Mar 8, 2017
Last month saw the Birmingham NEC play host to the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, where over 350 exhibitors showed off their wares. With over a million caravans and motorhomes in the UK, these events always attract thousands of interested visitors.
Recently, the Caravan Club re-branded after 110 years to become the Caravan and Motorhome Club. The club seems keen to do all it can to make caravanning even more accessible to the modern family, with up-to-date facilities and that all-important WiFi connection.
One consequence of Brexit and the current financial climate (particularly with regard to the value of Sterling) is that some families will find their money won’t stretch as far whilst abroad this year, further increasing the attraction of UK holidays in caravans and motorhomes.
With all of this in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to produce a list of five great caravan and motorhome products to get you prepared for your next trip around the UK.
1. One for the dedicated caravan enthusiast
Anyone experienced in owning a caravan will know that there are plenty of times when you’ll want to move it without towing it with a vehicle. A caravan mover is the answer, and an essential purchase for any regular caravan user.
This caravan mover from Ego is state of the art and has been designed to save as much weight as possible. However, it doesn’t make any compromises when it comes to strength, longevity or simplicity. It’s also better value than many other similar options. Ground clearance is great, giving you flexibility at all the sites you visit.
We’ve collaborated with Autofix on a special discount for this product, you can access it via the links on this page.
Positives:
- Five year parts and labour guarantee
- Easy to use
- Weighs only 23kg
Negatives:
2. Extra space for the family
Those with smaller caravans can soon find things getting a little cramped, especially with the whole family on board. An awning is the obvious answer, but there are vast numbers to choose from.
This Trigano inflatable awning is a great solution for those seeking more space. The product has a raft of great reviews on Amazon and is a quick and easy way to add an extra room to a caravan.
The awning works using a simple air pump system. Compared to many others on the market it is simplicity itself to erect. Setup takes just minutes, meaning you can bypass the stress and get straight into enjoying your holiday as quickly as possible.
Positives:
- Quick to put up
- Lightweight
- Good value for money compared to others on the market
Negatives:
- Not available for all caravan specifications
3. One for true freedom and wild camping!
This portable generator gives you the freedom to go wherever you want on holiday, without being chained to campsite hook-ups!
This generator is a market leader and very well regarded in caravan circles. Practical Caravan, in particular, give it a glowing review.
The generator runs on petrol and benefits from low noise levels and a lack of the fumes that you may associate with a typical generator. Honda claims that this generator will allow you to run a microwave and several other household appliances simultaneously, giving you more than enough to power through a holiday.
Cost is one drawback with this product – it is more expensive than others on the market. However, in terms of generators, it seems the phrase “you get what you pay for” is very relevant.
Positives:
- Lightweight
- Five-year warranty
- High quality
- Market leader
Negatives:
- Requires an annual service
- Pricey
4. Keeping a stock of food
This Russell Hobbs freezer is great value for money and sure to help on hot summer days, or when you wish to carry plenty of supplies. If your motorhome or caravan doesn’t have a freezer of its own, there’s no need to go without. This could be a perfect alternative.
Features include a 32l capacity, the industry average for this type of product. The well-known brand is reassuring in terms of quality and longevity. The freezer has an A+ energy rating that means it won’t use up as much energy as others on the market – something very important if you’re using battery or generator power.
It’s worth noting that this freezer could also be great for extra space at home, and consequently seems like an even more worthwhile investment.
Positives:
- Reputable brand
- Great value for money
Negatives:
5. Time to relax
A sun chair is an essential caravan accessory for the warmer months, but you don’t want something that’s going to take up too much space in the caravan.
As well as being superb value for money, this particular lounger also has an adjustable head pillow feature, making it a lot more comfortable than others we’ve seen. If you’re worried about storage, as mentioned above, then that isn’t an issue here because the product folds up so it’s compact and easy to carry.
This particular product is available in single or double packs, with black and brown colour options both available.
Positives:
- Good quality
- Glowing reviews
- Comfortable
Negatives:
Mar 8, 2017
This week’s 2017 UK budget delivered very little news to grab the headlines, especially for motorists. As we heard on the BBC News straight after the budget, those used to seeing previous Chancellor George Osborne “pull rabbits out of hats” at these events saw “no rabbits” from Philip Hammond on this occasion.
So what news can we report for UK motorists?
Perhaps the biggest news was the distinct lack of news. We were surprised not to see anything announced that would directly affect drivers, particularly diesel drivers. However, there was no fuel duty increase, no official news of a scrappage scheme, and no changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) beyond those already announced (with the exception of the unsurprising fact that this tax on existing cars will rise with inflation). Anyone interested in the VED changes that take effect from April will find further information in this previous article.
