Lawyer Nick Freeman is notorious for using legal loopholes to successfully defend celebrity clients accused of motoring offences. But Mr Loophole, as he is nicknamed, last week refused to use his expertise to get his daughter off a speeding charge.

Sophie, 19, was caught doing 63mph in a 50mph zone – but Freeman said he wouldn’t help her because “every fibre of my parental instinct told me that Sophie had to understand the consequences of breaking the law.” Here are some of his more fortunate clients.

Facebook user Richard Gardner has over 25,000 supporters in his quest to get TomTom to allow actor Brian Blessed to be the voiceover on our sat navs.

Initially he attracted only a few supporters but his page soon took off and Mr Gardner has approached TomTom who agreed to look into it. His voice will now be available to download from October.

Other famous voices will be considered by TomTom and there are designated pages on social media sites such as twitter which allow the public to leave comments and suggestions as to who they want to hear give directions.

Who would you want to hear give you your directions?

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below:

Around two-thirds of the world drives on the right hand side. So why does Britain drive on the left.

It is thought that road traffic did begin on the left and there is evidence to support this that dates back from Roman times. However, the first legal order for traffic to remain on the left was in 1756. When people were on horseback as the majority of people are right-handed it made sense to ride on the left, so as to meet their attacker on their strong side.

However, countries began changing to the right side, one myth suggesting that as Napoleon was left handed his troops had to march on the right and countries that Napoleon conquered then switched to the right.

The last European country to switch from the left to the right was Sweden in 1967. Although the EC would like for Britain to change, the cost and disruption to change everything would be detrimental.

Research has shown that countries that drive on the left have lower collision rates than those on the right. It is also safer for cyclists who mount on the left, as this then places them on the kerb as opposed to the road.

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia

Driving School by using the comments link below:

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders yesterday said 55,305 new cars were sold in August, down 17.5 per cent.

Sales of petrol cars crashed 38 per cent as motorists switched to diesel.

Experts said punters seemed to have been holding back until new 60-reg models hit the forecourts this month.

Motorists are expected to splash out £6 billion on 320,000 cars in September.

But the SMMT said sales for the rest of the year would probably be lower than 2009, sparking fresh fears over the economy.

SMMT chief Paul Everitt told Sun City: “We expected numbers like this after the end of the scrappage scheme in March. But we face a difficult period. Consumers and businesses don’t have a lot of confidence in their own circumstances over the next six months.

“There is definitely slower traffic on the forecourt than earlier this year.”

The SMMT said most car manufacturers are offering big savings to attract buyers before January’s VAT hike.

Sales had increased for 12 months in a row until July. The Ford Fiesta continues to be the most popular car, with 66,863 bought so far this year.

The Mini dropped out of the top ten motors in August but remains the ninth highest-selling car in 2010.

Separate figures from the British Retail Consortium last night showed high street sales crept up one per cent in August. But the BRC said furniture stores suffered a “dreadful” month as Brits showed signs of cutting back on big-money purchases.

Thousands of drivers are under the impression that their fully comprehensive insurance policy entitles them to drive other vehicles.

According to statistics around 27% of young drivers under the age of 25 think they can drive friends and families cars whilst still being covered by their insurance policy. This false sense of belief is extremely dangerous as it means many people are driving on the roads illegally, whether they realise it or not.

It is thought that this misconception comes from the older generation of drivers, where by most comprehensive insurance policies used to allow you to drive other vehicles as standard. However, even then when driving another vehicle you were typically only covered for third party and any damage to the vehicle you were driving would be your responsibility.

However, the rules have changed somewhat and even the few policies or add ons available that allow drivers to drive other vehicles would not apply to those under 25.

Holly Harper of Britannia Driving School said: “Driving uninsured carries heavy penalties. With a fine of up to £5000 and 8 penalty points on offer (for new drivers 8 points could result in you losing your licence), it is imperative that you check your policy and know what you are covered for.”

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below:

A campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of texting and driving has begun in Slough.

As part of the initiative, a billboard featuring a mobile phone with the text, “Hi darling, just about to run someone over”, has been put up in Ledgers Road.

