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AA SLAM NEW ‘HARD-LINE’ OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT FIRMS

jerrygreen85 — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 12:41:39 +0000

A year after most wheel clampers were banned from operating in private car parks (1 October 2012) parking enforcement firms are reaping large sums from issuing automated ‘penalty’ tickets, say the AA.

“It seems many of the notorious clampers have moved their sharp practices to private parking enforcement

“While communities minister Eric Pickles is reining in local authorities who over zealously use CCTV, private parking operators now rely heavily on this technology and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to watch drivers and issue tickets through the post when they put a foot wrong in parking areas.

“There has been a surge in parking charge notices issued by private firms through the post with complaints coming in from Edinburgh to the south coast.

“With clamps no longer an option in England and Wales it was inevitable that the number of parking charge notices (private parking tickets) would increase.

“Complaints to the AA have increased and have exposed a new and hard-line attitude by private enforcement firms.

“Recent cases have shown harsh treatment of a diabetic, who slept slightly beyond the two hour limit at a deserted motorway service area in the early hours after having concerns about his blood sugar level.

“Despite obtaining a doctors certificate the parking firm rejected his appeal and although he said this would cause hardship the firm said he could pay the £60 by monthly instalments.

“Another member in London was threatened with a £160 parking ticket which breached the £100 maximum recommended by the British Parking Association’s code which the enforcement firm was signed up to.

“She was so scared she paid up rather than taking the case to the new independent appeal service (POPLA – Parking on Private Land Appeals))

“POPLA appears to be struggling to cope with appeal demand with its website warning of high demand and a back log.

“Latest statistics show that 13,611 appeals were registered up to late August with only 6,913 decided, of those parking firms (3,361) won more than drivers (2,856).

“Although clamping has largely gone, its legacy remains. “One AA member who was wrongly clamped and towed in 2012 secured a victory against the clamper in court.

“But despite employing his own bailiff to recover the sum he has yet to see a penny of the £500 he was awarded because the clamper has gone to ground.

AA President Edmund King said: “We are pleased that after decades of clamper extortion their practices have largely been consigned to history.

“But private parking enforcement remains unregulated and is a free-for-all when even firms signed up to a code of practice breach their own rules.

“It seems many of the notorious clampers have moved their sharp practices to private parking enforcement.

“Others seem to have adopted strong arm tactics to threaten drivers into paying tickets that are often unjust and set at an unreasonable level compared to those issued by regulated local authorities.

“With the new independent appeal system apparently bursting at the seams it is clear many drivers feel unfairly done by but are finding it hard to get a result.

“We are very concerned about POPLA’s difficulties, which they assured us they could overcome with additional staff some months ago and we hope meltdown can be avoided”.

The AA’s plan for better parking

Parking enforcement on private land should be regulated
Financial sanctions for rule-breaking should be set at levels that better match the type of infringement
Parking restriction signs and markings must be more consistent, better maintained and unambiguous
Enforcement errors should result in driver compensation
Parking charges should not be set to maximise revenue for other purposes
Local plans should be required to ensure that there is sufficient parking provision.

It is estimated that 2.3 million private parking tickets are issued every year. It is also reported that DVLA received £1.4 million during the three months April-June this year with over half a million drivers details given out.The Government’s regulatory impact assessment prior to introducing the ban on wheel clamping estimated that the ban would result in 500,000 more private parking tickets being issued – netting around £30m.(Source: AA press release).

AA URGE CAUTION OVER ‘FULL DRIVING LICENCE AT 19′

Recommendations from government-funded research that would mean no-one could have a full driving licence until 19 must be taken with caution, warns the AA.But the AA says it would welcome many of the other recommendations, in particular putting road safety on the national curriculum and allowing learner drivers on motorways.

The report, commissioned by the Department for Transport, was published on 9 October 9th and comes in advance of the expected government Green Paper into young driver safety due out this autumn.

“In essence, the report advocates implementing a full graduated driving licence system in the UK.

“This would mean someone learning to drive at 17 would have to successfully complete a 12-month minimum learning period before taking their test and a 12-month probationary licence period after their test before they gained a full licence.

“Some of the proposals would have a great impact on the lives of young people and their families.

“Under the recommendations, an 18-year-old who had passed their learner driver test and had a probationary licence would not be able to drive themselves home after a shift that finished after 10pm – as most evening shifts do.