Trouble ahead?
It’s not at all cynical to assume that the government is storing up some of the above changes for the autumn, when the UK will have its first full Autumn Budget, rather than an Autumn Statement, the last of which took place in 2016. It still seems likely that diesel drivers will be hit in some way when this takes place.
A hint that the government hasn’t forgotten about the need to tackle diesel use is tucked away in the detail of the written budget, where it states that the government will be investigating the use of “red diesel” in the coming months. This far cheaper diesel is identical but dyed red, and used by some vehicles working in construction and agricultural industries. This pending investigation suggests there’s a clampdown on the use of this cheaper fuel on the way, especially where these vehicles are used in urban areas.
Whatever happens, the country’s dreadful performance against pollution targets means that something will have to be done soon, so the silence on this issue in the budget should probably be treated more as a reprieve than as a case of “no news is good news.”
Road spending
Spending on the UK’s struggling road network was announced in the budget, confirming some promises made in last year’s Autumn Statement. According to The BBC, this includes a commitment to £90 Million of spending for the north, £230 Million for the Midlands, and £690 Million to be doled out by local councils to “tackle urban congestion.” Totalling just over £1 Billion, these commitments seem something of a drop in the ocean given the traffic levels our roads have to deal with on a daily basis.
Brexit
The one big thing that could change everything is the impact of the impending declaration of Article 50 and the commencement of Britain’s departure from the EU. While some pundits feel that this has been factored into financial forecasts, history has shown that it’s almost impossible to predict how the markets (and the general financial health of the country) will be impacted by political events. However much anyone tries to predict what may happen in the next six months, the only certainty in the current climate is uncertainty.
The next budget in the autumn will take place against a backdrop of major transition. That, coupled with the fact that this budget has been far from revolutionary, truly seems to indicate that the next one will be a big one.
Labour has described this budget as one of “utter complacency.” Do you agree? Share your views in the comments below.
IMAGE CREDIT: Pixabay (Public Domain).
Feb 22, 2017
For several years now, UK drivers have been broadly able to count on supermarkets to provide them with significant price savings on fuel. A succession of price wars, often linked to vouchers and loyalty schemes, have often (but not always) seen supermarkets offer fuel at the lowest prices around.
However, in a surprising development, it seems the supermarkets have decided to edge away from this price battle.
We’ve noticed this phenomenon at PetrolPrices.com over the past few weeks, when familiar searches on our apps have pointed us to brand-name petrol stations instead of the supermarkets we’ve become used to seeing (and using to fill up!)
It’s not only us who’ve noticed. The AA’s own Fuel Price Report has confirmed that the gap between supermarket and name-brand fuel pricing is narrowing significantly, a fact reported on by several news sources including The Daily Mail.
The AA’s report specifically highlights Jet forecourts, which in recent times have started to undercut Sainsbury’s petrol stations in some places.
Have supermarkets abandoned the price war?
This interesting development has caused us to wonder about possible reasons for the apparent strategy change from the supermarkets.
Potential reasons that spring to mind include:
- Supermarkets finding themselves with less flexibility to tweak their prices “on the fly” due to relatively stagnant exchange rates and oil prices.
- A concerted effort from other fuel retailers to narrow the pricing gap.
- A policy change dictated by customer behaviour. Essentially supermarkets often discount petrol to lure customers into their stores for other purchases. However, doing this is less compelling when consumers are economising and paying off Christmas debt in February, than when they’re filling trolleys with seasonal goods.
A report in The Sun suggests something along the lines of the third scenario, saying that the supermarkets seem to have decided to stage their price wars around the items on the supermarket shelves rather than the liquid in the petrol pumps.
What happens next?
Obviously the big hope is that this lull in supermarket activity is merely the calm before the storm of a petrol price war, but there’s not really anything beyond optimism that points to this being the case.
The Sun’s report quotes one retailer saying that fuel sales fell “off a cliff” last month – something not particularly surprising when comparing December with January. However, only time will tell how long people will tighten their belts for.
The one thing that is for certain is that finding cheap fuel is not as straightforward as heading for the nearest supermarket. It’s now quite possible that you’ll save money by heading to an independent forecourt or even one of the “big name” petrol stations instead. Make sure you use our free service before you next fill up.
Have you noticed local garages undercutting the supermarkets in your area? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Feb 15, 2017
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has suggested that the UK government introduce a diesel scrappage scheme in a bid to encourage drivers to give up polluting diesel vehicles for more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
It’s a possible move that’s been being discussed for some time, since it became clear that the UK was falling well short of meeting emissions targets. In London specifically, pollution has been at extremely high levels at various points this year, leading the authorities to go as far as advising citizens to avoid strenuous outdoor activity on certain days, especially if they suffer from breathing-related health issues.
