Is it illegal to park across a home driveway?

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May 8, 2025

On residential streets where parking is in short supply, some drivers will resort to desperate measures to find a space.

For home owners, the result can be a car parked in front of your driveway, potentially blocking access to your property.

So, where does the law stand on this issue? And aside from tucking a polite/furious (delete as appropriate) note under the offending car’s windscreen wiper, is there anything you can do?

Streets are public spaces

Resident parking and parking in front of your driveway

The law is clear on drivers’ rights to park in residential areas. Unless otherwise specified, the parking spaces on your street, and indeed outside your home, are available to all.

The police will remind you that it’s not ‘your right’ to park in front of your house.

That said, there is one situation where this doesn’t apply: areas that require resident parking permits. These have proliferated where commuter parking is rife – e.g. close to train stations. These zones require a permit, available to residents only, to be displayed during certain periods of the day.

Also, the rules state that you’re not allowed to park ‘in front of an entrance to a property’, or ‘anywhere that would prevent access for emergency services’.

Places you should NOT park

There are a number of areas where you are definitely not allowed to park at any time. These are marked by zig-zag, red or double yellow lines.

You should also avoid cycle lanes, marked taxi bays and close proximity to bus or tram stops, if the signs indicate as such.

Parking near to school entrances is also not allowed, along with areas close to junctions, plus parking spaces that are reserved for Blue Badge holders and motorcycles.

Driveway parking: the law

Now to the central question of this article. And the answer is that people are not allowed to park in front of your driveway – provided, of course, that the drive or adjacent pavement has a dropped kerb.

Dropped kerbs, be they for pedestrians or for drivers, are a no-go zone for parking. Your vehicle can be ticketed for even partially covering one. Parking close to a dropped kerb, however, even if it restricts access to a driveway, is not illegal.

What also isn’t illegal, bizarrely, is parking on someone else’s driveway. It’s private property, and therefore a civil issue, rather than a criminal one.

Not such a civil issue

“In a bizarre way, the system seems to favour the offender over the victim in this case,” said Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA.

“Because the offence of trespass is a civil matter, the police cannot get involved. And as the vehicle is on private land, the council cannot help either. So the only options available to homeowners seeking to get back what is rightfully theirs will cost both time and money.”

Provided the car is taxed, insured, has an MOT and is in safe condition, this is an issue way down the priority list of the authorities. Thankfully, it is not a very common one.

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How to check UK driving test availability and book online

By

Motoring Research team

-

May 7, 2025

2

Learner drivers in the UK typically wait almost five months for a driving test. That’s according to data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Analysis by Nationwide Vehicle Contracts revealed that the average waiting time for a test is 19.92 weeks, with a pass rate of 33.9 percent.

An investigation by the Observer newspaper discovered brokers are taking advantage of this situation by using software bots to reserve driving test slots as soon as they become available. These are then sold for a huge mark-up – with learners paying up to £400 to jump the queue.

In recent years, the problem has been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic, along with strikes by driving instructors. The government recently announced a plan to schedule thousands more tests and reduce the waiting time to seven weeks. However, this target isn’t likely to be achieved before summer 2026.

Check driving test availability

Motoring Research certainly doesn’t advise paying a third party for a driving test slot. It may require patience and perseverance, but the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has an online service that allows learner drivers to check for available tests almost in real-time.

The DVSA’s online tool is updated every 30 minutes and is available from 6am to 11.40pm every day. Click this link to get started.

The tool lists every test location in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales, but not Northern Ireland), along with the current availability. You can book a test up to 24 weeks in the future and the standard fee is £62.

Book a driving test online

One of four descriptions will be displayed alongside each driving test centre location:

Appointments available – tests are available within the next six weeks.
Limited availability – between 90 and 95 percent of all appointments in the next six weeks are booked.
Very limited availability – more than 95 percent of all appointments in the next six weeks are booked.
No availability – there are no appointments within the next six weeks.

The service shows availability for car tests, as well as tests for a lorry, bus and coach licence, plus Motorcycle Module 1 and 2.

