January 28, 2010
Filed under: Road Safety — Alan @ 5:57 am
The Sustainable Development Commission issued a report today that requests ministers to initiate the use of average speed cameras so that motorists are forced to adhere to speed limits of 70mph. According to the Commission, if motorists followed the law more closely 1.4m tonnes of carbon dioxide would not be released into the air.
Figures from the Department of Transport show that about 52% of motorists ignore speed limit postings of 70mph. The Commission argues that this could be prevented if speed cameras were used since they are able to measure the speed a car travels on average over a reasonable distance instead of a fixed point camera.
According to the Commission, if these cameras were introduced in urban areas and motorways then people would be encouraged to drive in a more environmentally friendly manner.
Ministers have also stated that the areas that use average speed cameras have seen the number of speeding fines awarded and accidents decline.
Currently average speed cameras are only in use at road works but the government is expected to approve their use in urban residential areas shortly.
Mayer of London, Boris Johnson, also announced just a short time ago that speed cameras will be placed along the east London A13 for a 7.5 mile stretch where speeding is a problem.
Also including in the Commission’s report is a request for all cars to be fitted with automatic speed limiters in order to reduce the amount of carbon emissions that are produced by motorists annually.
January 26, 2010
Filed under: Car Manufacturers, Competitions, Eco Driving — admin @ 10:43 pm
This week sees the launch of the first ever pan-European eco-driving challenge – the Peugeot Eco Cup – which will follow a 1000 kilometre course from Paris to Geneva, with the winners being those arriving at the finish within set time targets having used the least fuel.
Entry to the Peugeot Eco Cup is open to any qualified driver. Would-be competitors can sign up at the dedicated website http://ecocup.peugeot.com by 15 February 2010.
The website features a range of eco-driving tips, an online eco-driving test and details of the four different Peugeot cars available for the event. Applicants select the car category they prefer to compete in, enter their details and submit a 140 word description of what makes a good eco driver.
Peugeot will select 72 competitors from the online entries and then randomly draw entrants to be invited to take the challenge, with four each representing the 18 European countries (and accompanied by a team-mate of their choice), to compete in four different Peugeot cars: Peugeot 207 HDi 90, 308 HDi 110, 3008 HDi 110 and 5008 HDi 110. Each vehicle is a diesel powered practical family car recognised for its excellent fuel economy and low carbon emissions.
The 72 vehicles will all set off from Paris on Sunday, 28th February 2010 towards Geneva via a compulsory 1,000 kilometre route to be covered within the 30-36 hour permitted period.
For each model, the candidate having consumed the least fuel at the end of the course will win a new car. Winners will be announced and the keys to the vehicles will be handed over on Tuesday 2nd March 2010 on the Peugeot stand at the Geneva Motor Show.
January 25, 2010
Filed under: DVLA — Alan @ 7:31 am
The Institute for Advanced Motorists is now asking that a new licence class be created for older drivers that allows them to stay mobile and independent, but protects them from high risk roads.
The IAM’s director of policy, Neil Greig, stated that the licence class would not ban older drivers from the road, but instead be created in align with medical studies that show older motorists may be a risk to others, as well as themselves, on roads with high speed limits.
Greig continued to say that this is a positive way to keep older drivers behind the wheel by allowing them to continue to drive on roads that they are familiar with instead of taking away their licence. He also stated that the new licence would not be centred around a certain age limit, but instead be the result of medical advice on a case by case basis.
The push for the new licence group follows a study that looked at police crash data over the last seven years. It showed that older drivers were often much safer drivers than youngsters on local roads, but in areas where traffic was moving at a faster rate they were a higher risk.
At the present, a driving licence stays valid until age 70, after which it must be renewed every three years, with the applicant answering a questionnaire to prove they are still capable of driving.
Any announcement about the matter is expected before the election; with the news that now all drivers need to recertify their ability to drive every ten years.
January 20, 2010
Filed under: Motor Insurance — Alan @ 7:21 am
Over the last two years 74% of people have switched at least one insurance service or product, which is a problem for car insurance companies since people no longer simply choose a company and stick to it, they now make an effort to get the best deal.
In the research completed by WhiteConcierge, the leading B2B lifestyle management company, over 33% of people claimed to have switched motor insurance in the last two years making it the most affected business sector.
Oxford Brookes University Professor Merlin Stone stated that with these results in mind organizations now have to fight harder to keep customers, because consumers are becoming more discerning and demanding. He also cited price comparison websites as a cause since it is now easier than ever for people to figure out where the best deal on auto insurance really lies.
Managing director of WhiteConcierge, stated that the current economic conditions have forced companies to focus on customer retention instead of trying to get new customers. He also stated that while price is an important factor, the findings illustrate that customer service is playing a large role.
Currently, it is estimated that if customer loyalty increases by just one percent then a business experiences a 10% cost reduction, which means that auto insurance companies need to start thinking about what their customers really want if they want to keep their auto premiums low, a pertinent issue given the fact that experts predict that insurance premiums will continue to increase.
January 18, 2010
Filed under: Motoring Costs — Alan @ 8:28 am
Margaret Hodge, the culture minister, has given her approval for two Royal Parks to have parking charges within London.
Now motorists that want to park in southwest London at Bushy Park or Richmond Park will need to pay £1.50 if they want to park for an hour. Politicians and residents have fought against the proposals stating that the tax will wrongfully misuse free green space.
Shadow minister for London, Justine Greening, stated that it will ruin the park, as the charge will make it too expensive for families with children that need to bring their cars for prams and to assist pensioners.