According to a report in The Evening Standard, the proposed scrappage scheme would pay out up to £3,500 for each scrapped vehicle, at a total cost to the government of up to £500 Million. The headline figure would apply to van drivers, with up to £2000 offered to “low-income families” with vehicles that meet the (as yet precisely defined) criteria.
It’s important to note that, at this stage, this is merely a proposal for the government and not yet something under formal review. However, as soon as it became clear in recent months that extra taxes for diesel drivers (and perhaps even diesel bans in cities) were potentially on the cards, it was almost inevitable that such a suggestion would rise to the surface.
How will drivers react?
At PetrolPrices.com, we know for a fact that this proposal will be highly controversial. Past reports relating to the future of diesels and their drivers have resulted in huge numbers of member comments.
The reason this subject is so emotive is that previous governments actively encouraged people to choose a diesel vehicle. There were even tax breaks in place to act as incentives. The fact that the prevalent scientific research at the time has now been proved wrong provides little consolation to those who only did as they were advised.
On the face of it, it seems highly unlikely that this proposal would appease everyone, even if it were to become law. While some people with particularly old vehicles would be able to “cash in” and buy something slightly better, for many £2000 would be nothing more than a token gesture, after buying a far more expensive car that they would feel penalised for driving in the event of future tax increases.
How do you feel about this proposal? Let us know your views in the comments
Feb 15, 2017
At PetrolPrices.com, we don’t forget that we have plenty of members who live some or all of their motoring lives on two wheels instead of four. In recognition of that fact, for this feature we’ve compiled a list of five great products for motorcycles and their riders.
Bikers of all kinds, from fans of superbikes to vintage Vespa enthusiasts, all have products and brands they favour and are passionate about. The products on this list have been selected because they are well regarded and consistently reviewed in a positive light. If you’d like to report on your experiences with any of these items, or point out some others you think we should include in a future feature, please feel free to do so in the comments.
Without further ado, here are five great products for motorbikes:
1. A long lasting jacket
Alpinestars is an Italian company, established in 1963. Their GP Pro jackets have been on the market for many years. Many bikers have fallen in love with them, including this reporter from Motorcycle News who’s travelled 20,000 miles in his without so much as a “frayed seam.”
The jackets have evolved over the years with design and specification tweaks, but they remain dependable and affordable.
This particular “Air” version has been chosen with the upcoming spring in mind. It’s a lightweight version that’s hard-wearing but effectively ventilated so that wearing it won’t make anybody too hot and bothered.
The GO Pro Air offers a sensible level of protection in a lightweight package. There are a few different colour variations too.
NOTE: Multiple sizes are available – if you purchase be sure to choose the correct one.
Positives:
- Lightweight.
- Well padded.
- Well-regarded brand.
Negatives:
- Best for spring, summer and autumn – not really cold days.
2. A quality helmet for all budgets
The sky truly is the limit when it comes to the cost of motorcycle helmets. Models crossing the £1000 mark are not at all unusual.
This helmet is at the opposite end of the scale, but was still listed among Motorcycle News’ best helmets for 2017.
It’s highly adjustable, with ventilation for head, chin and forehead. Cheek and head padding is removable for easy washing. It’s also possible to purchase an anti-fog insert for the visor.
Finally, it’s worth noting that there are various design variations to choose from. These include the appealing red, white and black version pictured, and more whimsical options in quirky colours. Various size options are available – so ensure you select the corrct one.
Positives:
- Well reviewed.
- A perfect starter helmet.
- Economical.
Negatives:
- Lacking some of the more advanced features of more high-end helmets.
3. Record rides and protect insurance premiums
Dashcams are extremely popular at the moment and for good reason. The ability to record journeys is both enjoyable and practical. Furthermore, in the event of an accident you can prove your innocence (assuming you are innocent) and protect yourself from both legal action and insurance premium increases.
This Nextbase model is specifically for motorbikes and can be both handlebar mounted or attached via industry-standard RAM mountings to front forks.
The feature list is a long one, and includes GPS tracking, Wi-Fi connectivity, and HD video recording. Like many dashcams, this uses all the space on the inserted memory card then deletes the oldest recordings in rotation, but motion sensors ensure that in the event of an accident, all related footage is retained.
It’s well worth checking out the videos on the Nextbase website to see examples of the footage this dashcam can create. As well as being useful in accident scenarios, it’s also a great device to capture memorable and scenic rides.
Positives:
- Packed with features.
- Two fitting options.
- Wi-Fi connectivity.
