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Live by a noisy road? Here’s how Highways England might pay for sound insulation

By
John Redfern
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Noisy roadLiving next to a noisy road can make life a misery, and even impact on health according to numerous studies. The World Health Organisation has even claimed traffic noise to be the second largest environmental problem across the EU.

Highways England runs a scheme to help those who may be most affected by road noise. This applies to people who live in special hotspots, listed by Highways England as “Noise Important Areas”.

There are some 1,130 Noise Important Areas throughout England, typically found in locations where other noise reduction measures such as physical barriers or low noise road surfaces cannot be used.

Highways England wants to help reduce the effect of road noise in 1,000 Noise Important Areas, by undertaking work to improve the noise insulation of affected homes.

How do I know if I live in a Noise Important Area?

To be eligible, homes must be within a designated Noise Important Area containing fewer than 10 properties. These cover the top 1 percent of properties affected by noise from main roads.

In the first instance, Highways England will write to eligible homeowners and tenants, inviting them to apply under the scheme.

If you are unsure on eligibility, contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

I’m eligible. What happens next?

If you are eligible for the scheme, homeowners would first need to contact their mortgage lender/shared ownership scheme operator to ensure they are free to make improvements.

Those in rented accomodation will need to obtain the permission of their landlord. Highways England can contact the property owner on the behalf of tenants.

Also, if your property is a listed building, you may need to contact your local authority to obtain Listed Building Consent before any work can be undertaken.

With the appropriate permissions in place, an application to Highways England will move to the next step, with an assessment from a surveyor.

How does the assessment work?

A surveyor will visit the property at a pre-booked time, and complete a thorough assessment of the current road noise levels, and the best way to mitigate them.

The surveyor will determine which rooms will benefit from noise insulation, take measurements of doors and windows, and produce a report on their findings.

What kind of improvements will be made to my property?

The bulk of the improvements made to insulate against road noise will be targeted at doors and windows.

These will typically only include rooms considered to be ‘noise sensitive’, such as living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and studies. It means you are likely to be out of luck expecting upgraded windows and doors for bathrooms or kitchens.

Work is undertaken on a ‘like for like’ replacement basis, aiming to match the design and construction of existing doors, windows, and bi-fold doors.

Special ventilation measures are also included. These allow air into the rooms on warmer days, but without the need to open windows.

Who will do the work? How do I pay them?

All work will be carried out by contractors directly appointed by Highways England. Those chosen will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks, whilst those fitting uPVC doors and windows will need to meet relevant British Standards.

The contractors will also make good any damage caused to plasterwork and other interior decoration. Highways England are responsible for paying the contractors directly, and will not hand over the money until work is completed satisfactorily.

Once the work is complete, the new doors, windows and ventilation systems become the property of the homeowner. This also means the responsibility for maintenance belongs to the resident, although all new items are guaranteed.

How long is funding available for?

Some £39 million has been made available for the scheme, with more than 600 homes already having received double-glazing upgrades.

Funding will continue until March 2020.

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Speed limits may be coming to German Autobahns

By
Ethan Jupp
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speed limits on autobahn

The German government may limit speeds on all previously unlimited Autobahns, as part of a government-commissioned proposal to reduce nationwide greenhouse gas emissions.

This comes as a result of looming fines for excessive emissions from the EU. Scrapping this mainstay of German motoring could go some way to delivering the required reductions.

Recent emissions scandals have shone a spotlight on exactly what comes out of our cars. According to EU figures, German transport emissions haven’t fallen since 1990: a shocking statistic, although it’s probably worth considering the many more cars on German roads than 29 years ago. Overall, German emissions had fallen by more than a quarter in 2017 versus 1990.

A draft paper proposes a speed limit of 80mph (130km/h). This, in addition to the abolition of tax breaks for diesel cars, fuel tax rises from 2023 and increased hybrid and electric car sales, could yield half of the required cuts.

speed limits on autobahn

The Autobahns have been a haven for speed-lovers for decades. Their existence helped define a breed of distinctly German car: the super saloon.

