It’s been revealed that the Stopped Vehicle Detection (SVD) systems currently in use on the M25 and proposed for other smart motorways aren’t always effective. This is because it generates an “unmanageable amount of false alarms” when there is a high volume of traffic.
According to documents obtained by The Sunday Times, there is no way to detect a stopped car when the volume of traffic exceeds a certain level. Similar issues occur when speeds drop to crawling pace. On average, drivers spend 17 minutes in live lanes before they are detected as being stationary.
In a letter, Britain’s chief highways engineer, Mike Wilson, wrote: “the density of traffic at higher volumes means it is very difficult to detect stopped lone vehicles without an unmanageable amount of false alarms”. This letter was contained within inquest documents pertaining to the case of Dev Naran, an eight-year-old killed in a collision on a smart section of the M6. He was in a stationary car hit by a lorry between junctions five and six.
“I remember the night the police officers came to tell me that Dev had died,” Dev’s mother said in a statement.
“Even they told me smart motorways are dangerous. Why won’t Highways England and the government accept the truth?”
It seems that SVD isn’t the comprehensive solution that’s needed, even as the government moves to deploy it country-wide. At the moment, smart motorways aside from the M25 rely on a Motorway Incident Detection and Automatic Signalling (Midas) system.
At present, there are 13 ‘all lane running‘ sections of motorway where the hard shoulder has been removed, on the M1, M3, M5, M6 and M25. Nine were killed on the UK’s smart motorways last year. Five came within ten months on a section of the M1 near Sheffield.
Uber’s licence renewal in Birmingham is being denied. This news comes as the dispute around the safety and security protocols of the ride-hailing company continues in London. Come February, Uber will no longer have a licence to operate in Birmingham.
Uber has applied for a five-year licence extension, however the council is waiting for the outcome of the London appeal before making a decision. The company has continued operating in London since November when its licence was stripped, while it opened the appeal process.
As the appeal continues, Uber will continue to operate in Birmingham, even beyond the end of January, albeit on an appeal-pending basis.
Official: Britain’s worst drivers are in Yorkshire
Birmingham has had little to no issues with Uber. However, if the company’s appeal fails and the ban in London is upheld, it will be considered a “matter of concern” in Birmingham.
Outside of London, Birmingham is one of Uber’s biggest markets. If the revocation of its licence becomes a trend that spreads beyond the capital, it could find itself in real trouble in the UK. Uber’s Manchester licence is due to expire in 2021, so the authorities will be watching the situation with interest.
Uber posted a third-quarter loss of $1.2billion in November. The ongoing battles around the safety of the service are causing real damage to both its reputation and its profitability.
In London, around 45,000 drivers are a part of the ride-hailing company’s fleet. The revocation of its London licence came in November of 2019. This, after what was described as a “pattern of failures” in its approach to safety. TfL claimed that 14,000 fraudulent unlicenced (and unchecked) trips were taken under the Uber banner in late 2018 and early 2019.
“We recognise Uber has made improvements,” said Helen Chapman, director of licensing at TfL.
“It is [however] unacceptable that Uber has allowed passengers to get into minicabs with drivers who are potentially unlicensed and uninsured.”
This year is likely to be pivotal for the electric car industry. Recent growth will be accelerated by a growing range of EVs, including some affordable entries at the lower end of the market. But which towns and cities are playing host to EV advocates and early adopters? To find out, Motorway.co.uk submitted a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA. Here, we reveal the number of EVs registered in the first nine months of 2019 compared with the same period in 2018. The results are presented in reverse order, ranked by percentage increase.
20. Stafford – 233.3 percent
Our first stop is Stafford, where 13 electric cars were registered in the nine months to September 2018. Fast-forward 12 months and the number over the same period had increased to 43. Stafford isn’t to be confused with Stratford, where the number of EV registrations went down 47.8 percent.