Negatives:
- Some users complain of fuzzy number plate recognition.
4. A product to keep motorcycles clean
Specifically designed for motorbikes, this Muc-Off cleaning kit contains everything required to keep motorcycles and mopeds looking their best.
The kit comes with a carry bag and includes a cleaner and a protectant, as well as a “microcell” sponge and a sturdy nylon brush for wheels and components.
The kit is well priced and perfect for all motorcyclists to purchase and keep in the backbox at all times to keep a motorcycle’s bodywork looking fresh.
This also makes a great gift for motorbike riders – reviews suggest that several have been approving of the quality of the product.
Positives:
- Contains all the key essentials.
- Convenient bag to keep everything together.
Negatives:
5. Something to catch the thieves
According to NCIS figures, reported on by Asgard, a staggering £3 Million worth of motorcycles are stolen in the UK every month. Even worse, fewer than one in five are ever recovered.
With this in mind, it makes sense for bikers to protect their investment, and a GPS tracker goes a long way to doing this. Essentially acting like a “Find my iPhone” for a motorbike, they use cellular GPS to find out exactly where a bike’s been taken.
There are rather a lot of poor products of this nature on the market. This one is recommended and well-reviewed. It also attaches magnetically to a suitably concealed spot, so there’s no need for complicated installation.
Positives:
- Easy to fit.
- Great supporting software and security infrastructure.
Negatives:
- Subscription fee required.
Feb 8, 2017
If you have children or grandchildren, you’re no doubt aware of the need to choose the right products and accessories to keep them content (and, most importantly, safe) during car journeys.
I have extensive personal experience of this as I have a life that requires me to travel long distances frequently, and a toddler nearing three years old who isn’t the biggest fan of car journeys. As such, my wife and I have purchased all manner of related products. Some have been successful – others … well, let’s just say there are a fair few rejects on our ever-growing eBay pile.
With this in mind, I’ve produced this list of six essential car seats and accessories. Every product recommended here has been extensively trialled – personally, and by a fussy toddler called Freddie.
1. A car seat that’s suitable from birth
Extensive tests prove that infants are far safer in rear-facing seats – up to five times safer according to this report. As such, when my wife and I began our extensive research for our son’s first seat, rear facing was the only choice.
This was the seat we chose, and it was a great success. The seat is extremely sturdy and stable, connecting to the car’s ISOFIX mounts. Most cars have these, but it’s worth checking compatibility before ordering.
The seat has a “newborn insert” for the early months and the rear rest is also adjustable for comfort as the baby grows.
Having a child who’s not a great traveller has allowed us to truly put this seat through its paces – including removing and cleaning the covers after sickness and spillages. The fact it still looks brand new after a couple of years is testament to its quality. It’s not the cheapest child car seat out there, but it was worth every penny to us.
Positives:
- Very solid and secure.
- Padded and comfortable.
- Durable quality.
Negatives:
- Installation takes a little time.
2. An ESSENTIAL accessory for rear-facing seats
An undeniable downside of rear-facing car seats is that it makes it hard for the driver (and even a companion in the front) to check on the baby in the back. This can cause people to compromise on safety – cancelling out the benefits of a rear facing seat by not paying full attention to the road.
A mirror solution is simple and obvious but often really poorly implemented. We were therefore glad we researched and went with the product that now has nearly 500 positive reviews on Amazon.
It’s inexpensive (more so online than on the high street), doesn’t fall down, yet is also easy to remove and reattach when we have other passengers in the back.
Positives:
- Easy to use and glance at.
- Great quality.
- Comes with a no-quibble guarantee.
Negatives:
- Nothing – this is a must with any rear-facing seat.
3. A car chair for a growing toddler
When Freddie outgrew his first car chair (above), the time had come to switch to front-facing. We chose to stick with Britax after good experiences and were pleased with the decision. This model is good for children up to 36kg so should, in theory, be the last seat we need for many years to come.
The trademark Britax sturdy quality is present and correct, and it was instantly apparent how much more comfortable this was for a growing boy when some of the “are we there yet?” moaning began to subside!
As with the previous recommendation, this is an ISOFIX seat, so it’s important to check for compatibility. It’s also only right to point out that installation is quite fiddly and involved, and therefore worth setting aside some time for.
Overall we’re extremely happy with this chair, and although (thankfully) we’ve not had to take advantage of it yet, the covers are all washable.
Positives:
- Sturdy and secure.
- Plenty of scope for adjustment.
- Washable covers.
Negatives:
- Not the cheapest option on the market.
- A little involved to install.
4. A practical accessory
However comfortable a child is in the car, they’ll still get bored on long journeys, and the addition of this tray table accessory has done much to improve our own situation in this regard.
