2011 news

- Govt funds 3D scanners to reduce motorway delays

The government has earmarked £2.7 million to introduce new technology it claims will reduce motorway delays.

- Could Brits put cheap car insurance premiums at risk by unwittingly drink driving?

More than half of Britons do not know the drink driving limit, it has been claimed.

- Second-hand car buyers warned of insurance write-offs

Some of the second-hand cars checked by vehicle information source HPI have been found to be too damaged to insure.

- Expert tips on finding cheap car insurance

MoneySupermarket.com has suggested some top tips for drivers looking for cheap car insurance.

- IAM calls for new rules to reduce motorway service station prices

High prices at motorway service stations put drivers off taking rest breaks, it has been claimed.

- Stephen Fry tops list for most wanted Sat Nav voice

Many UK drivers have said they would like to hear Stephen Fry's voice on their Sat Nav, new research has shown.

- IAM warns against non-essential driving

Drivers should think twice before taking to the road in poor weather conditions, the IAM has argued.

- Government looks to remove need for car insurance certificates

The government is looking to eradicate car insurance certificates as part of its Road Transport Red Tape Challenge.

- Study shows men and women make different car choices

Research has shown the gender of a person appears to influence what car they drive.

- Drivers urged to use winter tyres

Drivers are being warned to change to winter tyres during the colder months.

- Govt provide free soft drinks for designated drivers

The Department for Transport has announced the provision of soft drinks for drivers this Christmas.

- Osborne freezes fuel duty

Fuel taxes will not be increased until August next year.

- Drivers without car insurance 'should be given larger penalties'

Uninsured drivers are getting away with it too easily, it has been argued.

- Drivers choose Prince hit as favourite rain song

Drivers have admitted they can feel more stressed on the roads when it is raining.

- Cost of driving has surged, RAC says

The cost of motoring has increased by 14 per cent in the last 12 months.

- Expert provides tips for driving in fog

A driving specialist has provided advice on staying safe on the roads while it is foggy.

- Drivers told to switch off their phones

Drivers should turn off their mobile phones and keep them out of reach while behind the wheel, it has been argued.

- Drivers 'concerned about rising fuel prices'

Many British motorists think the rise in petrol prices will mean they have to change their lifestyle at some point.

- Be prepared before taking winter road journeys, experts advise

Drivers should make sure they are prepared for the possibility of issues arising on winter journeys, it has been argued.

- Used tyres 'dangerous and bad value for money'

Buying cheap used tyres for a car could end up being a false economy, it has been claimed.

- Drivers 'may not be covered for frost jacking'

Drivers who leave their engines running to warm their cars in the colder months may not be able to claim on their insurance if a thief steals their vehicle.

- 'Law must be tougher' if speed limit rise brought in

Police would have to crack down on people breaking the speed limit if drivers are permitted to travel more quickly on motorways, it has been argued.

- London commuters seeing worst of gridlock?

Drivers in the south-east may be spending more time than other Britons in queues, with new research showing the longest delays happened in that area last month.

- Stay in higher gears in icy weather, expert advises

One driving expert has advised starting and driving in higher gears during wintry conditions.

- Used car prices 'remain higher than normal'

The cost of buying a used car has not dipped as much as it normally would in November.

- Councils 'must prepare for cold snap'

Councils need to make sure they are prepared for the possibility of ice and snow, a road safety charity has stated.

- M25 reaches 25th anniversary

The M25 has now been in service for 25 years.

- Power "no good without control", driving expert says

Those with a powerful car may be excited to take it out on the road this winter, but one expert has warned drivers to be aware of the way their car behaves while accelerating.

- 'Be careful' as nights get darker, drivers told

Drivers have been advised to be extra careful on the roads as the nights draw in.

- Fitting winter tyres 'will not invalidate car insurance'

Car insurance policies will not be invalidated by fitting winter tyres.

- Fuel prices to be pushed higher

The price of fuel is set to rise in coming weeks.

- Two in five drivers 'escaping ban despite collecting 12 points'

As many as 40 per cent of drivers in the UK with enough points on their license to be disqualified are still hitting the roads, it has been claimed.

- Aquaplaning drivers advised to remain calm

Drivers who experience aquaplaning when on the roads should try and remain calm, it has been advised.

