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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Common summer driving mistakes that could cost UK drivers £14,000 in fines
The 7 common mistakes that UK drivers could be making this summer that could cost them £14,000 in fines, here's some of the advice to avoid these costly mistakes For UK drivers this summer it is easy to make these common Highway Code mistakes, but to avoid the monumental fines of £14,000, new research by cinch which is the UK's biggest online used car retailer share their advice to not get caught out. 2/3 of British drivers are planning a long trip but these are the top tips to ensure you do not make these expensive errors. Tyres below legal tread depth or underinflated - up to £2,500 per tyre - max. £10,000 Tyre pressure and tread must be checked by drivers before going on a long journey. 1.6mm is the minimum legal tread depth, "and bald tyres affect your car's grip and are unsafe" especially facing wet conditions. If tyres are underinflated that can "also affect your car's handing and put you at risk of blowouts." Tyres must be up to scratch otherwise this will lead to hefty fines of up to £2,500 per tyre, and "up to three points on your licence for each tyre that is found to be illegal." Cinch motoring expert, Ben Welham shares how to check your tread depth if unsure, "using a 20p coin, make sure the grooves cover the outer ring of the coin." To check tyre pressure you have to examine your owner's manual, sometimes there could also be a "sticker in the driver's door frame or fuel cap and matching your wheel/tyre size to the reading from a tyre pressure gauge." At the last resort, if you are still not sure, "most chain garages and motoring retailers will check your tread and pressure for free." Cinch also have their own guide to "looking after your tyres and what happens if you don't" on their website. What the law says The Annex. 6 Penalties of The Highway Code states: "Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle's handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects." "Cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference." Using your phone as a Sat Nav without mounting it properly - £200 fine Driving with your phone whether on your lap or holding it to look at directions is illegal. "It must be mounted in a fixed position and used hands-free" It is dangerous to hold your phone but can also lead you to receiving a "£200 fine and six penalty points." What the law says Rule 149 of The Highway Code states: "You must not use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication for any purpose when driving." Drivers are not permitted to use a device in their hand for any reason for the following: Stopped at traffic lights In a traffic queue Driving a car that turns off the engine when you have stopped moving Holding and using an offline or in-flight mode device Driving tired or skipping breaks - unlimited fine Make sure you are well-rested and not tired before beginning a lengthy journey to stay alert. Falling asleep when driving is a major offence and may "increase your chances of causing an accident on the road." Welham advises people to take "regular breaks" "It's important to stop, get some fresh air and eat regular meals." Do not rush your journey and avoid resting. "If you get sleepy behind the wheel, find a suitable place to pull over and take a break - avoid pulling over in emergency areas or hard shoulders of a motorway unless there's an actual emergency." What the law says Rule 91 of the Highway Code says, "Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended." Obstructing your view with luggage - up to £1,000 fine Blocking your view with luggage and bags can land you a fine of up to £1,000 and three points. Welham stresses, "Check that you can see out your back window before you begin your journey. Being able to see the cars behind you is crucial for changing lanes and when braking." What the law says The Annex. 5 Penalties of The Highway Code states: 'Failure to have proper control of vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead, can land motorists with a £1,000 fine plus three penalty points.' Driving over 60mph while towing a caravan on the motorway - £100 to £2,500 fine Driving a car while towing a caravan has its own speed limits and you must stay at a "safe reduced speed" at all times. Consequences of not abiding by this law is a penalty of up to £2,500 fine and a driving disqualification. What the law says Rule 124 of The Highway Code outlines: 'You must not exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle.' The reduced speed limits for cars towing caravans are: Driving on motorways and dual carriageways: 60mph Single carriageways: 50mph Built-up areas in England and Scotland: 30mph Built-up areas in Wales: 20mph Parking in an unsafe place to make a pit stop - £100 fine When taking a restroom break or grabbing some food you must make sure that your car is parked properly or bear the consequences of a £100 fine. Welham highlights, "'Parking anywhere you like for a few minutes might not seem like a big deal,' But you could be in the way, or worse, cause a dangerous situation for other drivers or pedestrians.' What the law says Rule 243 of The Highway Code state which places to avoid parking or stopping in: Anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services In front of an entrance to a property On a bend Opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, except in an authorised parking space Opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle Near the brow of a hill or hump bridge Near a school entrance Where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles Where you would obstruct cyclists' use of cycle facilities At or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank Where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane On the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing Leaving the engine running to take photos - up to £1,000 Taking photos while passing a scenic view is tempting but you must make sure your engine is switched off before leaving your car. It is a driving offence to leave the engine running as you are now not in control of your car. You can be fined £1,000 and issued three penalty points. What the law says Rule 123 of The Highway Code explains: 'You must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.'
