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So what do we think of the Mandelson bailout? Frankly not a lot although time will tell. The problem with all these packages seems to be that they get to the point of understanding the problems and seeking a solution but they don’t seem to then tell those to whom they are giving the money how they want it used. They gave money to the banks and told them to start lending again but they didn’t tell them when, how much Read more »

Are you becoming green conscious? Many more people it would seem are taking the green issues into account when selecting their new cars so the Government has reacted by providing drivers with a tool that enables them to compare the green credentials of all cars. You can do this by visiting the following site: http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/actonco2 I found it a bit slow to load but interesting once you’re there. By Graham Hill

1 in 12 seventeen to twenty five year old drivers don’t believe that they will ever get caught when drink driving compared to 1 in 25 older drivers. These findings were the result of a survey carried out amongst 4,000 drivers by safety charity BRAKE and Green Flag Motoring Assistance. Safety organisations have been pushing to extend police powers to enable them to breathalyse drivers without Read more »

After a strong NO vote for the western extension of the congestion charging in London (67%) Boris Johnson will scrap the scheme introduced by Ken Livingstone in 2007. This will halve the size of the congestion charging zone and as many have suggested with little effect on the environment. So why are other cities still hell bent on introducing the schemes elsewhere in the country when no one really wants them? This year is decision year for many proposals, I wonder if many other cities will follow the new London Mayor’s example and let the people decide or will they have their motoring costs substantially increased without any say? Time will tell but one thing is for certain something needs to be done but is the solution congestion charging? By Graham Hill

I’m confused! I could understand the bailout of the banks, we can’t allow the banking system to collapse. And whilst the VAT cut was never going to have a significant effect on the economy in terms of kick starting expenditure it was a small step in the right direction but why are the Government listening to the car manufacturers? Of course it’s terrible when people lose their jobs and making loyal and good workers redundant is one of the hardest things Read more »

Unless you work in the finance industry you may not fully understand the term ‘credit crunch’. It is simply the running out of money to lend, hence the reason why the Government is having to step in to inject more money into the economy and provide money for the banks to lend – in theory. Of course all they are doing is using the money to bolster their balance sheet making the ‘cash in bank’ look a little healthier. The problem for you and me is the ability to borrow money, Read more »

Since the introduction of free movement throughout Europe it has become possible for drivers to hold two driving licences at the same time, one from his country of origin and another, quite legally, issued in the country in which he now resides. This has led to a situation whereby a driver is convicted of an offence following which his Read more »

Finally it would seem that fewer people are using private cars for business since the Government chose not to adjust the Approved Mileage Allowance Payment (AMAP) in line with increasing running costs especially the increase in fuel costs. The rates are still set at 40 pence per mile for the first 10,000 miles and 25 pence per mile thereafter, tax and NI free. This rate was set six years ago Read more »

The Government has launched a major review of road signs, the biggest for 40 years. Transport Minister, Rosie Winterton, has called upon all motorists to have their say in how Britain’s streets should look in future. The review is aimed at using latest technology to help cut congestion and emissions and keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. The idea is to provide local authorities with new powers to Read more »

A campaign, involving more than 45,000 petrol stations across Europe, has started to distribute leaflets advising drivers how to increase fuel efficiency. The Save More Than Fuel Campaign is being led by the European Petrol Industry Association – Europia with the support of the EC. Of course it is – and I’ll be advising clients shortly as to how they can avoid cars altogether by riding a bike or taking public transport! As if! Duh! By Graham Hill