Latest news with #Fiat500
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
I transformed my council house garden into an extra parking space to help neighbours but people pointed out same issue
And scroll down to see how the family respond to trolls who claim they're 'jobless spongers on benefits' DIY DRIVE I transformed my council house garden into an extra parking space to help neighbours but people pointed out same issue A DAD-OF-12 has revealed his freebie garden makeover after converting it into an extra parking space - all to stay on his neighbours' good side. Ben, 50, and Zoe Sullivan, 46, and their bumper brood make up one of Scotland's biggest families. 4 The Sullivans have 12 children and stay in a six-bedroom house Credit: The Sullivans The pair are parents to Elizabeth, 20, Olivia, 18, Noah, 15, Eva, 13, Toby, 12, Agnes, seven, Joseph, six, Flo, three, and two sets of twins, Charlotte and Isabelle, 17, and Leah and Erin, nine. They live in a six-bedroom council house in Burghead, Moray, where they regularly document their hectic lives on their YouTube channel. After buying a Fiat 500 as a "runaround car" for their eldest daughters, the couple were worried they were taking too much on-street parking away from their neighbours They already have two people carriers for ferrying around the whole family on day trips and holidays, and only had room for one car in their driveway. And they feared that having two cars parked on the street could create an issue. Ben said: "Since the girls have now got their car, the issue with parking is raising its head. "We don't want to take the mickey. We don't want to take up too much space outside because obviously it's a cul-de-sac. "There's lots of houses and most homes these days have cars and some two cars and it's just creating a bit of a traffic jam out there. "What we don't want to do is just to overtake an entire road with cars." As a solution, they decided to sacrifice their spare front garden space and converted it into another parking spot instead. I'm fuming after nosy neighbours left note on my car asking my 'plans for parking', despite having a four-car driveway Ben said the decision "improves curb appeal and makes their council home more functional". In a recent video, he documented his one-day transformation of the front garden - and it didn't cost a penny. Alongside sons Noah and Toby, Ben removed the front garden fence, digged out the deep fence posts and filled the holes with mud and stones that were already in the garden. Their job was made easier as the council had already removed half of the fence to accommodate for sewage works. And Ben "got the green light" from officials to remove the rest of the fencing too. Showing off the finished results, the delighted dad said: "That just leaves the little runabout just parked near to our house so it just saves a lot on space. "We're not taking up too much space and we've actually got a place to park." 4 Ben removed the fence from their front garden to convert it into a parking space Credit: Youtube/The Sullivans 4 They had to dig out the deep fence posts Credit: Youtube/The Sullivans 4 The finished result means the Sullivans can now park two cars in the drive Credit: Youtube/The Sullivans But after sharing the transformation on social media, people were quick to point out a potential issue. "You need a dropped kerb now putting in which is an expensive job", one person said. Somebody else chimed in: "I guess if the kerb isn't dropped you run the risk of being blocked in if someone parks there?" And a third added: "Some jealous eejit will report for not having a drop kerb and removing the fence/posts." But Ben insisted that: the kerb is "partially dropped already" and added: "It's fine for now." "I put an application in with the council, plus it was the council who removed half the fence for us in the first place ️ "People will always try and trip us up unfortunately there are little bullies everywhere." Social media support Other people, however, were full of praise for the savvy dad's DIY project. One said: "Wow, I bet it will make a huge difference getting the cars on the drive! Much easier for you all... easier to load up... and safer off the road. Great job all." Someone else wrote: "Great job on the driveway, hopefully will make a difference especially now with the girls car. Well done to your helpers too." "Nice you can park on the drive now. So considerate of you as you have three cars", chimed in a third. A fourth agreed: "Front is looking good, much better use of the space in the front, and leaves the street less crowded." "Great job converting it into a driveway!! Looks really good!!" gushed a fifth. And a sixth said: "That's a great idea parking the two bigger cars in the driveway and the wee Fiat on the street it would be lovely if more neighbours were thoughtful like this and considered others." The garden renovation comes after the Sullivans were forced to hit back at trolls who claim they're jobless spongers on benefits - insisting they couldn't be more wrong. Zoe was faced with hateful messages after revealing she spends £400 on the weekly food shop. Opening up about the hate, Zoe said: "There is this assumption that number one, we don't work and number two we bring in mass incomes on benefits and then spend it all on rubbish. "People seem to be so angry at large families, [they] just assume you have children and you suddenly become a sponge on society. "We pay our taxes, we pay our bills, we pay our council tax, we pay our rent, we pay all that stuff." "Obviously getting us by, there's 14 of us, it takes quite a lot of money. But we budget, we make ends meet."
