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Drivers and fleet operators are being urged to keep their cars and vans safe by the UK’s top police officer investigating vehicle crime.

Provisional figures from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) show a 3.1% increase between May 2021 and June 2021 in vehicle crime, with a large part of this increase from keyless theft.

Police intelligence suggests that organised crime gangs are using relay technology to receive the signal from a key inside a house and transfer it to a portable device, allowing them to unlock and drive the car.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vehicle crime, said: “Whilst the rapid development of technology has dramatically improved the experience of drivers it has also allowed criminals to exploit weaknesses in electronic security.”

Sims explained that they are working closely with car manufacturers to help them “design out crime” by sharing intelligence and equipment seized from criminals. She said: “We are already making substantial progress in this regard.”

She continued: “I would urge drivers to take simple steps to keep their vehicle safe like storing your keys in metal tins or protective pouches that block the devices criminals are using. A return to basics like making sure your car is locked is worthwhile too.

“We know from research that some owners think that cars automatically lock – they don’t. Always double check before you walk away that it’s locked.”

Despite the recent small increase in this type of theft overall theft of, and from, motor vehicles was down by 21% in the latest ONS crime statistics.

In June, new research from Verizon Connect showed that stolen vehicles or equipment costs fleet-based businesses an average of £12,250 each year.

For businesses with more than 100 vehicles, the cost is even higher, with the data suggesting fleets lose, on average, £21,000 each year.

Police say they have made significant gains against these criminals and arrests are being made across the UK.

Just recently, Leicestershire Police secured the conviction of seven members of an organised crime gang who were involved in more than 50 keyless thefts involving vehicles totalling £2.4 million. They were jailed for a total of more than 30 years.

Earlier last month in Liverpool, five people were sentenced to a total of more than 23 years in prison after being convicted for a range of offences including the theft of keyless cars totalling around £2.6m.

Meanwhile, Cheshire Constabulary secured the conviction of a man for several car and key burglaries and he was sentenced to more than seven years imprisonment in July.

Sims added: “These crime gangs care little for the impact they have on ordinary people, but they should know that police are coming after them.

“We are carrying out proactive operations every single week and as recent results show, they can expect to spend a significant time in prison when we catch them.”

To prevent theft drivers can take simple steps like double checking a car is locked, keeping keys out of sight and away from windows and doors and storing key cards in a metal tin or security pouch.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Software experts have discovered numerous security flaws with a range of smart electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

They were able to remotely switch the chargers on and off, remove the owner’s access and lock or unlock the charging cable.

Devices from Wallbox and Project EV – both approved for sale in the UK by the Department for Transport – were found to be “lacking adequate security” by researchers at Pen Test Partners.

Speaking to the BBC, Vangelis Stykas, a cyber-security researcher, said: “On Wallbox you could take full control of the charger, you could gain full access and remove the usual owner’s access on the charger. You could stop them from charging their own vehicles, and provide free charging to an attacker’s vehicle.

“Project EV had a really bad implementation on their back end. Their authentication where it existed was pretty primitive, so an attacker could easily escalate themselves to being an administrator and change the firmware of all the chargers.”

He says changing the programming on the device would allow an attacker to permanently disable the charger, or use it to attack other chargers or servers.

Hackers could also infiltrate a home network, in cases where the chargers were connected by Wi-Fi.

Pen Test Partners believes that multiple chargers could also be controlled at the same time using some of the vulnerabilities it found, which could potentially be used by an attacker to overload the electricity grid in some areas and cause blackouts.

The company assessed charging units from Project EV, Wallbox, EVBox, EO Hub, Rolec and Hypervolt.

Most of the faults have now been addressed, however charge point owners are advised to install the latest software updates to the devices.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The following article illustrates why branding on vans could void their insurance but I’ve included the article for all to read because it could equally apply to doing similar to your car.

Van operators are being urged to check vehicle signage or branding is recorded as a modification on their insurance policy or risk voiding their cover.

Insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk says many van operators are unaware that their van’s branding falls into the modification category on current policies, alongside items such as spoilers and alloy wheels.

Drivers need to keep their insurance provider up to speed with any modifications, including newly added branding or signage, because those modifications can sometimes change the van’s risk profile, it says.

Signage or branding on a van, for example, might increase the risk of a break-in if thieves think valuable equipment or tools might be stored in the vehicle.

In addition, if the vehicle is ever involved in an accident the cost of repairing or replacing the signage might increase the overall cost of repairing the van.

The insurance comparison website advises van owners to make sure forms are correctly answered when taking out a new policy, inform their existing provider if signage or a vehicle wrap is added after the policy was taken out, and if in doubt ask the provider.