- Drivers 'can check tyre safety with 20p'

Drivers can ensure their tyres still have enough tread to legally hit the road by taking the 20p test, it has been claimed.

- Check your car before winter, expert says

An expert has said car owners should give their vehicle a maintenance check before the colder months set in.

- Government launches review of road signs

The government is aiming to reduce confusion on the roads by conducting a review of signs.

- Fuel prices to be debated in House of Commons

Politicians are set to discuss the impact of high fuel prices.

- Drivers 'would be safer' with clock change

One organisation is campaigning for the clocks to be changed to bring Britain an extra hour of sunlight.

- Courts convict nearly 10,500 UK drivers for poor tyre maintenance

Car insurance customers may need to be careful they keep their tyres in a good condition if they are to avoid a fine.

- UK drivers 'tempted by cheap car insurance'

One in five drivers would switch car insurance providers for a small discount on their premiums, a study has shown.

- Be considerate to pedestrians in the rain, drivers told

Drivers have been reminded it is illegal to splash pedestrians in the rain.

- Texting while driving 'severely impairs reaction time'

Drivers' reaction times double when they text behind the wheel, research has shown.

- Car insurance customers 'must take good care of their tyres'

Car insurance customers need to keep their tyres in good nick in case they ever have to make a claim, it has been advised.

- One in three drivers 'lacks manners on the road'

A survey has found drivers think one in three of their fellow motorists are inconsiderate on the road.

- Almost 1 in 4 young motorists 'would drive away if they scraped another car'

Almost a quarter of British drivers up to the age of 24 would not own up if they accidentally scraped a parked car, it has been found.

- Oxford 'matches major cities when it comes to traffic jams'

Traffic congestion is rapidly increasing in Oxford, a study has shown.

- Uninsured driver benefit 'valued by car insurance customers'

Car insurance customers highly value policies that protect their no claims bonus if they are hit by an uninsured driver, a research firm has said.

- Music 'important' to more than half of UK drivers.

Over half of British drivers "couldn't cope" without having music on in the car, a survey has found.

- Women find driving more difficult than men, new data suggests

Women may find it more difficult to manoeuvre a vehicle, new figures have suggested.

- Reform planned for NI drink-driving rules

Drink-driving limits in Northern Ireland should be reduced, a politician has said.

- Autumn comes with risks for drivers, expert notes

An expert has given tips for road safety during the autumn, which could help drivers avoid making an insurance claim.

- Winter tyres 'make driving much safer in icy conditions'

Drivers should use winter tyres, it has been argued, with research showing they offer significantly more traction than summer products.

- Drivers 'paying the price for council's broken roads'

Drivers are having to shell out for car repairs because their vehicles get damaged due to potholes in the roads, it has been claimed.

- Over 4 in 10 drivers with 12 points 'still on road'

Many drivers continue to get behind the wheel despite collecting enough points for a ban, it has been found.

- Study shows car seat retailers could leave kids unsafe

Many car seat retailers have been found to give dangerous advice to customers.

- Drivers "remain hostage" to rising fuel prices

The cost of motoring needs to be reduced, the president of the AA has said.

- Making driving tests harder could tackle congestion, MPs claim

MPs have argued that making driving tests harder could reduce congestion on Britain's roads.

- Cost of servicing vehicles soars

Motorists are having to pay more to have their cars serviced.

- West Midlands and West Yorkshire drivers 'most likely to be uninsured'

Drivers in the West Midlands and West Yorkshire are eight times more likely to be uninsured than elsewhere in the UK.

- OFT to investigate car insurance premiums

Car insurance premiums are to be investigated by the Office of Fair Trading.

- AA encourages lift-sharing as kids go back to school

Drivers should share lifts to school to save cash on fuel.

- Most motorists would buy car insurance online

Most motorists would be happy to get their car insurance sorted via the internet.

- Motorists 'unhappy' with fuel economy figures

Drivers are becoming upset their cars are not reaching the fuel economy levels they are supposed to.

- Drivers 'would take penalty points for a friend'

New research has shown motorists are willing to break the law for a friend.

- Drivers 'risking lives' by not taking a break

Drivers could be risking their lives by not stopping for a break regularly enough.

- Regular breaks while driving 'can prevent accidents'

Motorists have been urged to stop at service stations regularly when on long journeys.