Key recommendations from the research include:

Road safety resources to be incorporated onto the national curriculum
Minimum learner period of 12 months, starting at 17, with a further 12 month probationary period.
Minimum 100 hours daylight and 20 hours night supervised practice supported by mandatory logbook. This can be completed by an ADI/parent/guardian or other supervising driver
Removal of motorway restriction for learner drivers
Possibly suggesting lowering of blood alcohol limit to 0.2 g/l for all drivers
Possibly suggesting mobile phone ban (including hands free) for all drivers
Green P plate legally required for 12 months after passing test
No driving between 10pm and 5am unless with adult over 30 during first 12 months of licence
Drivers under 30 in their first 12 months of having a licence cannot carry a passenger under 30 unless they are accompanied by another adult over 30
Consider lifelong learning with periodic assessment of all drivers by an ADI to maintain licence
Consider licensing or regulation for providers of off-road skill training for under-17s
Consideration of evaluated national remedial courses for first-time offenders of certain offences (for full licence holders).

at the extreme end this report could be seen as just recommending taking novice drivers off the road by regulation and restriction rather than helping them develop the right attitudes and skills to provide them with the mobility they need

AA president Edmund King said: “There are many proposals in the report with merit and which are advocated by the AA.

“Road safety on the national curriculum is something we have long campaigned for and I am pleased to see it being recommended here.

“Likewise we would also support learner drivers being allowed on motorways with their instructor.

“But at the extreme end this report could be seen as just recommending taking novice drivers off the road by regulation and restriction rather than helping them develop the right attitudes and skills to provide them with the mobility they need.”

AA-Populus research found that one in ten (11pc) drivers said they would have been less likely to want to pass their driving test if they had been restricted from carrying young passengers and only driving at certain times (6am-11pm) in their first year of driving.A third (34pc) also said these restrictions would have made it more difficult for them to get to work, prevented them giving lifts to siblings (34pc) and prevented them helping their parents with errands (35pc).

*Populus interviewed 23, 824 adults aged 18+ on The AA-Populus motoring panel between 8 and 14 August 2013. Populus www.populus.co.uk is a founder member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

UK employees coming under pressure to answer work phone behind the wheel

Workers are coming under pressure to take dangerous risks when it comes to using their mobiles when driving for work or commuting, warns AA DriveTech.

Some drivers have even been criticised by their manager or colleagues for not responding to emails, texts or calls when driving for work or commuting.

Figures from an AA/Populus survey* show that, of those who drive for work and have a work mobile phone (6, 973), nearly one in five (19pc) do not agree their employer actively encourages safe and legal use of mobile phones while driving for work or commuting by car.

Other key findings showed of those who drive for work and have a work mobile phone (6, 973):

• 2pc said they have been explicitly told they are expected to return emails, texts and calls when they are driving for work or commuting.
• More than one in twenty (7pc) feel under pressure to answer their hand-held work mobile when driving for work or commuting.
• Around one in six (15pc) feel under pressure to answer their hands-free work mobile when driving for work or commuting.
• 4pc have been criticised by their manager or colleagues for not responding to emails, texts or calls when driving for work or commuting.

AA DriveTech said: “Employers have a statutory duty of care and, besides the risk to their employees, they are putting themselves at risk of liability and criminal charges in the event of a crash if the company’s actions, or lack of them, is deemed to have contributed to the incident.

“The facts are clear – using a mobile phone behind the wheel, even a hands free version, significantly increases the chances of being involved in a crash.

“Besides the dangers posed to the individual taking and receiving calls, texts or emails while driving, companies have a duty of care to employees they should not shirk; at worst they risk facing charges of corporate manslaughter.”

Simon Stammers, AA DriveTech Fleet director, said: “It is especially worrying that some people say they have been explicitly told they should respond to calls, texts and emails when they are driving.”

More information about mobile phones and driving for work can be found here: www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/legal-advice/mobile-phones.html
www.theaa.com/aadrivetech/why-act.html

(Source AA press release)

‘Traffic light’ system needed to highlight the driving risks of prescription drugs say IAM

Only half of drivers feel prescription drug labelling is clear enough on medicines, according to the latest poll by road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM)

Earlier this year, the government announced that a drug-driving bill will be introduced and will include chemicals which can be found in prescription drugs.

Almost a third of respondents suggest that a simple traffic-light system would be the best method to inform people of the risks of using prescription drugs when driving.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Motorists clearly feel that labelling is not clear or consistent enough when giving information on driving when taking medications.

