Latest news with #Driving
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Driving slow in the fast lane? Dubai Police warn against going below speed limit
Driving too slowly in the fast lane is not just frustrating for other motorists, it is also a serious safety risk. Dubai Police have urged drivers to maintain speeds above the minimum limit in fast lanes, warning that slow driving in these lanes can cause confusion and increase the risk of collisions. The reminder, posted on X, comes as many motorists express frustration over vehicles blocking fast lanes and disrupting the flow of traffic. In their statement, the authority emphasised that staying above the minimum speed helps keep traffic moving safely. Slow driving in fast lanes not only slows down other vehicles but can also lead to dangerous situations where drivers have to brake suddenly or change lanes unexpectedly. Many motorists agree with this assessment. Ahmed Mustafa, a regular driver between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, shared how slow vehicles in fast lanes sometimes trigger road rage. 'I usually travel with cruise control set at the speed limit, but when I approach a car driving slowly in the fast lane and they don't move over, it really frustrates me,' he said. In 2023, 300,147 motorists were fined by traffic departments for driving below the minimum speed limit on UAE roads. This slow driving contributed to various accidents, as per statistics from the Ministry of Interior on traffic accidents. According to federal traffic law, a fine of Dh400 is imposed for driving a vehicle below the minimum speed limit and failing to prioritise vehicles coming from behind or from the overtaking lane. The right lanes were for slower vehicles, while the left lanes were for faster and overtaking vehicles. Ahmed said these slow-moving vehicles disrupt not only his trip but also others on the road, forcing faster drivers to brake or change lanes abruptly, increasing the risk of collisions. "Especially in Dubai-Abu Dhabi route, when there's a line of cars behind you, a simple mistake could lead to a disaster." Another driver, Salma M, highlighted the importance of lane discipline and keeping slower traffic in the right-most lanes. 'If you're driving slow, you can stay on the far right lane,' she said. 'There's no need to be in the leftmost lane where faster cars want to overtake. You never know what the person behind you is dealing with or why they might be driving fast, so it's safer to give them space." Salma also noted that some drivers might be rushing due to emergencies or time constraints, so blocking the fast lane can cause serious safety issues. Driving instructor Abdullah Mahor explained why lane discipline is important for road safety: 'Fast lanes are intended for overtaking and maintaining higher speeds. When slower vehicles remain in these lanes, it forces others to brake suddenly or change lanes unexpectedly, which increases the chance of accidents." Mahor stressed the need for drivers to understand the role of each lane. 'Drivers should stay aware of their surroundings and respect lane rules. This helps traffic flow smoothly and reduces road rage incidents and collisions." Dubai Police's reminder serves to highlight a common issue on UAE roads, where slow driving in fast lanes continues to frustrate many drivers and create potential hazards. Authorities encourage motorists to observe proper lane usage and maintain speeds appropriate to the lane they are in.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia plans specific water tariff for data centres, heavy industrial users
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government is working with state regulators to introduce a specific water tariff for data centres and heavy industrial users, while encouraging the adoption of recycled water and district cooling systems to reduce the strain on clean water resources. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that although water falls under the jurisdiction of individual states, federal agencies such as the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and a new regulatory entity, Special Purpose Agency for Regulating and Coordinating Water-Related Matters (SPARC), are actively coordinating with utility operators to ensure fair and efficient water usage. "Before even any increase in tariffs, utility companies must submit to SPARC. From there, it will be related to what the purpose is, the justification for the increase," he said during a luncheon talk titled "Driving the Green Energy Transition" here today. Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, added that the government is encouraging industrial users, including data centres, to switch to recycled water and to develop sustainable district cooling systems. "We want the state to set up zoning, so that we can have district cooling systems for all the heavy usage of water. This way, there would not be any competition for clean water for human consumption," he said. The deputy minister said that a specific tariff for data centres is being formulated, and the goal is to protect domestic consumers from cross-subsidising large-scale users. Fadillah emphasised that the government's long-term strategy is to balance economic growth with resource sustainability by promoting equitable access to water and encouraging industries to adopt more efficient and circular water technologies. "This ensures that our water system is managed effectively while also incentivising responsible usage across all sectors," he said, adding that the move comes amid rising concerns over the high water usage of data centres and other high-tech infrastructure.
