September 23, 2021
Safety Checks Now Autumn is upon us.

It’s the equinox, and as the darkness draws earlier into our evenings, it is important to ensure that your van lights work correctly 🔆
Before any journey we would advise checking that:
✅ all lights and indicators work correctly
✅ all lenses are present, clean and are the right colour
✅ stop lamps come on when the service brake is applied and go out when released
✅ marker lights are present and work
Drivers behind the wheel of cars with faulty headlights could be fined up to £1,000 if they’re pulled over by the police.Shockingly, around 7 per cent of drivers admitted to never checking that their lights are in working order.

Failing to keep your headlights in a decent condition can affect its brightness, which can drastically impact your ability to see at night and during winter conditions.

Under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, “No person shall use … on a road a vehicle unless every lamp, reflector, rear marking and device … is in good working order and, in the case of a lamp, clean.”

  1. Turn on your car and switch on the headlights
  2. To ensure they are in working condition, wait until dark and park your car on an even surface facing a wall.
  3. Walk around to the front of the vehicle and make sure the lights are bright and working.
  4. If one bulb is dimmer or blown, you may need to replace both bulbs as the other is likely to follow shortly.
  5. If replacing the bulbs doesn’t work, the issue is most likely a fault connection which will need to be repaired by a mechanic.”We realise that replacing blown bulbs on vehicles is not easy and have designed our own service to provide a helping hand for motorists who need to replace their blown bulbs.

    “Cars with defective lights can cause a danger on the roads, so it is important that you check your bulbs regularly and change them if needed.

 

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August 18, 2021
Drivers urged to check dashboard warning lights or face ‘£500 repair costs’ – here’s 30 signs you NEED to know about

DRIVERS have been urged to check their dashboards for warning lights or they could end up facing up to £500 in repair costs, it has been revealed.

Research into 2,000 motorists found 60 percent do not understand what their warning lights mean and a third have no intention of addressing them any time soon.

Of these, 43 per cent claim there are too many warnings to fathom, and 30 per cent have no idea what action to take when they appear.

Notifications that windscreen washer fluid running low are likely to be ignored for the longest, closely followed by the fuel light, faults with the rear fog lights, and tyre pressure.

And more than one in 10 have found themselves in a bit of a pickle as a direct result of ignoring the warning lights – either by breaking down on the road, having to pay repair bills or being stopped by the police.

Other issues experienced by motorists after turning a blind eye to their warning lights include stalling in traffic, failing their MOT and suffering a punctured tyre.

A spokesperson for Vertu Motors, which commissioned the research, said: “As many drivers are now back on the roads, it’s vital not to ignore your warning lights on your vehicle’s dashboard as this may lead to serious consequences in the long run.

“What’s more concerning is that several drivers only understand some of the warning lights on their dashboard.

“It’s crucial people read up on what their warning lights mean so they can respond with the appropriate action.”

The research also found a third of adult motorists are unsure what action to take when they see a warning light appear, regardless of what it is.

TOP 30 WARNING LIGHTS BRITISH DRIVERS IGNORE ON THEIR DASHBOARD:

1.           Windscreen washer fluid level

2.           Low fuel level

3.           Replace car key battery

4.           Seatbelt buckles

5.           Rear fog lights

6.           Tyre pressure monitoring

7.           Rain and light sensor

8.           Lane assist – system fault

9.           Doors

10.         Bulb monitoring

11.         Boot lid

12.         Key not in vehicle

13.         Airbag and seatbelt system

14.         Engine management warning light

15.         Emissions control light

16.         Engine oil level

17.         Tower hitch

18.         Rear spoiler

19.         Convertible roof

20.         Engine oil pressure

21.         Headlight range control

22.         Brake lights

23.         Recharge adblue

24.         Air suspension

25.         Steering lock

26.         Electronic stability programme

27.         Brake system

28.         Adaptive light system

29.         Bonnet

30.         Anti-lock brake system

Worryingly, six in 10 adults polled don’t know what it means when a green alert appears on their dashboard, with 21 per cent assuming it means something needs servicing.

While 31 per cent of drivers don’t know a red alert means there is a serious problem, with one in 20 assuming it means the car system is operating as normal.

But when motorists do pay attention to the dashboard and its symbols, 34 per cent will first refer to the vehicle’s manual for the next steps.

Around a quarter will pull their car from the road to a safe location to assess the situation while 18 per cent immediately take their vehicle to the garage for inspection.

For instant advice, 32 per cent call on their partner to help with understanding their warning lights while only 12 per cent reach out to the parents for assistance.

