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Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Motorists warned over drink-driving fine even without 'getting behind the wheel'
Experts say 300 people have been prosecuted for the offence in the last four years Drivers are being warned they could be fined for drink-driving without actually getting behind the wheel. According to experts 300 motorists have been prosecuted for committing the crime over the past four years. Most drivers pulled over under suspicion of being intoxicated receive a DR40 conviction - for being 'in charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above limit - if they fail a breathalyser, blood or urine test. But for the alternative DR50 endorsement - in charge of a vehicle while unfit through alcohol - just having the keys in the vicinity of the vehicle can be enough. Many motorists are prosecuted for this offence after being found sleeping in their vehicle while intoxicated. And while 2,176 were successfully prosecuted for the more common DR40 charge between 2021 and 2024, there were also 288 DR50 endorsements handed out during the same time period. These drivers faced a £2,500 fine, driving ban and three months in prison. Select Car Leasing secured the data from the DVLA via the Freedom of Information Act. Expert Graham Conway said: "If you're inside a vehicle with the keys you could be prosecuted under the DR50 offence. 'That means if you've had a few too many and fancy sleeping it off in the back seat, you may still end up with a fine and ban.' According to the Road Traffic Act: A person remains in charge of their vehicle until they have transferred control to another, for example by handing over the key or have gone some distance from the car. The legislation also makes clear that if the level of the drug does not exceed the specified limit, but where there is sufficient evidence of impairment, the charge will be contrary to Section 4, which covers the DR50 charge. The DVLA figures showed an upward trend in DR50 endorsements between 2021 to 2023 - but a reduction last year. In 2021 there were 59 added to driving licences in England, Scotland and Wales. That rose to 66 in 2022 and 84 in 2023, but dropped to 19 in 2024 - a total of 228. Of these 47 were female drivers and 181 male. The hotspots were mainly in Scotland, with Glasgow recording 18 endorsements, Aberdeen 12, Edinburgh eight and Dundee seven. 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. The legal alcohol law limit in Scotland is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 22 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath the limit. Graham added: 'Obviously, the best approach is not to drink any alcohol if you're going to drive your car. 'Although there are some rough guidelines out there, there's no way of knowing how a few pints of glasses of wine could affect your ability behind the wheel as factors such as age, weight, gender and the amount of food you have consumed all come into play. 'It's also important to bust the myth that drinking a coffee or having a shower will sober you up quickly enough to drive safely - it can take hours for alcohol to leave your system. 'A mistake many people make is to believe they are fit to drive the morning after, no matter how much booze they consumed the night before. 'It is very possible to be still over the limit and as a result be a danger to other road users and risk losing your licence.'
Western Telegraph
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Western Telegraph
Highway Code: Drivers risk speeding fine over motorway myth
Millions of us use the motorway everyday, but may be putting ourselves at risk of a speeding fine due to an incorrect understanding of motorway cameras. One motoring expert has warned drivers not to get caught out by an old tale that could leave them with a fine, points on their licence and even a driving ban. Graham Conway, from leading vehicle leasing firm Select Car Leasing, explained that a surprisingly large number of drivers still believe smart motorway cameras are NOT in operation all of the time. What can fail an MOT test? That's false – and gantry cameras can still snare speeders going above 70mph even when no variable limit is in place. He said: 'We hear this quite often, but it's something that could potentially ruin your day if you get it wrong. 'It appears that many motorists think the speed cameras on smart motorways are only in operation when the matrix signs on the gantries show a variable speed limit, say 50mph or 60mph. 'They are aware that they need to slow down when they see this, but wrongly believe that at other times they won't get clocked breaking the speed limit, as long as they don't encounter the police. 'This simply is not right. Online motoring forums are full of accounts from drivers who've been caught out in such a manner. "And the penalties for breaking the speed limit on a motorway can be severe. That's as well as being dangerous and putting lives at risk, of course.' Smart motorways have become a prominent feature of the UK's road network, offering increased capacity and improved traffic flow. Recommended Reading: But these dynamic highways also come with unique safety considerations. They utilise variable speed limits to manage traffic flow and enhance safety – depending on traffic conditions, accidents or roadworks. The smart motorway speed camera myth is one of many commonly-held misconceptions that can catch out drivers. Another is that there is no speed limit on the M6 toll road, in the West Midlands, because it is run by a private company – which is also incorrect. Mr Conway added: 'The big message here is simple: Don't speed. Road safety charity Brake! says speeding contributes to 105,000 road crashes and leads to more than 1,500 deaths every year. 'Good drivers are aware of the rules and abide by them, while also being conscious of the conditions on the day and what other road users are doing. 'It can be tempting at this time of year, when schedules are busy and you're trying to get somewhere on time, to put your foot down. 'But it's much better to get there slightly late and still in one piece than to not get there at all.'