Top Gear
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Ford Puma Gen-E Driving, Engines & Performance
Driving What is it like to drive? First thing you notice is the squircle steering wheel. It looks big. Feels it too. Presumably that's so you can see the huge screen that sits behind, although smaller folk might struggle with it. The gear selector moves to a stalk behind the steering wheel, freeing up space on the centre console. Prod the throttle and it pulls away smoothly. Prod it with more vigour and it accelerates purposefully, with little sign of drama apart from some slight torque steer. Don't worry, we're not talking Aceman JCW levels of kickback here. Room for an ST variant perhaps? Not according to Ford – no room for an extra motor apparently. Shame. Advertisement - Page continues below Does it handle as well as the petrol? It doesn't, but to be honest we're amazed any of the combustion car's crispness has been retained at all, given the quarter of a tonne that's been added to it in the process. The steering is still taut and the Gen-E navigates twisty stuff in a manner beyond most EVs. Carrying plenty of speed into a bend, it stays admirably flat with minimal body roll. Get back on the power early and it doesn't all fall apart either, with the rear tyres gripping gamely. It gets a few drive modes too. You auto start in Normal, but switching it to Eco reduces throttle response and increases the regen, while Sport does the opposite and throws in more faux engine noise too. Doesn't sound too terrible either. Does it ride as well as it steers? Afraid not. Generally the ride is pretty unsettled and the Gen-E lacks composure, especially at town speed. Which, let's face it, is where the overwhelming majority of these will be driven. The rattles and shakes can be particularly bothersome. Advertisement - Page continues below Still, the brakes are decent, and while it coasts along merrily in regular D (Drive) mode, an L (Low) button on the drive selector stalk ramps up the regen. But it's not full one-pedal mode, which requires delving into the touchscreen to activate and deactivate. Yeah, it's exactly as annoying as it sounds. It's a similar story when it comes to the many driver assist systems that you'll want to immediately turn off, notably the speed limit warning and the lane keep assist. Oh what we'd give for a button marked 'Shush'. What about efficiency? We saw 4.4 mi/kWh, which means a real world range of 190 miles. That's versus a claim of 226 miles WLTP on the 18-inch alloys of the mid-spec car; you're looking at 233 miles on the entry one with 17s. On the face of it that's above average efficiency, though we've only driven the Puma in range-friendly conditions so far and with only 43kWh of usable capacity, you'll be doing well to get more than 150 miles out of it in the winter months. Ouch. That's less than all of its key rivals, some of which get multiple battery size options too. If range is a serious concern, you want a Kia EV3 instead. You're looking at 23 minutes for a 10-80 per cent top up on a 100kW DC charger, so you'll have just enough time to empty and restock your bladder at the service station. Highlights from the range the fastest 123kW Premium 43kWh 5dr Auto [Adv Driver Assist] 0-62 8s CO2 0 BHP 164.9 MPG Price £32,880 the cheapest 123kW Select 43kWh 5dr Auto 0-62 8s CO2 0 BHP 164.9 MPG Price £29,930 the greenest 123kW Premium 43kWh 5dr Auto [Adv Driver Assist] 0-62 8s CO2 0 BHP 164.9 MPG Price £32,880
Top Gear
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
BMW 3 Series Touring Driving, Engines & Performance
Driving What is it like to drive? From behind the wheel you'll struggle to tell the difference between the Touring and the saloon. Which means the Touring drives wonderfully. It's just a great all-rounder that manages to combine real agility and driver reward with great cruising manners and low noise intrusion. In other words, standard 3 Series behaviour. Tell me about the engines... There aren't very many of them any more. Diesel was eradicated from the range in 2024 – a moment TopGear wasn't sure whether to celebrate or not. We'd obviously always encourage you to buy petrol over diesel, but now it's gone we miss its incredible tank range, deep torque and churning engine note. Advertisement - Page continues below But even the base 320i has things to recommend it. Rear-drive only it feels beautifully pure for an 'ordinary' car, even if the engine is plain sounding and does its best work in the low and mid-range. BMW just knows how to do steering feel and damping, doesn't it? Rate of turn and roll are deliciously matched, so you peel it instinctively into a bend. A four-cylinder might not have the glamour of BMW's old sixes, but the hybrid version does deliver the pace – 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds flat, even though it weighs 1,895kg. And the economy. This is now the sensible choice of the range thanks to 21g/km emissions and an electric range of almost 60 miles from a 19.5kWh battery. What about the M340i? Given that the M3 Touring boasts *that* grille, the M340i xDrive Touring is the ultimate sleeper 3 Series. It uses BMW's turbocharged B58 3.0-litre straight-six (the M3 gets the twin-turbo S58 engine) and produces 369bhp and 369lb ft of torque. 