“A traffic-light system such as red for no driving, amber for care required and green for limited effects appears to be the most popular option.

“What is clear is that we will need a wide ranging information campaign to support the new laws and ensure motorists don’t find themselves on the wrong side of the law.” (Source: IAM press release)

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MUMS MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER FROM PREDICTED FUEL INCREASES

jerrygreen85 — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:17:37 +0000

MUMS ARE MORE likely to feel the brunt of a predicted sharp increase in the cost of fuel over the summer as world oil prices rise and the pound drops against the dollar, according to the RAC.

Analysis of raw data from the RAC’s report on motoring 2013 reveals that nearly two thirds (63pc) of mums feel their lifestyle has significantly suffered because of the existing high cost of fuel – 10pc more than dads and 12pc more than the national average.

“Consumers have enjoyed a brief respite from rising fuel prices at the pump over recent months but analysts agree this is set to change with a more volatile picture over the holiday season – and in particular a predicted 3p hike in the coming weeks” say the RAC.

“The impact of any rising fuel cost is most likely to be felt by mums planning summer holiday activities such as trips to the beach, national parks and other such destinations with children. “Further RAC research shows that 43pc of motorists are planning to use their car to take them on holiday.

“The report on motoring, which was launched in June, has already revealed that a third of mums (33%) say they have either stopped, or would have to stop, using their car to carry out family commitments. “This includes activities such as visiting elderly relatives or transporting their children if, as expected, the cost of motoring continues to rise.

“And following the introduction of the EU gender directive in May 2013, which enforces insurers to disregard gender when calculating insurance rates, premiums for many female drivers have increased. “The report on motoring shows 38pc of mums have seen their premiums go up in the past 12 months compared to only 29pc of dads.”

Justine Roberts, CEO and co-founder of Mumsnet, the UK’s largest network for parents, said the findings were not a surprise.

She said: “Many Mumsnet users are juggling the rising costs of essentials like childcare, food prices and utility bills, and the cost of running a car can be a big financial pressure, particularly since the hike in car insurance premiums for women under the EU gender directive.”

The report shows that a fifth of mums (20pc) would be forced to give up their car to carry out shopping for essential items such as food and a quarter (24pc) have had to cut back on using their car for conducting elements of their social life such as visiting friends.

More than a fifth (22pc) said they have or would stop commuting to work, compared to 15pc of the national average.

RAC technical director David Bizley said: “This forecast rise in fuel will be a devastating blow for families planning their annual holidays – and our research shows that mums will feel the pinch more than any other group.

“Every day motorists across the UK are being forced to make difficult choices in an effort to save money, but it is clear that mums are making the greatest sacrifices, particularly when it comes to the use of their car.

“With mums often looking after the household budget it seems they are sacrificing certain aspects of their lives in an effort to save money and to ensure the rest of the family doesn’t go without.

“There is also the impact of rising insurance premiums which is clearly adding to their desire to try to reduce the use of their car.

“Never has there been a more expensive time to be a motorist and we will continue to lobby the Government alongside FairFuelUK to raise awareness of the hardship faced by the UK’s motorists and ultimately drive down costs at the pumps.”

Parents who are struggling with the cost of fuel and motoring in general can turn to Mumsnet,com for top tips on making money go further in your car.

Justine said: “There are lots of discussions on our site about how to make ends meet, whether it’s car-pooling for the school run or cutting down on supermarket shops, and fuel efficiency is a priority when buying a family friendly car.”

“SAFETY FEARS FOR KIDS CONSTRAIN FREEDOMS”

A NEW AA Streetwatch study reveals that 94pc of AA members think that children should walk more but only 56pc believe their neighbourhood is safe enough to do so.

Encouraging kids to cycle more is supported by 76pc of the Streetwatchers. But, once again, only 31pc feel their local streets offer a secure enough environment.

Although the responses are broadly similar among men and women, across the age ranges and from region to region, the view from different social backgrounds is markedly different.

Between 92pc and 95pc of AA Streetwatchers across all socio-economic groups agree that children should be encouraged to walk more. But while up to 59pc of those in better-off neighbourhoods consider their local roads safe enough for their children to play and explore on foot, confidence in less well-off neighbourhoods drops as low as 45pc.

For example, Luton came out as the least safe place for children to walk locally, whilst the more affluent St Albans, 12 miles down the road, was in the top five safest areas.

