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The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is backing the Transport Select Committee’s call to increase the numbers of emergency refuges on all-lane-running smart motorways.

MPs on the committee have said that the construction of new all-lane running motorways should be paused until safety concerns are addressed.

The new Transport Select Committee report on smart motorways concluded there was not enough safety and economic data to justify continuing with the Government’s plans to roll out an additional 300 miles of all-lane running motorway by 2025.

All-lane running smart motorways use the hard shoulder as a permanent ‘live’ running lane for traffic. These motorways have broken white lines, with the former hard shoulder lane only being closed in an emergency.

Between 2015 and 2019, 39 people died on UK smart motorways where there is no hard shoulder or the hard shoulder can be used as a running lane, according to figures from National Highways.

Rebecca Needham, road safety officer at RoSPA, said: “One of the most hazardous aspects of the UK smart motorway network is the removal of the hard shoulder. This is because it limits the options of a driver that needs to exit live traffic if they get into difficulty.

“Statistics show that on all-lane running motorways, around 40 per cent of breakdowns occur in a live traffic lane.”

On all-lane running motorways the emergency refuges are spaced at up to 1.6 miles apart. This is the standard for all new Smart Motorway schemes from 2013 onwards.

Needham continued: “RoSPA is deeply concerned by the spacing of emergency refuge areas on all lane-running smart motorways.

“Currently, emergency refuges are spaced more than a mile and half apart, meaning that some drivers who break down may be forced to stop in a running lane because they cannot reach the emergency refuge.”

“We support the calls of the Transport Select Committee to retrofit emergency refuge areas to existing all-lane running motorways to make them a maximum of 1,500 metres apart, decreasing to every 1,000 metres where physically possible.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Changes are expected to be made to the Highway Code in early 2022 which will introduce a ‘hierarchy of road users’, with more vulnerable users such as pedestrians and cyclists prioritised.

The move, which is part of a £338 million Government package to further boost active travel across the UK, comes as research carried out by Venson Automotive Solutions reveals a worrying number of people do not know enough of the current Highway Code.

According to the Venson survey, just one in three drivers (27%) know that vehicles are only required to stop at zebra crossings if pedestrians are already on the crossing.

If Parliament approves the proposed Highway Code changes, drivers will have to give pedestrians greater priority by stopping to give way to pedestrians waiting to cross as well as those already on the crossing. Three-quarters of respondents (74%) of Venson survey respondents agree this would be a good change.

Another popular new rule would require cyclists to move into single file to allow vehicles to pass – almost two-thirds (60%) of respondents agreed with this rule.

The least popular proposed new rule would allow cyclists to pass slower moving vehicles on either side, including when approaching junctions – just 26% agreed this rule should be brought in.

“Knowing the Highway Code is essential in making our roads safer places,” said Alison Bell, marketing director at Venson Automotive Solutions. “However, there is clearly confusion about what is and isn’t law.

“Take for example undertaking, there are circumstances where undertaking is necessary, such as a congested road, but only if it’s safe to do so.

“One cause of undertaking is middle-lane hogging, an offence in itself that’s punishable with an on the spot £100 fine and three penalty points.

“One of the new proposed changes in the law next year that’s likely to catch people is out, is using of the horn to invite pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road.”

She continued: “Depending on the severity, and whether or not the rules are legal requirements, breaking the rules of the Highway Code could lead to prosecution, points on your licence, fines or even a custodial sentence.

“Generally, if a rule states something ‘must’ or must not’ be done it is backed up by law and pleading ignorance is no excuse. Learning the existing and incoming rules deserves every driver’s time.

“However, for businesses operating a fleet of vehicles it’s especially the case, as they have a duty of care to ensure company drivers are aware of their responsibilities, and the upcoming changes to the rules – whether they agree with them or not.”

Venson Automotive Solutions Survey results:

Which of the following are true?

79% – It is illegal to overtake on the left of a vehicle on a motorway or dual carriage (FALSE)

45% – It is illegal to have the interior light on in your car whilst driving (FALSE)

35% – You must let bus drivers out at bus stops (FALSE)

29% – It’s okay to break the law to let an emergency vehicle past (FALSE)

53% – It is illegal to splash a pedestrian whilst driving through a puddle at the side of the road (TRUE – Road Traffic Act 1988)

27% – Traffic does not have to give way at a zebra crossing until a pedestrian has moved onto the crossing (TRUE – Highway Code rules 19 and 195)

New changes to the Highway Code are being proposed, including priorities at crossings and junctions and cyclists in relation to vehicles. Please tick all those you agree with.