19. Newark – 233.3 percent
Heading east from Stafford, we arrive at the Nottinghamshire town of Newark. Here, electric car registrations have increased 233.3 percent, from 12 to 40. Alex Buttle, Motorway.co.uk director, said: “The government is under huge pressure to encourage switching to electric cars and these figures do suggest that car buying habits are changing, although not equally across the UK.”
18. Lewes – 238.5 percent
Lewes is the county town of East Sussex and home to a growing number of electric cars. A total of 44 EVs were registered in the nine months to September 2019 – that’s far more than the 13 registered in the same period in 2018. Let’s hope there are enough charging points for everyone.
17. Basildon – 240 percent
Basildon was created following the Second World War to house the overspill from London. Today, its residents are doing their bit for lower emissions by buying more electric cars. The number is up from 20 to 68.
16. Swansea – 248.5 percent
Swansea appears to be cleaning up its act, with the city witnessing a 248.5 percent increase in the number of electric cars, up from 33 to 115.
15. Bury – 250 percent
“Many car owners have expressed a reluctance to switch to electric until they are confident that there is a charging infrastructure in place that will be able to cope with demand,” said Alex Buttle. In Bury, EV ownership has gone up from 26 to 91.
14. Belfast – 251.9 percent
Things are even better in Belfast, where EV ownership has increased by 251.9 percent. A total of 95 electric cars is a relatively small figure, but with more EVs coming to market, the number can only increase.
13. Peterborough – 270.9 percent
In Peterborough, the percentage increase is only half the story. A total of 664 electric cars were registered in the nine months to September 2019 – the third highest on the list. That’s up from 179 in 2018.
12. Lancaster – 276.9 percent
Just 49 electric cars were registered in Lancaster, but that’s a 276.9 percent increase. Using a service like Zap-Map will allow visitors to Lancaster to find local charging points.
11. Sheffield – 278.4 percent
“The challenge for the government over the next 12 months is not just to support a car industry that has been through tough times since 2016, but also to find a way to encourage and incentivise more car owners to buy new electric and hybrid cars now,” said Alex Buttle. It looks like the people of Sheffield are ahead of the curve.
10. Bridgend – 280 percent
With 38 electric cars registered in the nine months to September 2019, Bridgend has the lowest concentration of EVs in the top 20. Still, you have to start somewhere.
9. Rotherham – 281.8 percent
Just 42 electric cars were registered in Rotherham in the 12 months to September 2019 – that’s an increase of 281.8 percent.
8. Tunbridge Wells – 329.4 percent
We’d have expected a greater number of affluent towns and cities in the South East to appear on this list. As it happens, Tunbridge Wells is the only south-eastern town to appear in the top 10, with the number of EVs going up from 17 to 73.
7. Leeds – 358.5 percent
With 674 EVs registered in the nine months to September 2019, Leeds has the second highest concentration of electric cars in the top 20. We could make a joke about charging Leeds, but we won’t.
6. Solihull – 400 percent
Fortunately, we don’t know any Solihull jokes. However, we do know that 255 electric cars were registered in the West Midlands town in the nine months to September 2019 – that’s a 400 percent increase.
5. Chesterfield – 400 percent
Chesterfield is famous for its crooked spire, but there’s nothing wonky about these figures. In 2018, just eight EVs were registered in the Derbyshire town. A year later, that number had increased to 40.
4. Portsmouth – 416.2 percent
There are contrasting fortunes down in Hampshire. While Eastleigh has seen a 40.7 percent fall in the number of EV registered, down on the coast, the number has gone up by 416.2 percent. Play up, Pompey. Or something.
3. Stirling – 416.7 percent
Into the top three, where we find the Scottish city of Stirling. The number of EV registrations has gone up from 24 to 124.
2. Doncaster – 489.1 percent
Next up is Doncaster, with the South Yorkshire town playing host to a 489.1 percent surge in the number of EVs. The figure is up from 55 to 324.
1. Birmingham – 527.1 percent
Birmingham has seen the fastest growth in new electric car ownership of any town or city in the UK. A total of 2,132 EVs were registered in the nine months to September 2019, making it the UK’s most switched on city.