But the study, via OnePoll, found 23 per cent of drivers are guilty of ignoring their warning lights as they fear they won’t be able to afford the repairs – with those who have been hit with a bill forking out an average of £500.

A further 27 per cent will only tend to their vehicle’s servicing when it has actually broken down, or the car won’t start.

A spokesman for Vertu Motors added: “There’s a clear link between the time it takes for people to tend a warning light and the cost associated with repairs, which is why most drivers find it a bothersome task to do.

“But to protect yourself, your vehicle, and others on the roads, it’s important to cover all the checks to ensure your car is running as smoothly as possible.

“If you’re unsure on what to do, there are plenty of useful guides and resources online from the get-go.”

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August 2, 2021
DRIVE ON The eight changes for drivers including petrol, motorway speeds and a clampdown on seatbelts

DRIVERS could be hit with penalties and even points on their license if they’re not aware of some of the changes coming into place this year.

Some motorists might not have been behind the wheel much over the past year which is why it’s important to gen up on all the new measures

Coming into force is new guidance on smart motorways as well as tougher penalties for using a mobile phone while driving.

There’s also a new cleaner petrol known as E10 on the way which will seriously impact those who have older cars.

We explain everything you need to know about the new changes.

Motorway changes

Motorway speed limits are being slashed to 60 mph in an attempt to cut down on air pollution.

Speeds have been reduced on sections of the M1, M6, and M5.

So in these areas you’ll have to watch how fast you’re going with the new changes in place as you could still face a penalty for not sticking to the directed speeds.

Highways England has said it will keep the new speed limits in place for the “foreseeable future” until the pollution falls below the limit.

The only other way to subvert the emissions and return to the previous speeds is if more electric vehicles join the road.

There are stricter rules on smart motorways too.

The hard shoulder is used as a running lane on smart motorways which means there’s no dedicated space for drivers to pull into if there’s an emergency.

In response, Highways England announced changes to the Highway Code, making it illegal to drive in a lane marked with a red X.

It’s usually indicated this way because a vehicle has broken down in the hard shoulder, and so drivers shouldn’t drive down it or they could come into difficulty.

E10 fuel introduced

This summer the standard or premium petrol grade in the UK will become E10.

It’s being introduced to work towards cleaner air and to cut CO2 emissions.

But it could costs drivers more in the long run.

The new fuel only works for certain cars too so you’ll need to check yours fits the bill.

Seatbelt clampdown

You could be slapped with penalty points if you fail to wear a seatbelt under new road safety plans.

Motorists could get at least three points and a possible driving ban under changes being considered.

The change is part of a road safety clampdown plan set to be published this year.

You might even get the penalty if you’re wearing a seatbelt but your passenger isn’t.

As it stands, drivers can be given a £100 fine for failing to wear a belt – raising to £500 if the matter goes to court.

Or you take an online seatbelt awareness course for £53 to save on the fine.

MPs fear the £100 fine does not deter drivers enough from flouting the rules which is why stricter measures are due to come into place.

E10 petrol is already widely used around the world, including across Europe, the US and Australia.

You will be able to use the fuel in the UK by September 2021.

The change in fuel only applies to petrol – diesel fuel will not be changing.

It is believed that the switch is the equivalent of taking up to 350,000 cars off the road and reduce CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year.

20mph limit in residential areas

A new law is being introduced in Wales that limits speed in residential areas to 20mph.

The limit is set to launch in eight areas to begin with and could be rolled out nationally in two years time.

During the pandemic a similar initiative took place in areas across England with the goal of rolling it out to London, Warwickshire and Shropshire.

Stricter penalties if you use your phone

A loophole has been closed that meant people could get away with taking photos or videos while driving.

Now you could get a £200 fine and six points on your licence if you’re caught holding your phone or using it as a sat nav while you’re driving.

You definitely can’t get caught scrolling through a playlist, playing a game or using social media either.

You can also be fined heavily for vaping behind the wheel or if you fail to disclose certain medical conditions to the DVLA.

Low Emission Zones introduced

Lots of built up towns and cities already have low emission zones in place charging vehicles with high emissions to enter.

They’re usually found in areas that have high levels of pollution.

Oxford’s Zero Emissions Zone will start next month and from October 25 London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone will extend to North Circular Road (A406) and the South Circular Road (A205).

Birmingham’s Low Emission Zone is now active as is Bath’s and Bristol’s.

To get into Bath for free, Your diesel vehicle must be Euro 6 and petrol vehicles must be Euro 4 minimum to get into Bath or Birmingham for free, or if you ride a moped or motorcycle .

In Bristol you’re charged around £9 to enter the zone if your diesel vehicle is Euro 5 or older or your petrol vehicle is Euro 3 or older.