The Sun
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Britain's most stolen cars in 2025 revealed with 7 models belonging to the SAME brand – is yours on the list?
BRITAIN's most stolen cars of 2025 have been revealed – and shockingly, seven of the top 11 belong to the same car brand. In just six months, a staggering 23,189 vehicles were swiped by thieves. 8 8 8 8 8 But while the figure is still high, it's a big drop compared to previous years, with 61,343 cars stolen in 2024, and a massive 104,000 in 2023. The figures come from a Freedom of Information request submitted by The Mirror to the DVLA, revealing how many cars were reported stolen between 1 January and 1 July 2025. Leading the list is the Fiesta Zetec, a long-time favourite with UK drivers thanks to its affordability, smart design and solid performance. Experts at Cinch explained: 'Zetec is a step above Style, and you get quite a lot of bang for your buck, including alloy wheels and a heated windscreen. "This car also gets a significant lighting upgrade, with stylish LED daytime running lights and front fog lights that illuminate individually when cornering. "The Zetec model also comes with the company's slick, easy-to-use SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system, which works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.' Right now, over 3,200 used Zetecs are listed on Auto Trader, with prices starting from just £695. That budget-friendly price tag, especially for younger or first-time drivers, could explain why the model remains so widely used and, unfortunately, so commonly targeted. Watch as thieves use high-tech trick to swipe Mercedes in under 20 secs - as devices used in 40% of thefts to be BANNED According to the DVLA, 211 Fiesta Zetecs were stolen in the first six months of the year alone. Closely behind were the Fiesta Titanium Turbo (167 thefts), Fiesta Titanium X (165), and Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT (162). That makes three out of the top four most stolen models Ford Fiestas. Despite the worrying numbers, Ford says the figures need context. 'Victims of its own success' A spokesperson said: 'The Ford Fiesta is a victim of its own sales success between 1976 and 2023. How to protect your car from thieves Wheel clamps are another great option that can prevent your car from being driven away. Again, they are highly visible as they are often sold in bright colours, and may deter opportunistic thieves looking for a quick and easy target. Traditional security measures are also considered when calculating insurance premiums. Rich Morley at Lancaster Insurance explains that, no matter what car you drive, classic or modern, traditional-style security measures can provide extra peace of mind and security for your vehicle, helping to deter thieves in the process. He added: 'When considering a risk profile, we will establish with customers any security measures they have in place to prevent potential theft." "There are more Fiestas on the road in the UK than most other makes and models, and therefore the total number of thefts is higher as a result.' They added: 'The Ford Fiesta is no more 'stolen' than many other types of cars including the VW Polo or Vauxhall Corsa if you look at the percentage of total registrations and not just the volume of thefts.' Elsewhere on the list, Toyota made an appearance – but other brands previously plagued by theft have dropped down the rankings. Back in 2023, Land Rover was under fire after a spike in thefts left owners unable to get cover – especially in city centres. Car makers fighting back But after investing £17 million in security upgrades, including overhauling keyless entry systems on 300,000 vehicles, the Range Rover Sport HSE has now fallen to 15th on the list, with 79 reported thefts this year. Its parent company JLR also stumped up £1 million to help fund targeted police operations tackling vehicle crime gangs across the country. Toyota, meanwhile, has responded by rolling out extra security tech on popular models, such as immobilisers, GPS trackers, key blockers and protective plateskely. 8 8 8
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Daily Mail
5 of the world's most picturesque road trips
By Road tripping is one of the best ways to see some of the most beautiful parts of the world at your own pace and freedom. Whether it's driving your own vehicle or renting an iconic car in the country you're visiting, a road trip offers the flexibility and control to see as much of stunning locations as you can. They often represent good value for money, especially when you're going off the beaten track to find unearthed beauty spots, quiet areas not overrun by tourists, and sights you simply wouldn't experience on a guided tour. But which roads trips are the most picturesque of all? A study by used car retailer Cinch looked at the 40 most iconic driving routes spanning six continents, then rattled the order down to the top five that have accumulated the highest volume of photos posted on Instagram - with the most snapped of all clocking a massive 2.4 million hashtag mentions. And while three of the standout picturesque road trips are a long-haul flight away on the other side of the globe, two are much closer to home - and the reality is you could jump in your car this weekend and enjoy their breathtaking views. 5. North Coast 500, Scotland At 516 miles long - hence the NC500 name - it will take between five and seven days to complete if you're really soaking up the scenery and stopping regularly. Though it can easily be completed in a weekend, if you're willing to take in the scenery while on the move. 4. