Latest news with #GabrielHambleton
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- 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 Mirror
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Blue Badge driver alert on risk of £1,000 fine over parking rules
Experts say you could even have your badge withdrawn for not following the rules Motorists with Blue Badges are being cautioned by driving experts about misunderstood regulations that could result in them losing their badge and facing a fine of up to £1,000. The misuse and theft of Blue Badges have surged by more than 1000% since 2016. Gabriel Hambleton from Gold Label Car Care warns that common misconceptions about the usage of Blue Badge s could prove costly. " The Blue Badge scheme is designed to assist those with significant mobility challenges by offering important parking benefits," Gabriel explained. "Badge holders can park for free at council pay and display car parks and on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, as long as it's safe and does not cause an obstruction. "While the scheme offers convenience, there are limits to where you can park, and misunderstandings about this often lead to misuse. For example, Blue Badge holders cannot park in loading bays, spaces reserved for taxis or permit holders, or across pedestrian crossings. "Parking on school 'keep clear' markings or areas with double white lines is also prohibited. It's important to note these rules to avoid fines or obstruction. "One of the most common misconceptions is that a Blue Badge allows parking anywhere, which is not the case. Parking is restricted where it could endanger others or obstruct access, such as near junctions, bus stops, or hospital entrances. Even areas without explicit signs, such as where emergency vehicles need access, are off-limits. Understanding these restrictions ensures safer and fairer use of the scheme. "The Blue Badge must always be displayed clearly on the dashboard with the relevant details visible. Many people mistakenly think the badge can be used without the holder present, but it's strictly for their use, either as a driver or passenger. Organisational badges are only valid when transporting individuals who qualify under the scheme. "Misuse of a Blue Badge can have serious consequences. Lending the badge to someone else, using it after it has expired, or failing to return a badge that is no longer needed can lead to its withdrawal and a fine of up to £1,000. This helps protect the integrity of the scheme and ensures support goes to those who genuinely need it. "Blue Badges are valid for three years or until the end date of certain benefits, such as Personal Independence Payments. As reminders are no longer sent, badge holders must monitor expiry dates and apply for renewal up to 12 weeks in advance. If the badge is no longer needed, returning it to the issuing authority prevents misuse and ensures compliance with the scheme." The Blue Badge scheme is a government initiative in the UK that offers parking benefits for individuals with disabilities or health conditions impacting their mobility. This badge allows them to park nearer to their destination, whether they are driving or being driven. Who can apply for a Blue Badge Those with severe mobility issues. Individuals who are officially registered as blind. People with certain invisible disabilities (e.g. autism, mental health conditions, chronic pain). Parents or carers of children with mobility problems. What a Blue Badge permits Parking on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours (unless there are restrictions). Free parking in pay-and-display bays and other areas (subject to local regulations). Access to disabled parking spaces. Where a Blue Badge is valid The scheme is applicable across the UK, but the exact rules may differ slightly between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. How to get a Blue Badge Applications can be submitted through your local council or via the official UK government website. Medical or supporting evidence is usually needed. A badge is valid for up to 3 years and must be renewed.
