Self-driving vehicles designed for use in pedestrianised areas have made their debut in Milton Keynes. The LUTZ Pathfinder pod was developed by the RDM group as part of a Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) trial of autonomous vehicles in pedestrianised areas.

Passers-by in Milton Keynes were given a ride in the electric-powered pod, including student Harry Hess who was enthusiastic about self-driving vehicles:” I’d use it for trips into town, and I think this is the way all cars will go once people get more used to the idea.”

Capable of carrying two people, the pod can reach a maximum speed of 15mph and shoppers will be able to order them using their smartphones.

The LUTZ Pathfinder pod on show is still at research stage. The next step is the installation of an autonomous control system by the Mobile Robotics Group at Oxford University.

Sensors will provide the vehicle with a 360-degree view of its surroundings to help navigate and detect vehicles, cyclists and cars – stopping if it detects a hazard.

Many people will be worried by the safety aspect of autonomous vehicles, so when public trials begin in Milton Keynes, the pods will initially use a trained operator.

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For many drivers on UK roads, being behind the wheel is a part of life. Whether it is commuting to or back from work, leisurely cruises through the countryside at weekends, or even driving long-distance for a Bank Holiday weekend, we are all used to being on the roads.

What many drivers don’t realise is that there are points when behind the wheel when you will need to exercise more caution than normal whilst driving. These include later at night, when you will likely be tired and therefore more susceptible to danger, driving on motorways when everyone is travelling at much higher speeds, and driving through built-up areas where there are likely to be a lot of pedestrians around, such as outside a school.

Not that you shouldn’t always drive as safely as possible – But sometimes that extra thought goes a long way.

Safe driving from Britannia!

A lorry driver has had his vehicle confiscated for a week and been slapped with a fine after he let his six-year-old son drive.  Video footage of the boy sitting on the man’s lap and negotiating his way through busy traffic in the province of Quang Ninh, in north-eastern Vietnam, quickly went viral and was aired on local TV networks.

Police who were then alerted to the video quickly tracked the man down after sourcing it to his Facebook account, and identifying him and the boy from the video images.

The images that the man posted on Facebook had apparently been filmed by his older son who was sitting in the passenger seat. Police did not say how much the man was fined for the offence of letting an unqualified person drive his car, but the maximum penalty would have been the equivalent of £116.

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There are more motorists on the road now than ever before in history – Which also means an increased number of people of all ages now behind the wheel, as well as a significant amount more danger possible on the roads.

Whilst a lot of attention is paid to young and new drivers, likely due to relative inexperience as a driver, it is time we stopped to consider how older drivers can keep themselves safe in the car.

Many drivers with experience admit to utilising bad habits they have picked up over many years of driving on a daily basis – With calls for a compulsory re-test once drivers reach a certain age.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!

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A wealthy student who overtook in the inside lane of the M25 at 150mph has been banned from driving.

Police only caught Ali Kzar, 25, when traffic slowed down his £150,000 Ferrari. Kzar lives in a £1M apartment in Marylebone and attends Regents University, one of just two private universities in Britain, charging students £15,000 per year.

He admitted dangerous driving and Redhill magistrates gave him four months’ suspended jail. He was also disqualified from driving in the UK for two years and has been electronically tagged. He has a home curfew from 7pm until 7am for four months and was fined £165.

Prosecution said that Kzar didnt know how fast he was driving and when asked if his driving was dangerous said he had no opinion on that.

Kzar has no capital wealth of his own and is given a monthly allowance of £1,500 after rent by his family. He has posted pictures of himself on social media posing with expensive jewellery and smoking cigars.

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All motorists know that there are different types of drivers out there – From the shy, newly-passed teenagers to overly-confident veterans, dangerous boy racers and back-seat drivers and everything in between – It takes all sorts!

However psychologists have carried out a study which identifies seven distinct personality types when behind the wheel, as follows:

– Teachers: The teacher-type drivers always try to instruct other drivers on the roads of any errors they make – And likewise expect a thanks for their instructions!

– Know-It-Alls: We all know this type of driver – The infallible know-it-all never makes a mistake, and spends a good amount of time shouting at other drivers for their mistakes.

– Competitors: These drivers like a bit of rivalry – Signified by often challenging other drivers for space on the roads, and always being up for a race.

– Punishers: This type of driver will discipline others, such as deliberately slowing down when a driver behind is travelling too fast.

– Philosophers: The best driver to be a passenger for – These motorists stay cool in all situations, and accept other drivers bad behaviour as just part of regular driving.

– Avoiders: An avoider will notice their own bad driving and accept that it is a hazard – But will be unlikely to try to rectify it in the future.

– Escapees: This type of driver will attempt to keep themselves distracted from the frustrations of driving by listening to music or talking on their phones.

So which type of driver do you think you are? Let us know in the comments below!

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A university student has found a novel new way to get around her driving ban – By taking to the roads in a battery-powered Barbie Jeep.

Tara Monroe, a 20-year old Industrial Engineering student at Texas State University had her license suspended after refusing a breathalyser test when stopped by police.

As a result her father confiscated her car from her – But that didn’t stop the plucky youngster, who subsequently purchased a bright pink, plastic Barbie Jeep from Craigslist. Despite the fact that it needs to be charged up regularly, it struggles to go up hills, and it’s top speed is a maximum of just 5mph, Tara is overjoyed with her new method of transport.

Safe driving from Britannia!