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA The Blue Ridge Parkway secures fourth place with 722,047 Instagram hashtag mentions, with the majority from #blueridgeparkway. This 469-mile scenic route connects Virginia and North Carolina, linking Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the full journey takes approximately 10 hours of driving time, visitors typically allocate between three and five days to fully explore the parkway's scenic views and natural wonders. And the leisurely 45mph speed limit (with some stretches at lower speeds of 25 or 35mph) encourages travelers to take in the mountain vistas slowly and carefully. 3. Great Ocean Road, Australia With over 1.6 million hashtag posts - #greatoceanroad accounting for 1.5 million and #greatoceanroadtrip over 113k - Australia's Great Ocean Road is a worthy entrant in our list of most picturesque road trips. This 150-mile route spans from Torquay to Allansford is one of the shorter journeys on the list. But visitors recommend taking between two and four days to soak in everything it has to offer. Travelers who have taken it in recommend driving from east to west to stay on the same side of the road as the ocean. With a TripAdvisor rating of 4.8, the Great Ocean Road lives up to its name. 2. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland Another of the world's most amazing - and most snapped - road trips is the second on our list that's extremely close to home. Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way secures second place in this list with over 1.9 million Instagram hashtag mentions, mostly driven by the #wildatlanticway hashtag alongside breathtaking coastal imagery. This amazing 1,600-mile stretch takes holidaymakers from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, claiming the title of the world's longest defined coastal route. Those who can secure long holidays or those who are enjoying retirement can extend the trip to weeks to enjoy everything this road trip has to offer. Though, it can be done in just days, if you're willing to miss out on some of the attractions Ireland's most picture-perfect route offers. With a 4.8-star TripAdvisor rating, this route continues to blow visitors away. Many said they were surprised by how pristine the beaches are - while the emerald green rolling hills are never ending in parts. 1. Route 66, USA It might sound like a cliché but Route 66 is by far the world's most Instagrammed road trip, amassing a whopping 2.4 million posts by visitors who have driven it in full - or just parts. The latter is understandable, given the entirety of Route 66 is almost 2,500 miles long and takes at least two to three weeks to complete start to finish. For the true experience, it's best completed in an American muscle car, like a convertible Ford Mustang. The legendary 2,448-mile highway connects Chicago to Los Angeles, cutting right through America's heartland. Route 66 attracts adventurers seeking authentic American experiences, from major cities to ghost towns and everything in between.
BreakingNews.ie
02-07-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Wild Atlantic Way voted world's second-most 'Instagrammed' road trip
The Wild Atlantic Way has been voted the world's second most 'Instagrammed' road trip. A study by used car retailer Cinch examined the 40 most iconic driving routes across six continents and whittled them down to the top five, which have accumulated the highest number of photos posted on Instagram. Advertisement The Wild Atlantic Way spans from Donegal to Cork and has 1.9 million mentions on Instagram, mostly containing images of the breathtaking coastline. The world's longest defined coastal route spans 2600km and takes days to complete, passing through nine counties and three provinces. It is split up into 14 stages. It also has a 4.8-star TripAdvisor rating and was only beaten to the top spot by Route 66 in the US.
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Daily Mail
World's most Instagrammed road trips - two of the top five are close to home...
Road tripping is one of the best ways to see some of the most beautiful parts of the world at your own pace and freedom. Whether it's driving your own vehicle or renting an iconic car in the country you're visiting, a road trip offers the flexibility and control to see as much of stunning locations as you can. They often represent good value for money, especially when you're going off the beaten track to find unearthed beauty spots, quiet areas not overrun by tourists, and sights you simply wouldn't experience on a guided tour. But which roads trips are the most picturesque of all? A study by used car retailer Cinch looked at the 40 most iconic driving routes spanning six continents, then rattled the order down to the top five that have accumulated the highest volume of photos posted on Instagram - with the most snapped of all clocking a massive 2.4 million hashtag mentions. And while three of the standout picturesque road trips are a long-haul flight away on the other side of the globe, two are much closer to home - and the reality is you could jump in your car this weekend and enjoy their breathtaking views. 5. North Coast 500, Scotland Instagram hashtag mentions: 695k At number five is one of the road trips that's right on the doorstep of millions of Britons. It's called the North Coast 500, which begins in Inverness and flows along the North Highlands' stunning coastal edges, offering glistening beach views, a selection of castles, monumental Munros and hundreds of scenic stops via the best undulating roads Scotland has to offer. At 516 miles long - hence the name - it will take between five and seven days to complete if you're really soaking up the scenery and stopping regularly. Though it can easily be completed in a weekend, if you're willing to take in the scenery while on the move. The NC500 typically takes between 5-7 days to complete if you're planning to soak up the scenery and stopping regularly. Though it can easily be completed in a weekend, if you're willing to take in the scenery (like Dunnet Head Lighthouse, pictured) on the move... At the time the study was conducted, the route had amassed almost 695,000 Instagram hashtag mentions, with #nc500 accounting for over 519k and #northcoast500 referenced over 175k times. Securing a 4.7 rating on TripAdvisor, the North Coast 500 is one that fails to disappoint road trippers – especially for animal lovers on the lookout for otters, deer, seals and marine birds. 4. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA Instagram hashtag mentions: 722k The Blue Ridge Parkway secures fourth place with 722,047 Instagram hashtag mentions, with the majority from #blueridgeparkway. This 469-mile scenic route connects Virginia and North Carolina, linking Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the full journey takes approximately 10 hours of driving time, visitors typically allocate between three and five days to fully explore the parkway's scenic views and natural wonders. And the leisurely 45mph speed limit (with some stretches at lower speeds of 25 or 35mph) encourages travellers to take in the mountain vistas slowly and carefully. Clocking up 6,998 reviews on TripAdvisor and a rating of 4.8 stars, the Blue Ridge Parkway has earned plenty of praise from road trippers for its adventure through nature – away from the busy highways – that changes with every season. 3. Great Ocean Road, Australia Instagram hashtag mentions: 1.6 million Length: 150 miles Duration: 2-4 days With over 1.6 million hashtag posts - #greatoceanroad accounting for 1.5 million and #greatoceanroadtrip over 113k - Australia's Great Ocean Road is a worthy entrant in our list of most picturesque road trips. This 150-mile route spans from Torquay to Allansford is one of the shorter journeys on the list. But visitors recommend taking between two and four days to soak in everything it has to offer. The road trip delivers dramatic cliff-edge views, pristine sun-soaked beaches, lush rainforests and the iconic Twelve Apostles - a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park. Travellers who have taken it in recommend driving from east to west to stay on the same side of the road as the ocean. With a TripAdvisor rating of 4.8, the Great Ocean Road lives up to its name. 2. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland Instagram hashtag mentions: 1.9 million Length: 1,600 miles Duration: 7-10 days Another of the world's most amazing - and most snapped - road trips is the second on our list that's extremely close to home. Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way secures second place in this list with over 1.9 million Instagram hashtag mentions, mostly driven by the #wildatlanticway hashtag alongside breathtaking coastal imagery. This amazing 1,600-mile stretch takes holidaymakers from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, claiming the title of the world's longest defined coastal route. Those who can secure long holidays or those who are enjoying retirement can extend the trip to weeks to enjoy everything this road trip has to offer. Though, it can be done in just days, if you're willing to miss out on some of the attractions Ireland's most picture-perfect route offers. With a 4.8-star TripAdvisor rating, this route continues to blow visitors away. Many said they were surprised by how pristine the beaches are - while the emerald green rolling hills are never ending in parts. 1. Route 66, USA Instagram hashtag mentions: 2.4 million It might sound like a cliché but Route 66 is by far the world's most Instagrammed road trip, amassing a whopping 2.4 million posts by visitors who have driven it in full - or just parts. The latter is understandable, given the entirety of Route 66 is almost 2,500 miles long and takes at least two to three weeks to complete start to finish. For the true experience, it's best completed in an American muscle car, like a convertible Ford Mustang. Route 66 is almost 2,500 miles long and takes at least two to three weeks to complete start to finish. Of course, it's best enjoyed in a convertible American muscle car, like a Ford Mustang The legendary 2,448-mile highway connects Chicago to Los Angeles, cutting right through America's heartland. Route 66 attracts adventurers seeking authentic American experiences, from major cities to ghost towns and everything in between. Landmarks en route include the Grand Canyon to art installations like the Cadillac Ranch. With a TripAdvisor rating of 4.5, Route 66 doesn't score quite as well as others in this list. However, with the most posts on the social media platform, it's number one here. I've driven Route 66: Here's a top tip Sam Sheehan, editor at Cinch says driving Route 66 is 'an experience that'll stay with me forever'. He explained: 'The contrasting landscapes from urban Chicago to the desert approaching Los Angeles, combined with the incredible diners along the way, make it an unforgettable journey for so many reasons. Every mile tells a story.' But Sam has one major tip to anyone considering embarking on the extensive drive in a vintage American muscle car. 'You might have your heart set on driving a classic Corvette but it's still worth thinking about the practicalities' he warns. 'Not to rain on anyone's parade but factoring in things like hire car prices, fuel economy and comfort will help you make the most of your journey, both financially and physically. 'Most of us have budgets and not everyone would want to spend eight hours a day in a hard-riding sports car.' And while a convertible American favourite might seem the ideal motor for an iconic wind-in-the-hair driving experience, when temperatures soar you will want some escape from the blistering heat. With many classics not having air conditioning, it's worth considering something a little more modern for the journey.