- Government publishes speed camera information

The coalition government is releasing data regarding speed cameras.

- Women 'leave car washing to other family members'

Women pass on car maintenance chores such as washing vehicles.

- Bank holiday driving 'especially stressful'

It can be especially stressful for motorists over the bank holiday weekend.

- Drivers urged to take refresher lessons

Motorists have been told to take refresher lessons to get rid of bad habits.

- Highways Agency urges drivers to bag rubbish

A new drive has been launched to discourage motorists from littering.

- Cars 'should be waxed every three to four months'

Drivers have been issued with a car maintenance tip.

- People 'increasingly savvy' regarding car insurance

Many people are making savvier choices about car insurance.

- Supermarkets cut fuel prices

Fuel prices have been cut by supermarkets.

- Fuel prices 'should drop this week'

The Road Haulage Association has called for fuel prices to drop.

- Motorists to consider winter tyres?

Individuals need to think about protecting their car in the winter.

- New potholes rules 'will make problem worse'

Downgrading the need to repair some potholes is a bad idea, it has been claimed.

- Parliament to debate fuel price hike?

FairFuelUK is trying to get a debate in parliament about the issue of rising petrol prices.

- Croydon looks to improve young driver safety

Individuals in Croydon have been offered tips about how to driver safer.

- Service a car before long-haul journey

Individuals have to make sure they keep their cars in good working condition.

- Motorists 'should look after their tyres'

Tyre tread depth should be regularly checked, it has been stated.

- Small car maintenance problems 'should be taken care of'

Maintenance problems with vehicles will worsen if not sorted out.

- National Travel Survey finds car use down

Car use is down, according to the National Travel Survey.

- Drink-driving increasing, ACPO finds

Figures from the ACPO show instances of drink-driving are rising.

- MP wins road safety award

A road safety award has been won by an MP.

- Third of drivers 'have damaged cars in potholes'

A poll has found many drivers have damaged their cars by hitting a pothole.

- DfT reveals driving efficiency tips

Driving efficiency tips have been revealed by the Department for Transport.

- Compliance with speed limits improving

Fewer drivers are speeding, research has found.

- Britons 'putting off' car repairs

Many people are delaying necessary maintenance work on their cars.

- Dawdling drivers 'a top irritation' for motorists

A new poll has found drivers that dawdle irritate motorists.

- 82% of drivers 'preoccupied at the wheel'

The majority of motorists admit to being distracted while driving.

- Motorists 'must check tyres' before long journeys

Drivers heading out on summer holidays should check their tyres before setting off.

- Being tired while driving 'slows reactions considerably'

Motorists have been warned not to take to the road when they are tired as it lowers their reaction speeds.

- Motorists given driving at night tips

Motorists have been given advice on driving at night.

- Car insurance fraud division launched

A new police force dedicated to car insurance fraud has been set up.

- 12.5% 'have fallen asleep at the wheel'

One in eight drivers have admitted to falling asleep while behind the wheel.

- Men 'take responsibility' for car servicing

Men are still looking after cars more than women.

- Petrol sales down, AA finds

The high cost of fuel means drivers are cutting back on petrol use.

- Motorists 'changing driving behaviour to save fuel'

Drivers are amending their behaviour behind the wheel to save cash.

- Consumers given tips on buying used cars

Motorists have been handed advice on purchasing used vehicles.

- Selecting cheapest car insurance 'can be dangerous'

It can be dangerous to pick the cheapest car insurance quote, motorists have been told.

- Fuel costs 'forcing drivers out of cars'

Many motorists are reducing the time they spend in their cars due to high fuel costs.

- Driving safety campaign launched on Isle of Man

The Isle of Man has launched a new campaign to improve driving safety.

- One male in 60 'experiences annual road accident'

New research has shown one-in-60 males are involved in a car accident each year.

- Survey finds fewer drivers lying for cheaper car insurance

Less motorists are telling lies to get cheap car insurance.

- Driving tests 'to be more flexible and innovative'

Motorists could be set to take more innovative and flexible driving tests.

- Asda lowers cost of fuel

Asda has cut the cost of fuel by another two pence per litre.

- Pothole damage 'costs UK drivers £400 a year'

Damage caused to vehicles by potholes costs drivers £400 a year.