Germans, and indeed car enthusiasts the world over, won’t give them up without a fight. There could even be an argument made, some have suggested, for the tourism benefit the high-speed sections have for the country.

German Transport Minister,  Andreas Scheuer, is far from welcoming of the proposal, saying it is “against all common sense”. 

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The cars and brands most and least likely to pass an MOT

By
Gavin Braithwaite-Smith
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0

MOT pass masters (and failures)

Following a raft of changes introduced in May 2018, the MOT test has never been more challenging. You can increase the chances of your car passing first time by doing some basic pre-MOT checks, but using the data from 23 million MOT tests, we can reveal the cars most and least likely to pass with flying colours.

We’ll start with the pass masters, with the results presented in reverse order.

5. Porsche Boxster – 94.4%

MOT pass masters (and failures)

The numbers have been crunched by pay-as-you-drive insurance provider By Miles, using data supplied by the Department of Transport. The Porsche Boxster is ranked fifth on the list of cars most likely to pass an MOT at the first attempt. Good news if you were looking for an excuse to buy a sports car this year.

4. Mazda MX-5 – 94.4%

MOT pass masters (and failures)

There’s further good news for sports car fans, with the Mazda ranked fourth. According to the data, the likelihood of passing decreases steadily as cars age, slumping to an average pass rate of just 58.8 percent for cars by the time they’ve reached their 17th birthday.

3. Toyota iQ – 94.5%

MOT pass masters (and failures)

This is hardly surprising, but given the fact that the DVSA says nearly 50 percent of all faults found on MOTs could be avoided by regular maintenance or by checking some basic items prior to the test, there’s no reason why an older a car should be more troublesome. The Toyota iQ is ranked third.

2. Honda Jazz – 95.3%

MOT pass masters (and failures)

If only everything in life was as reliable as a… Honda Jazz. There are many reasons why the Jazz has performed so well, not least because it’s a reliable car straight out of the box. Also, the Jazz tends to cover fewer miles between MOT tests, while owners will stick to the maintenance schedule.

1. Porsche 911 – 95.9%

MOT pass masters (and failures)

But the Jazz is beaten by the Porsche 911, with the German topping the table with an average pass rate of 95.9 percent. It’s hardly surprising because the majority of 911 owners will stay on top of maintenance schedules and rectify any issues as soon as they arise.

So, that’s the best cars sorted, what about the motors at the opposite end of the table?

5. Citroen DS3 – 81.1%

MOT pass masters (and failures)

These are the five worst offenders, presented in reverse order. There’s a huge gap between the best performers and the cars at the bottom of the table, with the Citroen DS3 recording an 81.1 percent pass rate. We doubt the rebrand to DS Automobiles will make any difference.

4. Vauxhall Corsa – 79.4%

MOT pass masters (and failures)

You could argue that the sheer number of Vauxhall Corsas is a contributing factor to its lowly ranking, but it’s worth noting that the Ford Fiesta doesn’t feature in the bottom five.

3. Peugeot 5008 – 78.8%

MOT pass masters (and failures)

Peugeot has revamped the 5008, ditching the rather frumpy MPV of old and replacing it with something far more appealing. The previous model isn’t all that good at passing MOTs.

2. Fiat Punto – 78.5%

MOT pass masters (and failures)

But the 5008 is marginally better than the Fiat Punto, with the Italian supermini just managing to avoid the bottom spot with a 78.5 percent pass rate.

1. Renault Megane – 77.5%

MOT pass masters (and failures)

Which leaves the Renault Megane to grab the wooden spoon. The French hatchback sits at the bottom with an average pass rate of 77.5 percent, nearly 20 percent lower than the Porsche 911.

Best manufacturer – Honda

MOT pass masters (and failures)

Overall, Honda sits at the top of the MOT league table, with an average first-time pass rate of 93.8 percent. This is ahead of Porsche (93.2 percent) and Subaru (92.8 percent).

