Cars

[SteveH]

Millions of motorists are being urged to book their MOT test as the pressure of the Covid backlog starts to mount on mechanics.

Experts are encouraging drivers to book their car's test as soon as possible to ease the strain on garages.

The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) granted a six-month extension for MOT tests at the start of the pandemic, which has led to a prediction of an intense surge in bookings this autumn.

The surge in demand is expected to come not from those who took advantage of the extension, but for those who have their MOT test due in October, November and December.

As a result, drivers will need to book in their vehicles in order to remain road legal and road safe ahead of the change in season.

cont  https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/millions-drivers-told-book-mot-21742408?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4

[SteveH]

DVLA has plans for major changes to driving licences and MOTs.........(After the success of the paperless road tax system)   
The plan is being considered in order to bring driving 'into the modern age'

The DVLA is looking at whether it can create an app for licences, which would launch in 2024.

If the digital version of the provisional licence is successful, full licences could be thrown away completely for digital ones.

Mr Shapps added that EU rules had stopped the introduction of digital licences and the move was part of “exciting new post-EU freedoms”.

He said: "This is a golden chance to shake off the bureaucracy, invest in our future, and realise our potential with world-leading transport that benefits all of Britain."

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dvla-plans-major-changes-driving-21830441

[BrianP]

£94 million in unpaid road tax is far from a success.

[Hugo]

£94 million in unpaid road tax is far from a success.

Brian, it's not £94 million....... it's far worse and is certainly a loss of over £100 million each and every year although the DVLA has denied that it is nearer £400 million that was quoted by someone.

I asked for the number of SORN vehicles and those that are untaxed in accordance with the FOI  Act  but the DVLA refused to give me the figures.      It's a good job that they are not in charge of the breweries too

[SteveH]

The cheapest and most expensive petrol stations in your area as fuel costs soar
It comes as petrol stock levels are beginning to recover following a spree of panic buying
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/cheapest-most-expensive-petrol-stations-22014464?IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4

Conwy
Unleaded:
Cheapest: 141.7p - ASDA, Tudor Crescent, LL30 1BU

Most expensive: 147.9p - JET, Llandudno, LL30 1YR

Diesel:
Cheapest: 145.7p - ASDA, Tudor Crescent, LL30 1BU

Most expensive: 151.9p - Shell, Black Cat, LL28 5LE

Llandudno
Unleaded:
Cheapest: 141.7p - ASDA, Tudor Crescent, LL30 1BU

Most expensive: 147.9p - JET, Llandudno, LL30 1YR

Diesel:
Cheapest: 145.7p - ASDA, Tudor Crescent, LL30 1BU

Most expensive: 151.9p - Shell, Black Cat, LL28 5LE

Abergele
Unleaded:
Cheapest: 138.9p - Sainsbury's, Rhuddlan, LL18 2TJ

Most expensive: 149.9p - Esso, A55 Kinmel Park services, LL18 5XW

Diesel:
Cheapest: 142.7p - ASDA, St Asaph Avenue, LL18 5EQ

Most expensive: 156.9p - Esso, A55 westbound, LL18 5SR

[SteveH]

The E10 fuel issue that could have an impact on every driver using it
The fuel contains a higher percentage of renewable fuel and is deemed more climate friendly than E5

 “E10 causes an increase in fuel consumption for any car that's using it. Ethanol is less energy-dense than unleaded fuel.

“So that means that because it has this lower energy density you have to use more and therefore your fuel consumption in your car will go up.

“You’re not going to lose any power because your car's computer will alter the air-fuel balance to make up for that loss of energy density.

“But your fuel consumption will go up. I really couldn't believe it.”

The Department for Transport's Introducing E10 petrol study confirmed drivers would experience lower fuel economy under the new E10 grade.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/e10-fuel-issue-could-impact-22054793

[SteveH]

Cars or Points to Ponder 

A motoring expert has warned that the new E10 fuel could lead to ‘big problems’ for vehicles this winter.

While the damage would not happen overnight, experts believe damage could occur within six months to a year.

Managing Director at Parkers MOT, Jonathan Barbara has warned winter will be “the biggest issue” as vehicles could possibly become damaged by E10.