- Drivers 'must keep calm' when hearing emergency vehicles

Motorists have been told what to do when emergency vehicles are in the vicinity.

- Government's uninsured driving clampdown 'will save lives'

It has been claimed the clampdown from the government on uninsured driving will save lives.

- Fuel pricing policies 'disadvantage people in remote areas'

People in remote areas are being forced to pay more for their fuel.

- Fuel costs 'turning drivers to green cars'

Green cars are becoming more popular because of rising fuel costs.

- Motorists given bikers warning

Drivers have been given tips on avoiding accidents with bikers.

- MP: Fuel costs have to be reduced

The price people are paying at the petrol pump has to decrease, one MP has said.

- Volkswagen 'top safety car'

The car company has been named Manufacturer of the Year at the British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards.

- One-in-20 drivers do not wear seatbelts

There are still motorists who do not wear a seatbelt when behind the wheel.

- Motorists urged to pre-order tyres for winter

Drivers have been told to pre-order special tyres for the winter.

- MPs to debate fuel prices

A debate on fuel prices is to be held in Westminster.

- Motorists given wet weather driving safety tips

Motorists have been told how to stay safe when driving in heavy rain.

- Drivers critical of rumoured changes to MOT test

A poll has found that motorists are not supportive of proposed changes to the MOT test.

- Study finds men more likely to be involved in crashes

Men are more likely to be involved in car accidents than women.

- North Yorkshire drivers given thousands of speeding tickets

Motorists in North Yorkshire have been given thousands of speeding tickets for driving too fast.

- Scottish police launch drink driving campaign

Police in Scotland are clamping down on motorists who drink and drive.

- Government launches drive to cut misuse of Blue Badges

The government is clamping down on drivers who abuse Blue Badges.

- Drivers 'prefer training to fines'

A new poll has discovered that drivers do not believe fines are a good way to combat careless motoring.

- Course launched to improve driving safety

A new course has been launched with the aim of improving driving safety.

- Drivers reminded to check tyre pressure

The importance of checking tyre pressure has been pointed out.

- Motorists reminded of car insurance rule change

The Department for Transport has reminded motorists that rules regarding car insurance are set to change.

- Oil price fall 'has not affected cost of petrol'

Petrol prices remain high, despite the cost of oil falling.

- Petrol cars 'still first choice' despite cost of fuel

The rising cost of fuel is not putting people off from buying petrol cars.

- IAM: State of mind affects driving ability

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has highlighted how state of mind can affect driving.

- Older drivers 'the safest age group on UK roads'

Older drivers have been said to be safer than most.

- Survey finds drivers singing along in the car is a guilty pleasure

A new poll has revealed that singing along to music in the car is one of the biggest guilty pleasures of motorists.

- IAM calls for more training for young drivers

Motorists who have just learned to drive should be given additional training.

- Engine technology 'helping drivers combat fuel prices'

Drivers are being aided in their battle against fuel prices by engine technology.

- Government accused of lack of direction regarding road safety

The coalition government lacks direction regarding the issue of road safety.

- AA welcomes government's road safety policy

The AA has stated it is pleased with the government's commitment to driving safety.

- Brake welcomes crackdown on risky driving

A road safety charity has stated it is pleased with the government's crackdown on driving safety.

- Careless drivers to get on-the-spot fines

Police are going to be given the powers to issue on-the-spot fines.

- Motorists 'facing £7k repair bills'

New research has indicated that drivers could be facing repair bills worth thousands of pounds.

- Car insurance prices 'rising due to fraud'

Motorists are having to pay more for insurance due to fraud.

- IAM aims to improve driving safety

The Institute of Advanced Motorists is aiming to improve driving safety.

- Tayside Police detect 100 offences on driving safety clampdown

Driving safety has been clamped down on by Tayside Police.

- Jersey police target drivers who use phones at the wheel

Police on Jersey are targeting motorists who use their mobile phones at the wheel.

- Drivers 'have a responsibility to stay within the law'

Motorists have been reminded that driving is one of the most dangerous things they can do.

- Educational roadshow launched to improve driving safety

Driving safety could be improved as a result of an educational roadshow.

- Most motorists 'take risks when driving'

Many drivers take risks when they get behind the wheel.