Worst manufacturer – Chrysler

MOT pass masters (and failures)

Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the table, we find Chrysler, with an average first-time pass rate of 80.1 percent. This is behind Chevrolet (82.2 percent) and Renault (82.5 percent).

Highest mileage – Skoda

MOT pass masters (and failures)

Finally, we take a look at the average miles between each MOT test. Skoda tops the table with 8,800 miles per annum, with a strong lease market and heavy use by taxi firms two contributing factors. Mercedes-Benz finishes just behind on 8,500 miles per annum, with Audi in third on 8,400 miles.

Lowest mileage – Porsche

MOT pass masters (and failures)

Unsurprisingly, Porsche has the lowest mileage (3,600 miles per annum), with Smart (4,800 miles) and Suzuki (5,700 miles) the next two brands.

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MOT shock stats: pass on a Sunday, fail on a Monday

By
Gavin Braithwaite-Smith
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0

MOT test station

Forget ‘race on Sunday, sell on Monday’, because when it comes to the MOT test, it’s more a case of ‘pass on Sunday, fail on Monday’.

That’s according to a report released by pay-as-you-drive insurance specialists By Miles. Using Department for Transport data, it reveals that the chances of your car passing the MOT test can be affected by the day of the week.

And, while 79 percent of cars passed when they were tested on Sunday, just 72 percent passed on a Monday. Good news for Sunday drivers.

The busiest periods for MOTs are March and September, which isn’t surprising given that these are the months when the UK registration plates change and a car will require its first MOT on or before its first birthday. December is the quietest month.

Of course, your biggest challenge might be finding an MOT test station that’s open on a Sunday. But while independent garages are likely to be closed, Halfords claims to have 90 centres open on Sundays, while Motest also offers a seven-days-a-week service.

To find an active MOT test station local to you, visit the government website.

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Hyundai creates the world’s first multi-collision airbag system

By
John Redfern
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Hyundai creates first multi-collision airbag systemHyundai Motor Group has announced news of an important development set to make life-saving airbag technology even better.

The Korean company has become the first in the world to build a multi-collision airbag system, which could assist in almost a third of car accidents.

A ‘multi-collision’ accident  is defined as one where, following the primary collision, the vehicle is then involved in a secondary impact. With current airbags designed to react only to the the initial crash, this can leave drivers and passengers exposed to danger.

Hyundai creates first multi-collision airbag systemThe importance of Hyundai’s work has been highlighted by statistical research undertaken by the National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System (NASS-CDS).

As part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States, NASS-CDS undertook analysis of some 56,000 vehicle accidents between 2000 and 2012.

From that research, it was found that secondary collisions occurred in some 30 percent of the road traffic accidents studied.

Leading causes of multi-collision events included crossing the centre line of the road, colliding with tollgates, and also hitting trees and electrical poles.

Hyundai creates first multi-collision airbag systemGiven the violent movement of vehicle occupants during a crash, Hyundai knew that the airbag system could not just simply be designed to deploy again.

Instead, the new multi-collision system uses numerous sensors to detect precisely where drivers and passengers are located in the cabin. The airbags can also deploy even more quickly for secondary impacts, ensuring that occupants are completely protected.

For now Hyundai is still working on the development of the multi-collision airbag system. However, it promises to offer it in new Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the future.

Taesoo Chi, head of Chassis Technology Centre at Hyundai said: “We will continue our research on more diverse crash situations as part of our commitment to producing even safer vehicles that protect occupants and prevent injuries.”

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No Deal: European cars we can’t buy in the UK

By
Gavin Braithwaite-Smith
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0

European cars you can’t buy

From compact city cars to luxury SUVs: there’s a new car for everyone. But that doesn’t stop us peering across the English Channel to gaze longingly at some of the European cars that we’re denied access to in the UK. Here’s a selection of Euro motors we wish were sold on these shores.