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
I transformed my council house garden into an extra parking space to help neighbours but people pointed out same issue
A DAD-OF-12 has revealed his freebie garden makeover after converting it into an extra parking space - all to stay on his neighbours' good side. Ben, 50, and Zoe Sullivan, 46, and their bumper brood make up one of Scotland's Advertisement 4 The Sullivans have 12 children and stay in a six-bedroom house Credit: The Sullivans The pair are parents to Elizabeth, 20, Olivia, 18, Noah, 15, Eva, 13, Toby, 12, Agnes, seven, Joseph, six, Flo, three, and two sets of twins, Charlotte and Isabelle, 17, and Leah and Erin, nine. They live in a six-bedroom council house in Burghead, Moray, where they regularly document their hectic lives on After buying a Fiat 500 as a "runaround car" for their eldest daughters, the couple were worried they were taking too much on-street parking away from their neighbours They already have two people carriers for ferrying around the whole family on day trips and holidays, and only had room for one car in their driveway. Advertisement And they feared that having two cars parked on the street could create an issue. Ben said: "Since the girls have now got their car, the issue with parking is raising its head. "We don't want to take the mickey. We don't want to take up too much space outside because obviously it's a cul-de-sac. "There's lots of houses and most homes these days have cars and some two cars and it's just creating a bit of a traffic jam out there. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous "What we don't want to do is just to overtake an entire road with cars." As a solution, they decided to sacrifice their spare front garden space and converted it into another parking spot instead. I'm fuming after nosy neighbours left note on my car asking my 'plans for parking', despite having a four-car driveway Ben said the decision "improves curb appeal and makes their council home more functional". In a recent video, he documented his one-day transformation of the front garden - and it didn't cost a penny. Advertisement Alongside sons Noah and Toby, Ben removed the front garden fence, digged out the deep fence posts and filled the holes with mud and stones that were already in the garden. Their job was made easier as the council had already removed half of the fence to accommodate for sewage works. And Ben "got the green light" from officials to remove the rest of the fencing too. Showing off the finished results, the delighted dad said: "That just leaves the little runabout just parked near to our house so it just saves a lot on space. Advertisement "We're not taking up too much space and we've actually got a place to park." 4 Ben removed the fence from their front garden to convert it into a parking space Credit: Youtube/The Sullivans 4 They had to dig out the deep fence posts Credit: Youtube/The Sullivans 4 The finished result means the Sullivans can now park two cars in the drive Credit: Youtube/The Sullivans Advertisement But after sharing the transformation on social media, people were quick to point out a potential issue. " You need a dropped kerb now putting in which is an expensive job ", one person said. Somebody else chimed in: " I guess if the kerb isn't dropped you run the risk of being blocked in if someone parks there? " And a third added: "Some jealous eejit will report for not having a drop kerb and removing the fence/posts." Advertisement But Ben insisted that: the kerb is "partially dropped already" and added: "It's fine for now." "I put an application in with the council, plus it was the council who removed half the fence for us in the first place ️ "People will always try and trip us up unfortunately there are little bullies everywhere." Social media support Other people, however, were full of praise for the savvy dad's DIY project. Advertisement One said: "Wow, I bet it will make a huge difference getting the cars on the drive! Much easier for you all... easier to load up... and safer off the road. Great job all." Someone else wrote: "Great job on the driveway, hopefully will make a difference especially now with the girls car. Well done to your helpers too." "Nice you can park on the drive now. So considerate of you as you have three cars", chimed in a third. A fourth agreed: "Front is looking good, much better use of the space in the front, and leaves the street less crowded." Advertisement "Great job converting it into a driveway!! Looks really good!!" gushed a fifth. And a sixth said: "That's a great idea parking the two bigger cars in the driveway and the wee Fiat on the street it would be lovely if more neighbours were thoughtful like this and considered others." The garden renovation comes after the Sullivans were forced to hit back at trolls who claim they're jobless spongers on benefits - insisting they couldn't be more wrong. Advertisement Zoe was faced with hateful messages after revealing she Opening up about the hate, Zoe said: "There is this assumption that number one, we don't work and number two we bring in mass incomes on benefits and then spend it all on rubbish. "People seem to be so angry at large families, [they] just assume you have children and you suddenly become a sponge on society. Read more on the Irish Sun "We pay our taxes, we pay our bills, we pay our council tax, we pay our rent, we pay all that stuff." Advertisement "Obviously getting us by, there's 14 of us, it takes quite a lot of money. But we budget, we make ends meet."