Changes to the Highway code

There’s due to be a  change to 33 existing rules in the Highway Code this year as well as adding two new rules.

The main takeaway of the changes is that the new version will include a “hierarchy of road users”.

It means that pedestrians will have priority on pavements and at zebra crossings.

So under the new rules drivers will have to give way at a zebra crossing until a pedestrian has moved onto the crossing.

Previously motorists turning into a road at a junction would only have to give way to pedestrians “if they have started to cross”.

It also means motorists who can cause the most harm in a collision bear the “greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they may pose to others”.

So, a lorry driver would have a greater responsibility to those driving a car or motorcycle, and cyclists would have a greater responsibility than pedestrians.

Proposed changes to the Highway Code are due to receive parliamentary approval in the autumn.

Regardless though, the Highway code on its own is not law.

Speed limiters will be mandatory

Speed limiters will be mandatory in new cars from next year.

The technology alerts drivers if they’re going too fast and if you don’t slow down then it will act on your behalf.

It’s known as an Intelligent Speed Assistant system (ISA) and you’ll need to have one if you get yourself some new wheels in 2022.

Cars on the road currently don’t have to have one of these but they are considered a great safety precaution.

There are circumstances where the limiter can be overridden.

These can be if you step on the gas harder when you’re overtaking or if you simply turn it off.

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July 29, 2021
DRIVERS’ LONG HAUL Motorists clock up 285,012 miles in their lifetime – the equivalent of going around the world 11 times

DRIVERS clock up 285,012 miles in their lifetimes — the equivalent of ­travelling around the world 11 times.

They cover an average of 87 miles a week in 14 individual journeys, making an annual total of 4,524 miles, a poll revealed.

But the figure is likely to rise when life returns to normal after the pandemic as a third of workers plan to avoid public transport on going back to the workplace and one in four will use a car more.

More than half of drivers have relied more on their vehicles during the past 16 months, with a quarter wanting to avoid public transport and a similar proportion checking on family and friends.

Three in ten even bought a new car amid the lockdown.

 

Greg Gormley, boss of navigation app SKOOT which commissioned the poll, said: “This demonstrates that driving is essential to our lives.

Nearly half of journeys are solo — but one in three drivers would prefer to have a passenger.

A fifth said lockdown made them realise they wanted to drive but did not like the environmental impact.

A further four in ten would reduce carbon emissions if they knew how to.

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July 15, 2021
The driving questions that stump motorists the most

DRIVING laws can cause confusion and there can sometimes be a grey area over what could land you with a fine and what doesn’t.

The rules and regulations of driving often have motorists scratching their heads trying to figure out the legislation.

Some of the laws could land you in trouble with the police, with some having more serious repercussions than others.

Experts have encouraged drivers to check the legalities before stepping behind a wheel, in an attempt to keep people safe.

Here we run down the motoring myths and reveal what is legal and what is not.

Is it illegal to drive with an expired driving licence?

Motorists who are caught without a valid driving licence could face losing it for good.

It is illegal to drive without a licence that is not in date, and there are hefty punishments in place if you do.

Your car could be seized, and repeat offenders can even have their vehicles crushed or disposed of by police.

It could also land you with a fine of up to £1,000 and between three to six points on your licence. The date can be checked on the card under section 4b.

Is it illegal to drive with bare feet?

There is currently no legislation in place that requires Brits to wear appropriate shoes for driving.

However, suitable shoes are always recommended when behind the wheel so you can competently operate the pedals.

Driving barefoot carries the risk of having poor grip on the pedals, and if an accident is linked to this it could cause your insurance to be void.

Is it illegal to drive in certain footwear?

No footwear is illegal to drive in, so long as they are considered safe to do so.

Flip-flops or sandals may also be a risky choice as they can sometimes get wedged underneath the pedal or slip off.

There are some guidelines for what footwear is suitable:

  • Have a sole no thicker than 10mm…
  • … but the sole should not be too thin or soft.
  • Provide enough grip to stop your foot slipping off the pedals.
  • Not be too heavy.
  • Not limit ankle movement.
  • Be narrow enough to avoid accidentally depressing two pedals at once.

  • Is it illegal to drive with one headlight?

    Anyone who is caught driving with one headlight is breaking the law, and risks getting a fixed penalty notice.

    Police will pull over any vehicle that is not working properly, and hand the driver £100 fine. Points will not be added to the licence.

    If it is challenged in court you could face a fine of up to £1,000, so it is important for drivers to check their lights regularly.

     

    According to the highway Code, “lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear”.

  •  

    Is it illegal to drive without a shirt?

