Amazing so many would fail their first test, when they might not have covered an excessive mileage. Shows that the government were wise recently not to extend the time period for the first MOT to fours years duration.

The Government announced plans today to crack down on those who drive while under the influence of drugs.

Source:  Department of Transport

Would be a very sensible change, if and when the detection methods are proved to be effective. Driving under the influence of drugs, is a real problem to road safety and needs to be taken as seriously as drink driving has been for many years.

Amazing that so many repeat offenders are allowed to continue their driving, when they have clearly broken the law (and been caught) many times. The rules are in place to keep everyone safer on the roads, so why is everyone not punished the same?

The figure is based on our unparalleled insight into car values with our experts concluding that 10,000 miles is the ‘golden number’ of miles you need to drive if you are to recover the extra cost of buying a second hand diesel model.

Both second-hand and new diesel models command a strong price premium over their petrol counterparts. The average cost of a new family-sized car which runs on diesel is £1,300 more than its petrol equivalent. Due to increased demand, this is magnified in the second hand market where the average three year old family car is up to £2,000 more than the petrol model. This means, if you buy a three year old diesel and drive less than 10,000 miles a year, you are unlikely to recover this money over an average three year length of ownership.

Over recent years the difference between the purchase price of three year old petrol and diesel models has increased noticeably. Whilst increasing fuel prices have had a significant impact, it has also been driven by the advancement of diesel engine technology which has led to a less compromised driving experience. In many cases today, diesels run as quietly and smoothly as their petrol equivalents, certainly not the case a decade ago, and additionally offer some practical advances over petrol models, such as better torque figures.

However, we predict that the gap is now likely to remain constant. Our in-house expert Adrian Rushmore,  comments: “More and more used diesels are coming on to the market and with new diesel car sales surpassing petrol last year, we’re only going to see an increase in the amount available on the second hand market. This increased availability should stop used car prices rising too much further. Sooner or later, buyers will also cotton on to the fact that you actually have to do a fairly significant amount of miles – 10,000 or so – to recoup the cost. The 10,000 mile figure is based on averages of hundreds of thousands of car prices and current fuel prices. This is the ‘magic number’ consumers should use to guide their choice – if you’re driving 5,000 miles for example, you definitely don’t want to buy a diesel on economic grounds.”

Source:  blog.glass.co.uk

Fuel would be so much cheaper if the government, didn’t take continual opportunities to increase duties on it!

In his ruling, James Richardson, a Traffic Penalty Tribunal adjudicator, said: “The sensitive nature of evidence gathered by CCTV is specifically considered and addressed by the guidance issued by the Government. Recommendation is made that such devices are only used where enforcement is difficult, sensitive or enforcement by wardens is not practical.”

Some relief for motorists who can sometimes be on the wrong end of overzealous enforcement, and a smaller revenue stream for authorities.

Sounds like a very good and welcome idea to help motorists to help with their car expenses. On the government side it would appear a smart move to a much easier way to manage the tax, and cut down on paperwork.

Local authorities across England have been given advice on how to tackle the problem of potholes on their roads following the publication of a review commissioned by Local Transport Minister Norman Baker.

Definitely a big concern on the roads. There needs to be clear education on the problems of taking drugs of any kind before driving, so motorists understand the risks, and allowing them to make a correct judgement of whether to drive or not. This needs to be backed up with proper roadside testing, as with the drink driving laws.

Just seems like another burden on the already heavily taxed motorist. Government always seem to waste money and spend greatly in areas where it would appear is not needed, correct management of our finances would help the masses, to not face masses of unwelcome stealth taxes.

Alan Mackenzie, Chairman of the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) points out: “Severe winter weather would not, in itself, produce a plague of potholes on well maintained roads. These disastrous figures result from decades of underfunding and enforced short-term planning, frustrating the efforts of local authority highways engineers to carry out the preventative work which they know has needed to be done. One in five local authority roads has less than five years life. This is clearly unsustainable.”