Greg Wilson, founder of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “It’s worth checking how their insurer views any branding on the vehicle to ensure they’re correctly declaring everything they’re required to declare.”

Making sure the policy is always accurate ensures drivers are protected should they need to make a claim, added Quotezone.co.uk.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Police driving an unmarked HGV cab have caught motorists on the motorway breaking the law, with 85 offences detected during a week-long operation.

West Mercia Police teamed up with Highways England for Operation Tramline, a joint national operation aimed at changing driver behaviour.

It involves roads policing officers driving an unmarked HGV cab which offers an elevated position allowing police officers to film risky behaviour, such as mobile phone use and seatbelt use, within passing vehicles.

The plain white HGV tractor unit loaned to West Mercia Police by Highways England has been used across the country enabling officers to crack down on motorists who break the law, first taking to the road in 2018.

Superintendent Gareth Morgan of West Mercia Police said: “During this operation officers have witnessed a number of drivers not wearing seatbelts and using their phones behind the wheel.

“There have been various education campaigns highlighting these particular issues so there really is no excuse for people not to know what the law states or the penalties they can receive when they are caught.”

He continued: “This Operation is a great demonstration of joint partnership working with Highways England where the ultimate aim is to improve road safety for all and reduce the amount of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Highways England assistant regional safety coordinator, Marie Biddulph, added: “We know that the majority of drivers who use our roads every day are sensible and safe behind the wheel but it is disappointing so see how many people are still putting themselves and others at risk by simply ignoring the law.

“Operation Tramline could not operate without our police partners and we are very grateful to West Mercia Police for helping us to tackle such dangerous driving on our roads.

“We hope that through our continuing partnership and use of the supercabs we can encourage all motorists to think about their driving behaviour.”

During the week-long operation in West Mercia, 85 offences were detected on the motorway, such as non-seatbelt use, mobile phone use and driving without due care.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

New tyre label regulations from the EU are expected to be introduced in the UK before the end of the year.

The new rules, which are designed to improve awareness of tyre characteristics, were introduced in Ireland and Northern Ireland on May 1.

The new EU tyre label must be applied to heavy-duty commercial vehicle tyres including trucks and buses (Class C3) with all tyre suppliers – including commercial vehicle suppliers – now required to inform buyers of the label values during the sales process.

It now rates wet braking distances and fuel efficiency from A to E, with A being the best performing, and ranks external noise of the tyre from A to C, with A the quietest.

It also includes winter performance data, via the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMS) symbol, which determines whether a tyre meets tough snow performance requirements, as stipulated when driving across many European countries during colder seasons.

For C1 and C2 tyres, for cars and vans respectively, those previously in class E for fuel efficiency and wet grip will now be assigned to Class D which was previously empty, while those formerly in classes F and G will be assigned to class E. This makes the label clearer and easier to interpret.

Another addition to the EU tyre label is the stipulation that it must include a unique QR code, both on the on actual label and in the tyre manufacturers’ information that links the tyre to the European Product Database for Energy Labelling (EPREL) database, where additional tyre label information can be obtained.

As it stands, the regulation underpinning the new EU tyre labels only applies to new tyres, with revised legislation relating to retread tyres expected in 2023.

Importantly for commercial vehicle operators, mileage performance is not yet incorporated into the label, on the basis that suitable test methods are not currently available.

The label values are also based on the tyre’s performance when new and do not take into account the performance characteristics of the tyre across its lifetime.

Tony Stapleton, head of group fleet sales at Continental Tyres, said: “The new EU tyre label is designed to help people choose safer, more fuel-efficient tyres, factors which are vitally important whether you drive a car, a van or are responsible for choosing tyres for a commercial vehicle fleet.

 “However commercial vehicle customers should view the labelling as just one part of their discussions with tyre suppliers, to ensure performance factors not included in the labelling, such as the opposing requirements of mileage and durability, are factored into their choice.

Most fleets need to make sure their tyres offer a balance between these contrasting drivers, and this will greatly differ fleet to fleet depending on the type of operation and vehicles.

“For example, for construction and waste disposal fleets, tyre durability is critical, with fuel efficiency taking a secondary role, whereas in general haulage such as retail distribution, the fuel efficiency capabilities of a tyre will likely play a far greater role.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Is this the end of insurance rip-off? £1billion saving predicted as firms are stopped from charging existing loyal customers more than new ones.

The Financial Conduct Authority announced that insurers would not be allowed to charge loyal clients more than new ones.

The FCA found insurers were making it harder for customers to stop automatic renewals by keeping them on hold on the telephone for a long time.