Officials advise learner drivers to use the service while they wait to book a test. However, the website does state: ‘when you reach the front of the queue, there is no guarantee that appointments will still be available. It’s possible that available appointments might have been booked.’

The DVSA also suggests learner drivers don’t use brokers or third-party websites that ‘charge for something that people can do for free themselves via our online booking service. There is not a “waiting list” or “cancellation list” for driving tests. You can only book the appointments that you can see online.’

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BMW has now built 7 million vehicles in the United States

By

John Redfern

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May 6, 2025

0

BMW has reached another impressive milestone in the United States, with the assembly of the marque’s seven-millionth vehicle over here.

Associates at Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina were responsible for building the special BMW Alpina XB7 SUV, finished in Alpina Green Metallic.

Although the XB7 actually left the production line in March this year, conversion to the bespoke Alpina specification meant the performance SUV was not completed until later.

With the Alpina front apron, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler fitted, plus a commemorative badge, the XB7 will now take its place as part of the BMW Historic Collection.

The USA’s biggest automotive exporter

It marks another major achievement for BMW North America, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary during 2025.

BMW first began manufacturing vehicles at Plant Spartanburg in 1994, initially building local market versions of the 3 Series sedan and coupe.

However, the facility has specialized in assembling X-branded BMW models, and is now responsible for multiple different SUVs in the range.

It took until 2006 for the one-millionth BMW to be made in South Carolina, but only another six years to reach two million vehicles. Major milestones have fallen even more rapidly since, due to continuing expansion.

Building a “remarkable legacy”

Such is the success of Plant Spartanburg, BMW has been the top exporter of vehicles from the United States for the last decade.

Of the 400,000 BMWs leaving the factory in 2024, almost 225,000 were exported, being sent to 120 different countries across the world.

More than $14.8 billion has been invested in Plant Spartanburg since 1992, turning it into the largest BMW Manufacturing facility in the world.

“This beautiful BMW Alpina XB7 is a testament to the great products we have, the quality of our supplier network, and the unwavering commitment and dedication of our valued associates,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing.

“For over 30 years, BMW has proudly invested in South Carolina and its people, creating a remarkable legacy. We are excited about our future as we prepare to assemble fully electric vehicles at this plant.”

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Skoda has launched a digital car showroom on Amazon

By

John Redfern

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May 6, 2025

0

A new partnership between Skoda and Amazon will allow consumers to explore cars from the Czech marque in a fresh and familiar environment.

Skoda has become the latest manufacturer, and the first European one, to develop a digital showroom with the giant online marketplace.

Potential buyers will be able to use the Amazon app and website to research the Skoda range, consider finance options, look for cars available locally, and book a test drive.

A visit to a Skoda retailer will still be required to finalise a purchase, though, meaning you cannot order a Fabia with Prime Delivery.

Click and collect, for now

In the United States, Hyundai allows customers to purchase a new car directly through a special section of the Amazon website.

However, Skoda has surveyed UK customers when developing its Amazon showroom, finding that face-to-face interaction is still important when buying a car.

Almost half (47 percent) of survey respondents said they appreciated the potential to research a new car online, from the comfort of their home.

Skoda’s research found that more than three-quarters of survey respondents spend up to two hours each day browsing for online shopping, with ease and simplicity the main reason for this.

Researching from the sofa

Dealerships remain important, though, with 82 percent of those surveyed saying they prefer some type of in-person engagement. Nearly four-fifths (78 percent) said a test drive was an essential part of the car buying process.

Matthew Bowden, Director of Skoda UK, said: “Online browsing and research are part of everyday life, which is why we’re so excited to launch the Skoda showroom at Amazon.

“It gives prospective customers more opportunities to find their next car and see where it’s available, all from the comfort of their home.”

The Skoda showroom is now live on the Amazon.co.uk website, or can be found through searching inside the Amazon smartphone app.

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Apart from Britain, which countries drive on the left?