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Packing the car this summer could see drivers hit with £2.5K fine, warn experts
Little-known motoring rules could catch drivers out this summer season. Drivers could be hit with hefty fines if they are caught breaking the law when heading on holiday this summer. Packing a car before travelling can seem like a tedious task, but experts have warned that taking extra caution when loading your vehicle can save you thousands of pounds. Motorists have been warned they face hefty fines if their luggage obstructs the driver's view and if it means they've exceeded weight limits for their vehicle. Overpacking can lead to big penalties, invalidated insurance, and even legal action in extreme cases. Car expert Gabriel Hambleton from car detailing supplier Gold Label Car Care shares what drivers need to know to avoid costly errors which would put a real dampener on the start of your holidays. Packing suitcases and other items too high so that they block the driver's view can lead to a £50 penalty, and in more serious cases, this could result in fines of up to £2,500, a driving ban, and three penalty points. Additionally, accidents caused by overloading or obstructed vision can invalidate insurance, leaving drivers fully liable for damages. Legal risks of overloading - £300 Drivers face fines of up to £300 and three points on their license if their car is overloaded by 15% or more. Smaller overloading violations can also lead to fines, with £100 for loads up to 10% over the limit and £200 for 10-14% over. Severe cases over 30% may lead to a court summons, and in extreme instances, a prison sentence under dangerous driving laws. Understanding payload weight Many drivers underestimate how quickly a car's payload weight can be exceeded. For example, smaller vehicles like the Kia Picanto or Fiat 500 often have payload capacities between 385kg and 482kg. With four passengers, luggage, and hand baggage, it's easy to cross this threshold. Checking your vehicle manual for payload weight and calculating the combined weight of passengers and luggage before travelling is essential. Insurance issues and travel disruptions Overloading your car can have serious consequences beyond fines. It can invalidate your insurance policy, leaving you unprotected in the event of an incident. In some cases, overloaded vehicles may be stopped, and drivers won't be allowed to continue until the weight is reduced. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. How to avoid overloading To avoid overloading, start by loading heavy items at the bottom of the boot to keep a low centre of gravity. Consider using roof racks for bulky but lighter items like bedding and vacuum-sealed bags to reduce luggage size. Tyre pressure adjustments "When carrying additional weight, make sure your tyre pressure is adjusted to match the load. Tyre pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and indicates how much air your tyres need to handle the extra weight safely. 'Underinflated tyres can increase braking distance, reduce steering control, and waste fuel. Check your vehicle handbook or the inside of your fuel door for the recommended PSI for heavier loads. Inflate the tyres while they're cold for the most accurate reading." Effect of constant overloading "Occasionally driving with heavy loads shouldn't cause major issues, but if you're planning to go on a road trip this summer, persistent overloading wears down critical parts of the car, including the suspension, engine, brakes and tyres, which can lead to expensive repairs and a shorter vehicle lifespan."
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Astonishing moment drunk driver flips his car on its side before driving away - as he is jailed for 14 months
This is the shocking moment a drunk driver flies into the air after trying to cut in between two cars while crossing a 'sleeping policeman' speed bump. Danail Angelov, 20, sent a black Fiat 500 flying when he raced over the speed bump on a quiet residential street in the Blaenymaes area of Swansea, south Wales. Dramatic footage shows the car become airborne on April 22, as he collided with a silver Ford Puma which narrowly missed a pedestrian amidst the carnage. The Puma - with a mother and son onboard - was forced off the road and instead slammed into a garden wall. After ricocheting into a passing white Skoda driven by a taxi driver, the black motor plummeted onto its side before sliding across the road. When the vehicle landed back on its wheels, the 20-year-old drove away from the dramatic scene. Angelov was found by police a short time later in an 'agitated' state in a charity shop where he was being shouted at by members of the public. The 20-year-old who was at the wheel of his uncle's car - which he had taken without consent - was over the drink-drive limit at the time of the crash. A taxi driver, who was travelling in a white Skoda towards the Fiat 500, later attended hospital for the injuries he sustained during the crash. Angelov was jailed to 14 months at Swansea Crown Court after police said it was 'miraculous' that no-one was seriously hurt during the incident. Emily Bennett, prosecuting, told the court that at lunchtime on April 22 this year Angelov was driving a Fiat 500 car on Broughton Avenue, Swansea. She said he overtook the Ford Puma car in front of him just as a white Skoda taxi was coming in the opposite direction. She said Angelov drove between the two vehicle and clipped the Puma and was flipped onto two wheels and into the side of the taxi. Angelov of Swansea pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle-taking, failing to stop after a road accident, drink driving and driving without a license. He was jailed for 14 months at the city's Crown Court. Sgt Robert Richards of South Wales Police lambasted the young man for his 'dangerous actions'. 'Danail Angelov could have injured a number of people with his reckless and dangerous actions,' he said. 'The taxi driver, who was just going about his daily business, had to attend hospital to be inspected for whiplash and concussion. 'There was also a child pedestrian walking on the pavement at the time of the collision, and it is a miracle that one of the three vehicles didn't end up striking them and causing them serious injury. 'The fact that he then drove off from the scene is a sad indictment of his character. 'It is only right that he goes to prison.'