Police caught 32 drivers using mobiles phones during a recent one-day check on Farnham Road, the council said.

Drivers face a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence for using mobiles while driving.

Research carried out by the RAC Foundation in 2008 suggested texting while driving impairs motorists more than being under the influence of drink or drugs.

A new offence of causing death by careless driving came into force in August the same year.

Motorists who kill after allowing themselves to lose concentration by avoidable distractions – such as reading a text message, glancing at a map, eating and putting on make up – can be imprisoned for up to five years.

Dave Smith, 24 and Claudia Kauert, 30 were both killed last year when a van rolled down a hill and pinned the individuals to the wall in Central London.

The driver of the van Larkland May, 52, was delivering a parcel when he left his van parked on Pudding Lane without applying the handbrake. The Highway Code states that when facing downhill you should select reverse gear and turn your steering wheel towards the kerb, unfortunately Mr May failed to do this.

Due to the van partially blocking the narrow road, a passing car touched the van very slightly which in turn meant the van started to move forward. Mr Rosenbaum the driver of the car had presumed the van was occupied and that the driver was moving the vehicle in order for him to pass more easily.

The van continued down the hill travelling at around 12mph and struck both pedestrians from behind. Despite passers-by pushing the van off them, both died later that day from internal injuries.

It was unfortunate that these two individuals were even on this road, as Ms Kauert from Germany was only in London on a business trip and Mr Smith had only recently returned from a year abroad travelling.

Holly Harper of Britannia Driving School said: “This highlights the vital importance of securing your vehicle before leaving it and allowing other vehicles clear access especially on narrow roads. This accident could have been avoided and it is important for drivers to learn from this tragedy.”

What are your thought on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below:

A Romanian lorry driver caused a fatal head-on crash after he forgot he was in the UK and drove for more than half a mile on the wrong side of the road, a court heard.

Florentin Humeniuc, 54, was yesterday jailed for two years after he earlier admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

Humeniuc ‘reverted to Continental driving mode’ after he left the M50 motorway in Gloucestershire and turned on to the A417, Gloucester Crown Court was told.

He drove for more than half a mile uphill in the wrong lane before smashing into an oncoming Mercedes panel van being driven by fire service engineer Michael Bryan.

Mr Bryan’s van was doing 37mph at the time of the collision but was shunted back more than 26 ft before coming to a halt, the court heard.

Passing sentence, Recorder Paul Dugdale said: ‘It is clear that he took up a driving position in the right hand lane as if he was on the continent.

‘It is accepted by everybody that this was a lapse of concentration and that until he saw Mr Bryan’s van approaching he was not aware of his error.’

Drivers all have their pet hates but the list below highlights some of the most infuriating behaviour on the roads.

Manners, or lack of – How difficult would it be to thank drivers for being courteous on the roads, or for drivers not to not pinch that parking spot you were waiting for.

Box junctions and blocking roads – Everyone is in a hurry and wants to get through the lights, but keep road entrances clear and only pull forward when it is safe and sensible to do so.

Middle lane hoggers – Drivers that drive at 60mph in the middle lane when the slow lane is free.

Tailgating – It makes drivers feel uncomfortable and pressured and can lead to an accident. Remember the rule, stay at least two seconds behind the car in front.

Indicators and not using them – Indicators are there to give prior warning of an action, let drivers and pedestrians know what you intend to do.

Jumping red lights – Red lights are there for a reason, it means STOP. But for many drivers and cyclists (just as dangerous if not more for cyclists) they seem to view a red light as optional.

Finally taxi drivers – Many of them are culprit to all of the above, they spend all day on the road therefore feel it is their right to be there.

Holly Harper of Britannia Driving School said: “All drivers should be considerate to other road users and pedestrians, stay safe and enjoy the journey.”

What are your thought on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below:

EXPERTS REVEAL HOW TO GET A CHEAPER CAR AND INSURANCE..

New cars start appearing with ’60’ number plates today and while they are now updated twice a year – March 1 is the other – it’s still a crucial time for manufacturers and dealers who expect to sell 331,700 vehicles this month.

If you’re in the market for a new motor, Your Money has the lowdown on how to drive a hard bargain – and not just on the car.