Survey respondents from lower socio-economic groups were slightly less keen for children to take to their bikes, but the 71pc of them who favoured encouraging kids on to bikes still compared well with 78pc in the top ‘professional, higher managerial’ band.

Even so, in terms of the perceived safety of young cyclists on local roads, the gap between the richer (35pc) and poorer neighbourhoods (27pc) wasn’t as big as for children being allowed to roam around as pedestrians.

The findings from AA’s Streetwatch volunteers backs up previous research that shows children in inner-city areas are at much greater risk

Edmund King president of AA which have campaigned for road safety and cycle proficiency (Bikeability) to be included in the national curriculum for all primary school children, said: “The findings from our AA Streetwatch volunteers backs up previous research that shows children in inner-city areas are at much greater risk. “They make more journeys on foot and spend more time playing in the street because there are fewer playing areas.

“There are also more cars parked in the street, reducing visibility and making crossing the road more hazardous. “They also tend to live on busier roads rather than in the leafy suburbs.

“It is a shame when safety fears constrain freedoms and the social and physical development of young people. “Many communities have organised themselves to provide activities and supervision to reduce the chances of a mishap.”

More than 22,000 AA Streetwatch volunteers were surveyed to give their views on roads in their neighbourhood.

GUIDE DOGS SAY THOUGHTLESS MOTORISTS MAKING SOME PLACES ‘NO GO’ AREAS

Guide Dogs says thoughtless behaviour is making some of our town and city centres and suburbs no go areas for blind and partially sighted people and can undermine the life-changing freedom offered by a guide dog partnership. Now Guide Dogs wants to see local councils use their powers to ban pavement parking.

Their call comes after a survey found almost half of drivers admit they park on the pavement but don’t think about the danger they pose to people with sight loss’

The YouGov poll commissioned by Guide Dogs shows that most drivers (54pc) admit they park on the pavement – but nearly five out of 10 drivers (48pc) who said they park on a pavement haven’t thought about the possible problems it causes to blind or partially sighted people.

“Many pavement parkers also haven’t thought about the possible risk they pose to other vulnerable road users like the elderly (50pc, and adults with prams (36pc).

Campaigns manager, James White said: “Cars parked on pavements are an everyday nightmare for blind and partially sighted people, as well as other vulnerable pedestrians. “Imagine how terrifying it is to step into a road when you can’t see on-coming traffic.

“Too often people with sight loss are forced out into busy roads because an inconsiderate motorist has blocked the pavement. ”Councils in England have the tools to penalise drivers who park on pavements and Guide Dogs want them to act now.”

The survey also showed that almost a third of drivers (31pc) don’t think parking on the pavement constitutes dangerous driving and two thirds (67pc) think parking on double yellow lines is worse than parking on the pavement.

226,000 MOTORISTS HAVE POINTS ON THEIR LICENCE FOR DRIVING WITHOUT INSURANCE

MORE THAN 226,000drivers in the UK have points on their licence for driving without insurance, according to a Freedom of Information request by the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

The FOI request, directed to the DVLA, revealed that 194,997 full licence holders and 31,806 provisional licence holders have been caught driving without vehicle insurance and have received points for doing so – one in two-hundred drivers. In the 17-35 age range, one in every 100 people with a full driving licence has points for driving uninsured.

Figures also show that one in every 200 people with a full UK driving license has been penalised with points for driving without insurance.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “These findings are shocking. “Those 200,000 individuals who drive whilst uninsured place the burden back on those who abide by the law through higher premiums and potentially the cost of vehicle repair.

“The most concerning fact is that this could just be the tip of the iceberg, as these numbers only represent those who have been caught and penalised. “Insurance fraud and uninsured driving are also growing problems that need to be tackled through a coordinated approach from enforcement authorities. “It is not acceptable that drivers pay up to £70 in higher premiums to compensate for those who ignore the law.”

As well as six points and a fine for driving uninsured, an eighteen year-old with a £950 premium could expect to see this increase to £2,195. For a thirty year-old it would increase from £228 to £4621.

Peter Harrison, car insurance expert at MoneySupermarket, said: “It’s astonishing how many drivers are still prepared to hit the road without insurance. Not only is it illegal but you could face thousands of pounds in liability, a conviction, six points on your licence and a hefty fine should you be caught out or be involved in a crash.

“To make matters worse, uninsured drivers cost the insurance industry £500 million each year. “Furthermore, insurance fraud adds £39 to the cost of every motor premium and uninsured driving an extra £30 – this is not fair on law-abiding motorists.

