Latest news with #GovUK
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Brits travelling abroad in summer 2025 advised of new driving and parking rules in some European countries
Brits planning to travel abroad this summer have been advised of new driving and parking rules being brought into some European countries. The update has been issued for 17 European destinations in which drivers will need to be aware of the new rules. Nationals who rely on Blue Badges are set to be affected by the changes. Blue Badge holders are being advised that for 17 destinations, including popular tourist traps like Croatia, Cyprus and Switzerland, they may be able to use their Blue Badge when parking. It says via "Before visiting a country, check whether it recognises the UK Blue Badge. Some countries may require you to display a local parking notice as well as your Blue Badge." READ MORE: The once buzzing Spanish resort being 'abandoned' by visitors over high prices and anti-tourist measures READ MORE: Mum discovers £74-a-night 'budget-friendly Center Parcs dupe' with hot tubs, waterfall and stunning countryside views Advice continues: "Even in countries that recognise the Blue Badge, parking rules can vary in different parts of the country. Rules can also change, and some countries may have changed their rules. "You should research local parking regulations or get in touch with the relevant local authority for specific information." The badges allow drivers and passengers to park closer to their destinations for on-street parking, although car parks are excluded. Those who have disabilities or health conditions which affect their ability to walk are able to apply for a Blue Badge. It is advised to check the local rules of the country you are planning to visit as these often vary from the UK, for instance some places may need a local parking notice to be displayed alongside the Blue Badge. The Foreign Office also advises that Blue Badge holders bring supporting documentation with them, such as a doctor's note or translation of their Blue Badge, especially when travelling to countries with stricter parking rules. For several European countries, the Foreign Office has updated the safety and security section on stating: "If you are visiting [country] you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules." Full list of countries Austria Belgium Croatia Cyprus Czechia Denmark Estonia Finland Hungary Ireland Latvia Liechtenstein Norway Poland Slovakia Sweden Switzerland Got a story? Please get in touch at Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
The Sun
08-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Warning to drivers towing a caravan this summer over illegal blunder that could land you with a £1,000 fine
DRIVERS towing caravans this summer need to avoid making this illegal mistake or could face a hefty £1000 fine. With summer well underway and warmer days ahead, August marks a great opportunity for caravan owners to hit the road. 2 Warning to drivers towing caravans this summer However, it is important to watch out for this common mistake to avoid forking out a hefty sum if caught. Before setting off, you must ensure that your car number plate matches that of your caravan or motorhome. Failure to do so could lead to significant consequences. The plate on the back of your caravan must match that of the towcar and follow the standard rules of size, colour and spacing, reports Caravan Times. The other requirements are the number plate must be clearly visible and properly fixed to the caravan, and there are no exceptions for its removal from the vehicle. In addition to being hit with an eye-watering fine for failure to comply, this can cause also cause significant insurance issues. Your insurance may be invalidated, especially if you are involved in an accident while not displaying the correct number plate. Government number plate specifications According to the official website: "Your trailer must display the same number plate as the vehicle you're towing it with. "If you're towing more than one trailer, the number plate must be fixed to the trailer at the back." The website also specifies that all number plates must be made from a reflective material, display black characters on a white background (front plate), and display black characters on a yellow background (rear plate). Moment French farmers use tractors to spray hordes of squatters with manure Common caravaner fines to avoid Caravan Times has also revealed the other common caravaner fines, to help to prevent your trip from taking a sour turn. The first to look out for, and perhaps the most easy to forget, is speed limits. While this isn't an issue for smaller vans, if your trailer weighs more than 3.05 tonnes or is longer than 12 metres, you will need to look out for lower speed limits. While this can be easy to forget when cruising along the motorway, it is important to stick to these limits to avoid another £1000 fine. The limit is 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Another common mistake to be wary of is weight limits. This often catches people out due to it being dependent upon when your driving licence was issued. Steve Noga, campervan expert at Auto Finance, told Caravan Times: 'For driving licences before 1st January 1997, you can usually drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250 kg. "However, for any driving licences secured after this date, you can tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg.' Beyond these limits you will need a special category on your licence. The other three blunders often made revolve around parking, unsafe towing and overseas rules. While wild camping is legal in Scotland, allowing you to park up outside of official sites, the same rules unfortunately do not apply in England, Wales or Ireland. This is why it is always advised that you check local bylaws before parking up, whether that be for an overnight stay or just a quick pitstop. Fines for unsafe towing can also be among the most hefty, reaching up to a staggering £2500. It is therefore absolutely vital that you take time