Renault Megane Grand Coupe

European cars you can’t buy

When is a compact saloon not a compact saloon? When it’s a Grand Coupe. The name makes no sense, but there’s no denying the Renault Megane Grand Coupe is a good looking saloon. It actually boasts a larger boot than its hatchback counterpart, but while it will be sold in 20 countries worldwide, UK buyers will be denied the privilege of driving the attractive Renault.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio manual

European cars you can’t buy

We still have to pinch ourselves about this one. A genuinely handsome, rear-wheel-drive Alfa Romeo with a top speed that puts it at the top table of the supercar elite. Thanks to the small matter of 510 raging horses, the Giulia Quadrifoglio will hit 191mph, all for a shade over £60,000. Yes, you can buy it in the UK, but the cost of converting to right-hand drive means we don’t get the manual transmission. Shame.

Citroen E-Mehari

European cars you can’t buy

The original Mehari is a bit of cult vehicle within Citroen circles, so this beach buggy for the new millennium has a lot to live up to. The signs are good: a potential range of 125 miles, 70mph top speed and a maintenance-free body are amongst the highlights. It’s already on sale in France, but a UK-launch is unlikely. On the plus side, it’ll be the coolest car at the holiday rental compound.

Renault Talisman

European cars you can’t buy

The Citroen C6, Renault 25, Peugeot 605, Renault Vel Satis and Peugeot 607, to name but a few – lessons from history warning French carmakers that shifting big cars is a big ask in the UK. Which helps to explain why the Renault Talisman isn’t available here. Nobody would buy it and it would depreciate faster than you could say ‘financial ruin’, but that doesn’t stop us wanting one.

Citroen C-Elysée

European cars you can’t buy

We’re not fans of small saloons in the UK, preferring the practicality of a hatchback. Thus the C-Elysée – a staple of the French taxi trade – has never made it to these shores. On the one hand, that’s a positive; Jalopnik journalist Doug DeMuro described it as the worst car he’s even driven. On the other, the championship-winning WTCC racer looks pretty cool.

Fiat Freemont

European cars you can’t buy

Spend some time across the Channel and it won’t be long before you stumble across a Fiat Freemont, especially in its native Italy. Actually, that’s a bit of a moot point, because the Freemont is based on the all-american Dodge Journey. It was unveiled back in 2007, so it’s hardly a spring chicken and is currently being phased-out. If we’re honest, that’s probably a good thing.

Dacia Lodgy Stepway

European cars you can’t buy

The Dacia Lodgy offers space for up to seven people and traditional Dacia value for money. OK, so the Stepway version does inflate the price, but it looks a million Euros. Practical, wipe-clean motoring for a bargain price. Where do we sign? Oh, we can’t. Shame.

Renault Espace

European cars you can’t buy

The Renault Espace helped to establish the people carrier segment in the early 1980s and it soon became part of the UK furniture. The fourth generation Espace offers styling that doesn’t say to the world you’ve given up on life and are well past your prime. In fact, it looks more appealing than the majority of crossovers. Being denied access to the Espace just isn’t playing fair.

Opel Ampera-e

European cars you can’t buy

The original Vauxhall (and Opel) Ampera was one of the first production plug-in hybrids. Sadly, it was too far ahead of its time and sold in tiny numbers. This second-generation car – renamed Ampera-e and only available in left-hand drive – looks more conventional and is now fully electric. Opel claims a range of 236 miles using the latest WLTP test cycle.

Mercedes-Benz G500

European cars you can’t buy

If you want a new G-Wagen in the UK (and we do), your only option is the blood-and-thunder 585hp AMG G63. However, many consider the detuned 422hp G500 a better all-rounder. It’s quieter, smoother and more efficient – and considerably cheaper to buy, too. But only if you live on the continent…

Volvo S60 Polestar

European cars you can’t buy

We’re fortunate enough to be offered the Volvo V60 Polestar, but the S60 is strictly off limits. This is due in part to the fact that we prefer wagons to saloons, but there’s something delightfully old-school about the S60 Polestar. Avoid the Rebel Blue paint job and it’s one of the world’s ultimate sleepers.