74% – You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing and pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing.

60% – Cyclists should ride in single file when drivers wish to overtake and it’s safe to let them do so. When riding in larger groups on narrow lanes, it’s sometimes safer to ride two abreast.

58% – Don’t turn at a junction if it causes a cyclist going straight ahead to stop or swerve.

51% – At a junction, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you’re turning.

50% – You should remain behind cyclists and motorcyclists at junctions, even if they’re waiting to turn and are positioned close to the kerb.

47% – Don’t wave or use your horn to invite pedestrians or cyclists to cross; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching.

33% – When traffic lights are red and there is an advanced stop line, cyclists may cross the first stop line to position themselves in front of other traffic but mustn’t cross the final stop line.

26% – Cyclists may pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on the right or left, including at the approach to junctions.

By Graham Hill Thanks To Fleet News

The Government has launched a consultation on creating a road crash investigation team as self-driving technologies become more prevalent.

The aim of the new Road Collision Investigation Branch (RCIB) would be to learn lessons from road traffic collisions, including those involving self-driving vehicles.

The RCIB would operate much like the similar independent bodies that already exist for air, maritime and rail accidents.

It would carry out thematic investigations and probe specific incidents of concern to establish the causes of collisions and make independent safety recommendations to help further improve road safety across the country.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “The UK’s roads are among the safest in the world, but we’re always looking at ways to make them even safer.

“A new investigation branch would play a huge role in this work by identifying the underlying causes of road traffic collisions, so we can take action to prevent them from happening again.

“It would also provide us with vital insight as we continue to modernise our road network to ensure better, greener and safer journeys.”

The Department for Transport (DfT) consultation on proposals to set up a Road Collision Investigation Branch (RCIB), is being launched now due to the huge developments which are taking place across the transport sector, such as the rollout of increasingly automated and electric vehicles (EVs), it says.

Director of the RAC Foundation Steve Gooding said: “After excellent progress across many years, sustained road safety improvement has been hard to achieve over the past decade, both in the UK and further afield.

“We should be challenging ourselves on whether we are understanding all we can about the causes of road collisions and what could be done to prevent them – our research to date suggests that more could be learnt – which is why today’s consultation is so important and so welcome.”

Jason Wakeford, head of campaigns at the road safety charity Brake also welcomed the move. He said: “Currently, information about the perceived cause of a road crash is recorded by police at the time of a collision, but only provides basic insights which simply are not adequate to properly investigate and determine the most effective countermeasures to tackle future road casualties.

“Brake has long advocated for an independent agency to provide the necessary evidence to learn from crashes and so we applaud the Department for Transport for launching today’s consultation.”

The consultation will run until December 9, 2021.By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

While it’s second nature for humans to wear a seatbelt when entering a car, many drivers are breaking the law when it comes to traveling with pets – and it could land you a huge penalty fine of up to £5,000.

Tens of thousands of drivers could be breaking the law when it comes to traveling with pets – and it could land many of them an on-the-spot penalty fine.

That’s because not buckling your dog, cat or other furry friend in is actually in breach of the Highway Code – because impulse behaviour could trigger an accident.

While the code does not stipulate where animals can be placed, motorists are also warned to avoid putting them on front seats if your car does not have certain preventions in place.

Car expert Mark Tongue at Select Car Leasing, explains: “Most dog owners will know they need to keep their pet suitably restrained when they’re in a car, as stipulated by the Highway Code.

“But many owners are left confused as to whether dogs are allowed in the front seat or not. It’s something of a grey area.

“Whilst not particularly recommended – dogs should generally be in the backseat or boot for their own safety.

“You should only ever have your dog by your side while driving if you’re able, and know how, to disable the front passenger airbag, as some vehicles don’t actually have an override function.

“Failing to disable the airbag could result in catastrophic injuries for a dog. An airbag is designed to provide protection for a human, not a canine, and the cushioning is simply in the wrong place.

“When an airbag deploys it does so with so much force it could even crush a dog cage.”

Disabling the front passenger airbag differs according to the vehicle manufacturer and model.

To turn it off, you’ll typically find the switch either in the glove box or located on the left hand side of the passenger dashboard.