to secure your rig before hitting the road to protect both your bank account, and the people around you. The last thing to consider is overseas rules. It is important that you check the local laws before entering a new country as they will most likely differ to the UK. Why caravan holidays are so underrated CARAVAN park holidays are a British staple. And with the cost of living crisis wreaking havoc on Britain's purses, more of us are turning to them for an affordable break. Josie O'Brien, Senior Digital Writer on Fabulous, weighs in on why she thinks caravan holidays are seriously underrated... WHEN I was a child, my mum used to collect the £9.50 holiday vouchers in The Sun. She'd use them to book a couple of nights away at a caravan park during the school holidays. As an adult, I fully appreciate the convenience of a humble caravan holiday. No faffing about with passports, no luggage limits and no bog-standard hotel breakfast of stale toast and grey eggs. I still love caravan holidays as an adult. In a world of doing everything for the 'gram, a caravan park brings you back to basics. There's no obligation to get dressed up, no stress to fit a million picturesque excursions in one week and I don't find myself flustered in tourist hot spots like abroad. I love going to coastal caravan parks and strolling along the beach parade. My highlight is always fresh mussels, ice-creams and classic pubs to grab an afternoon tipple in. And then, of course, there's the cost. Staying in a caravan is definitely way cheaper than my international trips. With no expensive hotel bills and the ability to cook my own meals, I'm spending hundreds less than I would abroad. I've had some of my best and most relaxing holidays in caravans. Maybe I'll buy my own one day. 2
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
DWP confirms Winter Fuel Payment dates and exact amount pensioners can get
THE DWP has confirmed key dates for the Winter Fuel Payment including the exact amounts pensioners can get. The website has been updated with eligibility criteria and how much people will receive based on their circumstances. 1 The up to £300 payment was axed for millions of pensioners last winter and only those on certain benefits qualified. But this winter it will be paid to individuals with a taxable income over £35,000 following pubic outcry. The U-turn means nine million pensioners will get a Winter Fuel Payment this year. But there is still eligibility criteria to meet including your age and where you live. Who is eligible? You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959, and live in England and Wales. The amount you will receive is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 15 and September 21 this year. This is known as the "qualifying week". If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment you will get either: £200, if you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 £300, if you were born before 22 September 1945 If you live with someone else who's eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment and are not on benefits you will get a payment of: Keir Starmer confirms huge winter fuel payment U-turn £100, if you and the person you live with were both born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 £100, if you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 but the person you live with was born before 22 September 1945 £200, if you were born before 22 September 1945 but the person you live with was born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 £150, if you and the person you live with were born before 22 September 1945 If you and your partner jointly claim one of the following benefits, you will receive a different amount: Pension Credit, Universal Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Income Support. If you are on one of these benefits, one of you will get a payment of either: £200 if both of you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 £300 if one or both of you were born before 22 September 1945 The payment will be made into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into. If you get any of the same above benefits, but not as part of a joint claim, you'll get a payment of either: £200 if you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 £300 if you were born before 22 September 1945 However, in all the above cases, if your taxable income is more than £35,000, your Winter Fuel Payment will be taken back either through PAYE or through Self Assessment. If you are living in a care home will get either: £100, if you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 £150, if you were born before 22 September 1945 Do I need to claim? Most people eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment don't need to claim it and will receive it automatically. You do not need to claim if you get any of the following benefits: State Pension Pension Credit Universal Credit Attendance Allowance Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Carer's Allowance Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Income Support income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) awards from the War Pensions Scheme Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Incapacity Benefit Industrial Death Benefit If you do not get any of these, you need to claim if either of the following apply: you've not got the Winter Fuel Payment before you've deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment You can claim the payment by post from September 15, or by phone from October 13. The ultimate deadline to claim for this winter is March 31, 2026. More details on how to claim can be found via Most Winter Fuel Payments are made in November or December. If you are eligible, you should receive a letter in October or November telling you how much you're in line to get. If you don't receive one by January 28, 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Yahoo
Emergency alert test returning in 2025 with nearly all UK mobiles affected