Skoda Rapid Spaceback ScoutLine

European cars you can’t buy

On character count alone, this is one of the biggest names in Europe. The Skoda Rapid Spaceback Scoutline could be the Rapid you always dreamed of. Don’t let the looks deceive you, because this particular Skoda has about as much off-road ability as a Mini Moke, but it looks wonderfully cool in Pistachio Green.

Toyota Camry

European cars you can’t buy

The Camry made its UK debut in 1984, soon establishing itself as the flagship of the Toyota range. It majored on equipment and refinement, but there was a Sport model, complete with 2.2-litre 16v engine. The Camry lived on until 2004, but hasn’t been seen in the UK since. However, it will make a comeback later this year…

Lada Granta Sport

European cars you can’t buy

Who doesn’t want a budget-priced compact saloon with sporting credentials? The Lada Granta Sport is powered by a distinctly old-school 1.6-litre 16v engine, delivering a distinctly old school 0-62 mph time of 9.5 seconds. For some reason we’re really keen to drive it. We have visions of being transported back to the 1990s. And that’s a good thing.

Renault Clio Estate

European cars you can’t buy

Small estate cars aren’t hugely popular in the UK, with the Skoda Fabia and SEAT Ibiza representing the best of a rather niche breed. But we feel we’re missing out by not having the Renault Clio Estate on sale in the UK. One for Nicole’s more practical sister, perhaps?

Toyota Highlander

European cars you can’t buy

The Toyota Highlander is a seven-seat SUV built at Toyota’s plant in Indiana, along with its assembly plant in China. It’s not widely available in Europe, but customers in Moldova and Ukraine are able to get their hands on Toyota’s “sophisticated” SUV. We’d like a single Highlander to be sold in the UK, just to enable us to use the ‘there can be only one’ gag.

Lada 4×4 Urban

European cars you can’t buy

The word ‘urban’ is often synonymous with cutting-edge cool. Not here. Lada’s 4×4 Urban is essentially a reworked version of the ancient Niva, with a 1.7-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and (slightly) more modern dashboard. Like the Land Rover Defender or Suzuki Jimny, though, it has a certain back-to-basics appeal.

Fiat Tipo saloon

European cars you can’t buy

While UK buyers will be able to buy to the Fiat Tipo as a hatchback or estate car, we’re being denied the compact saloon. Taking into account the fact that small estates are a hard sell in the UK, we think the Tipo saloon looks rather stylish. A budget alternative to the Audi A3 saloon and Mercedes-Benz CLA?

Renault Kwid

European cars you can’t buy

The Indian-market Renault Kwid is set to enter Europe and there’s every chance it could arrive in the UK as a Dacia. Remarkably, prices in India start at the equivalent of £2,945, so it could present astonishing value for money in the UK. A decent addition to the Dacia range? We think so.

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Ex-pat Brits may need to re-take driving test after Brexit

By
Gavin Braithwaite-Smith
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0

driving test Brexit

UK driving licence holders living in the EU may have to take new driving tests in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the government has warned.

The AA estimates that this will affect up to half a million ex-pats living in France and Spain, with the government warning that they will need to pass a driving test in their country of residence to be able to carry on driving there.

Ex-pats are being advised to exchange their UK driving licence for a local European Union (EU) driving licence before 29 March 2019 or risk taking a new test. Increased demand may lead to longer processing times, especially as the country edges closer to a no-deal Brexit.

In a further development, on 28 March 2019, the type of international driving permit (IDP) that some countries outside the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) recognise will change. In the event of a no-deal Brexit, UK drivers may need an IDP in addition to their UK licence to drive in EU and EEA countries.

From 28 March, countries that are party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic will no longer recognise 1926 and 1949 IDPs issued by the UK. Instead, UK drivers may need a 1968 IDP to drive in these countries.

Until 31 January 2019, you can get 1926 and 1949 IDPs from 89 UK post offices, or by mail order from the AA or the RAC. From 1 February, you will only be able to get IDPs over the counter from 2,500 UK post offices, at a cost of £5.50.

