Warnings against blanket ban on pavement parking

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June 12, 2019

Pavement parking ban not advised

Critics of a total ban on pavement car parking suggest urban areas will not be able to cope with the increased need for spaces.

The warning comes from IAM RoadSmart, as the House of Commons Transport Committee takes comments on the subject of pavement parking, with one suggestion being a complete ban.

Localised bans could work, says IAM

IAM RoadSmart isn’t suggesting that localised solutions shouldn’t be levied. “Where data has been collated, the problems appear to be localised, ” said a spokeperson.

“Where pedestrians are being put in danger or denied access by inconsiderate pavement parking, or if costly long-term damage is being done, then we have no problem with local solutions being implemented for local problems.

“Local councils should be encouraged to use their existing powers to sign, define, review and enforce local bans as required.”

Councils can’t provide more parking

It has warned, however, that many local councils do not have the funding or real estate to accommodate all the cars that would be displaced by a pavement parking ban.

“New traffic orders, new signposting, new road markings and new enforcement administration will all be required at extra cost if a blanket ban is introduced. Councils are already struggling to implement… a host of other transport measures against a background of budget cuts and dwindling resources,” warns the IAM.

A duty to provide parking, with fines to fund them

The charity also suggests that if a ban is enforced, it should be the council’s duty to provide alternative parking that is safe, secure and affordable. Fines and penalties should be used to encourage the use of alternatives where they are available, while revenue should go exclusively towards providing those alternatives.

“If enforcement is going to be applied rigorously then councils should be forced to provide safe and secure alternative parking arrangements in those areas where pavement parking has been banned but worked perfectly well before.”

“If a blanket ban is to go ahead, despite our and other organisations’ recommendations, the income from fines should be ring-fenced to improve parking facilities in the worst affected areas.”

More research is required

Overall, it is suggested that more research and individual case studies are needed. While pavement parking is considered an issue in some areas, it’s actively encouraged in others, with signs and road markings actively directing drivers to pavement spaces.

A blanket ban, while helping those areas with a pavement parking problem, would hamstring regions that have incorporated it into existing systems.

Aston Martin DBX SUV production begins in Wales

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Richard Aucock

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June 12, 2019

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The first Aston Martin DBX SUVs are now rolling off the line in a brand new factory in St Athan, Wales, ahead of the new super-SUV’s launch later in 2019.

Full production will begin in the first half of 2020 – by which time, around 750 new jobs will have been created within the plant, plus a further 3,000 more in the local area.

The investment in the region is being seen as a vote of confidence for South Wales, following Ford’s planned closure of its Bridgend engine plant, located less than 15 miles away, in September 2020.

The Aston factory has been created from three former Ministry of Defence aircraft ‘super hangers’. Aston Martin acquired the giant 90-acre site in 2016 and has been working to transform it ever since.

To mark the start of pilot production, the firm has revealed a new camouflage livery for its DBX prototype vehicles – one suitably Welsh-themed and carrying the hashtag #OGymru, or O Wales: it references the song expressing one man’s love for Wales.

Keen spotters will also notice it gives us our clearest hint yet at the shape of the new Aston Martin super-SUV…

Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Andy Palmer said: “This is an exciting time for Aston Martin Lagonda. Our second luxury manufacturing facility is now producing cars and is ready to go into full production in H1 2020.

“Our facilities and manufacturing teams, led by VP and Chief Manufacturing Operations Officer Keith Stanton have done an outstanding job in getting the factory ready almost a year before full production starts, on time and on budget.“

Aston Martin St Athan will also be the home of electric Aston Martins, and will also build the new Lagonda luxury electric car range.

BMW gives service technicians advanced new smart glasses

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John Redfern

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June 11, 2019

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Technicians at North American BMW and Mini dealerships will now have access to futuristic smart glasses to help with complex maintenance and repair work.

BMW of North America has announced that it will roll out the augmented reality glasses, alongside an updated online technical information library.

Both of these enhancements are aimed at making it easier for BMW and Mini technicians to access complex data, and ultimately improve customer service.

The world at your fingertips

The Technical Information System (TIS) 2.0 is BMW’s multimedia database for storing all the information technicians may need when working on a car.

BMW of North America took feedback from workshop technicians as to what information they needed most, and how they wanted to access. Instead of having to use a desktop computer, technicians will now have data at their fingertips by using mobile devices.

This is intended to make service procedures quicker, helping drivers get back behind the wheel sooner.

All-seeing eye

Along with the new information system, BMW has also introduced an improved Technical Support & Research Assistant (TSARA). TSARA is intended to be used for providing extra help on resolving more complicated maintenance problems.

The TSARAvision smart glasses will let technicians in the field share live video footage with BMW engineering experts, allowing them to offer advice and guidance.