- Car DIY 'on the rise'

People are increasingly trying to fix their cars themselves.

- Filling fuel tank 'up £10 in a year'

Motorists with diesel cars are paying over £10 more than last year to fill up their cars.

- Motorists given advice for bank holiday getaways

Drivers going away for the bank holiday weekend have been told how to prepare their vehicle.

- IAM: Fatal crashes due to driver error

The Institute of Advanced Motoring has claimed driver error is to blame for fatal accidents.

- Government to crack down on uninsured drivers

Drivers without car insurance are to be clamped down on by the government.

- RoADAR event to cover safe driving

Safe driving tips will be offered at the upcoming event.

- Loyalty cards 'can reduce car costs'

Drivers could find they save money by using supermarket loyalty cards.

- Less frequent MOTs would increase running costs, says RMI

If MOT testing was reduced to every two years it could cause problems for drivers.

- Road safety minister 'fails simulated driving test'

The official sampled the current driving test but failed to pass.

- IAM: Drivers must wear appropriate clothing and shoes

It is important not to have any obstructions when driving, the body explains.

- Drivers 'seek to cut costs'

Many drivers want a fuel-efficient car, it is claimed.

- Good driving 'can reduce motoring costs'

Individuals should look to use their brakes as little as possible.

- Eco-friendly car 'can save on fuel prices'

People in Lincoln will get to try out an electric car.

- Oxfordshire speed camera switch-on 'will boost safety'

The decision to switch on speed cameras in Oxfordshire has been welcomed by Brake.

- Speed cameras switched off in Bristol

Drivers in Bristol will notice speed cameras in the city have been switched off.

- Plans mooted to ban cars from city centres

Cars could be banned from city centres by 2050 under plans mooted by the EU.

- Tailgating 'most serious offence committed on motorways'

Drivers believe tailgating is the most serious offence committed on motorways.

- Fuel efficiency 'key' for car buyers

Motorists buying cars look at the fuel efficiency.

- Green driving 'essential' due to fuel costs

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has stated that the cost of fuel means green driving is important.

- AA welcomes cut in fuel duty

The coalition government has cut fuel duty by 1p.

- Government elects not to cut drink-drive limit

The coalition government has revealed it will not be cutting drink-driving levels.

- Road tax rise 'would hit families hard'

Rises to the cost of motoring could have damaging effects on families.

- Motorists call for fuel duty stabiliser

An initiative to stabilise fuel prices for motorists has been backed by the public.

- Fuel duty increase 'to push drivers into fuel poverty'

Motorists are going to be pushed into fuel poverty if fuel duty goes up again.

- Motorists 'should continue to work on driving skills'

Drivers should look to improve themselves even after passing their test.

- Parents 'pass on bad driving habits'

The AA has found poor use of mirrors to be a major driving problem.

- Drivers given tips to extend battery life

Motorists have been given tips by the AA on making their battery last longer.

- Mass adoption of electric vehicles 'some time away'

The results of a new poll show the mass adoption of electric vehicles is not going to happen yet.

- Most drivers 'worry about other road users'

Drivers are concerned about having an accident but do not believe they will be to blame.

- Study finds London and Manchester most congested cities

A new poll has found drivers spend almost half of their commute in traffic.

- £100m 'not enough to fix third world roads'

An investment of £100 million to fix British roads will not be enough.

- Teens given driving safety tips in simulator

A new simulator is giving teenagers driving safety lessons in Scotland.

- Fuel duty rise 'could be scrapped'

Prime minister David Cameron has stated that he knows how hard for motorists it is at the moment.

- Campaign launched to find Britain's worst road

Britain's worst road is to be uncovered by a new campaign.

- Fuel prices 'are undermining economic growth'

Economic growth in the UK is being undermined by the rising cost of motoring.

- Motorists 'do not know difference between coolant and screenwash'

A new poll has shown most drivers are unaware of the difference between screenwash and coolant.

- English roads 'safest in the UK'

Roads in England have been found to be less dangerous than those in Scotland and Wales.

- Motorists 'driving slower' to save money

According to an AA poll, drivers are amending their habits on the road to save cash.

- Motorists 'turning to low mileage vehicles'

Vehicles with low mileages are becoming increasingly popular among motorists.