These practices were costing around six million households an average of £200 each a year.

INSURANCE customers will no longer be punished for their loyalty under plans that could save households £1billion a year.

In a victory for Money Mail, the Financial Conduct Authority yesterday announced that insurers would not be allowed to charge existing clients more than new ones.

The regulator said its reforms would ‘put an end to the very high prices paid by some long-standing customers’.

Under ‘price walking’, a new car insurance customer typically pays £285 a year, while one who is loyal for five years pays £370. The equivalent figures for home cover are £130 and £238.

One Money Mail reader saw their household premium rise from £313 in 2019 to £1,119 in 2020, despite not having made a claim since 2012.

Ten million policies across home and motor insurance are held by customers who have been with their provider for five years or more. A third of those overpaying for cover are vulnerable, elderly or low paid, the FCA found.

It said insurers were making it harder for customers to stop automatic renewals by keeping them on hold on the telephone for a long time.

Those switching regularly will be flagged by insurers and potentially denied the best deals.

The watchdog said these ‘complex and opaque pricing practices’ were costing around six million households an average of £200 each a year.

Under its proposals, firms will be free to set prices for new customers, but they would be prevented from raising premiums over time, other than in line with changes in a customer’s risk. The FCA said it could save customers between £3.7billion and £11billion over ten years.

Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, warned that some customers would lose out.

She added: ‘Insurers offer far better deals for new customers. Some will actually make a loss on the first year, and aim to claw it back with price rises on renewal. Switchers can take advantage of these introductory deals, and then move before the price hikes. The new rules would put a stop to this overnight.’

Gareth Shaw of consumer champions Which? said the FCA should ‘closely monitor insurance firms to ensure they do right by their loyal customers’.

Huw Evans of the Association of British Insurers, an industry body, said: ‘We will consider carefully this package of proposals, so that we can engage with the FCA on the most effective measures possible. There are winners and losers in the way the market works currently with those who switch provider every year often ending up with lower prices.’

 WHEN John Finlay saw his car premium rise by 85 per cent in four years, he decided enough was enough.

Instead of coughing up for a £626 policy with existing provider AA, he bought one for £437 with AXA. But he is now back with the AA after AXA hiked his premium – and the AA offered him a quote for £384.

Mr Finlay, a 79-year-old from Mayfield in East Sussex, also saw his AA home cover rise from £155 to £201. It was cut to £156 when he objected.

He said: ‘It’s disrespectful to existing customers. They get loyalty from us but there is no reciprocation.’

AXA said its rise reflected ‘claims cost inflation’. The AA said its quotes were competitive and reflected the new business discounts typically available.  By Graham Hill thanks to What Car?

From September, drivers travelling abroad will have to display UK stickers instead of GB ones.

Anyone taking their car abroad from 28 September will have to display a UK sticker rather than a GB one. The change is rumoured to be a sign of solidarity with Northern Ireland from Westminster in the face of post-Brexit trade tensions.

The GB sticker has been in use for 111 years, but while it is technically valid for Northern Irish cars taken abroad, that country is not part of the geographical island of Great Britain, a detail that has irked some Northern Irish residents over the years.

But in the face of issues such as the ‘sausage wars’, the UK Government has written to the United Nations to effect the change, stating: “The United Kingdom is changing the distinguishing sign that it had previously selected for display in international traffic on vehicles registered in the United Kingdom, from “GB” to “UK”…this change will take effect on 28 September 2021.”

The switch from GB to UK stickers comes just months after ministers unveiled a new GB number plate with a Union Flag. This replaced the previous ‘Euro’ plate, which showed the stars of the European Union with the letters GB.

But the switch to UK signifiers, while being inclusive of Northern Ireland, means drivers with the new GB plates will have to either change their plates, or affix an additional UK sticker to their cars from September.

Unlike the soon-to-be-invalid GB plates, which were heralded by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps in January, the switch to UK signifiers was not formally announced by the Government.

Instead it was spotted as a footnote in UN regulations by the AA, which says it has 50,000 items of stock it will now need to change.  By Graham Hill thanks to Auto Express

Modern cars are too BIG to fit in garages… causing parking chaos as more motorists leave their vehicle on the street, new report shows. Residential streets are becoming clogged with parked cars because larger modern vehicles no longer fit in garages, a report says

Top five selling cars in the UK in the 1960s were 4ft 11in wide and 12ft 9in long

But last year the five most popular cars were 5ft 11in wide and 14ft 1 in long.

Residential streets are becoming clogged with parked cars because larger modern vehicles no longer fit in garages, a report says.