Experts can then project step-by-step guides to appear in front of the technician, letting them work through the process without even having to move away from the vehicle.

At present, BMW technicians need to take digital photographs to then send via email to ask experts for help, or have complex procedures explained to them over the phone.

Looking into the future

Claus Eberhart, Vice President, Aftersales, BMW of North America commented that “vehicle technology is becoming more complex” meaning the need to give technicians the “best possible systems and tools with which to work” is vitally important.

BMW’s launch of the high-tech smart glasses follows a similar decision taken by Porsche. In 2018, Porsche began the introduction of the similar Tech Look Live system to dealerships across North America.

All 347 BMW Centers in the United States, plus selected Mini dealerships, will get access to the new systems by the end of June 2019.

The Loft by Lexus and Brussels Airlines is Europe’s best airport lounge

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Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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June 11, 2019

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The Loft by Brussels Airlines and Lexus at Brussels Airport has been named Europe’s best airport lounge at the 2019 World Travel Awards.

More than 450,000 travellers have enjoyed The Loft since it opened its doors in June 2018, with the votes of consumers and the opinions of industry professionals helping to secure the award at a gala ceremony in Madiera.

Zurich was named Europe’s best airport, while the Hilton London Heathrow was named best airport hotel. There were many other awards and you can view the full list here.

Lexus sees itself as more than just a car manufacturer, referring to itself as a “global luxury lifestyle brand”. Guests using The Loft can “immerse themselves in the world of Lexus”, enjoying an area of 2,040m²and seating for 500.

The lounge is divided into areas with different ambiences and features, including a central bar, seating zones and a break-out space. The Lexus zone draws inspiration from Lexus brand experience centres in Tokyo, Dubai and New York.

Features include:

Japanese hospitality values brought by Lexus
Chocolate experience hosted by a Neuhaus maître chocolatier
At-home SPA Grohe shower suites
Individual nap rooms with starlit ceiling
Lexus LS shiatsu-effect massage chairs
Variety of fresh organic dishes and drinks by Foodmaker and Rombouts
Beer taps, including best Belgian beers
Eco-consciousness by banning plastic bottles
Award-winning artworks and inspirational design elements by Lexus
Dedicated Mark Levinson hi-end audio listening room
Regular events ranging from wine tasting to music ensembles

‘Exceptional hospitality’

Pascal Ruch, head of Lexus Europe, said: “We are delighted that the travel industry recognised the unique experience brought to business travellers by Lexus and Brussels Airlines through our lounge partnership at Brussels Airport.

“For Lexus, this partnership is an exciting opportunity to bring our core brand values of design and craftsmanship to a global audience, reaching beyond the automotive world.

“This is a place where people can enjoy and get to know Lexus’s true spirit of omotenashi, the Japan-inspired personalised and exceptional hospitality and service experience we bring to our guests.”

The Loft is open from 5am to 9pm daily. We suspect many travellers might find it hard to leave.

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Bug hotels part of plan to protect wildlife on the A38 in Devon

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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June 11, 2019

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Highways England is trialling a cutting edge biotechnology system on the A38 in Devon as part of a £30 million Biodiversity Plan.

A bio-engineered filtration pond will act like a reed bed, using a soil specifically designed to trap dissolved pollutants in the water run-off.

Such water can contain harmful pollutants from the road and adjacent farmland, impacting the water quality and harming wildlife.

If successful, the system could be rolled out across the country, says Highways England.

The scheme started yesterday (10 June) and is expected to continue for 14 weeks, although Highways England is hoping to “limit the impact on traffic”.

A tunnel will be bored under the A38 to modify the existing drainage system and divert the run-off water into the new treatment centre. Two overnight closures are planned for the A38 in August, along with temporary traffic lights on the B3380 between the Dean Burn overbridge and the westbound sliproad during June and August.

The Biodiversity Plan says that verges and associated land can be managed to provide areas of habitat, relatively free from human access.

To this end, bug hotels, butterfly scrapes and bee banks are also being installed as part of the works on the A38.

Tarmacadam and the ants

Over the last 12 months, Highways England has worked on grassland and wildflower creation projects in Devon and Cornwall, along with a scheme to protect the habitat of the narrow-headed ant, England’s rarest ant, on the A38.

Project manager Michelle Reed said: “We are delighted to be able to work on such a worthwhile pilot environmental scheme, especially as it is the first time this system has been used on the strategic road network in England.

“The filtration system provides a physical barrier to polluted water, then chemical and biological mechanisms work in combination to break down even more pollutants. It also has the advantage of taking up far less space than other treatment systems, which makes it very cost effective.

“When completed, this work should significantly improve the quality of water running into Dean Burn and help to support the local environment and its wildlife.”