For those who find Aston Martin, Jaguar, Maserati and even the new TVR a little too mainstream, this is the Jannarelly Automotive Design-1. To celebrate its entry to the UK market, the company has unveiled a very patriotic UK Edition.
And it’s very patriotic. The white front grille surround takes influence from classic British racers. Colour options for the UK Edition include red, white, blue and green.
The carbon fibre engine cover is adorned with a Union Flag, while other decals of the flag can be seen on the carbon side blades. A UK Edition metal plaque also features on the five limited edition models.
“The UK is widely regarded to have one of the largest and most dedicated automotive communities in the world and it felt only right to recognise our entry into this historic market with a special edition of the Design-1,” said Anthony Jannarelly, co-founder of Jannarelly Automotive.
“The UK Edition cars truly reflect Britain’s extensive racing heritage but utilise the very best of modern materials to offer customers a classic car experience with 21st century engineering and design. We’re excited to welcome our UK Edition buyers to the Jannarelly family and look forward to seeing the cars out on the road.”
The mid-engined UK Edition is powered by a free-breathing 3.5-litre V6, with power going to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. The UK Edition will set you back £115,549 and can be ordered either online or from Jannarelly’s London base.
If you love racing games, but feel your current living room setup lacks a little authenticity, this could be the solution.
One of the lots listed at the forthcoming Race Retro Classic and Competition Car sale, organised by Silverstone Auctions, is a gaming simulator featuring a real ex-Formula 1 racing car.
Supplied with all the equipment needed to get playing, this could make for an intriguing business venture or extravagant F1 home indulgence.
Big dreams and rapid plans
The Formula 1 car in question was used by the short-lived Super Aguri F1 team during the 2006 season. Founded by 1990s F1 driver Aguri Suzuki, a deal to supply engines and other support by Honda helped prepare the team for competition.
Developed from a 2002 Arrows A23 chassis, and known as the SA05, the first Super Aguri car hit the track at the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix. Driven by Japanese Takuma Sato and Yuji Ide, the SA05 was used for eleven rounds of the 2006 season.
Success was hard to find, with Ide replaced after four rounds by Frenchman Franck Montagny. Sato proved his ability, taking the Super Aguri SA05 to a respectable twelfth position at the 2006 Australian Grand Prix.
(Virtual) Reality bites back
Super Aguri launched a new chassis from the 2006 German Grand Prix onwards, leaving the SA05 redundant. The whole team would persevere until the middle of the 2008 season, where financial difficulties saw Super Aguri disappear from the grid.
It meant this genuine ex-F1 chassis was transformed into a simulator, with an electrically adjustable force feedback steering wheel and pedals installed. The air intakes house speakers, delivering a full surround sound experience.
Silverstone Auctions are also keen to point out the simulator features a ‘wider’ tub chassis, helping accommodate those not quite racing driver-sized.
Playing for keeps
A 55-inch monitor is provided, connected to a modern laptop running the latest Codemasters F1 2019 racing game. We imagine enough tinkering could allow different games to be used as well.
Having been part of an ongoing commercial outfit, the F1 simulator is being sold with an enclosed Brian James double-axle trailer. The trailer has had four new tyres fitted, and has also been recently serviced.
Silverstone Auctions note that two events have already been booked in 2020 for the simulator, offering opportunities to continue the business usage.
Retro-spectacular
It leaves the winning bidder with the choice to make money, or simply have the Super Aguri as the elaborate centrepiece for a motorsport-themed entertainment room.
The Race Retro Competition and Classic Car Sale 2020 takes place from Friday February 21st, to Sunday 23rd. A number of intriguing lots have already been listed, including a rare Australian-specification Ford Escort RS2000.
Held at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry, the Race Retro show features live Group B rallying action, plus the chance to see legendary race cars up close.
The Hyundai Kona EV how has Guinness world record to its name. It achieved the highest altitude ever reached by an electric car, climbing 5,731 metres up the Sawula Pass in Tibet.