0-62mph is quoted at 4.6 seconds, while top speed is 155mph. Emissions aren't so attractive at 190g/km, but it should happily outstrip the 33.5mpg claim on a long haul. It's a fantastic powertrain with huge breadth. It's as happy quietly cruising at Autobahn speeds in comfort mode as it is attacking a B road in all-out Sport Plus. In the latter it sounds angry enough too, with pops on the overrun and a mature, beefy sound under acceleration. Magic. Advertisement - Page continues below The xDrive system bestows traction that's all but inexhaustible. Even so, stick it in Sport mode to send more torque to the back, and loosen the traction control to its mid setting, and a real sense of playfulness emerges. Is the 3 Series Touring comfortable? The Touring is still sporty, but the ride is more than acceptable whether you go for standard Sport trim with the smallest 17-inch wheels, or if you go for M Sport trim with its firmer setup and 18-inch wheels. The optional adaptive damping gives the 3 Touring extra bandwidth, but it's not essential. Still, as a long-distance car the 3 Series does a lot to compensate for that ride. Quietness and refinement are first rate, especially engine insulation and wind noise. Motorway lane stability is fine too. And the optional driver aids work unobtrusively, which can't be said for many competitors – BMW's lane keep deserves special mention for working largely unobtrusively. Highlights from the range the fastest M340i xDrive MHT 5dr Step Auto 0-62 4.6s CO2 BHP 368.8 MPG Price £61,635 the cheapest 320i Sport 5dr Step Auto 0-62 7.6s CO2 BHP 181 MPG Price £42,515
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Ozzy Osbourne car collection: From crashing a Ferrari after getting license at 60 to owning Volvo Wagons and an Audi R8
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic star of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, tragically passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76, marking the end of an era in the heavy metal rock landscape. The heartbreaking news of the icon has been shared by his family, who asked for privacy during this difficult time. However, there is no confirmation on the cause of the death so far. The 76-year-old artist left behind a $220 million (Rs 1800 crore) fortune for his six children and ten grandchildren. If we look back into the early life of Osbourne, he grew up amidst the industrial operation of working-class Manchester; hence, it is no surprise that he was made the frontman for metal legends Black Sabbath. For car enthusiasts, jamming to Ozzy Osbourne's music while driving was a way to know him better. Whether it was No More Tears, Mr. Crowley, Crazy Train, or Children of the Grave, his powerful vocals always seemed to sync perfectly with the rhythm of the road and the soul of some of his famous music. Well, among many other things, Ozzy was a bit of a gearhead. Ozzy Osbourne behind the wheel: A heavy metal legend's unexpected gearhead journey For the unversed, Osbourne faced enormous difficulty in passing his driving test. The rock metal star earned his first driving license in his 60s, and this is when he proudly joined the gearhead community, according to Driving. As per the report, it reportedly took him about 19 tries to succeed in a driving test that was too long after he had moved to Los Angeles. Although he lacked a formal license in his younger years, that didn't stop the rock icon from indulging his passion for cars, which is something his long-standing reputation as a car enthusiast makes clear. To honour Ozzy's love for automotive, let's revisit some of his most fascinating rides that have found a home in the garages of his many estates over the years. From Ferrari 458 Italia to Audi R8: A look at Ozzy Osbourne's most iconic car collection Volvo 240 Wagon (First car): Ozzy rolled in the Volvo 240 Wagon back in his early days. Ozzy was first captured with a Volvo 240 wagon; it may not be the most powerful or as lavish as other cars, but it was the most reliable one. Ferrari 458 Italia: The Ferrari 458 Italia holds legendary status for many, but for Ozzy Osbourne, it's quite memorable, as it was the car that he famously crashed right after getting his driver's license. The price of a Ferrari 458 Italia in 2025 varies depending on factors like condition, mileage, and other options. Roughly, it may cost around $170,000 to $300,000+. Rolls-Royce Phantom: This is the vehicle that one most likely imagined Ozzy driving. The Rolls-Royce Phantom fits in perfectly with his "Prince of Darkness" character. Any undertaker would blush from its opulent, elegant appearance to its massive, imposing V12 engine. We're also rather excited about it. Aston Martin Vantage: Ozzy had a taste of the finer things, despite his reputation for being raw and gruff and his outrageous exploits on stage and in real life. Indeed, it is said that he was the owner of the same vehicle that Bond would have driven. Audi R8: The Audi R8 may not be the first car you would think Ozzy would be driving, but he did. In the last years of his life, he possessed one of them and a few other exotics. Without a doubt, Audi's exterior design is exceptional, regardless of your preferred car type. An even stronger case may be made for a mid-mount V10 option. Ozzy Osbourne's real estate properties, houses, and more Over the years, the rock icon and his second wife, Sharon Osbourne, purchased some notable real estate deals in California. In 2011, the couple listed their Hidden Hills property for close to $13 million and eventually sold it in 2013 for $11.5 million. Later, the couple sold their beachfront home in Malibu for less than $8 million at that time. Later, in 2014, they purchased a condo in the posh Sierra Towers in Los Angeles, and in 2021, they increased their space by acquiring their neighbouring unit, spending roughly $6.3 million in total.