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
How many cars caravan owners are allowed behind them before a fine
How many cars caravan owners are allowed behind them before a fine You're supposed to pull over, according to Rule 169 of the Highway Code and section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 Looking at the back of a mobile home, motorhome or caravan can be frustrating for other drivers Holidaymakers have been warned about a little-known Highway Code rule that could see them hit with a £5,000 fine and nine points on their licence. Estimates suggest there are close to 800,000 touring caravans and motorhomes regularly in use in the UK, as enthusiasts take their home away from home with them. Caravans and larger motorhomes must abide by different speed limits from cars; 60mph on motorways and dual carriageways, 50mph on single carriageways and 30mph in built-up areas. It's not unusual to see caravans and motorhomes travelling slower than the posted limit, particularly on winding rural roads, as owners attempt to navigate their large vehicles carefully. But if a queue of traffic builds up behind, they're obliged to pull over to let the queue pass. Rule 169 of the Highway Code states: 'Do not hold up a long queue of traffic, especially if you are driving a large or slow-moving vehicle. Check your mirrors frequently, and if necessary, pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass.' While there's no specific law governing when a caravan or motorhome should safely pull over to traffic, failure to do so could be deemed an act of 'careless' or 'inconsiderate driving' under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The offence can result in an on-the-spot fine of £100 as well as three penalty points on a licence, while more serious cases could even result in a £5,000 fine and up to 9 penalty points. Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, said: 'If you're one of the many people in the UK who love the caravan or motorhome way of life, it's good to know what the Highway Code says about holding up traffic. When you're on the tow or in charge of a large vehicle, safety is paramount and it's only right that you adjust your speed accordingly, slowing down if necessary. Article continues below 'But if you spot a large queue of traffic building up behind you, try to pull over when it's safe to do so in order to let them pass. It's not just Highway Code advice, it's also a courtesy for other road users. 'On the flip side, if you find yourself stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle of any sort - whether it's a car pulling a caravan, a large HGV, or a tractor and trailer - maintain a safe following distance, keep checking your mirrors for other vehicles who may also be looking to overtake, and only pull out to overtake when it's safe to do so.' The Highway Code advice about moving over for other traffic also applies to tractors and agricultural vehicles. Article continues below The National Farmers Union advises: 'When you become aware of traffic building up behind you, pull over when safe and legal to do so, to allow faster vehicles to safely pass you.' In 2014 police in Dyfed-Powys, Wales, warned tractor drivers they may be committing an offence if they hold up traffic and urged farmers to pull in to lay-bys when six or more vehicles follow them. A similar warning was issued by police in Gloucestershire Police in 2015, with Forest Local Policing Area PC Richard Simpson saying: 'When tractors and other slow moving vehicles don't pull over when they have the chance to do so, in order to let traffic past, they can cause obstructions and long tailbacks, and they may be committing offence.'