Overnight charging using the on-board portable charger kept the batteries topped up, but the Kona’s drivetrain was standard.
The previous EV record was 5,715 metres, set by the NIO ES8 in September 2018. It climbed to the Purog Kangri glacier in Tibet. The Kona hasn’t edged into the lead by much, but it’s a win nonetheless – and a world record.
“A new precedent has been set for the record as – highest altitude reached in an electric car,” said Mr. Rishi Nath, adjudicator for Guinness world records.
“I would like to congratulate Hyundai Motor India for having achieved this and setting new benchmark in the annals of history.”
The climb was a challenge in itself: low temperatures, icy roads and continuous snowfall tested the Kona and its driver as they made their way up the mountain.
However, one advantage EVs have at such altitudes is their lack of dependence on air. As the air thins, the efficiency and power output of an internal combustion engine diminishes.
“Hyundai Kona Electric making it to the prestigious Guinness world records feat is a very proud moment for everyone,” said Mr SS Kim, CEO of Hyundai Motor India.
“Kona Electric has brought electric revolution by demolishing various myths about electric vehicle and is a true expression of Hyundai’s spirit of staying ahead of the curve.”
Today, Blue Monday (20 January), is said to be the day of the year that we’re at our most glum. But does blue have to be tarnished with feelings of sadness? We reckon it’s one of the nicest colours for a car –and it’s experiencing something of a renaissance among buyers.
There’s evidence that 2020 will be the year for blue cars, too. For starters, it was the flavour of the month at the 2019 LA Motor Show, which closed out the last motoring year. From the Mustang Mach-E, to the Jeep Gladiator, it seemed that everything was blue on the show floor in LA.
Outside of sunny California, a number of cars revealed in 2019 wore also blue, including the new comprehensively updated Jaguar F-Type, the Pininfarina Battista electric hypercar, new Renault Clio,and Ferrari F8 Tributo.
Blue is even the critic’s choice for 2020. The Pantone Color Institute has announced that Classic Blue is its colour of the year for 2020.
Classic Blue (19-4052) was commended for its reassuring qualities, being ‘suggestive of a sky at dusk’ and ‘imprinted in our psyches as a restful colour’ bringing ‘a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge’.
The artistic (if not colourful) language doesn’t stop there: “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
“It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on. Imbued with a deep resonance, Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation. A boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky.
“Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.”
Quite.
Blue by numbers
This BMW X7 is the premium pick-up we deserve
It’s more than 20 years since blue was the best-selling car colour in the UK. It slipped to second in 2000, just as Messrs Ryan, Webbe, Costa and James were about to storm the pop charts, sending teenage girls into a frenzy.
For blue (the colour), it was less a case of All Rise, and more one of Curtain Falls. Other Blue hits are available.
Figures from theSociety of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) suggest that blue held on to second spot until 2005, when it dropped to third until 2010. In 2011 and 2012 it was fifth, but blue was notable for its absence in 2013. It returned to fourth spot in 2014, where it has remained ever since.
In 2018, 381,591 cars were registered in blue, which represents a 16.1 percent market share. It would take a massive shift for blue to break into the top three. The sombre hues of grey, black and white have been the dominant shades for nearly a decade.
Grey was the dominant colour in 2019 overall, but the signs were already there last year that blue was gearing up for a comeback. In third place, with 21 percent popularity, it wouldn’t take much for it to catch up with grey, at 22.1 percent market share. If it jumps 4.9 percent like it did from 2018 to 2019, it’s on to a winner.
In terms of segments, blue was the leader. It lead with a 24.5 percent market share with small cars, and a 28.6 percent market share with medium cars.
LA Blues
Maybe the car manufacturers were trying to tell us something at LA. Our man Richard’s postcards from Los Angeles paint a very blue picture. Forget Fifty Shades of Grey, LA is more like 25 shades of blue.
Leading the charge in LA was Lexus, with its drop-dead gorgeousLC 500 Convertible. It was painted in a glorious shade of Structural Blue, with a blue top thrown in for good measure.