    Driving without a shirt is not illegal, as it should not hinder any movement or driving ability.

    However it might cause other drivers to take a second look at you while driving on the road.

    You also run the risk of police officers stopping you for indecent exposure, but depends on the situation.

  •  

    Is it illegal to drive without an MOT?

    It is illegal to drive without an MOT, unless you are driving to a booked MOT test or from a garage for repairs.

    If you are caught driving by the police you can get a fine of up to £1,000, and the Automatic Number Place Recognition system will flag up any cars that do not have a valid MOT.

    It is important to carry proof of your MOT booking with you when travelling, so it can be produced to give as evidence.

    Anyone who continues to drive without an MOT is putting themselves and other road users at risk.

    Fines can go as high as £2,500 and multiple offences can lead to the loss of a licence altogether if you are already carrying points.

  •  

    Is it illegal to drive with headphones?

    Driving with headphones in is not illegal, but it can lead to reduced awareness on the road.

    People may wear the devices to operate a phone hands free or listen to music, but it could cause a distraction.

    If you are deemed to be driving carelessly you could face a fine of £100. But if your case reaches court then it can go up to a maximum fine of £5,000, nine penalty points and a possible driving ban.

  •  

    Is it illegal to drive without a spare tyre?

    It is not illegal to travel without a spare tyre, but there are rules that have to be followed if you choose to do so.

    Any tyre has to comply with tyre laws, which means ensuring that the pressure is suitable for driving.

    They must also meet the minimum requirement of 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre width.

    Anyone who is found to be driving with a tread that is lower than the legal minimum can be given up to three penalty points and a fine of £2,500 per illegal tyre.

    Is it illegal to drive with loud music playing?

    Driving while playing loud music is likely to be safer than listening through headphones, and is not illegal.

    However it can still land you with a penalty if it is deemed a distraction. It can result in a £100 fine and three points on your licence.

    In circumstances that are deemed more extreme you can be hit with a £5,999 fine and a driving ban.

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April 28, 2021
Britain’s roads will have DRIVERLESS cars travelling on them by end of year!

Today Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is said to  announce that vehicles with new technology enabling them to stay in their lanes automatically will be legal within months.

The bold move will help to prevent up to 47,000 serious accidents and save 3,900 lives over the next decade as it cuts out human error, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

It will mean motorists in Britain may be the first in the world to be able to legally take their hands off the steering wheel and check their emails while driving.

The cars will travel at a maximum of 37mph and on motorways only.

They will not be able to change lanes, but will automatically slow down as they react to other traffic.

The driver will be able to take control in an emergency.

The cars will help to improve the traffic flow, reduce commute times and slash emissions as the ride will be smoother, ministers said.

Announcing a consultation, Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “This is a major step for the safe use of self-driving vehicles in the UK, making future journeys greener, easier and more reliable.”

The tech will appear only in newly-built cars.

It cannot be adapted for use in cars already on the road.

But Edmund King, of the AA, said: “More needs to be done to test these systems.”

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April 14, 2021
New Road Laws for Common offence

Proposals for an outright ban on pavement parking have been mooted.

Most of us have done it occasionally, some of us even do it semi regularly.

Parking on the pavement, or at least partially on the pavement is a common site on London’s streets with spaces at a premium.

But the act could soon be banned across England with £70 penalty fines under new laws expected to be rolled out this year reports state.

The new legislation would ban antisocial parking to make pavements safer for families and people with disabilities and visual impairments.

This law change – which already exists in London – is in response to complaints about pavement parking and the increased risks it poses to those who rely on them to travel.

The Department for Transport (DfT) first launched a proposal into the new rules last September.

It set out three options to make it easier for councils to ban pavement parking – giving local authorities powers to fine drivers who park on paths and an outright ban.

A DfT spokeswoman told us the government is now collating responses after receiving “overwhelming” feedback.

The proposals follow a review that found that a third of visually impaired people and almost half of wheelchair users were less willing to go out alone because of “antisocial” pavement parking.

Of course, regulations have been in place across London for years.

Rule 244 of the Highway Code states: “You must not park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it.”

If the rest of the UK follows London, parking on grass verges and ramps linking private property to roads would also be prohibited.

The only exceptions to London pavement parking rules are when signage states it is safe to do so, or for unloading deliveries. Outside of the capital, only lorries are currently prevented from pavement parking

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December 18, 2020
Could you be fined up to £5,000 for one of these christmas driving mistakes?

If you’re driving home for Christmas or going anywhere in the car make sure you’re staying safe, here  some tips to avoid getting in any trouble

In the run-up to Christmas, many drivers might want to get in the festive spirit as they make their way to finish up their Christmas shopping before heading home to visit the family.