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Drivers warned 'clean these areas of the car' following norovirus outbreak at Scots hospital
Experts are warning that there are certain areas in your vehicle that hoard germs. Motorists are being warned to clean certain areas of their cars following a norovirus outbreak at a Scottish hospital. The so-called 'winter vomiting bug' can be spread at any time of the year and causes sickness and diarrhoea, with other symptoms including headaches, high temperatures and aching joints. It is highly contagious and spreads easily through contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, and contaminated food. It can be far more serious for vulnerable victims such as young children, older people or those with weakened immune systems. Earlier this month NHS Highland said Fort William's Belford Hospital was refusing new patients on the ward, and restricting visitor numbers because of the virus. Anyone who was showing signs of symptoms, or those who live with someone who was were advised not to visit a healthcare facility. Authorities have urged people not to return to work for 48 hours after symptoms pass and for everyone to prioritise good hand hygiene to stop the spread. One place that experts are warning can carry lots of hidden germs is somewhere you might not consider. And that's the inside of your car. Graham Conway from Select Car Leasing said there are certain zones that often get missed when cleaning your vehicles. He said: "Most people keep their homes spic and span but can overlook the importance of regular cleaning of their vehicle. "When you consider the amount of time you and your family spend in a car, it's vital to stay on top of hygiene - especially when there are some nasty bugs still doing the rounds.' A recent study by Aston University highlighted that car interiors host higher levels of germs than the average home toilet, including E. coli on the driver's seat and in the boot. Graham recommends drivers focus on these key areas. Air Vents "Over time these tend to accumulate dust, mould and pollen, and just giving them a quick spray or wipe won't solve the issue," he said. "Instead, use a paint brush to dislodge the particles and replace cabin filters to stop the spread of germs." Seat belts "Both buckles and straps are among the most frequently touched items in your car," he said, "but it's common for them to be ignored when it comes to cleaning. "Look for any grime build-up on the metal and plastic, and fully extend the fabric before scrubbing with a mild detergent." Steering wheel and gear stick Graham said: "They often get a wipe down but need much more attention due to how much they are touched. "Get some disinfectant wipes and have a good go at removing the oil and skin particles that have accumulated." Between the seats These hard-to-reach areas are hot spots for crumbs and dust - as well as loose coins, hair and other muck. "A professional valet should sort this out, but otherwise using a slim vacuum attachment will allow you to get into all of the nooks and crannies." Cup holders Graham said: "They do a great job of holding hot and cold drinks, but also catch plenty of crumbs and liquid spills - often leaving a sticky residue that can attract further grime." Use some specialist putty to fish out the dirt and then blast with some cleaning solution, using a cloth and cotton bud to reach all of the cracks. Foot pedals Drivers often focus on keeping their mats clean but ignore the pedals, which obviously pick up just as much muck from the soles of your shoes. "Steam cleaners are great for this task, but a bowl of warm water and some cleaning solution should also do the trick," said Graham.
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Drivers could face £1,000 fine for listening to certain music in 26C 'mini-heatwave'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Wales Online breaking news on WhatsApp UK drivers may land a £1,000 fine for blasting out music while cruising with windows open during the forecasted "mini heatwave" this week, an expert warned. According to Graham Conway, MD of Select Car Leasing, although there is no specific regulation concerning explicit lyrics in a vehicle, playing loud music can still lead to penalisation under certain conditions. He stated: "There isn't a specific offence for playing music with swearing or explicit lyrics in the comfort of your own vehicle. However, context matters. "For example, if you're playing music containing swear words in a public place - such as while stopped in traffic, driving past a school, or through a busy pedestrian area - and someone nearby feels alarmed, distressed, or harassed, you could be committing a Section 5 offence of the Public Order Act of 1986. The maximum penalty for this type of offence is a fine of up to £1,000 and possible prosecution." Furthermore, he cautioned that loud music could pose a significant road hazard, adding: "It's crucial that drivers can hear important road sounds, such as emergency vehicle sirens, car horns, and other audio clues that warn of potential hazards. With your music blaring, you might miss those vital audible signs. "Being able to respond quickly to changing circumstances is a key part of staying safe on the road." The Met Office forecasts soaring temperatures reaching 26C in London tomorrow, before dipping slightly on Wednesday to mirror today's 24C. Following this warm spell, the weather is set to be a touch cooler with thermometers showing 21C on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sunday will see a minor decrease in heat with temperatures pegged at a comfortable 20C. Weather specialists highlight that for Tuesday expect "early mist and fog patches soon clearing to leave a largely dry and warm day, with sunny spells" in the southeast. However, there's a possibility for "a chance of some heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms developing in the afternoon". Looking ahead from Wednesday through to Friday, anticipate "dry, warm and largely sunny" days, alongside milder nights initially followed by a trend towards cooler evenings later on. Gentle breezes are also part of the upcoming weather scenario.