“The cost of insurance premiums will no doubt have influenced the decision from some drivers to forgo insurance altogether. ”But the penalties for not having insurance are great, and could even result in your vehicle being confiscated.

“Although car insurance premiums may appear high, having suitable insurance and proving you are a safe driver will help bring premiums down over time. “Not having insurance, and being caught without it, could result in you not being insurable in the future.”

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INSTITUTE CALLS FOR COMPLETE REVIEW OF MOTORWAY SERVICE STATION PRICES

jerrygreen85 — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 14:05:55 +0000

‘Drivers being charged up to four times more than on high street’

Motorway service areas are charging up to four times the high street price for basic food and drinks, according to research conducted by road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

Price comparisons include:

A medium white coffee – £3.09 (£2.10 London high street)

A standard sized Mars bar – £0.95 (£0.79 London high street)

A pack of Walkers crisps – £1.05 (£0.95 London high street)

500ml bottle of water £2.09 (£0.95)

A basic cheese sandwich – £3.99 (£1.00 local high street)

Motorists are dissatisfied with the value for money available at motorway service areas but are left with little choice when making long trips around the country, say IAM.

When asked to rate the price of food and drinks at motorway service areas, more than half of respondents (51 pc) rated them unreasonable. The survey also found that 65pc of respondents are most likely only to stop at motorway service areas just to use the toilet facilities.

The IAM survey also found 54 pc of respondents consider the price of petrol at motorway service areas unreasonable. Research also revealed that from one motorway service area to the next, the price of petrol can vary by up to 10p per litre.

Cost of petrol per in pence per litre:

Hopwood Park M4 – 144.90 (132.9 off motorway2)

Corley M6 – 144.90 (131.9 off motorway)

Michaelwood M5 – 142.90 (135.9 off motorway)

Strensham M5 – 142.90 (133.0 off motorway)

Pont Abraham, Wales M4 – 141.90 (133.9 off motorway)

Forton M6 – 141.90 (133.9 off motorway)

Sarn Park M4 – 133.90 (131.7 off motorway)

Heston Services M4 – 144.90 (132.8 off motorway)

UK average at supermarkets £1.313

With petrol prices averaging about ten pence per litre more than at off-motorway forecourts the IAM is calling for a complete review of motorway prices, together with filling stations being forced to advertise their and their competitors fuel prices, as is the case in France.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Motorway service areas are supposed to be for motorists eat, drink and freshen up. “It’s very important to have a break every two hours and these costs will put people off stopping. “Tired motorists pose a danger to themselves and other road users.

“17,000 people every year break down on the motorway simply because they have run out of fuel, which can cause lane closures and delays for everyone. “High petrol prices will put people off filling up. “Forcing stations to advertise their competitors’ prices would drive costs down.”

Research and survey conducted by the IAM, May 2013. Survey had 2, 238 responses.

Source: petrol prices.com

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DRIVERS FRUSTRATION WITH CRIPPLING TAXES AND CRUMBLING ROADS

jerrygreen85 — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 15:46:17 +0000

Only 22 pc of £40 billion raised spent on road maintenance and improvement

NINE OUT OF TEN motorists say they are ‘sitting ducks’ for the Treasury as the Government collects more than £40bn a year in motoring taxation – with Britain’s roads crumbling into one big pothole and storing up a huge bill for the future.

The pitiful condition of the country’s motorways and local roads, characterised by the now year-round problem of potholes, ranks as a top concern for motorists in this year’s RAC report on motoring – the longest-running annual survey of drivers, now in its 25th year.*

While the cost of driving is understandably still the number one concern for nearly half (46 per cent) of Britain’s battle-scarred and beleaguered motorists, two in five (41pc) say maintenance of local roads and motorways is their top spending priority. In addition, 84pc of motorists believe their local roads are deteriorating and three-quarters (75pc) think the same about motorways and other major roads.

But the question most motorists just cannot get to grips with is: “Why isn’t more of the money collected in motoring taxation ring-fenced for maintaining roads?” A shocking four out of five drivers (78pc) think the money they pay to Government through motoring taxes is not properly invested in local roads, says the report.

It also found that 90pc of the UK’s nearly 30 million car drivers are unhappy or blind to the overall balance of motoring taxation that sees more than £40bn being raised for the Treasury – with only around 22pc spent improving and maintaining our national and local roads.