‘Backward step’

Calais ferry port

Edmund King, AA president, said: “Thousands of ex-pats, many of them elderly, will not relish the prospect of having to re-take their driving test in a different country and different language if there is no deal.

“Drivers without the appropriate IDP(s) could also be turned back at the ports. Currently, they could obtain an IDP from the AA shop at the Eurotunnel port but that won’t be allowed after the end of this month.

“It really does seem a backward step that drivers will no longer be able to apply for IDPs in the post. Unless these Brexit driving issues are sorted out soon many UK drivers living in Europe may well need to start practising for a new driving test.” 

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Car insurance costs are rising due to Brexit

By
Gavin Braithwaite-Smith
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0

Car insurance Brexit

The cost of car insurance is climbing for the first time since 2017, according to The AA’s British Insurance Premium Index.

During the last quarter of 2018, the cost of a fully comprehensive policy rose by 2.7 percent to £609.93, with the pound’s Brexit-related plunge making vehicle repairs more expensive.

  • Insurers can tell when you’re lying on your car insurance application

In 2018, premiums were reduced following changes in the Ogden rate, used to calculate compensation for personal injuries, but the Civil Liability Bill, which means drivers will receive a smaller payout for whiplash injuries, won’t take effect until April 2020.

The bill introduces a fixed tariff for whiplash damages, along with a rise in the small claims limit to £5,000 for road traffic accident claims. It means that legal costs cannot be recovered when the damages are under the limit.

“But underlying all of this are concerns surrounding Brexit,” said AA’s director of insurance, Janet Connor.

“Regardless of what the final deal looks like, the market has continued to battle with the value of sterling. This has led to the rising cost of imported car parts, further adding costs to the car repair industry which ultimately finds its way to the premiums we pay.”

Green Card woes

Driving in Europe

Insurers are warning UK motorists of the need to arrange extra documentation in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit. Last year, the Department for Transport issued guidance notes for vehicle insurance following a no-deal scenario, stating that access to the Green Card-free circulation would cease.

Huw Evans, director general of the Association of British Insurers (ABI), said: “As it looks increasingly possible that a no-deal Brexit may happen, we want all insurance customers to know the facts about what this means for them.

“If you live in Northern Ireland and drive to the Republic of Ireland, or if you plan to drive your vehicle to mainland Europe after a no-deal Brexit, you will need a Green Card to prove you are insured.

“You should contact your insurer before you travel in order to get one. This advice applies to businesses as well as individuals.”

Green Cards are currently issued free-of-charge, but insurance providers may increase administration fees to reflect production and handling costs. 

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Motorists face £1,000 charge for parking at work

By
Gavin Braithwaite-Smith
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0

Workplace Parking Levy

Motorists could be forced to pay up to £1,000 a year to park at work, as councils move to tackle air pollution and congestion.

At least 10 local councils are considering a so-called ‘Workplace Parking Levy’ (WPL), following the lead of Nottingham City Council. The charge will be imposed on businesses with 11 or more parking spaces, but there are fears this cost will be passed on to staff.

  • UK council parking profits could top £900 million in 2018

In Nottingham, businesses with at least 11 parking spaces will be charged £415 for the period from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020, with the council advising businesses that they can ‘choose to reclaim part or all of the cost of the WPL from their employees’.

Last year, a report by the think tank Centre for Cities argued ‘the WPL is one way cities can generate funding for policies to extend prosperity to more people – in this case, by improving public transport and therefore increasing access to opportunities for more people.

‘But it is also essentially a tax on something that nobody likes – congestion. By encouraging commuters to carpool or switch to public transport, it reduces congestion and its cost to business and residents. The reduction in traffic also improves carbon emissions and air quality.’

In Nottingham, where charges were introduced in 2012, the WPL has raised around £9m a year, which is why the likes of Cambridge, Oxford, Reading, Bristol, Glasgow and Edinburgh are considering introducing a levy.