I cannot pretend it’s the most sturdy or well-made product out there, but the important thing is that it’s worked. By scattering a few well-chosen toys and books on the tabletop and in the pockets, Freddie can reach for things to keep himself amused throughout the journey.
It’s important to think through how to use this product. Inevitably things will end up on the floor of the car, but a system of having the front-seat passenger drip feeding interesting objects from a pre-prepared bag in the front of the car seems to work well!
Positives:
- A cheap way to give your child access to toys during a journey.
- Easy to fit.
- Washable.
Negatives:
5. A full “travel system”
A “travel system” is often one of the first things parents look to buy when they’re expecting a new arrival, and it was certainly at the top of our list.
These systems typically include a pushchair (stroller), pram, rocker and car chair, all in one flexible bundle. The sky’s the limit in terms of cost, but we were perfectly happy with this model, which didn’t break the bank and held up well to plenty of travel.
In terms of the car seat specifically, this is a small rear facing model that’s good from newborn to small toddler size. It connects using a seatbelt, so while it’s not as inherently safe as ISOFIX, it’s great for being out and about and for ad-hoc use in hire cars, friends’ vehicles and taxis.
Best of all, the car chair is also the rocker, and the basis of the stroller, so you can move the baby from the car to home, via the shops, all without the need for waking them!
Positives:
- Great value.
- Plenty of flexibility.
- Car seat fits in any car.
Negatives:
- Lots of parts and accessories – reading the manual is essential!
- No ISOFIX.
6. Entertainment for older children
While we fully appreciate that putting a child in front of a screen for the sake of peace and quiet isn’t great parenting, car journeys seem a reasonable exception to the rule!
There are plenty of in-car screens and DVD systems out there (we have a guide to them here), but if you already have an iPad in the house, using a headrest holder like this is a far cheaper option.
We were led by positive online reviews when we purchased this and were not disappointed. In fact, the cover remains permanently on the iPad when it’s not in the car.
One thing to be aware of (which we found out the hard way) is that staring at what is effectively a TV screen, in a moving car for prolonged periods, can prove a trigger for motion sickness – especially if your child is in a rear-facing seat. As such it’s best to gradually ramp up how long your child can use this for to and be sure they don’t suffer from this. The alternative is risking a roadside clean-up job (again, we found out the hard way).
Please note: this article links to the iPad Mini version we purchased – ensure you order a suitable holder for your own iPad model.
Positives:
- A simpler alternative to in-car screens if you already have an iPad.
- Good quality.
- Easy to fit.
Negatives:
- May trigger motion sickness with prolonged use.
A Final Word
As I explained above, these listed products are all items that myself and my family have personally used, complete with a completely honest account of our experiences. All of the products were purchased privately and none were supplied free for the purposes of a write-up. If you have any questions about any of the products, let me know in the comments.
Feb 1, 2017
It can prove surprisingly easy for drivers to land themselves with a penalty sanction without realising their mistake, whilst driving (or indeed parking) on British roads. Last year The Daily Mail revealed that nearly 10 million driving fines were issued in the decade to 2012.
While many of these fines will have been for perfectly legitimate reasons, plenty of them will have caused drivers to feel unfairly treated, especially if they received a fine for an “offence” that road conditions made impossible to prevent.
Here are five examples of incidents that can land individuals with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). Some of them are far from being common knowledge:
1. Idling whilst stationary: Not everyone knows that leaving a car idling can land the driver with a fixed penalty notice for up to £40. Local authorities tend to take individual approaches to enforcement of this rule, and are encouraged not to be overzealous – but taken to extremes this can even mean a fine for leaving a car stationary to warm up on a cold day. This rule does NOT apply when sitting still in traffic.
2. Driving around obstructions: Sometimes obstructions in the road may cause a driver to have to mount a kerb or go into a bus or cycle lane – triggering a fixed penalty that couldn’t have feasibly been avoided but still requires an appeal.
3. Failing to give pedestrians right of way: Pedestrians having right of way on all British roads is a hotly-debated theory – something clear from the hundreds of lively (and heated) forum threads on the subject.
In actual fact, The Highway Code makes a point to all road users that “the rules in The Highway Code do not give you the right of way in any circumstance,” and instead refers to who has priority in certain circumstances.
However, rule 170 of The Highway code does state the following:
“Watch out for pedestrians crossing a road into which you are turning. If they have started to cross they have priority.”
While, strictly speaking, the Highway Code is an advisory rather than a legal document, this explains why drivers can sometimes find themselves with a Fixed Penalty Notice if they fail to stop and let a pedestrian finish crossing a road.