A third of motorists surveyed said they are prepared to pay tolls for motorway driving (29pc) or city centre congestion charges (33) IF the cost of fuel and car tax was significantly reduced – perhaps signalling a new model for taxing the motorist.

With nine in 10 (89pc) relying more than ever on their vehicles for day-to day activities than 25 years ago and more than three quarters (77%) claiming they are struggling to make ends meet because of the cost of fuel, the RAC is now calling on the Government to take urgent action to review the nation’s outdated motoring taxation model.

Unsurprisingly, motorists said that tax levied on fuel and Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) should represent a smaller share of what they pay. More than 22m drivers (77pc) would prefer to pay less fuel tax and half (49pc) would like to pay lower levels of car tax.

The RAC says: ” Without proper investment in local roads the Government will be responsible for overseeing a massive decline in the state of our highways which negatively affects consumers and businesses alike, stalls the economy and stores up a huge ‘problem’ bill for future tax payers.

“With revenue from fuel duty falling year on year as people drive fewer miles in more fuel efficient vehicles, the RAC report on motoring shows there is a real need for a new way of taxing motorists.”

RAC technical director David Bizley said: “Our report on motoring shows that Britain’s motorists – and roads – have been left battle-scarred after a further 12 months of bearing the burden of extreme financial conditions.

“Despite this, motorists are willing to pay their taxes, but want the balance of levies to reflect how they live and how the use their vehicle. “The report suggests that motorists would prefer to see a higher share of motoring taxation levied on those things over which they have greater control – such as whether or not they choose to drive into city centres or use a particular motorway.

“Our research shows that the UK motorist isn’t being unreasonably demanding – all he or she wants is for more of their motoring taxation to be spent on roads.

“What’s needed is an in-depth review of the overall motoring taxation model and for a reasonable percentage of money raised from drivers to be ring-fenced for roads – that way the ‘unlucky’ motorist can be rid of the 2013 plague of the all-year-round pothole.”

The full 2013 Report on Motoring can be downloaded free-of-charge from www.rac.co.uk/reportonmotoring. Join the conversation on Twitter: #ROM2013

* Report on Motoring utilises research from a sample of 1,542 British drivers.

RAC URGES MOTORISTS TO ‘TAKE COVER’ IF HEADING FOR EUROPE

- and obtain that International Driving Permit!

THE ESTIMATED one in three British motorists who don’t take out breakdown cover before travelling to Europe are being warned by the RAC: Think again.

Every year the RAC handles more than 50,000 calls from customers who break down in mainland Europe needing specialist assistance. Last year, the five most common countries for UK drivers to break down in were: France (60pc); Germany (nine pc); Spain (nine pc); Belgium (five pc) and Italy (four pc).

The top problems experienced by UK drivers are: engine faults – 21pc; tyres – 11pc; accidents – seven pc; and gearbox and clutch issues – five pc.

RAC European Breakdown figures also revealed hundreds of vehicles that break down abroad each year require repatriation to the UK. Drivers with older cars should take heed as 70pc of breakdowns abroad occur with cars that are more than five years old, while nearly four in 10 (37pc) repatriations dealt with by the RAC in 2012 were for cars that were more than nine years old.

And, as the number of Britons choosing to save on air fares and take European road trips increases exponentially each year, the number of breakdowns and repatriations is only going to rise further.

According to the RAC’s statistics, Brits who break down abroad without adequate breakdown cover could be faced with a hefty average bill of up to £1,000 if they break down in France, but double that amount if they find themselves stranded further afield for example, in Southern Spain or Italy, and their car needs to be recovered and returned to the UK. This could mean some unfortunate motorists face the prospect of actually paying nearly as much as the cost of their holiday just to get their car back home.

For more information, visit www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover/euro-breakdown or to get a quote, call 0870 333 2784. To find out country-specific driving requirements, visit the Driving Abroad pages in the Travel section on www.rac.co.uk.

OBTAIN THAT INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT!

Most holidaymakers are rigorous about checking they have certain documents in hand, such as: passports, plane tickets, boarding passes, insurance documents and their driving licence before they set off. But many travelling to countries outside the EU risk getting caught out if they plan to drive and don’t apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP).

The warning comes from the RAC which says that on 1 January this year, a new law was introduced in the state of Florida in the USA making it compulsory for anyone holding a foreign driving licence to carry an IDP, creating confusion among some British holidaymakers. The law may be repealed and is not enforceable at this time; however the RAC strongly recommends motorists obtain an IDP if they are planning a trip anywhere in the USA.