Meanwhile, councillors in Hounslow are considering the introduction of a WPL in 2020, following a consultation that closed earlier this month. Charges of £500, £750 and £1,000 have been assessed, with proceeds from the 4,200 workplace parking spaces expected to be spent on the introduction of new rail service between Syon Lane and Brentford.

Revenues would also be used to fund walking, cycling and bus schemes, as well as the proposed West London Orbital rail service to Cricklewood.

‘Poll tax on wheels’

Commuters on the M25

Not everyone is a fan of the parking levy. Edmund King, AA president, said: “We need more incentives to switch to electric vehicles rather than a tax on work to drive businesses out of town or out of business. If it spreads to other cities, workplace parking levies could become the new ‘poll tax on wheels’. ”

Robert Halfon, Conservative chairman of the Commons education select committee is similarly sceptical, saying: “This is complete madness. It’s yet another tax on motorists and all it will do is hit working people with the cost of the living. It’s entirely the wrong thing to do.”

In February 2018, WPL to reduce air pollution in Greater Manchester was rejected, with councillors calling for a ‘dirty diesel’ scrappage scheme and a timeframe for non-polluting vehicles.

But an increasing number of councils are viewing Nottingham’s levy with interest, and Edinburgh is expected to become the first Scottish city to introduce a WPL. “We’re still at a very early stage and our next steps will involve setting out an argument and rationale for introducing a workplace parking levy,” said the city’s transport and environment convener last year.

“However, we’re confident that introducing a workplace parking levy would achieve many benefits – reducing the number of car journeys made into the city and in turn lowering congestion, improving air quality and encouraging active travel.”

Would you welcome a WPL in your city? Let us know in the comments below.

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First 2020 Toyota GR Supra sells for an incredible $2.1 million at auction

By
John Redfern
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0

First 2020 Toyota Supra sells big at auctionThe brand-new A90 Toyota Supra has generated plenty of interest this week, but how much would you pay to own the very first example off the production line?

An astonishing $2.1 million (£1.63 million) is the answer. A rather serious markup compared to the regular $49,990 (£52,695) list price that the Supra will sell for in North America.

The huge amount paid for the first Supra was one of the highlights from the giant Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale sale in Arizona, which saw records broken and scores of special cars crossing the block on ‘Super Saturday’.

Doing it all for charity

First 2020 Toyota Supra sells big at auctionHelping raise the sale price of the first fifth-generation Supra was the fact all proceeds would be going to charity. Toyota North America had donated the specially created car, allowing all money to be split between the American Heart Association and Bob Woodruff Foundation.

The winning bidder was serial car-collector and philanthropist, John Staluppi. No stranger to Barrett-Jackson auctions, Staluppi sold 140 cars from his extensive collection at a Palm Beach sale in 2018. More than sufficient to fund the purchase of a very special Supra.

Finished in a unique matte paint, with red mirror caps, and matte black wheels, Supra ‘number 1’ will be like no other. Staluppi will also receive a custom-create race suit, a VIP track day experience, and the chance to drive a Toyota pace car at a NASCAR race.

Hypercars, autobots, and more

First 2020 Toyota Supra sells big at auctionDespite the incredible price tag, the first A90 Supra was not the car making the biggest sale at the 2019 Scottsdale event.

That record was taken by another production line first – with $2.5 million (£1.94 million) paid for a 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition wearing VIN 001. Motorsport magnate Rick Hendrick was the winning bidder, with all proceeds again going to help good causes.

More money was raised for charity, with $500,000 (£388,000) raised for the collection of four Bumblebee Chevrolet Camaros, as used in the Transformers movie franchise.

There were more silver screen connections, with the 1967 ‘Eleanor’ Ford Mustang as used in the 2000 Gone in 60 Seconds movie selling for $385,000 (£299,000). A healthy profit compared to the $216,000 (£169,000) paid for it in 2009.

Other sale stars included $1.44 million (£1.12 million) achieved by a 2019 McLaren Senna, $1.21 million (£939,000) paid for a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6, and a world record $918,500 (£713,000) 2012 Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition.

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