By

Motoring Research team

-

May 6, 2025

0

The UK is one of a minority of countries worldwide to drive on the left

People in Britain have been driving on the left-hand side of the road since the 18th century. The law dates back to 1722, when a ‘keep left’ rule was introduced on London Bridge to control the increasing traffic. This was eventually adopted on all roads across the country.

The Highways Act of 1835 made this law applicable in the United Kingdom and its many colonies. The legislation stated: ‘Drivers of wagons or carts not to ride thereon unless some other person guide them. Drivers causing hurt or damage to others, or quitting the road, or driving carriage without owner’s name, or not keeping the left or near side, or interrupting free passage, if not the owner to forfeit 20 shillings, if he be the owner, 40 shillings.’

The British Empire link is important, as it provides a clue to the identity of the countries that continue to drive on the left. Naming former British colonies and UK Overseas Territories would be a good place to start if a pub quizmaster asks you to name five countries that drive on the left…

Why does the UK drive on the left?

The custom is thought to date back to Roman times, when right-handed soldiers would mount a horse from the left to keep their right arm free for combat. More recently, with the advent of horse travel, a horseman would hold the reins with his left hand, using the right hand for friendship or to draw a sword.

In 1998, the remains of a Roman quarry were discovered near Swindon. Ruts in the road were deeper on the right than on the left, which suggests that loaded carts used the right side of the road as they left the quarry. Empty carts arrived on the left.

Could UK drivers switch sides?

In 1969, the UK considered switching sides after Sweden successfully changed to driving on the right. The changeover took place on 3 September 1967, on a day known as Högertrafikomläggningen (right-hand traffic diversion).

All but essential traffic was banned from the roads, with some 360,000 street signs switched nationwide. Swedish people tended to buy left-hand-drive cars, so the switch to the right was carried out for safety reasons.

The UK rejected the idea on the grounds of cost and safety. The bill would have been in the region of £264 million – around £4 billion in today’s money. More recently, the Department for Transport said: “We do not have a policy on this because it’s not something we are interested in at this time.”

Due to its border with Spain, the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar changed to driving on the right in 1929.

Why do Europe and America drive on the right?

Two-thirds of Brits think you drive ON THE LEFT in France and Spain

When the island of Samoa in the South Pacific switched sides in 2009, it was the first country in decades to order motorists to start driving on the left. A two-day bank holiday was organised to allow islanders to get used to the change, but thousands of people protested against the plan.

“Cars are going to crash, people are going to die, not to mention the huge expense to our small country,” a Samoan lawyer told The Times.

There is evidence of the French driving on the right since the late 18th century, but Napoleon is credited for bringing right-hand traffic to Europe. Nations he conquered, such as Russia, Switzerland and Germany switched from the left to the right. Adolf Hitler did the same in Czechoslovakia and Austria.

The story is less clear in North America, but an English author writing in 1806 is quoted as saying: “In some parts of the United States, it is a custom among the people to drive on the right side of the road”. This suggests that driving on the left was customary in other parts of the country.

Henry Ford played a part. His company changed to left-hand drive in 1908, with a Ford catalogue from that year stating: ‘The control is located on the left side, the logical place, for the following reasons: travelling along the right side of the road, the steering wheel on the right side of the car made it necessary to get out on the street side and walk around the car. This is awkward and especially inconvenient if there is a lady to be considered.

‘The control on the left allows you to step out of the car on to the curbing without having had to turn the car around. In the matter of steering with the control on the right, the driver is farthest away from the vehicle he is passing, going in opposite direction; with it on the left side he is able to see even the wheels of the other car and easily avoids danger.’

Which other countries drive on the left?

Apart from the UK, the following countries, dependencies and territories also drive on the left:

Europe

Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Cyprus
Guernsey
Ireland
Isle of Man
Jersey
Malta

Africa

Botswana
Kenya
Lesotho
Malawi
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
Seychelles
South Africa
Swaziland
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Asia

Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei
East Timor
Hong Kong
Indonesia
India
Japan
Macau
Malaysia
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Thailand

Caribbean

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Grenada
Jamaica
Montserrat
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands

Oceania

Australia
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Cook Islands
Fiji
Kiribati
Nauru
New Zealand
Niue
Norfolk Island
Papua New Guinea
Pitcairn Islands
Solomon Islands
Samoa
Tokelau
Tonga
Tuvalu

South America

Guyana
Suriname

Others

Bermuda
Falkland Islands
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

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Merging in turn or jumping the queue? A motorist’s guide

By

Motoring Research team

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May 3, 2025

0

‘Merge in turn’. You will have seen the signs at the end of a two-lane section of road, but how many of us actually merge as requested?