The Royal Parks deputy chief executive, Colin Buttery, stated that with a maximum charge of £3 per day at Richmond Park, and £2 per day at Bushy Park, the charges are the same as one might pay for coffee and are favourable to charges at other like amenities.
Additionally, the speed limit within the park will be reduced from 30mph to 20mph and private hire cars will be allowed into the parks.
The parking fees will become active at the end of the year if the parliament approves. The income generated will be used to help maintain roads and car parks.
January 15, 2010
Filed under: Motoring Laws — Alan @ 12:43 pm
Making headlines in Sweden is the sentence imposed in a St. Gallen court that resulted in a £178,000 fine being handed out to a millionaire who clocked 137km/h in an area where the limit was 100km/h. It is notable given the fact the penalty is over twice as much as the previously highest fine.
Although most countries have fixed tariffs for penalties such as speeding violations, areas such as Scandinavia believe that when fining a victim their income should be taken into account to assure the fine is a relatively severe punishment.
The idea is that a set tariff may unfairly punish someone with a low income that cannot afford it, while at the same time a wealthy person will react to a set tariff as a simple slap on the wrist. Thus, with an adjustable income tariff all people are punished equally for breaking the law.
However, since Switzerland is attempting to become the hotspot for hedge funders, this raises the question of if wealthy people will simply hire a chauffeur to beat the speeding ticket for them and how adjusting the tariff will work if tax authorities do not give financial information to the police.
January 14, 2010
Filed under: Car Manufacturers — admin @ 11:52 am
Here is a taster video for Peugeot’s new logo and brand plaform.
Well worth checking out more of this at the Peugeot Motion and Emotion website – http://www.new-peugeot.com/ for more of the same.
Filed under: Motoring Laws — Alan @ 6:32 am
A new independent panel aims to prevent motorists from getting fined by private car parking companies unfairly.
Sadiq Khan, the transport minister, stated that self-regulation is not working correctly in the UK and that the government should step in. At the moment the private car parking industry is hardly regulated and there is not an independent adjudicator.
Drivers complain on a consistent basis that the private car companies use unscrupulous tactics and threaten county court judgements without any accountability.
Tracey Tremlett, a driver who received a ticket while visiting a restaurant stated that she was told that she was parked illegally for 60,235 minutes and threatened with a judgement. She also stated that even though she knew she was not in the wrong since she had only visited the restaurant twice she was scared to read the notice in the post.
At the moment the UK has around 26,000 permanent car parks with most complaints stemming from people who were parked on these sites. However, the new calls for reform tackle the entire private parking industry.
Sources from the AA stated that the industry is allowed to run ‘amok.’ Paul Walters of the AA stated that the problem is growing at a rapid rate as the industry attempts to extort higher amounts of money from the public.
Even the chief executive of the British Parking Association, Patrick Troy, stated that there needs to be a better system in place because there are not any laws that force car park operators to follow a code of practice.
January 9, 2010
Filed under: Driving Advice, Road Safety — admin @ 5:37 pm
Here are some tips for driving in snow and ice from compensation claims website, Nowinnofee.co.uk.
Take it Slowly
When driving in heavy snow the most crucial step is to go slow. Remain in a low gear for optimum control and don’t be tempted to rush, no matter how late you are for work. Even when roads look clear, hidden black ice can be fatal so take your time. It is better to arrive late than not at all.
Brake the Habit
If you start to skid it’s only natural to want to hit the brakes, but this will only make things worse. If your car starts to slide, release your foot from the brake immediately and reapply slowly. Try to regain control by steering into the skid to straighten up your car and change to a lower gear to slow things down and avoid a nasty accident.
In a Spin
Pulling away from standstill in the snow usually results in wheel spin and a “one step forward two steps back” scenario. This is a major cause of minor accidents as cars spin backwards into the vehicle behind. Try to pull away in second gear rather than first as this will limit your wheel spin and if you begin to slide remember the rules on how to control a skid.
Turning a Corner
The cornering ability of a car is almost non-existent in snow. Vehicles often start to slide sideways and without proper control this will result in an accident. Remain focused and avoid any sudden braking. Slow down long before taking the corner and approach the turn in a straight line to avoid loss of control.
Expect the Unexpected
No matter how prepared you are you can’t assume that everyone around you is just as cautious. In fact, you should assume just the opposite. Don’t expect that somebody is going to stop for you – they may be trapped in a skid and unable to control their vehicle. Be aware of what is around you – other traffic and pedestrians – and remain vigilant. Increased concentration will result in better control and a lower chance of accident.
January 7, 2010
Filed under: Car Manufacturers, Motorsport — admin @ 8:39 am
With its unique gullwing doors, the SLS AMG is a true icon of automotive design.
The exciting interplay between concave and convex surfaces, combined with understated features such as retractable rear spoiler, create an unforgettable visual impact. Classic sportscar proportions – the lengthy bonnet, wide track and short overhangs – heighten the car’s dynamism and power.
The characteristic curved design of the opened gullwing doors extends to other parts of the car – the side mirrors, tail lights, the 3-spoke steering wheel, and the flow of the contrasting top-stitching from the centre console to the instrument panel.
The interior of the gullwing model offers the same level of sports styling as the exterior, with design elements from the worlds of aviation and motorsport apparent throughout.
This Mercedes-Benz must be on the wish list for every fast driving car enthusiast. The sound from the engine makes you really want to drive this fast racing car. Check out this video.
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