Amazingly sorry state for our roads, especially as motorists pay so much for them in the way of taxes and duties (especially on fuel). It would seem that the slow and limited process of repair work can not keep track of the difficulties, and we will no doubt see the problem get worse, especially if we experience hard winters

Source:  Department of Transport

Worrying figures, likely only to get higher which future increases in technology and improved social media applications. What can be done to stop this problem, as most drivers realise they shouldn’t use phones when driving, but still flout the laws? Many know there  may be little chance of getting caught, when they should think of the risks to themselves and others.

A £1.2 million THINK! campaign urging drivers to see the person behind the motorcycle helmet was launched today by Road Safety Minister Mike Penning.

The age gap between the youngest driving license holder and the oldest is 90 years. But contrary to common assumptions, drivers in their eighties are not dangerous. The figures show that they are in fact much safer than their more youthful counterparts. The rate of deaths and serious injuries in crashes among drivers over 80 is three times less than the rate for those aged 17-19. In 2010 almost one young driver aged 17-19 was killed or seriously injured per thousand licence holders. The rate of deaths and serious injuries in crashes among car drivers aged 20 to 24 is 36.4 per cent more than the rate for drivers aged 80 or over.

However, drivers over the age of 80 are more likely to suffer serious injuries in a car crash due to their frailty. IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Older people need their cars which give them better mobility and access to more activities and services. Those who wish to continue driving beyond the age of 70 should only be prevented from doing so if there are compelling reasons. Rather than seeking to prevent older people from driving, we should make them more aware of the risks they face, and offer them driving assessments to help them eliminate bad habits. Driving helps older people play a full and active part in society.” The number of older drivers will continue to rise as the Office of National Statistics predicts that there will be 8.7million people over the age of 75 by 2033. This will represent a increase of 81.1 per cent of over 75 year-olds since 2008 – some 4.8 million people.

From IAM

It would seem to make good sense not to change the frequency, which could have led to many unsafe cars using our roads, as a lot could become defective on a vehicle in a two years!

Clutter free street (from daily mail 2/2/11)

Exhibition road, in Kensington London has opened a street free from all the great amount of  road furniture and unnecessary objects we see these days.  The thought for the planners of this concept, which has its origins from Europe, would be for the motorists and pedestrians to think more about their actions, therefore  interacting safer with each other. An expensive scheme costing a reported £30 million.

Providing pedestrians and motorists monitor and respect each others actions, we may see many more of these types of roads springing up around the country. Many motorists currently don’t look at road signs, react to what they say, or sometimes even know what they mean, so this scheme could improve their awareness and safety.

Source:  Department of Transport

New powers to help councils cut the disruption caused by road works were announced today by Transport Minister Norman Baker.

Source:  Department of Transport

It would seem to make perfect sense,  as there are estimated to be 1.5 million trips into this country by foreign lorries. All the wear and tear they cause on our roads, is either being paid for by ourselves, or not being repaired at all. This extra revenue (which is only fair for using our roads) should boost our road networks a great deal

Until now all the questions used in the driving theory test have been published. These changes will mean that learner drivers and riders gain a better understanding of driving theory, because they can no longer rely on simply learning which options are correct for individual questions.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

“By bringing a stop to publication of theory test questions we aim to encourage candidates to prepare by learning each topic area thoroughly rather than just memorising the questions and answers.

“The intention is to improve candidates’ knowledge and understanding of driving theory, so that they are more able to retain and apply it when they are on the road.”

The familiar theory test books and software still offer revision questions for candidates to test themselves and assess their progress. They now also have exercises so learners can practice applying their knowledge on each topic to case studies. There are also new sections of revision support for motorcyclists and a free e-book for car drivers.

The agency has also launched its first iPhone apps for theory test revision, which also help candidates to study and monitor their progress at their convenience as they approach their test date. These are available from the iTunes Store.