It would be nice to believe that we’re all wonderfully polite and follow the ‘zipper merge’ without fuss or bother. But anecdotal evidence suggests this isn’t entirely true…

How many times have you seen a lorry driver move across to block the two lanes, resulting in two lines of heavy traffic behind the trailer and an entirely clear lane ahead of the cab?

Or, in what appears to be an example of Britain’s obsession with queueing, a long line of drivers waiting in one lane, scratching their noses and Snapchatting their mates, while the other lane lies empty, save for a few crows and some discarded packaging from Greggs.

There is a third method, which involves hurtling along the asphalt equivalent of the Mary Celeste, only to barge in at the last minute. According to social media – so often the voice of common sense, balance and reason – this method invariably includes an Audi of some sort.

But aside from the retina-burning LED lights and apparent lack of courtesy, isn’t Mr or Mrs Audi actually doing the right thing?

The zip merge saves time

‘Zip merging’ or the ‘zipper merge’ originated from the United States as a traffic flow measure designed to ease congestion when a road narrows from two or more lanes to one. In simple terms, drivers should merge at the point of closure, rather than forming a single line as soon as possible.

A 2008 study conducted by Ken Johnson, a state work zone engineer in Minnesota, found that the length of the queue is reduced by up to 50 percent when drivers merge in turn. He also argued that because everyone is ‘equally disadvantaged’ by the queue, there’s less chance of a driver experiencing road rage. Sounds compelling enough.

And yet, on today’s commute, you’re likely to find some motorists shaking their heads and tutting to themselves as an Audi driver (other German brands are available) shows a total disregard for the rules of the road and our nation’s reputation for politeness.

But while the terribly polite and courteous driver sits behind the wheel of their Hyundai/Skoda/Kia/Suzuki/Lexus (delete as applicable), it is they who have failed to observe the guidance of the Highway Code. Not to mention missing the first 20 minutes of Pointless.

Recommended by the Highway Code

In the section marked ‘Lane discipline’, rule 134 of the Highway Code states: ‘You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. In congested road conditions, do not change lanes unnecessarily.

‘Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching roadworks or a road traffic incident. It is not recommended at high speed.’

On the subject of merging in turn, can’t we show a little joined-up thinking? If nothing else, you might get home in time to see the first round of Pointless. And if you do it, other drivers might follow your lead – and before you know it we’ll be a nation of zip-mergers.

Then we can turn our attention and anger to middle-lane hoggers instead…

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Hot Wheels takes on Lego with new ‘Brick Shop’ self-build car kits

By

John Redfern

-

May 2, 2025

0

A collaboration between Mattel and Hot Wheels has resulted in the Brick Shop range, aimed at the ever-growing market for grown-up model car collectors.

Each Brick Shop kit includes a scale model to be assembled brick by brick, and comes accompanied by a matching 1:64-scale Hot Wheels die-cast model.

Three tiers of pricing are offered, starting with the 1:32-scale Speed Series, then the 1:16-scale Elite Series models.

The 1:12-scale Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’, the first car in the top Premium Series – pictured above – will be priced at £136.99.

Classic Americana to retro heroes

In the mid-tier Elite Series, enthusiasts can choose from a Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport with metallic exhaust pipes, a 1990 Honda NSX with pop-up headlights, or a Custom ’62 Chevy Pickup.

The latter is particularly eye-catching in orange, and comes with an exposed V8 engine and adjustable suspension, plus a surfboard in the truck bed.

Elite Series cars are supplied with extra parts to allow collectors to customise their designs, along with licensed decals and metal wheel covers.