Forza Horizon 4 gets brick-tastic Lego Speed Champions expansion

By

John Redfern

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June 11, 2019

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Microsoft’s Forza Horizon 4 already has a larger than life approach to the racing game concept, and a new expansion pack seems set to make this continue.

Announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2019 (E3 2019) in Los Angeles, the Lego Speed Champions add-on brings a host of Lego-themed extras to the game.

Whilst the concept may certainly upset some seasoned gamers, it is impossible to fault Forza developers Playground Games intention to inject more fun into the format.

Everything is awesome!

The Lego brand itself has managed to curate interest from car enthusiasts with the Speed Champions series of products.

This has included building life-sized Lego replicas of hypercars such as the Bugatti Chiron and McLaren Senna, along with a range of smaller brick-based recreations of other cars.

In the Horizon 4 expansion, gamers will get the opportunity to drive Lego versions of the Ferrari F40 Competizione, 1967 Mini Cooper S, and the aforementioned McLaren Senna.

Players will be able to pit these Lego creations against the extensive roster of regular real-world cars found within Forza Horizon 4.

All of this can be done in a brand-new Lego environment within the game, which features a city, airport, and a dedicated speedway oval all created from Lego bricks.

Those who have seen the Lego Movie may also have an advantage when racing in the ‘Super Awesome Adventure Stunt Park’, or when taking part in Destruction challenges.

“Pick up the pieces, and build a Lego house”

Also included in the Lego Speed Champions add-on are a series of special challenges developed to test your racing ability and exploring skills.

With an entire Lego-filled valley to investigate, those who travel across every dimpled section of the terrain will be rewarded for completing the Lego Brick Challenge campaign.

This will unlock a special Lego Master Builder’s house when finished, offering somewhere to store your accumulated collection of Lego cars.

Set to be released this week on Thursday, June 13th, Microsoft has announced that Lego Speed Champions expansion will cost £15.99 ($19.99) to purchase.

This places it in line with previous downloadable content offered as part of the Forza Horizon series. Forza Horizon 3 gained a similarly priced Hot Wheels expansion package, whilst Horizon 4 added the Fortune Island pack in late 2018.

Whatever the price, buying the Lego Speed Champions content will certainly be less painful than the experience of stepping on a Lego brick with bare feet.

M25 closed overnight in Kent due to SINKHOLES

By

Richard Aucock

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June 11, 2019

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The M25 motorway was closed overnight in Kent following the discovery of two large sinkholes in the central reservation following torrential rain in the south east region.

However, in a surprise good news update for commuters, Highways England reports the motorway has now REOPENED between J4 and J5 in Sevenoaks, ahead of the morning rush hour.

https://t.co/o5wQiRg68I The #M25 anti-clockwise carriageway is now fully open between #j5 #Sevenoaks and #J4 #Badgers Mount following the sink hole incident overnight.

— Highways England (@HighwaysSEAST) June 11, 2019

M25 is least-liked motorway in Britain

Highways England said the closure in the Sevenoaks area was due to a serious carriageway defect: Kent Police Roads Policing Unit confirmed it was due to the discovery of two sinkholes following an accident.

M25 Jct 5-4 also closed due to sinkhole DS pic.twitter.com/R5Rhvs4KZy

— Kent Police RPU (@kentpoliceroads) June 10, 2019

Motorists were advised to follow diversions:

Anti-clockwise: join M26 eastbound – join M20 – exit M20 J4 – circulate roundabout and rejoin M20 westbound – remain on M20 and rejoin M25 J3
Clockwise: exit M25 J4 – rejoin M25 anti-clockwise – at J3, join M20 eastbound – at J4, rejoin M20 westbound – continue to M26 – rejoin M25 at J5

Highways England contractors worked overnight to fix the sinkholes on the M25 with Kent Police. More information for motorists is being issued on the trafficengland.com website, the @HighwaysSEAST regional twitter feed, or by calling 0300 123 5000.

Further disruption for motorists is expected this week as severe weather continues. Forecasters are predicted 100mm of rain could fall, which could affect both road and rail networks.

Please see the latest link with up to date diversion route details. https://t.co/dWuMux6yDF https://t.co/5F8QDNzmHG

— Highways England (@HighwaysSEAST) June 11, 2019

Britain’s first 150kW ultra-fast electric car charger network is coming soon

By

Richard Aucock

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June 10, 2019

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The next generation of ultra-fast electric car charging is coming to Britain’s filling stations with BP Chargemaster revealing the UK’s first 150kW charger network.

Called the Ultracharge 150, the new unit will go live soon on BP Chargemaster’s Polar public charging network. It was launched to the public at the recent Fully Charged Live show at Silverstone.

Introducing our new 150kW rapid charger, coming to BP forecourts this year! Officially unveiled at #FullyChargedLIVE by @bobbyllew! pic.twitter.com/olh08Afv96

— BP Chargemaster (@BPChargemaster) June 7, 2019

The target is to have 100 units live at 50 BP forecourts by the end of 2019 – with 400 chargers installed by the end of 2021.