An IDP allows motorists to drive vehicles overseas without further tests or applications and is required in many countries including Egypt, Thailand and India. It is also recommended in countries such as Mexico, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “We are warning drivers to double check they have the necessary documentation before they travel. “Driving without an IDP where it is required by law could land you in trouble with the authorities and you may even be refused a hire car. “And in some countries, if you are involved in an accident, insurance companies will insist on seeing your IDP in addition to your driving licence and insurance papers.

“As the driver, it is your responsibility to ensure you have all the necessary documentation needed to comply with the requirements of immigration, customs, health and other relevant regulations. “It is therefore vital you don’t assume anything and do your research well in advance of your trip to allow sufficient time to get all the necessary paperwork in order.

“Our advice to drivers is simple – don’t drive abroad unprepared. “Do your homework before you leave the country and ensure you have all the appropriate paperwork and carry on essentials you need to avoid any unnecessary hassles or stress while you’re supposed to be having a break from it all.”

To help motorists planning to drive overseas, the RAC is offering the following advice:

Check your driving licence – Always make sure your driving licence is current and valid.

Do you need an IDP? – Generally, UK driving licences are accepted throughout the EU; however always double check before you travel. The RAC has a full listing of individual countries’ requirements and you can order your IDP by post from the RAC. Visit: www.rac.co.uk/travel/driving-abroad for more information.

Taking your vehicle overseas outside Europe? – If so, you may need a ‘Carnet de Passage en Douanes’. This is an internationally recognised Customs document entitling the holder to temporarily import a vehicle duty-free into countries which normally require a deposit against import charges. The RAC is the only issuer of Carnet de Passage en Douanes in the UK. Visit www.rac.co.uk/travel/driving-abroad/carnet-de-passage for further details.

Make sure you’re covered – Never go on holiday without travel insurance. You also need to check with your insurance company that you are fully insured to drive abroad and covered for any medical expenses resulting from an accident. If you’re driving to Europe, the RAC provides travel insurance especially for self-drive holidays. We also offer European Breakdown cover to help keep you on the road and ensure your trip is worry free. To get a quote, call 0870 333 2784.

Does your vehicle comply? – Some countries have different vehicle requirements and you need to check your vehicle complies before you travel. E.g. at certain times of the year, winter tyres may be compulsory in some countries.

Car essentials – The regulations of what you need to carry with you in your vehicle when you’re abroad differs from country to country. E.g. in the UK, you are not advised to carry your vehicle ownership (V5 log book), however in many European countries, if you don’t, you could be subject to a fine. Another example is the new regulation in France which means you must carry a French authority-certified breathalyser in your vehicle at all times.

Obey the laws of the land – You need to familiarise yourself with the driving laws of the country you are visiting. This includes local speed limits and which side of the road they drive on! Visit www.rac.co.uk/travel/driving-abroad to make sure you’re familiar with the local rules before you go.

Do a maintenance check – Ensure your vehicle is in tip top condition before you travel and double check you have the numbers to call if your vehicle breaks down.

TOLL ROADS WOULD BE UNPOPULAR

Ninety-one per cent of motorists do not trust the government to reinvest money made from tolls on new roads, according to a survey* by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

A total of 56pc of respondents said that they would use rural or local roads to avoid the toll charges, if a toll was enforced on their local motorway. And 41 pc wouldn’t support toll roads even if other types of tax were reduced.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “The cost of motoring is currently at an all-time high, and it’s clear that the idea of bringing in toll roads has no support among everyday motorists. “A toll on motorways, our safest roads, may force motorists on to more dangerous rural roads, to save money.”

“The government has a very hard job ahead to convince drivers that tolls are the only way to deliver new roads and improve existing ones. Only by reducing other motoring taxes can this policy gain the support of the motorist.”

1. IAM survey – toll roads – 2, 519 respondents.

GOVERNMENT CUTS £15 MILLION FROM ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS

“£78,000 for child and teenage road safety campaigns virtually insignificant” say IAM

GOVERNMENT SPENDING on road safety campaigns has been cut from £19 million in 2008/09 to just £4 million in 2011/12. The cut of nearly 80 per cent was revealed after a Freedom of Information enquiry by road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

The Department for Transport is planning on spending £3.57 million on road safety in the 2012/13 financial year which will see:

£53,000 spent on cyclist safety

£78,000 on child and teenager road safety

£50,000 on research into young drivers

£1.275 million on motorcycle campaigns; and

£1.689 million on drink-drive campaigns.