All of the Mattel Brick Shop Elite Series models have a recommended price of £44.99.

A new way to enjoy Hot Wheels

The Speed Series will be the most affordable models, priced at £21.99 each. These each come with different wheel covers and a full set of decals for customisation.

Included in the Speed Series will be the Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar, ’68 Chevrolet Camaro and Maserati MC20.

“Hot Wheels has fuelled the passion of car enthusiasts for generations, and with Mattel Brick Shop, we’re giving fans an entirely new way to engage with their favourite vehicles,” said Roberto Stanichi, head of vehicles and building sets at Mattel.

“This Hot Wheels collection by Mattel Brick Shop delivers what car fans have been clamouring for: buildable vehicles that deliver true car authenticity. Our design team meticulously recreated these vehicles in brick form while preserving what made them great in the first place, including real metal parts and a matching exclusive die-cast, giving fans a new way to collect, build and play.”

The first Mattel Brick Shop models are available to pre-order now. They should reach retail stores later this summer.

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Rolls-Royce celebrates 100 years of its flagship Phantom

By

John Redfern

-

May 2, 2025

0

The Rolls-Royce Phantom celebrates an important birthday this month, 100 years after the luxury saloon was first introduced.

Now into its eighth generation, the Phantom has long been the flagship of the Rolls-Royce range. It has also earned an important place in automotive history.

Although the Phantom line saw breaks in production during the last century, the model has endured to become one of the longest-running nameplates of all.

To celebrate this centennial year, Rolls-Royce has reflected on the car’s storied history, commissioning its design team to create a series of original artworks with the Phantom as their subject matter.

Unique works of moving art

Commemorating the Phantom with a series of illustrations is a project inspired by a historical precedent dating from 1910.

In that year, artist Charles Sykes was asked to produce six original oil paintings for the Rolls-Royce brochure of the time.

Sykes depicted cars in environments such as arriving at the opera, or outside large country houses, reflecting the lifestyles of Rolls-Royce owners at the time.

For the modern artworks, the designers considered a wider range of Rolls-Royce customers, such as the Phantom V models owned by John Lennon and Elvis Presley.

Fit for kings and queens

The Phantom IV, launched in 1950, is the rarest of the model lineage, with only 18 examples produced. Rolls-Royce only sold a Phantom IV to clients deemed worthy enough to own one.

These included heads of state, such as the British royal family, who took ownership of the very first completed Phantom IV – depicted in one of the new illustrations (see below).

Commissioned by the Duke of Edinburgh as a more formal car for himself and the young Princess Elizabeth, the Phantom IV was tailored to the late Duke’s personal design requirements.

It marked the beginning of an association between Rolls-Royce and the royal family, which lasted until the turn of the 21st century.

‘A means of personal expression’

One constant throughout the Phantom’s history has been the emphasis on personalisation. From the earliest coachbuilt examples, through to bespoke commissions of the latest Phantom VIII, these cars have always been tailored to their owners.

Reflecting on the Phantom’s centenary, Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “Phantom is much more than a motor car. It is a cultural phenomenon, both reflecting and influencing the world around it.

“Since its earliest days, the marque’s pinnacle product has been among the most desired rewards for success and a potent symbol of power and prestige on the world stage. Above all, it has provided a means of personal expression for its owner, often becoming a work of art in its own right.

“These fascinating stories – and the exquisite images they have inspired our designers to create – offer a glimpse of Phantom’s extraordinary reach, and the world-changing people and events it is associated with.”

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2025 Roush Nitemare is a sportier, scarier take on the Ford F-150

By

John Redfern

-

April 30, 2025

0

Tuning specialist Roush Performance has revealed its latest take on the Ford F-150 pickup.

The 2025 Roush Nitemare has been engineered to “dominate the street”, with custom design elements and a major focus on handling.

Available for the F-150 in XL and XLT trim, the Nitemare package adds $19,999 to the base cost of a new truck.

For those who want more, however, Roush’s supercharger package can boost the Ford’s 5.0-liter V-8 to 705 horsepower and 635 lb-ft of torque – all for an extra $8,650.