Without going all M&S about this, Structural Blue is no ordinary paint colour. Good luck getting this one colour-matched at your local DIY store.
Lexus says it took 15 years to develop the colour, with its team drawing inspiration from the Morpho butterfly. The production process takes eight months, 12 production steps and 20 quality inspections.
You can read more about the paint here – it’s more interesting than it sounds – but one thing’s for sure: LC 500 drivers are going to fear stone chips like an ice cream seller fears the rain. Following a gritter lorry in a Structural Blue Lexus is a definite no-no.
More evidence of a blue renaissance comes from Alfa Romeo, with the 2020 Stelvio and Giulia showcasing a new Anodised Blue hue. It’s always slightly off-putting to see a Giulia Quadrifoglio in anything other than Alfa Red or Competizione Red, but it certainly wears it well.
Visions in Blue
Still not convinced that blue is the next big thing? The most eye-catching colour available on the Ford Mustang Mach-E is Grabber Blue Metallic, which just happens to be one of three colours available on the limited-run First Edition cars.
Here’s the thing: blue is a very flattering colour – it can work on cars of all shapes and sizes. From slab-sided SUVs to convertibles that look like they’ve been poured from a bottle, blue is light a little black dress: perfect for any occasion.
If car manufacturers are doing their bit to tempt you away from colours more akin to darkness, drizzle and electrical appliances, the least you can do is take the bait. Let’s make blue the number one hue in 2020…
The Defy 21 Land Rover Edition – which has taken four years to create – is limited to 250 pieces, with the arrival timed to coincide with the launch of the new Defender.
It’s not the first time Land Rover has worked with Zenith. In the past, the companies have collaborated to create the El Primero Range Rover, Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar and Defy Classic Evoque watches.
The Defender watch features a micro-blasted titanium case that absorbs light from all angles. The dial appears as one with the case with its muted matte grey colour to offer a ‘very different look to the open-dial standard versions of the Defy 21’ watch.
For the first time on a Defy 21, Zenith has fitted the Land Rover Edition with a linear power reserve window, shown below the Zenith logo.
’The best timepiece’
Turning the watch over reveals a miniaturised five-spoke Land Rover wheel, through which is a view of the El Primero 21 1/100sec movement with a custom oscillating weight.
There are two straps: ‘Adventure’, with an all-terrain textured rubber, and ‘Country’, which features a grey rubber strap with a fabric effect and orange stitching.
Professor Gerry McGovern, Land Rover chief creative officer, said: “For the next chapter in our partnership with Zenith we wanted a timepiece that captured the essence of the new Land Rover Defender: modern, durable and highly desirable.
”With subtle details that capture the character of new Defender, this for me is the best timepiece we have created with Zenith.”
Julian Tornare, CEO of Zenith, added: “Like the El Primero and its numerous versions through the years, the Land Rover Defender now enters a new era with a bold and distinctive character.
”Zenith’s Defy 21 Land Rover Edition chronograph also reinterprets the past in a forward-looking way, with an emphasis on durability, precision, comfort and bold design.”
Unique selling points of the Defender watch
1/100th of a second chronograph movement
Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second
One escapement for the watch (36,000 VpH – 5 Hz);
One escapement for the chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz)
Timelab chronometer certified
Limited to 250 units
The Land Rover Defender watch costs 13,900 Swiss francs, which is around £11,000 at the current exchange rate.
A national housebuilder has launched a campaign to protect hedgehogs and other creatures.
Bovis has teamed up with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) to install ‘hedgehog highways‘ at its existing developments – as well as future developments wherever possible.
It is hoped that similar initiatives will help other small mammals, birds, frogs and insects.
Hedgehogs walk more than a mile every night, but their progress is being hampered by new developments, fences and other physical barriers. To this end, Bovis is creating holes at ground level to allow hedgehogs to pass freely.
Areas created by Bovis will be marked with a plaque, with the housebuilder also building hedgehog homes in green spaces.