- Driving safety clampdown launched

A new clampdown on drivers using mobile phones at the wheel has been launched.

- Diesel prices up to record high

Drivers are paying more for their diesel than ever before.

- AA calls for transparency in cost of driving

The AA has called for more transparency regarding the cost of fuel.

- Drivers 'failing to make essential safety checks'

A new report shows drivers are ignoring important safety checks.

- Poll finds drivers warn others of speed cameras by flashing

New research has suggested that many drivers flash their lights to warn other motorists of speed cameras.

- Britons 'changing driving habits to save money'

A poll has found many Britons are changing the way they drive to save cash.

- Drivers name Bat out of Hell as top tune

Bat out of Hell by Meatloaf has been named the best driving tune.

- Women 'more aware of road dangers'

Nearly 90 per cent of women worry about their loved ones being in a car crash, new figures have revealed.

- Drivers 'being ripped off at service stations'

New research has shown many high street retailers up the prices of their products in motorway service stations.

- Drivers 'looking for fuel-efficient vehicles'

Motorists are increasingly looking for fuel-efficient cars, according to one expert.

- Drug-drivers 'will face higher car insurance'

People with car insurance will need to pay higher premiums if they are convicted of drug-driving.

- British drivers willing to use winter tyres

Almost half of drivers in the UK would like to see winter tyres become a mandatory requirement, new figures have revealed.

- Drivers encouraged to switch to greener cars

Motorists have been advised to look at switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

- Government under pressure to act on fuel prices

The government has been urged to support motorists by reducing the price of fuel.

- Older drivers encouraged to undergo regular health checks

Older motorists have been urged to make sure their medical status is checked on a regular basis.

- Drivers urged not to delay renewing car insurance

Motorists have been told not to put off renewing their car insurance when their existing policy is about to expire.

- Car insurance 'not always valid overseas'

Drivers have been reminded that their car insurance policy will not automatically be valid outside the UK.

- Government urged to scrap fuel duty hike

The government is coming under renewed pressure to scrap the planned fuel duty increase in April.

- Drivers 'taking more safety precautions in winter'

Motorists are increasingly taking steps to safeguard their vehicles during extreme winter weather, according to experts.

- RoSPA: Road safety budget set to fall further

Road safety experts are set to meet to discuss the impact of falling budgets in the sector.

- Most drivers 'keeping new year's resolutions'

People who make a new year's resolution that relates to driving are likely to stick to their promises, according to experts.

- Potholes putting drivers at risk

Potholes are putting many drivers in the UK in danger, according to experts.

- RoSPA calls for further drink-drive education

More education in drink-driving is required in Britain, RoSPA has stated.

- Fuel duty hike 'forcing motorists to spend less time in car'

Motorists are spending less time in their car as a result of recent increases in fuel prices, according to experts.

- Europe 'must approve fuel discounts for rural areas'

The government has confirmed that plans to offer reduced fuel prices to people in rural areas are subject to European approval.

- Potholes 'are a hazard for motorists'

Drivers have been warned that potholes could prove to be a hazard.

- Government looking at fair fuel stabiliser idea 'very carefully'

The government has failed to rule out the option of introducing a fair fuel stabiliser.

- Motorists encouraged to check tyre pressure

Drivers in the UK have been advised to make sure their tyres are inflated at the correct level.

- Correctly inflated tyres 'can help drivers cut fuel bills'

Motorists have been urged to make sure their car tyres are properly inflated.

- Drivers encouraged to check small print on car insurance policies

Motorists have been advised to check the small print on car insurance policies to make sure it meets their needs.

- Government to clamp down on drivers without car insurance

Vehicle owners who do not have car insurance are being targeted by the government.

- Cameron under pressure to provide fuel duty stabiliser

The government is facing calls to support motorists by introducing a fuel duty stabiliser.

- Drivers 'missing out on cheap car insurance'

Many drivers are missing out on cheap car insurance policies by not shopping around, according to experts.

- Drivers urged to avoid switching off while on the move

Drivers have been told not to freewheel to save cash on petrol.

- Drivers 'incensed' by road spending cuts

Motorists in the UK are becoming increasingly angry about money being cut from road repair budgets, according to the IAM.

- Government defends fuel duty increases

The decision to raise fuel duty this month has been defended by the government.

 
 

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