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘Morgues are more entertaining' – ‘Rip off' festival promising ‘high-octane' family fun day slammed as ‘SHAMBLES'
Organisers had described the event as 'unforgettable' NO FUN 'Morgues are more entertaining' – 'Rip off' festival promising 'high-octane' family fun day slammed as 'SHAMBLES' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PUNTERS have slammed a family festival as a 'rip off' after it promised 'high octane' fun, with one critic saying 'morgues were more entertaining'. The 'High Octane Family Fest Weekender' was held at Ffos Las Racecourse in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, Wales, over the bank holiday weekend. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Attendees were not happy about the 'High Octane Family Fest Weekender' at Ffos Las Racecourse, saying it was a 'shambles' Credit: MEDIA WALES But attendees have been taking to social media to warn others; one said it was a 'shambles' and told others 'do not attend'. Another claimed they lasted '20 minutes max' before deciding to pack it in and return to their car. One said it was a 'total rip-off'. Robyn Morgan and her family went to the event on May 24. Read More on UK News DRIVE SHOCK Moment drunk Fiat 500 driver smashes into car & flips over during overtake She described the event has 'absolutely shocking,' going on to write: 'Please don't waste your money, we lasted 15 minutes.' Robyn also claimed: "[The event is] not as described, even today when the weather nicer.' She added: "There is one ramp for the BMX bikes. Teacups, trampolines, one ride and a crazy maze. 'One burger van, one sweet stall, one ice cream van, and you can see it all stood in one place. "Balloon baskets were there but not inflating balloons, a character stitch walking round, no music, no atmosphere." She said: "Such a waste of time and wouldn't really keep the kids entertained. Fans slam Glastonbury as 'worst one ever' as full lineup announced 'They shouldn't be able to get away with advertising this and certainly shouldn't be charging for tickets. "I've seen more entertainment at a morgue. It is absolutely shocking." Another attendee on Saturday, who wanted to remain anonymous, told WalesOnline: "I have just returned from the event today at Ffos Las advertising motorbikes, medieval jousting, giant funfair,' adding 'it was not as advertised.' She claimed: "There were three men on BMX bikes - who were pretty good in all honesty - a hot air balloon that didn't go up, five very expensive fairground rides (tea cups, fun house, trampolines, a spinning thing, and two toddler rides). "There was one burger van and a sweet van," which she said were "overpriced" and claimed there was no bar and no live music. "I got super-early bird tickets at £13.45, but some people have paid £30/ticket. I have asked for a refund of my tickets for tomorrow." The event was held across May 24-26, starting at 10am and finishing at 8pm, each day. Organisers held a 'flash sale' on Friday, selling tickets for £3 each but adults who bought their tickets in advance are thought to have paid between £13 and £30 for their entry to the event. High Octane Events had advertised the event as being 'unforgettable'. A post to its social media platforms last week said: "This time next week we'll be putting the finishing touches on a wonderful weekend of hot air ballooning, live music, fairground rides, motorbike shows and more!" The company has now responded to the criticisms with a spokesperson writing on the High Octane Events' Facebook page: "A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Ffos Las event this weekend! "We truly appreciate your support and energy, it means everything to the High Octane Events team. "Unfortunately, the poor weather impacted our schedule and some parts of the show didn't go ahead as planned. "We completely understand that this may have been disappointing for some of you, and we want to sincerely apologise if the experience fell short of expectations. "If you were unhappy with any part of the event, please don't hesitate to message us directly - we're here to listen and make things right wherever we can. "Thank you again for being part of the High Octane Events community. We're already working hard to make the next one even better!" The Sun Online has contact High Octane Events for further comment.
