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Proposals have been made to re-schedule MOT tests. The first to take place after 4 years followed by biannual checks. As cars are built better and service intervals stretch out to 2 years or 20,000 miles it is felt that MOT tests are not required so frequently. However, the vehicle repairer’s association, MVRA, has objected strongly referring to ‘serious safety issues’ if the new proposals are adopted. I’ll keep you posted. By Graham Hill

Satellite Navigation provider, Garmin, carried out a survey into Britain‘s worst roads, clearly of use when trying to avoid long delays to avoid not only the loss of time but also the cost of fuel. The worst road, voted by almost one in three drivers surveyed, was the M25 whilst London was voted the worst city for its confusing road signs, one way systems and road works. On the other hand the A591 between Keswick and Lake Windermere was voted the best road in Britain Read more »

It would seem that as cost of living continues to increase more motorists are attempting to give up smoking but as a result warnings have been issued not to drive if you are taking a drug designed to help smokers to quit. The Government appointed MHRA Pharmacovigilance Risk Management Group warned that the anti-smoking drug Champix could cause adverse effects that would affect the driver’s ability to drive. You should remember that driving under the influence of drugs carries the same stiff penalties as drink driving.

Since the changes to the Highway Code, brought in last year, Churchill Car Insurance carried out a survey and found many drivers unaware of the changes. More than 80% were unaware that playing loud music in cars is against the new Highway Code rules and almost two thirds admitted to eating whilst driving which is against the new rules. The research also found that 30% of drivers think that driving in flip flops or high heels is forbidden and yet this is not the case! That’s a relief eh fellas! You can view the new highway code online by visiting www.direct.gov.uk  scroll down to travel and transport and click on highway code then scroll down again to view all the headings.

Well, it’s motor show time again and all the talk is about the new low emission cars. So it wasn’t surprising that at the same time Asda and Morrisons announced fuel cuts by up to 4 pence per litre which may spark a price war – we hope. It may therefore be wise to track the lowest prices closest to you which you can do by clicking on http://www.petrolprices.com/. The warning is not to get carried away and end up travelling miles to top up, spending more on the fuel you use than the amount you save on the top up.

Apparently on the new technology front there is to be a new generation Sat Nav available within 2 years. Researchers are developing a new navigation system that alerts motorists to traffic jams and advises of the best avoiding route before they reach the congestion. (Yeah right – I thought that’s what RDS was all about when they tell you 5 minutes after you’ve joined the 12 mile tailback that there’s a bit of a que ahead). Anyway, I’ll stop being cynical and explain that the new system called Read more »

As regular readers will know I am a great supporter of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and would like to see it fitted to all new cars as it is so much more important than ABS which is now fitted as standard on all cars sold in the UK. The European Commission proposed that by 2012 all new cars should have ESC fitted as standard. However the results of a recent EU wide survey showed Read more »

Just about to travel to or through France, even on a day trip? Then please note that the French have a new piece of legislation making it compulsory to have a reflective jacket on board. In an emergency the jacket must be easily accessible by the driver and must be put on before leaving the car. You need a quick trip to Halfords or you could end up with a fine.

So you’ve been out and got yourself a nice environmentally friendly electric car for driving around London. Not only do you avoid congestion charges but also you get free parking. Oh no you don’t! Bonkers Boris has suddenly decided that by giving free parking to these little electric cars it discourages the use of public transport, walking and cycling so from the end of 2008 you no longer get free parking in an electric car. This will now cost those who hold free parking cards £2,000 as well as wiping 50% off the value of their cars. I agree with the spokesman from electric car manufacturer Nice who described the decision as ‘Barmy’. And we thought Ken was clueless.

Leasing companies are really starting to feel the squeeze from several directions. Interest rates are going up, new car prices are increasing, there are fewer customers and more importantly used car prices have taken a sudden dive resulting in losses on virtually every car that is being de-fleeted  forcing rates up further on new cars in order to balance the losses. However, in addition to the rate adjustments we have seen many leasing companies try to recoup losses from customers by making large Read more »