Some might want to decorate their vehicle for the occasion, while others will be blaring Wham! or Mariah Carey and sing along at an incredible volume.

But despite the holiday fun, the most important thing is to always be safe in the car.

Driving at Christmas can be exciting, however there are some little-known things that could put your safety at risk and invalidate your insurance.

“Whilst singing along to christmas songs and adding decorations to your car may seem like fun, they could also be a huge distraction and land you a hefty fine or increased car insurance premium.

“Keeping your car safe from crime is also increasingly important during the festive season, as the winter months are notorious for car theft.

“Always keep your vehicle locked and avoid leaving expensive items on display.”

Hereare the top three Christmas driving mistakes to avoid to save you from fines of up to £5,000.

Decorating your car for Christmas

Last month, over 3,240 Brits searched google for ‘car reindeer antlers’ and a staggering 10,320 have been looking for ‘Christmas car decorations’.

Whilst Christmas car decorations may definitely add some festive cheer to your motor, they could also invalidate your insurance policy, as companies may refuse to pay out on claims if you’re involved in an accident.

This is because decorating a car is considered a vehicle modification. Companies invalidate cover because upgrading the aesthetics of a vehicle can make the car more attractive to thieves and criminals. It could also mean your car insurance premiums increase, as the likelihood of you claiming on a policy would have also increased.

Anything from snowflake stickers to tinsel could cause the agreement to be compromised, so it might be worth keeping the festive décor to just your home.

Having a festive sing-along

When the weather gets colder and the twinkling lights are switched on, we love nothing more than a Christmas sing-along, but it seems the car isn’t the best place to belt out a bit of Bublé, as those who sing and dance behind the wheel could be hit with a hefty fine of up to £5,000 if they get caught.

Alongside this, you could also pick up a ‘driving without due care and attention’ or even a ‘dangerous driving’ charge.

The penalties can be severe, with a fine of up to £5,000 and nine points on your licence in the most serious of circumstances.

Driving with a tree on top of your car

It’s not illegal to drive home with your Christmas tree tied to your roof but you could land in trouble with the law if it’s not tied down securely enough.

The Highway Code states motorists must secure their load and ensure heavy and sharp objects are safe.

Your Christmas tree must also be small enough to be transported safely. Large trees should not be carried by small cars or vans, as they could easily fall off and cause an accident, which would invalidate your insurance policy.

Police officers will stop drivers if they deem a load to be too great and can issue fines of £100 for breaking the rules.

To avoid increasing your risk of an accident, or landing a fine from the police, ensure your Christmas tree is properly fitted to your car roof before driving home. If you’re in doubt, ask a professional to help assist you tie the tree down.

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December 9, 2020
Driving Test cancelled due to dirty car.

Leo Sargent, 17, forked out £62 for his driving test but will now need to retake the exam after his examiner allegedly told him his 14-year-old car’s footwell wasn’t clean enough

A teenager who waited months to sit his driving test was left “devastated” after it was cancelled last minute because the examiner thought his car was “too dirty”, his mum has claimed.

Leo Sargent, 17, was ready to start his driving test last Friday in a 14-year-old Ford Fiesta, but was gutted when the examiner looked at his footwell and is said to have halted the test.

Leo’s mum Jane Sargent, from Morningthorpe, Norfolk, said she had gone out in the snow on the same morning of the exam last Friday to ensure the car was spotless.

But the examiner wiped a cloth over the footwell and told them the £62 test wouldn’t go ahead because it was “too dirty”, she said.

Mum-of-three Jane, 55, said: “It was a real kick in the teeth. We were both really miserable.

“They basically expect you to have a brand new car in order to take the test.

“There was a little bit of mud in the footwell by the time we arrived, but we live on a farm, so there’s not much we could do about it.

 

“It’s an old car, so it’s going to have a bit of wear and tear.

“I basically begged the driving examiner to let me clean the car again then and there so that Leo could still take his test – but he said that it was too late.

“He was completely uncaring.

“I think he was really paranoid about Covid and cleanliness, because he wouldn’t even touch the door handle to open the door to show me the footwell.”

She added: “I understand the need to be Covid-safe, but if they’re going to be that particular about it, I think they should provide plastic sheets to cover the seats and the footwells during the test.”

Jane, who is also mum to a 19-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter, said that Leo has struggled with not being able to drive himself around during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said: “We live right out in the middle of nowhere, so Leo has found it really hard this year not being able to see his friends, or go and play any sport or go to the gym.

“This has just been an extra kick in the teeth. I really want him to be able to be independent.

“With the lockdowns it has taken him months to be able to make an appointment.”

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