The IAM says every fatal road accident costs the UK £1.7 million. “In 2011 the total cost of fatal road accidents was £3.2 billion, with immeasurable emotional and social costs.”

IAM director of policy Neil Greig said: “Right across the public sector road safety is being cut too hard and too quickly, despite the huge returns on investment. “One life saved saves the economy £1.7 million. “£53,000 is a derisory amount to spend on national cycle safety campaigns. “Until we have the right roads infrastructure in place, publicity and education campaigns are one of the few tools we have to help us save cyclists lives. “£78,000 for children’s safety campaigns is virtually insignificant. “If the government is serious about safety for these groups, these amounts must be increased. “

“The successful drink driving and biker campaigns have raised awareness of these issues and they both appear to be working. “The government needs to match that kind of expenditure and take the safety of children and cyclists seriously,”

MEN: WANT A DATE? GET A CAR!

MEN LOOKING for love need to make sure they can drive and have their own car, according to new research which found women really do prefer a man who can get about town… on four wheels.

A poll of more than 1,000 motorists conducted by the RAC revealed that being able to drive was an attractive quality for both sexes, but that it is far more important in a woman’s eyes as 64 per cent of ‘girls’ admitted they found ‘boys’ who could drive more attractive, as opposed to just over a third (35pc) of men.

And, half of the women surveyed (49pc) said they wanted their potential dates to own a car, whereas having a car only mattered to two fifths of men (21pc).

What’s more, the car seems to be so important to Brits that as many 59pc claim to actually ‘love’ their car, with a further 20pc admitting they even have a pet name for their vehicle – only a few per cent less than those who said they had pet names for their partners (27%).

Some of the most peculiar pet names recorded were Robert Red Ford, The Delta Flyer, Sexy Lady Va Va Voom, Chuggy, Daniel Defoe, and Dita Von Jeep. The most common pet name that emerged was Betsy, closely followed by Baby.

Strangely, and perhaps most surprisingly, some 15pc of people said they even considered cars to be ‘a romantic setting’.

The post DRIVERS FRUSTRATION WITH CRIPPLING TAXES AND CRUMBLING ROADS appeared first on News from Crystal Palace - News & stories from the fresh air suburb - Crystal Palace, London SE19.

MOTORING – GOVERNMENT ‘MUST ACT TO SAVE BIKERS LIVES’ SAY IAM

jerrygreen85 — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:47:03 +0000

CRASH BARRIERS should be re-designed to make them more motorcycle-friendly, say the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

The IAM, the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, argues that new research from Sweden shows modern crash barriers provide NO safety benefits whatsoever to motorcyclists.

And according to an IAM-sponsored study, modern crash barriers are designed to save the lives of drivers, but amongst motorcyclists, hitting a crash barrier is a factor in eight to 16 per cent of fatal accidents, Riders are 15 times more likely to die after hitting a barrier than car occupants.

“Britain’s current barriers protect car occupants by redirecting the car away from the barrier and slowing it down over a short distance” say the IAM. “The car’s body, seat belts and air bags also help to minimise injury. “For motorcyclists, there is no such protection, leaving the rider’s body to take the full impact, resulting in serious injury or death.”

Two-thirds of all collisions between motorcyclists and crash barriers which result in death or serious injury include the rider either falling over or sliding under the crash barrier.

Adding a shield to the barrier to prevent the rider from sliding underneath and colliding with support posts would reduce fatalities by up to a third. Crash barrier support posts can worsen the injuries of motorcyclists involved in an accident by five times.

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “Our crash barriers are designed with cars in mind, but they can cause more harm than good for motorcyclists. “Modifications are happening across Europe as governments recognise exactly how dangerous they are.

“Last year deaths and injuries of motorcyclists increased in the UK, so we must do more to protect them. “Adding extra protection the barrier so that the posts aren’t exposed is a simple and cost-effective way to save lives.”

Sources: Report by the Swedish Transport Administration, Trafikverket: ‘Increased safety for motorcycle and moped riders, 2012-2020′

‘Barriers to change’ – report of the IAM sponsored study into crash barriers http://www.iam.org.uk/images/stories/policy-research/McyclereportFINAL.pdf

The post MOTORING – GOVERNMENT ‘MUST ACT TO SAVE BIKERS LIVES’ SAY IAM appeared first on News from Crystal Palace - News & stories from the fresh air suburb - Crystal Palace, London SE19.