If you can’t find one, shotgun trips for your ball-chasing friend should be banned.

Tongue adds that if you are considering carrying your dog in the front of your car, be sure to move the seat as far back as it will go, minimising the risk of the dog striking the glovebox or windscreen during a collision.

“We’d recommend you don’t let your dog stick its head out of the window,” he explains.

“Not only does that potentially illustrate that the animal is not restrained properly, there’s also the obvious risk of its head coming into contact with something, like a bush or a tree, resulting in a bad injury.

“And make no mistake – if you don’t have your dog properly restrained, and it’s causing distraction, you could be prosecuted by the law.”

Recent research by the Dogs Trust found 76% of dogs have no formal training on how to behave in the car, while only 60% of people believe that having a dog unrestrained in the car is dangerous.

They advise that dogs should not travel in the front of the car and the Trust suggest ensuring a dog is well hydrated before a journey.

If you’re just getting your dog used to the car for the first time, make sure you bring something along that’ll offer some reassurance, such as a blanket or toy, and which carries its scent.

And begin with short journeys before progressing to longer ones – and always try to find journeys with a positive association at the end of it, such as a walk in the woods, rather than a visit to the vet!

What’s the risk?

The risk is a fine of up to £5,000 for ‘careless driving’ as well as the risk of an accident on the road.

Rachel Wait, at MoneySuperMarket, explains: “While driving with your pet in your car – whether in the boot or on a seat – might seem like a harmless way of getting from A to B, the truth is you can risk invalidating your car insurance.

“If you’re in a prang with an unrestrained pet in your car, insurers may use it against you – regardless of whether it was as a direct result of the animal itself – so it’s worth being on the safe side and making sure ‘man’s best friend’ is properly restrained.

“Always read your policy in full to make sure you have the correct level of cover for your needs. If not, shop around to see if you are getting the best deal – you could save up to £245 per year simply by switching provider, and it doesn’t take long to do.”

What the law says

According to the Highway Code, unrestrained pets could cause accidents, near misses or emergency stops.

It states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.

“A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

And while breaking the Highway Code doesn’t carry a direct penalty, if you’re deemed to be distracted on the road, you can be fined £1,000 on the spot for ‘careless driving’. This carries a maximum fine of £5,000 and nine penalty points depending on the severity of it.

In extreme cases, the incident could also result in a driving ban and a compulsory re-test.

The law recommends a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or guard as ways of restraining your pet while driving. By Graham Hill thanks to The Mirror

Department for Transport proposes minimum level of charging infrastructure in car parks and inclusive design for EV chargers.

The Government is consulting on the availability and accessibility of public electric car charging infrastructure, seeking new powers to intervene in the private sector.

A new consultation launched by the Department for Transport (DfT) – and its subsidiary the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) – is part of a call for four pieces of primary legislation.

The first would grant the department new powers to set a minimum level of charging infrastructure in non-residential car parks, which landowners must adhere to. The DfT suggests one chargepoint for every 10 parking spaces would be a potential target, with cable routes for chargers in one in five spaces.

If granted these powers, the DfT says it would “not have immediate plans” to use them and would instead “continue to monitor the delivery of charging infrastructure”, using the powers only if deemed appropriate.

The Government wants similar powers obliging local authorities to plan and deliver EV future charging infrastructure plans, pointing the finger at councils that have “not yet identified what is needed” in their jurisdictions with regard to on-street chargepoints and rapid charging hubs.

New Rapid Charging Fund

The third piece of legislation relates to the new £950 million Rapid Charging Fund to finance the installation of additional or upgraded EV charging infrastructure at service stations on motorways and major A roads.

The fund covers only England, future-proofing the provision of EV charging on National Highways’ strategic road network. The Government now wants the power to require open tenders for new agreements with private firms, with a minimum of two chargepoint providers contracted at each service station, creating more competition between companies.

Finally, the Government is seeking EV drivers’ views on their experience at public chargepoints, with a view to improving accessibility for disabled motorists and making people safer when their car is charging.

The consultation is open until 11:45pm on Monday 22 November. Responses can be submitted on the DfT’s website, by email or by post. By Graham Hill thanks to Auto Express

Tech giant Apple has plans to further its phone integration with control over more of your car’s features, including air-conditioning and seat adjustment.

Apple is reportedly working on a project to further its devices’ integration with cars, extending its CarPlay interface to also control functions such as the climate control and seat adjustment for compatible vehicles.