4. Not obeying traffic signals and signs: Obviously drivers should always try to follow the rules of the road, but as with the case of driving around obstructions, circumstances can sometimes make this impossible. Often drivers are left with impossible dilemmas – such as moving away beyond a now-red light or continuing to obstruct a crossing.
5. Single yellow lines: Sometimes the rules around parking on single yellow lines almost seem designed to catch people out and generate revenue. The thing that trips many drivers up is assuming that parking on these lines is OK at the weekend or on bank holidays. In fact, these Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) are subject to local rules that will determine the exact restrictions, and it’s down to drivers to carefully check the information signs to make sure they don’t end up with a fixed penalty.
Appealing FPNs
Anyone who disagrees with a Fixed Penalty Notice has the right to appeal. Such notices are issued and dealt with by local councils, who also handle appeals individually. As such, people wishing to appeal will need to follow the guidelines set by the council where the alleged offence took place.
Penalty Points
Penalty points (or endorsements) are the government’s way of penalising people who drive carelessly or fail to follow the rules of the road. Points also cost drivers money, as insurance companies always load the price of premiums for drivers with points, as they’re perceived to be more of a risk.
Points can also lead to disqualification, with the ban threshold being 12 points for experienced drivers, and just six for new drivers within two years of passing their test. In the latter case, novice drivers also have to retake their driving tests if they are banned for accumulating these points.
So, it clearly makes sense for all drivers to avoid accumulating points. However, it turns out that it’s actually surprisingly easy to do so for some rather low-level offences that seem like little more than misdemeanors.
A full government breakdown of endorsement codes and point values is available here – but it’s in the unwritten detail that it really gets interesting.
Offences that can earn three points
With the exception of “play street offences,” which earn two points, the minimum number of points handed out for driving offences is three. (A play street offence is when a vehicle is driven on a road designated and signposted for play, outside of the published times).
With new drivers facing a ban after just six points, these three point offences can soon add up. So, on that basis, what offences can earn a driver three points? Here are a few examples:
- Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with stationary vehicle (PC30): This sounds awfully serious but can actually just mean being a tiny way over a white line at a traffic light.
- Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle (CU20): This could come down to something as minor as improperly maintained windscreen wipers or a broken mirror, but it’s still three points. Generally speaking, police officers can issue a “Vehicle Defect Rectification Notice” in these cases, but it’s at their discretion.
- Furious driving (DD90): This earns a minimum of three points and potentially up to nine. Anyone who shows their displeasure with other drivers by making a point (think breaking or tailgating), runs the risk of points for this offence.
The full list of offences that attract points makes interesting reading. Another point that many people are unaware of is that it’s not only drivers who can earn penalty points. Passengers can be punished with endorsements on their own licences for offences that are construed to be inticing or aiding and abetting others.
How to reduce the risk of points
Obviously the key way people can avoid points is to drive safely and legally at all times. Keeping vehicles well maintained is important too.
However, people who do inadvertently trip themselves up and land up eligible for points can help themselves by being as co-operative as possible. If a police officer has the choice of issuing points, or a handing out a “ticking off” in the form of a “Vehicle Defect Rectification Notice,” they’re unlikely to choose the latter if they’re faced with petulance or rudeness.
Similarly, those caught speeding often have the choice of endorsements or a paid speed awareness course. The cost of the course may well prove lower than the insurance increase for the points. Furthermore, many people reluctantly admit that they do really learn something from such courses.
Have you had any experience with penalty points or Fixed Penalty Notices? Any incidents you feel were unfair? Share them in the comments below.
Jan 25, 2017
It can’t have escaped your attention that it’s really rather cold in the UK at the moment. For those of you who have to venture out in the car in the mornings, it’s not a simple question of jumping in and heading off; not when your windscreen resembles a block of ice and the interior is as cold as your refrigerator.
With many weeks of British winter still to come, it’ll be a while before spring appears and you can ditch the jumper and scarf. So for that reason, we’ve trawled the internet for some products and accessories that will make your cold-weather motoring safer and easier. There are some daily basics here, but hopefully also a couple of the items you may not have thought to invest in before.
You’ll fine some useful tips at the end of the feature. You may also like to check out our guide to winter driving challenges.
1. A time saver
There IS an alternative to endless spraying and scraping of your windscreen just so you can see where you’re going on cold British mornings.
This windshield cover boasts some great reviews, with owners saying it keeps their cars “frost free” at very low temperatures. Using such an item can also reduce the wear and tear on a windscreen from all that scraping.
We particularly like the fact that this cover comes with wrap-around tabs that fasten within your front doors, protecting the cover from blowing away – or from opportunist thieves.
Positives:
- Inexpensive.
- Saves time.