He added that the issue is because there will be “more moisture” which is likely to react with the ethanol heavy E10 compound.

Mr Barbara also warned cars may be left lying around more which could also lead to corrosion as the corrosive fuel is not being used and drained.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/motoring/motoring-news/experts-warn-e10-fuel-could-22135929

[DVT]

Isn't this a classic case of those running the asylum not thinking things through?

[SteveH]

A further crackdown on drivers that continue to use mobile phones behind the wheel is expected to be introduced next year.

Tougher new laws and penalties will come into effect in a bid to dissuade drivers from using their phone in almost every capacity.
It is already illegal to text or make a phone call, other than in an emergency.

From 2022, laws will go further to ban drivers from using their phones to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games.
This will mean anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.

Drivers will still be able to continue using a device "hands-free" while driving, such as a sat-nav, if it’s secured in a cradle.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Too many deaths and injuries occur while mobile phones are being held.

There are however stipulations that move with the current times, for example whilst stationary you will be allowed to make contactless payments with your phone.

This exemption will cover, for example, places like a drive-through restaurant or a road toll, and will only apply when payment is being made with a card reader. It will not allow motorists to make general online payments while driving.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/tough-new-driving-laws-set-22212313

[SteveH]

North Wales Police launch drink and drug drive campaign

AS THE festive season is about to take off, police officers in North Wales are urging people out not to get behind the wheel after drinking or consuming drugs.

The four Welsh police forces – North Wales Police, Gwent Police, South Wales Police and Dyfed-Powys Police - are today launching their Christmas Anti-Drink and Drug Drive Campaign which aims to catch people who risk their life and the lives of others by getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

Anyone convicted of drink or drug driving gets a criminal record, is subject to an automatic disqualification of at least 12 months and receives a large fine. Serious offenders can also be jailed.

The month-long operation against driving under the influence sees the force step up its use of intelligence-led tactics and local knowledge of hotspots to detect people who are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the festive period.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19757154.north-wales-police-launch-drink-drug-drive-campaign/

[SteveH]

                      Ouch.... I feel for the poor fella.

Land Rover owner's shock as storm-hit tree splits vehicle he'd spent four years restoring in half
Neil Dalleywater heard a 'bump' outside and discovered his 1972 Land Rover had been crushed
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/land-rover-owners-shock-storm-22399378

[SteveH]

Drivers still unhappy about ‘expensive new E10’ petrol months after it was released
The greener fuel was released in September and has since left drivers divided

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/drivers-still-unhappy-expensive-new-22458760

[SteveH]

A new rule for motorists and cyclists has the potential to cause 'confusion and dangerous situations', according to the AA.

The new Highway Code rule change due to be introduced in the new year will mean motorists have to give way to cyclists and pedestrians at junctions.

But after surveying more than 13,000 drivers, the AA said it found only a third were aware of the change, which comes into force on January 29.

Under the revised rules, which will become law subject to parliamentary approval, drivers and cyclists must give way if pedestrians are waiting to cross the road into which or from they are turning. Motorists must also give way to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.

The original Highway Code gave vehicles priority at junctions, so pedestrians only had right of way if they were already on the junction road.

The AA said people should understand the new rules ahead of time, "because any confusion is likely to lead to avoidable collisions".

For their safety, cyclists must also ride in the center of the lane when approaching junctions and on quiet roads.

cont https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/every-driver-warned-potentially-confusing-22506420?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4#comments-wrapper

[DVT]

I suspect the new rules will cause more incidents.

Imagine you are turning left off a main road.  A pedestrian is about to cross the minor road, so you have to stop and let them cross - the back end of your car is out in the main road.  Car behind runs into you.

You are driving along a road.  A cyclist coming in the opposite direction wants to turn right, across your path.  You are expected to stop and let the cyclist cross.  Potential for following car to ram you up the backside or, at best, to start a queue behind you.  Surely the cyclist should be expected to act as if he (or she) was driving a car, and turn when there is a safe gap.

The fact that some drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are aware of the new code and others are not, will cause no end of problems, potential injuries and possibly worse.

It does seem the norm these days for someone in authority to come up with things without thinking them through.

[SteveH]

Spot on ...........