Louise Macrae, Bovis Homes regional marketing manager, said: “We are proud to be the first housebuilder aiming to roll-out hedgehog highways as standard across current locations and our new developments, to help one of the nation’s favourite animals roam freely at night between gardens.
“As part of our new sustainability steering group, protecting hedgehogs and the environment is at the forefront of what we want to achieve and we are delighted to join forces with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and take the lead in the housebuilding industry.
“Connectivity is vital to allow hedgehogs to find enough food, mates and shelter. There are many simple measures we can all take to help their numbers recover and ensuring easy access to our gardens is a very important step.”
Fay Vass, chief executive of BHPS, added: “We are delighted that Bovis Homes is making this important pledge to help our dwindling population of hedgehogs. Creating holes for hedgehogs in fences and walls is a simple step but it could have a huge impact on the amount of habitat available for hedgehogs following the development of a site.
“There are many small actions we can all take to help hedgehogs in our gardens and green spaces, and joined together those small actions can make a huge difference to a species under threat.”
How can you help hedgehogs?
You can encourage hedgehogs by putting a hedgehog home in your garden or a log pile. These provide natural food and shelter for our prickly friends..
Ponds are also suitable if there is an escape route in the form of a ramp or a sloping edge. Hedgehogs can swim but cannot escape steep, slippery-sided ponds.
When feeding hedgehogs, you’re advised to offer meaty cat or dog food, cat biscuits and water. Only offer water to drink – milk is not suitable as it can cause diarrhoea.
Love the new Suzuki Jimny, but want it to look just a little bit more like a classic Land Rover Defender?
Your wishes have been answered by Japanese tuning company Dream Automotive Development & Design (better known as DAMD), thanks to their latest product offering.
As reported by Wired.co.uk, DAMD now offer a special ‘Little D’ conversion kit for the latest Jimny, transforming it into a pint-sized replica of the famed Defender.
Defending the faith
With rugged styling, genuine off-road ability, and an overall air of utilitarianism the new Jimny is arguably already the spiritual successor to the original Defender.
Driving the Jimny when launched in October 2018, we said that it could “kick sand in the eyes of any crossover”, and was in the same league as the “Land Rover Defender, Jeep Wrangler and Mercedes-Benz G-Class” in the dirt.
Adding the DAMD Little D kit to the Jimny now means it can fully resemble the British icon that has helped inspire it, with a comprehensive body kit and a range of optional parts to complete the look.
The core Little D kit includes new bumpers front and rear, a replacement front grille, reshaped bonnet, and widened wheel arches. New lights are added to further the transformation, along with raised lettering to the leading edge of the bonnet.
DAMD also fits oversized mud flaps as part of the kit, and completes the shrunken Defender image with a green oval badge on the front grille.
Once fitted, the Little D kit lets the Jimny do a more than passable impersonation of the Defender. Further options include painted steel wheels, and seat covers finished in tweed-effect trim.
Gangsta’s Paradise in miniature
The Little D is not the only body kit offered by DAMD for the new Jimny. The company has also created the ‘Little G’ version, which apes the looks of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
As with the Defender version, turning your Jimny into a pimped-out Mercedes replica needs a new bumper, front grille, wheel arch extensions, and upgraded lights.
DAMD is also set to launch new Jimny body kits this year. The light blue ‘Dronco’ version is designed to replica the classic Ford Bronco, cleverly done just as collectors go into overdrive for the retro version. The yellow ‘Roots’ offering pays homage to the original Suzuki Jimny from the 1970s.
Prices for the Little D conversion kit begin at the equivalent of £1,750 plus taxes in Japan, rising to £3,200 should the special steel wheels be added.
DAMD’s UK importer, Sumo Power, states that buying the Little D kit here should cost £2,500 plus VAT and take up to four months to arrive. Add the inevitable cost of painting and fitting the kit, and it could easily push the cost of a £16,249 of a base Jimny to £20,000.
That still makes it cheaper than the G-Class inspired kit created by Kahn Design, and the Defender vibe seems perfectly suited to the nature of the Suzuki Jimny.
Love the new 