DSA books, electronic books and software are available to order or download from TSO at tsoshop.co.uk/dsa and all good bookshops.

Source:  DSA

Would seem a strange additional item to carry in order to make their roads safer, it could encourage some to drink and drive, if they tested slightly under the limit. Perversely if you only carried one unit and used it for testing before driving, you would open yourself up to getting a fine anyway!

When the change happens, we will perhaps see not much of a change, as many travel at that speed on motorways already! It would still be wise to have flexibility with top speed limits, and reduce as necessary when weather or traffic conditions  are not favourable, and have harsher penalties for those travelling over the new 80mph limit.

For anyone who has had a heavy cold and tried to concentrate on tasks, or even just watching the television, will understand how hard it is to remain focussed on the job at hand sometimes. Additionally drugs that may be taken to combat the illness, may well cause drowsiness, leading to even less concentration powers still. Always wise to stay off the roads, if impaired in any way, not worth the risk.

Its very worrying to think that many are not sure of what to do on the roads, especially in rights of way issues. There must be high numbers of crashes that can be avoided, saving lives and money. Many do not learn the highway code and its rules thoroughly, when learning to drive, just ‘doing enough to scrape a pass’. This lack of knowledge leads to firstly driving test fails, and a potential lack of safe and secure driving for years to come.

Drivers need to be educated more to the risks that mobile phones have on safe driving, as only a small distraction can lead to major incidents developing. This needs to be enforced on the roads, as drivers flout the law at present, as there is a limited chance of being caught.

A high number of incidents, that could easily be avoided by checking for other vehicles behind you before reversing.  Another way to lesson problems is to reverse into spaces or driveways, so that reversing at the start of a journey is kept to a minimum.

New badge “as secure as a banknote” says Minister

Drivers across England are to benefit from shorter motorway closures after crashes thanks to the roll-out of 3D laser scanning technology funded by the Government and police, Roads Minister Mike Penning announced today.

Source:  Department for Transport

This is a very under-estimated problem on the roads, as amounts of any type of drugs can cause massive impairments to drivers judgements, and therefore road safety. Surely a combination of driver education to the risks and potential dangers of all types of drugs would be a start. Then backed up by tougher rules and testing as required.

DSA has made a change to online bookings for theory tests. When booking online, you’ll need to give a contact email address to get your confirmation.

If you book via DSA’s contact centre

If you book your test via DSA’s contact centre, you’ll automatically be asked to give an email address for where you want the confirmation to be sent. You’ll only get a posted confirmation if you are unable to give an email address over the phone.

If you’re booking more than one theory test at a time

If you need to book more than one theory test at the same time, if all your bookings are allocated to a single order number, you’ll only get one booking confirmation.

This confirmation will give details of all the tests and candidates that have been booked under that single order number. If you want to make multiple bookings over the phone, you’ll need to consider which email or postal address you give for receipt of the booking confirmation. Online bookings are not affected.

Viewing, checking and printing your booking confirmation

You can go back into the online system at any time and view your theory test booking and appointment confirmation. The system will then allow you to re-print your booking confirmation.

To check a theory test online go to: direct.gov.uk/changetheorytest

You now won’t need to bring your theory test booking confirmation when turning up for your theory test.

Source: DSA

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The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. It’s essential reading for everyone.

The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, particularly children, older or disabled people, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

It is important that all road users are aware of the code and are considerate towards each other. This applies to pedestrians as much as to drivers and riders.

Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. Cutting the number of deaths and injuries that occur on our roads every day is a responsibility we all share.