Codenamed ‘IronHeart’, the project is in its initial stages, as reported by financial publication Bloomberg, and its development would hinge on further cooperation with car manufacturers.

However, this is a distinct possibility given the widespread adoption of Apple’s CarPlay connectivity tech since the phone-based app was launched in 2014.

It’s no secret that Apple has delved into the realm of vehicle development, with the tech giant placing a heavy focus on autonomous driving systems. This furthering of its software integration would allow Apple users to adjust their car’s climate control settings and change their seat position, for example, through their device.

It’s reported by Bloomberg that the functionality of the new system could also include inside and outside temperature and humidity readings, temperature zones and fan speed within the car, window defrost settings, as well as the speedometer and fuel gauge displays.

The tech will also reportedly build on CarPlay’s existing offering when it comes to control over a vehicle’s multimedia set-up, with more detailed adjustments to the stereo possible through equalisers and fade and balance controls.

CarPlay users currently have to switch between the Apple-based system and a vehicle’s built-in multimedia tech to adjust many settings; if Apple were to further integrate its technology this sticking point could be negated for some drivers and passengers.

Apple’s main rival Google has already branched out into the infotainment field with its Android Automotive operating system, improving the integration between users’ compatible devices and their cars; Volvo, Polestar and Renault, with its Megane E-Tech Electric, all use this interface.

A more advanced Apple-based infotainment system might also allow the development of third party apps for vehicles in time. However, it’s thought that development to this level might be met by reticence from car manufacturers, who could be reluctant to hand over control of some vital vehicle systems.  By Graham Hill thanks to Auto Express

The new airless Michelin Uptis is made from rubber and fibreglass and promises to be longer lasting, fuel-saving and recyclable.

The Uptis airless tyre has been demonstrated in public for the first time – and its maker, Michelin, says passengers in an Uptis-equipped car couldn’t tell the difference between its potentially game-changing new tech and traditional tyres.

“The Uptis is as revolutionary as the radial tyre was in the 1940s,” says Cyrille Roget, the company’s technical and scientific communication director.

“Tyres have been around for 130 years now, and we’ve never been able to find a complete solution to punctures, irregular pressure and sidewall damage.

“One of the best things was that after a few moments driving with Uptis, people didn’t realise it was any different,” he said after a recent demo in Munich. Auto Express has yet to get behind the wheel of an Uptis-equipped car to test that claim, but Roget says the advantages are difficult to ignore, while confirming Michelin is on schedule to launch the new tech in Asia in 2024.

Punctures, sidewall damage and irregular, premature wear through incorrect pressures see over 200 million tyres wasted every year. Incorrectly inflated tyres lead to countless gallons of extra fuel consumed annually, too.

The construction of the Uptis tyre uses a mix of regular rubber and a flexible, strong and light fibreglass blend, which Michelin has 50 patents for, plus “spokes” to keep its shape for the weight it’s designed to hold.

The structure then maintains the right “pressure”, which has benefits for both tyre performance and wear, as well as fuel economy. “It’s less of a burden on the consumer,” Roget added.

“You don’t have to check the pressures, you won’t be stranded at the side of the road with a puncture, and for the [car] manufacturers, they don’t have to include a spare wheel, or a jack, and there’s no need to have to have tyre pressure-monitoring systems, all of which saves a lot of weight in the vehicle.”

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to get Uptis from your local tyre fitter when it arrives over here, though. “We’re looking at the business model, and while we’re aiming at the mass market, we’re initially looking at East Asian countries, due to the poor quality of their roads, and the damage and resultant waste of conventional tyres,” said Roget.

He added that the Uptis may be sold like Michelin sells truck tyres to fleets, in kilometres rather than tyres. In time, they could be returned and re-treaded using 3D printing technology. By Graham Hill thanks to Auto Express

New product: Breath Alcohol Tester – Kenwood Car Audio CAX-AD100

KENWOOD’s premium analyser is quick to respond and has a highly accurate measurement. The sensor is heated to accelerate the reaction, plus heating removes dirt and impurities adhering to the sensor.   

Supports straw method and open blow method 2-way measurement

Supports 2-way measurement of straw method and open blow method. The straw method is less affected by the environment than the open blow method that blows exhaled air directly. This enables more accurate measurement.