Nearly every mobile phone in the UK is set to receive an emergency alert message in 2025, which will trigger a loud 10-second siren-like sound. The message will come as part of a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts system by the government and mobile network operators. Emergency alerts is a UK government service that warns people when there's a danger to life nearby. says: "In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe." Alerts will only be sent by emergency services, government departments, agencies and public bodies. They will usually alert people to things like sever flooding, fires or extreme weather. Some people received emergency alerts from the UK and Scottish Governments back in January due to the red weather warning and strong winds associated with Storm Éowyn. While the last test of the service took place on April 23, 2023. An emergency alert was sent out to people across the UK and Northern Ireland in January due to Strom Eowyn. (Image: Rebecca Black/PA Wire) The last test alert read: "Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. 'In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. "Visit for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.' Following the successful test of the UK Emergency Alerts system in 2023, the government said it would carry out "occasional operator tests" to assess improvements made. The next national test is set to take place later this year (an exact date is yet to be revealed). Every mobile phone in the UK is set to receive a new emergency alert test message in 2025. (Image: Lauren Hurley/PA Wire) The website says: "You may get this alert if you have a phone that has operator test alerts turned on. "These operator tests are not alerting you of real danger. These alerts will always have 'operator' in the title and will confirm that no action is needed." If you get an emergency alert, your mobile phone or tablet will: Make a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds Vibrate Read out the alert The alert will also include a phone number or a link to the website for more information. What does the alert look and sound like? 🚨 Emergency Alerts will appear on the home screen of your device and you will hear a loud siren-like sound and feel a vibration for up to 10 seconds. Watch the video below 📽️👇 — Cabinet Office (@cabinetofficeuk) March 19, 2023 Emergency alerts, according to the Government website, will only work on the following devices: iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later Other phones that do not run iOS or Android may also receive alerts. You may also still be able to receive alerts if operating on an earlier version of Android. To check, search your device settings for 'emergency alerts'. You will not receive an emergency alert message if your device is: Turned off Connected to a 2G or 3G network Wifi only Not compatible In airplane mode If you do not wish to receive an emergency alert message as part of the national training, you can opt out. To stop receiving operator test alerts on Android devices, search your phone's settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'. If you cannot see them in your settings, the government recommends: Opening your phone's calling app Using the keypad to enter *#*#2627#*#* Search your settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts' RECOMMENDED READING: Met Office emergency alerts gives Brits 'heart attacks' as they expect 'WW3' Virgin Media O2 to continue switch off next month leaving customers with no internet BBC iPlayer to stop working on select TV boxes from next month - is yours one? Depending on the manufacturer and software version of your phone, emergency alert settings may be called different names, according to The settings can usually be found in one of the following ways. The government website says to go to: 'Message', then 'message settings, then 'wireless emergency alerts', then 'alert' 'Settings', then 'sounds', then 'advanced', then 'emergency broadcasts' 'Settings', then 'general settings', then 'emergency alerts' "Then turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'," it adds.
The Independent
19-06-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
In Pictures: People try to stay cool and enjoy the sun as temperatures soar
Staying cool can be a challenge during periods of hot weather, like the one the UK is currently experiencing. Staying indoors is advisable if you don't cope well in the heat. But if you have to go outside, the NHS website suggests staying in the shade and wearing sunscreen, a hat and light clothes. Avoiding exercise or other activity that makes you hotter is also advised but for activities that might be unavoidable, such as taking your dog for a walk, the RSPCA website advises owners to take their pet out in the early morning or late in the evening when it is cooler. People planning a day out with their dog are advised to check before leaving home whether dogs are allowed and to be mindful that pavements can get extremely hot during warm weather. If the ground is too hot to touch with your hand for five seconds, it is not suitable for paws. Hand fans can be a very useful accessory when out and about in the heat. These racegoers during Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot certainly made good use of them as they enjoyed the festivities. While outside, the website advises people to cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen. Cooling yourself down is key to enjoying yourself during hot weather. 'Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes,' says the NHS website. Swimming pools, rivers, lakes, or the sea can be a fun way to cool down when the weather is hot, as these people in London's Hyde Park found. 'Wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket if you are doing an activity out on the water or at the water's edge such as boating or fishing,' the website advises. These sun worshippers took the chance to bask in the warm weather. The NHS website advises people to spend time in the shade when the sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm from March to October and use at least a factor 30 sunscreen.