Source: DSA

As a result of the Road Transport Red Tape Challenge – the government wide process to get rid of unnecessary, burdensome and overcomplicated regulation – the Department for Transport is:

• Scrapping the regulation requiring motorists to hold a paper counterpart to their driving licence by 2015 – saving drivers up to £8m.
• Improving the regulation surrounding the notification process for vehicles that are not in use on the road (Statutory Off Road Notification or SORN). Once drivers have notified the DVLA that their vehicle is SORN, they will no longer have the burden of annual SORN renewal.
• Only issuing hard-copies of V5C vehicle registration certificates for fleet operators when needed, with the potential to be rolled out to private motorists.
• Introducing a limited exemption from drivers’ hours rules so that those who also drive as Territorial Army reservists in their own time can continue to do so.

Following a vigorous process of challenge, both by the public and within Whitehall, a total of 142 road transport regulations will now be scrapped or improved.

Justine Greening said;

“Motorists shouldn’t have to keep numerous bits of paper just to prove they can drive and have bought insurance – we live in digital age and we need to embrace that.

“Reducing the number of rules and regulations in our life is absolutely vital to removing barriers to economic growth and increasing individual freedoms. This whole process just proves that there’s so much sitting on our statute books that at the very least needs a good spring clean or can be scrapped entirely.”

Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said:

“I’m delighted that so many motoring regulations will be scrapped or improved, particularly those that affect business.

“The Red Tape Challenge has built up real momentum since it was launched in April. Overall, of over 1,200 regulations considered so far, we have agreed to scrap or improve well over 50 per cent.

“We have already published regulations covering 12 themes, and there are 13 themes to come, so there remains huge scope for reducing the burden of regulation on business and individuals even further.”

Other proposed changes to road transport regulations include:

• Removing the need for an insurance certificate. The Department for Transport will work with the insurance industry on removing the need for motorists to have to hold an insurance certificate.
• Abolishing the requirement for drivers to prove they have insurance when applying for tax meaning 600,000 more people will be able to tax their car online. This has been made possible by new checks of existing databases for insurance under new Continuous Insurance Enforcement rules. The DVLA’s records are compared regularly with the Motor Insurance Database (MID) to identify registered keepers of vehicles that appear to have no insurance.
• We will look at experience in other countries on driver Certificates of Professional Competence (CPC) – the qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers. In particular, to see if we could remove the need for some sectors, such as farmers who drive stock to market, from needing a CPC.
• Local Authorities will now have to ensure business interests are properly considered as part of any future proposed Workplace Parking Levy scheme. They must show they have properly and effectively consulted local businesses, have addressed any proper concerns raised and secured support from the local business community.
• Abolishing the regulations on the treatment of lost property on buses. Bus companies currently have to wait 48 hours before they can throw away perishable items left on the bus.

From Department of Transport press release

Switching off the lights should not pose too much of a problem for drivers, who will have to drive on a great many unlit roads  anyway. It would seem sensible to turn off some lights as the roads quieten down, then some more could be lost in the middle of the night, this way we could save money and keep roads safe.

Many accidents are a result of driver error. In fact, this is the number one reason for accidents. Driver error refers to any sort of mistake the drive makes while on the road. For instance, they might underestimate a braking distance. They may also fail to check their blind spots. Tailgating is another driver error that can result in rear end collisions. Given the fact that driver error is responsible for more road accidents, it further emphasizes the importance of defensive driving.

Speeding or reckless driving can also result in other types of road accidents. Many drivers simply do not observe speed limits. These limits are set with safety in mind. Whenever they are exceeded, the driver is asking for potential problems. For every increase in the speed of a vehicle, the greater the chance that a road accident will occur.

Another type of road accident involves drunk driving. The accident occurs as a result of the driver’s blood alcohol level. This creates impaired judgment on the part of the driver. Some drivers may also be under the influence of other mind altering substances.

Road accidents can also be due to malfunctions within the vehicle itself. For example, brake failure can cause a car to be unable to stop or slow down. This creates the potential for a collision with another vehicle or stationary object on the roadside. Sometimes tires can fall apart which leads to a road accident.

Whiplash is a common injury after a car accident. If you want to know more about making whiplash claims, then visit www.roadtrafficaccidentsite.com.

Source: DSA 09/11/11