Stylish design & compact design

Compact design that fits in one hand with a clean and slim design, so you can easily use it at home, or when you are on a business trips.The sensor cover has to be closed when you are not using the unit, so it protects the highly sensitive sensor.

5000 times long-term sensor and life notification function

The sensor can measure up to as many as 5000 times. When you exceed this amount of measurements, the sensor replacement mark will flash to inform you of the lifestatus.   

Measurement timing Electronic sound

At the time of measurement, the countdown of the digital display starts, and the timing is notified by electronic sound.   

LCD display of alcohol value during exhalation

Clear measurement is possible with a digital display from 0,00mg / l without cutting the low concentration area of alcohol

* 0.05mg / l or less is displayed as 0.05 mg / l   

Power saving design and automatic power off function

Power-saving design that can measure 1200 times with 2 AA alkaline batteries. Even if the power is left on, the power will be turned off automatically after 1 minute, so you avoid depleted batteries.  By Graham Hill thanks to Kenwood

A new device has been developed to prevent vehicles from aquaplaning and losing traction control due to adverse road conditions.

The Run Dry Traction System (RDTS) works by firing a jet of compressed gas close to the front of the wheel, removing surface water in front of the tyre to ensure the vehicle has a dry patch of road ahead, to ensure grip is not compromised by road contaminants such as water, sand and gravel.

The device has been developed by Professor Mike Blundell and Ravi Ranjan from Coventry University’s Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities, following a two-year research project.

Professor Mike Blundell, professor of vehicle dynamics and impact at Coventry University, said: “Our tests demonstrate that RDTS has the potential to make a huge impact on vehicle safety in a whole host of conditions.

“The prospect of producing something that could even save lives on the road is extremely exciting and after some initial success with testing, we’re now eager to look into manufacturing potential and further research to take this concept to the next level.

“A device like this really could be the difference between life and death if it can help vehicles to stop safely within certain distances and that’s why we’re so keen to continue developing this concept.”

The prototype product aims to prevent aquaplaning and loss of traction in a variety of road conditions.

Aquaplaning, also referred to as hydroplaning, happens when a layer of surface water builds up between a vehicle’s tyres and the road surface, leading to a complete loss of grip.

This can occur with as little as 2-3mm of standing water on the road surface when vehicles are travelling at a variety of speeds and is a leading cause of road traffic accidents. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Fleet News at 10 panellists criticised the Government’s attempts to ease the shortage of HGV drivers by proposing drivers only take one test for both rigid and artics, instead of two separate tests, plus removing the reverse exercise element from the test.

Matt Hammond, head of fleet at M Group Services, said: “It’s ridiculous. You need to work up to an artic – it’s an incredibly skilled job and you learn your trade as you go through from 7.5-tonne to rigid to artic.”

He added: “The problem isn’t drivers getting through the test – this isn’t a new problem. It’s come because nobody wants to drive an HGV. It’s not a shortage of drivers; it’s a shortage of drivers who want to drive an HGV. We need to review the whole industry and how we treat these guys.”

Lorna McAtear, National Grid fleet manager, described the proposals as “bonkers”.

“I’m hoping the changes don’t come in. It’s a sticking plaster, a reaction not a response. There is no respect for what is an incredibly skilled job,” she said.

“It’s hard to recruit young people and females when you have shoddy facilities out on the road. We expect people to work overnight unsavoury hours, not get as much money for it – there’s just no respect. We have to make this industry attractive again.”

Viewer Renny Thomson, a former LGV driver and instructor and now a health and safety adviser, agreed that the underlying root cause of the shortage is “the way that drivers are treated – by the general public and motorists, by the distribution centres where they deliver, by the Government for not having a policy to encourage truck stops and by motorway services not being fully open overnight to provide welfare facilities”.

However, he added that the proposal was to move assessment of reversing and coupling/uncoupling out of the DVSA Testing procedure so that it was carried out by 3rd party training providers. They would, he insisted, still be tested/assessed on their ability to reverse.

Hammond responded: “For me, the concern is it’s fast tracking the whole process and the experience the driver will get from working through the system. It takes years to get the experience; they are looking to short-cut a system that shouldn’t be short-cut.”

Meanwhile, viewer Graham Telfer, fleet manager at Gateshead Council, had concerned over the skills and knowledge of some trainers, pointing out: “Unlike car driving trainers who are on Government Register, HGV trainers are not required to register or have a qualification.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News.