- Easy to fit and secure.
Negatives:
- Available in two different sizes – make sure you buy the correct one for your car!
2. A little extra comfort
If you want the initial part of your journey to be spent in comfort – rather than gritting your teeth against the cold – one of these seat warming pads will do the trick. Warm seats are no longer the exclusive preserve of high end prestige cars.
The warming pads plug into your 12V socket and the level of heat is adjustable.
When we researched these accessories, we noticed many such products had rather negative reviews, but this one had only five star reports. One driver even commented that the padding made the seats more comfortable as well as warmer.
Positives:
- Universal fit
- Low-cost luxury
Negatives:
- Not the most attractive accessory to add to your car.
3. An essential for everyone
De-icer spray is a winter essential, but quality varies. The Prestone product is extremely well-reviewed and far more effective than many of the cheap varieties you may find in garages or on the high street.
While it’s a little more expensive than “budget” de-icer, reviewers report that far less of the methanol-based product is required to cut through ice – so it actually works out economically. A three pack should definitely see you through this cold winter.
It’s also reassuring to see people comment that they don’t experience “re-freeze” with this product, which can prove a problem with cheaper brands on particularly cold days.
Positives:
- The best de-icer we could find.
- Works in extreme low temperatures.
Negatives:
- Can leave some residue if used excessively.
4. Ultimate convenience!
If you’re a real car enthusiast and don’t even want to step into the cold to get your morning driving routine underway, you may wish to consider a remote starter.
You can use this product to start your car in the morning so you can begin to warm things up before exposing yourself to the elements, or even use it to do the same when you’re parked up and returning to your vehicle.
It’s worth noting that the installation of such a kit is not really for beginners, so unless you are skilled in such things you may prefer to get an expert to assist. This particular model is for automatic vehicles only.
Positives:
- Can start your car from a long range.
- Far cheaper than many similar systems.
Negatives:
- Installation is quite involved.
- NOT for manual cars – only automatics.
5. One for the scraping and wiping
With the best will in the world (and even with all of these accessories), you’re unlikely to escape at least some scraping and wiping of your car during the winter. As such, it’s best to choose the right tools for the job.
This kit contains two ice scrapers and two chamois demister pads – an essential for wiping the inside of your windscreen. Best of all, the scrapers come with an innovative insulated “glove” so you don’t have to freeze your hands while you use them!
These are inexpensive accessories and you get two of each – a must for every glove compartment.
Positives:
- Great value.
- Keep your hands warm!
- Two of each item included.
Negatives:
Handy Tips for Winter Mornings
- Properly clearing your windows and windscreen before driving isn’t just a matter of safety – failing to do so can also land you in trouble with the police if you drive with obstructed vision.
- Lukewarm water can give you a great head-start on clearing iced up windows – just don’t use very hot or boiling water or you’ll risk breaking your glass.
- Getting your car started while you de-ice and scrape can get you ahead – but don’t leave your car while you do so and risk theft.
- If you have air conditioning or climate control, read your car manual to ascertain the best settings to use for fast window clearing – these are not always immediately obvious.
- Don’t forget lights, windows and mirrors – these are just as important for visibility as your windscreen.
- Always allow enough time to set off in the morning – this will stop you taking safety risks to get to work on time.
- If you have a remote starter – either build into your car or as an add-on, don’t use it for more than five minutes before setting off – this is not great for the environment.
Do you have any winter car care tips to share? If so, please use the comments below.
Jan 24, 2017
Many people think the distraction of using a mobile phone whilst driving creates as much risk as a motorist being over the drink drive limit. In addition, Prime Minister Theresa May has stated she wishes to make mobile phone use by drivers as “culturally unacceptable” as drinking and driving.
Despite this, a third of drivers have admitted to speaking on a mobile whilst driving, with 20% sending messages or even using Facebook and Twitter.
It doesn’t help that, up until now, many people have felt that thanks to budget cuts and fewer road patrols they’re not particularly likely to get caught using their phone or be penalised for doing so. Thankfully, a new clampdown seems set to push us further towards the cultural change the PM wishes for.
New Laws
For starters, there are plans to significantly increase the penalties for using a mobile phone whilst driving. These penalties are likely to launch later this year, and include a fine of £200 and six penalty points for anyone caught. There is even talk of new speed cameras being put to use that will be able to spot drivers using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts. Quite aside from the safety aspects, these would surely prove quite the revenue-generator.
Severe penalties are already being imposed for people causing accidents due to inattention while using the phone. AAs reported by The BBC, a lorry driver was sentenced to ten years for causing the tragic death of a mother and three children last year. New proposals could increase the maximum penalty for such an offence to life imprisonment.