The top five selling cars in the UK in the 1960s – including models such as the slimline Ford Anglia – were 4ft 11in wide and 12ft 9in long on average, it found. But last year the five most popular cars were 5ft 11in wide and 14ft 1in long on average.

Meanwhile, private garages have largely remained the same width – 6ft 11in on average. This gives only 6in of clearance on each side when modern cars are driven in.

As a result, many more motorists are instead parking on the street, according to the RAC Foundation study.

Around two-thirds of homeowners with a garage do not use it for the purpose it was intended.

It means the amount of space occupied by modern cars on residential roads is now a third more than in the 1960s, the report found.

This is leading to increasingly clogged roads as drivers have less space to pass each other alongside parked cars, while pedestrians such as mothers with pushchairs often find footpaths are blocked.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said the problem is exacerbated by the fact that there are now around 31.7million cars on Britain’s streets, compared with 7.7million in 1965.

The foundation wants the planning system to catch up with the growth in car size by allowing bigger garages to be built, which would help cut on-street parking.

Mr Gooding said: ‘Not only are cars getting bigger – there are more of them. This is putting huge pressure on roadside space. Crucially, domestic garages are also often unfit for their intended purpose.’

The five best-selling cars in 1965 were the Austin Morris 1100/1300, Ford Cortina, Mini, Ford Anglia and Vauxhall Victor. Last year they were the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Mercedes A Class. By Graham Hill thanks to the Daily Mail

A potential four million drivers have fallen asleep at the wheel at some point, a new study has revealed.

Issued by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, the findings show that one in ten of the 1,000 motorists surveyed admitted to momentarily closing their eyes because they were so tired.

In addition, more than half of drivers also said that they were very concerned about fatigue when driving long distances. Applied to the more than 40 million licence holders registered in the UK, this equates to more than 20 million drivers.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “Fatigue behind the wheel is a very serious problem, perhaps more concerning than previously thought of.

“It is shocking to think a potential four million drivers have closed their eyes behind the wheel because they were so tired, even if it was just for a short time. The potential carnage that could result from even one accident doesn’t bear thinking about.”

Other areas of the research highlighted further issues, with one in ten drivers admitting that they had hit the rumble strip of a road, while four in ten had turned down the heating or lowered the windows in order to prevent themselves from feeling tired.

Greig added: “Driving a long distance needs pre-planning to ensure there are plenty of available rest places and to make sure there’s enough time to complete the journey if delays are encountered.

Never drive for longer than two hours without a break and take particular care if driving when you would normally be asleep. This is even more important as the country reopens after the pandemic and not all facilities may be available yet.

“Drivers can then concentrate on staying alert behind the wheel rather than staving off tiredness by trying to reach their end destination without adequate rest breaks.” By Graham Hill thanks to Yahoo News

Nearly one is seven vehicles that passed their MOT test last year should have failed, according to a new study.

Analysis of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA’s) MOT Compliance Survey (2019 – 2020) by What Car?, found 13.58% of vehicles that passed an MOT test should have failed.

A team of DVSA vehicle examiners retested a randomly selected sample of 1,671 vehicles, which had undergone an MOT test at test stations across the UK. It disagreed with the test outcomes in 16.82% of cases.

In 70.1% of cases, the DVSA found at least one defect which the MOT test station missed or had incorrectly recorded, while the DVSA experts disagreed with three or more defects in 56.5% of vehicles.

The DVSA examiners also felt that 3.23% of failures deemed to be worthy of a pass certificate.

Safety critical features such as the brakes and suspension were subject to the biggest discrepancy between the DVSA and MOT testers. Brakes had the highest number of misdiagnosed defects, at 17.74%, followed by the suspension (14.56%), tyres (13.22%), and lights, reflectors and electrical equipment (11.51%). 

Following its investigation, the DVSA issued 24 disciplinary action recordings and 179 advisory warning letters to the vehicle test sites it visited. Between them, they were responsible for 12.1% of all vehicles re-tested by the Government agency.

What Car? surveyed 1,425 used car buyers as part of its investigation, with 11.9% stating they knew of a local garage that has a reputation for passing cars for their MOT. For 76.8% of buyers, a prospective car’s MOT record was either ‘very important’ or ‘important’ when deciding on whether to buy.

Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car?, said: “Our investigation has shown the significant differences between the DVSA’s own testing standards and those upheld by some in the industry. This poses a serious concern, with potentially hazardous vehicles being allowed to remain on the road, putting their drivers and other road users at risk. It also complicates matters for used buyers who often rely on a vehicle’s MOT history as an indicator for a car’s safety and reliability.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News