Built for the street and track

The Nitemare’s dynamic prowess is aided by coilover suspension, featuring twin-tube dampers and progressive rate springs. Slotted brake rotors are also part of the package.

The F-150 Nitemare is lowered by three inches at the front and five inches at the rear, giving it a mean stance on standard 22-inch gloss black wheels.

Upgraded sway bars and General Tire G-Max AS07 all-season tires help the Nitemare to reach a peak of more than 1.0 G when cornering on a circuit.

Roush also fits a bespoke, cat-back exhaust system to the Nitemare. Its black tailpipe tips are said to provide an “unapologetically bold” sound.

A head-turning truck

Roush’s signature front grille features integrated amber lighting, while the rear has new LED marker lights and blacked-out Ford tailgate lettering.

There is also a bespoke Roush Nitemare graphics package, along with custom Raven Black leather with red detailing. Aluminum pedals are fitted, with real carbon fiber trim on the options list.

“We engineered the Nitemare to be more than just a head-turner – it’s one of the best-handling trucks we’ve ever built,” said Jack Roush Jr.

“Our lowered suspension system and precision-tuned handling components will let drivers carve the track with confidence while maintaining the everyday drivability expected from a Roush vehicle.”

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New 296 Speciale could be Ferrari’s most exciting road car ever

By

John Redfern

-

April 30, 2025

0

When it comes to power and performance, the plug-in hybrid Ferrari 296 GTB and open-top 296 GTS hardly fall short.

However, that has not stopped Maranello’s engineers from developing a hardcore Speciale version, intended to set a ‘new benchmark’ for road-legal driving excitement.

Unusually, Ferrari has launched both the 296 Speciale coupe and open-top 296 Speciale A together from the outset.

As with past icons such as the 360 Challenge Stradale and 430 Scuderia, the Italian marque has followed a familiar path of more power and reduced weight.

Given the already high starting point for the 296 GTB, the new Speciale brings hypercar-grade horsepower to the party. Let’s dig in to the details…

Boosted hybrid performance

Combined power from the Ferrari’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and electric motor now stands at a colossal 868hp – 50hp more than the 296 GTB.

Technology from the 296 Challenge race car has enhanced the V6 combustion engine, while the electric motor is tweaked to deliver an extra kick.

The result is a 0-62mph time of just 2.8 seconds, with 0-124mph taking 7.0 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 205mph.

With track driving likely to be on the agenda for 296 Speciale owners, a new ‘Qualify’ mode has been added to the eManettino. This deploys extra power from the electric motor when exiting a corner, bringing some ‘Hammer Time’ to your hot laps.

Track-focused aerodynamics

Maximising performance does require dipping into the options list, however. Opting for the lightweight package shaves some 60kg, using carbon fibre for the car’s bumpers and engine cover – and reducing dry weight for the fixed-top Speciale to 1,410kg.

Much of the 296 Speciale’s bodywork is new, with a major focus on improving aerodynamic performance. Ferrari says the upgraded car boasts 20 percent more downforce than a 296 GTB.

This includes the use of an ‘aero damper’ integrated into the bonnet, along with new winglets on the rear bumper. The active rear spoiler now has three different downforce settings, and can switch between them more rapidly.

Ferrari engineers have not forgotten the suspension either, lowering the 296 Speciale by 5mm. Finely tuned springs and dampers are said to reduce the maximum roll angle by 13 percent when cornering.

Tailored to your taste

Carbon fibre and Alcantara are used extensively throughout the 296 Speciale’s cabin. This includes making the door panel from a single piece of carbon, which feeds into the road-going racer image.

As with all new Ferrari models, customers are able to customise and tailor their car to exact design specifications.

This includes choosing the new Verde Nurburgring paint colour, developed especially for the 296 Speciale, which can be combined with racing numerals and full-length body stripes.

Production of the 296 Speciale will not be capped, but Ferrari does say fewer examples of the open-top Speciale A will be sold. The Ferrari online configurator has already been updated to help you plan your ultimate 296.

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