monthly costs.

For example, switching from an A1 Sportback Sport trim up to S line brings a £21 increase in the monthly PCP cost.

The firm adds it is currently offering three months’ payment-free motoring on any new PCP – and is offering deposit contributions from £700 up to a whopping £16,000.

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Proposed Lake District off-roader ban is dismissed by judge

By

Richard Aucock

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August 24, 2020

0

Off-road enthusiasts can continue to drive their 4x4s on ‘green lane’ tracks in the Lake District after a bid to make it illegal was dismissed on all counts by a judge.

The legal action was crowdfunded by the Green Lanes Environmental Action Movement (GLEAM), with more than 2,000 people donating £64,000.

More than 370,000 signed a petition calling for the Lake District to be protected from 4x4s and motorcycles.

Campaigners went to the High Court to challenge a 2019 decision by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) to allow off-roaders continued use of farm and quarry tracks in the Langdale and Coniston valleys.

One of the tracks was once owned by Beatrix Potter before being handed over to the National Trust.

Campaigners had argued the vehicles pollute the atmosphere, and endanger ramblers and cyclists.

The LDNPA responded that most walkers and cyclists had driven to the start of their activities and so were contributing to air pollution just as much as 4×4 drivers.

The Guardian added the LDNPA claimed that it was mountain bikers, plus more severe weather, that had contributed to erosion of one of the contested routes, rather than the motorists.

It also had ‘no actual evidence of any accidents, incidents or injuries,’ despite claims to the contrary by the campaigners.

GLEAM chairman Mike Bartholomew told The Guardian the group planned to fight on.

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DAB radio is now standard on all new cars

By

John Redfern

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August 24, 2020

0

Parliamentary legislation now requires all new cars sold in the UK to be fitted with a DAB-compatible radio.

From 21 December 2020, where a new car has a radio fitted, it must be able to receive digital audio broadcasting.

The provision is found in The Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2020, which took effect from 1 September 2020.

This ensures the UK will match the European Electronic Communications Code Directive, introduced by the European Union.

The requirement for standard DAB in new cars was uncovered by Andrew Clews of The Motoring Podcast.

The advantages of DAB for all

According to the WorldDAB industry forum, 95 percent of new cars sold in the UK already come with a DAB radio.

Major manufacturers such as BMW, Ford, and Volkswagen began the digital rollout more than a decade ago. It leaves very few new cars on sale without a DAB radio.

Today, there are more than 485 DAB stations available in the UK, with 97.3 percent of the population covered by its service.

In-car listening now accounts for 44.5 percent of digital radio ‘reach’ across the country.

Tuned in for the future

Where a car comes without any radio fitted at all, the new legislation will (sensibly) not compel manufacturers to install a DAB receiver.

The rules apply to all ‘Category M’ motor vehicles. Minibuses, coaches, ambulances, and motorhomes are therefore included in the requirements.

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