The Clampdown
Before these laws are even confirmed, the authorities have started taking a much more proactive approach to catching people breaking this law. Reports have revealed that almost 8000 people were caught and punished for using their phones during a recent seven-day clampdown, with another such initiative underway this week.
There have been similar clampdowns before, but not on such a scale and involving so many police forces. Anyone taking a lax attitude to using their mobile phone is now far more likely to get caught, and the penalties will soon be more severe too. The practice is unsafe, and simply not worth the risk.
What is your view on drivers using mobile phones, and what do you think of the recent clampdowns? Let us know in the comments below.
IMAGE CREDIT: Pexels
Jan 10, 2017
Last year, we discussed potential trouble ahead for diesel drivers. It was a highly emotive subject – something proven by the 26 pages of comments we received about the article.
Now, 2017 seems set to be the year that diesel drivers are hit with a perfect storm of issues and difficulties, with chatter already building about the potential for tax hikes and even diesel vehicle bans in cities.
Many diesel drivers have a solid reason to feel aggrieved by the government’s rapidly evolving stance on diesel vehicles and the emissions they produce. Under the last Labour government, people were positively encouraged to switch to diesel and Gordon Brown even gave tax breaks to individuals purchasing them.
Of course, that’s all changed since evidence emerged that diesel vehicles are far more damaging to the environment. Now the present government finds itself in the awkward position of having to disincentivise the use of vehicles that people were once proactively encouraged to buy – in a country with over 10 Million diesel cars on the road.
Pollution
Last year, the High Court ruled that the government must urgently act to address air pollution. As we moved into 2017 this was brought into sharp focus with the news that it only took five days for London to breach its air pollution targets. Almost 10,000 annual deaths in London are being blamed on air pollution, with many experts considering diesels to be the main issue.
Last year, a campaigning group called Doctors Against Diesel called on the mayor to put in place a ban on diesel vehicles in London. While this may sound extreme, such bans are actually planned in Athens, Madrid and Paris within the next decade.
However, there are some major practicalities to consider – not least the fact that a government cannot simply ban vehicles that people have previously been encouraged to buy! This is why there are calls for scrappage schemes and incentives to persuade people to move to “cleaner” cars. However, these ideas would be costly and need to be incredibly broad in scope to placate everyone. As yet, the government hasn’t indicated any such schemes are under serious consideration.
Taxation
One thing we may realistically see later this year is tax increases for diesel vehicles. The government has frozen fuel duty for six years in a row, and one has to ponder whether this may come to an end in 2017.
Last year, Patrick McLoughlin, the Transport secretary at the time, indicated that taxes may have to rise to address diesel emissions. A fuel duty increase for diesel seems most likely here, which will be especially galling for long-term diesel drivers who will have seen Gordon Brown do exactly the opposite to incentivise diesel use back in 2001.
Diesel Recalls
In addition to all the uncertainty above, if you own a diesel car you may well find yourself needing to visit your dealership for a recall or a software tweak at some point in 2017.
Obviously, the Volkswagen group scandal springs immediately to mind, and owners of diesel VWs, Audis, Skodas, Seats and Porsches should already have been notified if they need to take their car in for recall work. Meanwhile, a class-action lawsuit involving 10,000 owners is in the works. If the action is successful and sets a legal precedent, this could see over a million owners of such cars being awarded £3000 in compensation – something that would cost the VW group £3.6 Billion.
Aside from this however, it’s important to note that the diesel emissions scandal that broke in 2015 has now engulfed numerous other car manufacturers too.
While no other manufacturer has been implicated in the same way, “irregularities” have been found in diesel vehicles from Renault, Fiat and Jaguar, amongst many others, with plenty of companies including Mercedes-Benz and Opel set to conduct voluntary recalls on their vehicles too. It’s an almighty muddle – and that’s without beginning to consider that such recall work could have an impact on performance and fuel economy.
Is buying diesel now a bad idea?
Choosing a new diesel vehicle is certainly a bolder move than it once was. While it seems incredibly unlikely that the government could introduce any measures that would suddenly drastically disadvantage diesel drivers, the negative press alone could serve to make diesel cars less desirable and hit their resale values. Furthermore, a duty increase on diesel could eat into potential fuel economy savings.
If you travel long distances and select a vehicle with low enough emissions to qualify for low road tax (excise duty), a diesel car could still save you money in the short / medium term – but it’s fair to say it’s now a decision that warrants far more consideration than it once did. On the other hand, your options could be a potentially more polluting petrol car or an electric vehicle – and many consider these to still be in their relative infancy – so not an easy decision to make!
What do you think’s in store for diesel drivers in 2017? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