Ultracharge units will deliver 100 miles of electric car range in just 10 minutes.

A beginner’s guide to electric car charge points

Both Polar pay-as-you-go and subscription customers will be able to use the new units, which will be fitted with both CCS (used by the BMW i3, Jaguar I-Pace and Kia e-Niro) and CHAdeMO (favoured by the Nissan Leaf) connectors.

BP Chargemaster chief executive David Martell said the new Ultracharge 150 units will “be available on the Polar network within the coming months.

“We shifted consumer expectations for rapid charging with the introduction of our 50kW Ultracharge unit, and we are confident that the Ultracharge 150 unit will do the same for 150kW ultra-fast charging.”

BP Chargemaster is currently the largest public charging network in the UK. It operates more than 7,000 charging points, including over 400 rapid chargers.

Last month, Ionity opened Britain’s first 350kW-ready charger points in Maidstone, Kent, although no cars currently on sale can use such rapid charging.

Confused by the different types of slow, fast and rapid electric car chargers? Read Motoring Research’s beginner’s guide to electric car charge points to help clear things up.

Honda ‘Mean Mower’ breaks lawnmower speed record

By

Ethan Jupp

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June 10, 2019

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Honda’s ‘Mean Mower’ is now a bona fide world record holder, setting a new Guinness-validated fastest 0-100mph time for a lawnmower.

The Honda packs a 200+hp CBR1000RR Fireblade SP superbike engine and weighs just 69.1kg. That gives it a power to weight ratio superior to a Bugatti Chiron.

With these incredible statistics, and experienced stunt driver, kart and car racer Jess Hawkins at the wheel, it set a time of 6.29 seconds in a sprint from zero to 100mph.

Beyond that record, the Mean Mower went on to hit a top speed of 150.99mph. Yes, a 150mph lawnmower…

It shouldn’t surprise you to learn that Honda’s racing partner Team Dynamics played a role in realising this manic machine, too.

In order to take the record Mean Mower had actually perform the function of a lawnmower. Its electrically powered carbon fibre blades allow that function when needed.

Also, in order to gain a record, Guinness mandates that you have to perform twice inside an hour. As such, Mean Mower made two sub-seven-second 0-100mph runs, with an aggregate of 6.29 seconds.

Incredibly, there’s precedent for this, set by Honda itself. Mean Mower V2 succeeds the original Mean Mower. That became the fastest lawnmower in the world in March 2014, hitting 116mph.

“The original Mean Mower was an incredible machine, but this time we’ve taken it to a whole new level with version two,” said Dave Hodgetts, MD of Honda UK.

“After taking the top speed record in 2014, we wanted to do something a little different by setting an all-new record for acceleration, and the result is fantastic. Team Dynamics have gone above and beyond in developing and building this real feat of engineering, and hats off to Jess for being brave enough to get behind the wheel!”

Skoda Karoq Velo is the ‘perfect cycling support vehicle’

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Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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June 10, 2019

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The Skoda Karoq Velo boasts a washing machine. No matter which way you spin it, that’s a pretty neat feature to have onboard.

Developed and built by Skoda UK, the Karoq Velo is the result of a survey of 1,500 active cyclists who were asked to suggest ideas for the perfect support vehicle.

It’s like having your very own Tour de France race support team car for the Tour de Commute or the Tour de Weekend Ride With Your Mates.

Cycling spin cycle

Twenty-seven percent of the respondents told Skoda that returning to their car in damp cycling kit was a major downside of riding, which is why the Karoq Velo features in an integrated spin cycle washing machine.

Thirty-one percent said mechanical issues were a headache, so Skoda created a full tool kit and the equipment required to facilitate rapid puncture repairs.

Cleverly, the Karoq Velo has enough room for three bikes – two on the roof and one inside – with space for three passengers. Once inside, the cyclists can use the Karoq’s wifi hotspot to upload footage of their gruelling ride to YouTube.

Sadly, the Karoq Velo is not available for sale, which is shame, as we know of at least one person who would be first in the queue for the ‘perfect cycling support vehicle’. Motoring Research MD Richard Aucock is our resident cycling expert.

You can check out the Skoda Karoq Velo in full courtesy of this video featuring Keira McVitty and Laura Scott.

Skoda says that it “remains a one-off concept car for now”, which leaves the door slightly ajar for a future production version.

Unlike the majority of concept cars, we think the Karoq Velo would garner enough interest to make it a viable prospect, especially given the fact that 1.7 million Brits cycle every day.

The only thing we’d change is the car. Give the Skoda Superb the full Velo makeover and you could pretend to be driving a fully-staffed race support team car. Where do we sign? Or rather, where does Richard sign?