Latest news with #GrahamConway
Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers using Google Maps or Waze app risk £200 fine due to 'grey area'
One expert has issued a stark warning to drivers who use Google Maps or Waze on their journeys, as they could face a £200 fine and penalty points on their licence Motorists are being warned about a legal "grey area" that could see them slapped with penalty points and £200 fines. An expert has advised drivers to err on the side of caution when behind the wheel. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, issued a warning regarding Google Maps and Waze. He stated: "Google Maps is a brilliant tool, but prompts asking whether there's congestion or a crash can be a real grey area when it comes to the law. "If you interact with your phone while driving, even just to tap the screen or respond to a prompt, you might be putting yourself at risk of a fine," Mr Conway cautioned. "Even if you avoid prosecution for using a mobile device while driving, police still have the power to issue a careless driving charge if they believe your actions were distracting or dangerous," he elaborated. Such offences carry identical penalties of £100 fines and three penalty points on a driving licence. Motorists can be hit with six penalty points and a £200 fine if they hold or use a phone while driving or riding a motorcycle, reports Birmingham Live. If the case escalates to court, they could face a driving or riding ban, and be hit with a maximum fine of £1,000, or £2,500 if they are driving a lorry or a bus. It's against the law to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device capable of sending or receiving data, while driving or riding a motorcycle. This implies that you're prohibited from using a handheld device for any purpose, be it online or offline. For instance, texting, making calls, snapping photos or videos, or surfing the internet are all off-limits. The law remains applicable even if you're stationary at traffic lights, stuck in a traffic jam, overseeing a learner driver, operating a car with an engine that shuts off when stationary, or holding and utilising a device that's offline or in flight mode.
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major road connecting UK city to see speed limit slashed to 30pmh in days – is your route affected?
ONE of the busiest roads in a major UK city will see its speed limit slashed to 30mph. The huge change will come in just days and is part of the city's plan to slow a surge in crashes involving pedestrians and Advertisement 2 A major UK city is reducing the speed limit on one of its busiest roads (stock) Credit: Alamy 2 The speed limit on Kingsway/A34 is being slashed Credit: Stockport Council The Kingsway/A34 connects the The popular route has a speed limit of 40mph, but plans are underway to slow traffic on the road. A new 30mph zone will run from Mosely Road all the way up to a point which is 83m north of the Manchester/Stockport boundary. The huge change is part of Manchester City Council's plan to make the city's roads safer. Advertisement Read More on Motor News Accidents in the area have doubled since the pandemic, with 58 pedestrians and 18 cyclists being involved in collisions in 2019. Meanwhile, that number of cyclists more than doubled to 41 in 2023 - with 77 pedestrians also being involved in accidents. The number of people killed or seriously injured in road incidents rocketed to 183 in 2023 - up from 122 in 2019. The exact date from which the new speeding limit will be in force has not been confirmed, though it is a permanent change to the speed limit. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive Exclusive It is believed the new speeding limit will be in effect over the coming weeks, with one social media user claiming it will be enforced from July 23. In January, Manchester City Council announced that eight major roads would see their speed limits slashed to 30mph. Incredible plans to tunnel underneath UK city centre for massive train network are unveiled At the time, a council notice said: 'Greater Manchester Police will enforce the new speed limit. 'There will also be temporary signs to remind people of the change for several months. Advertisement 'These temporary signs will be placed at the start of the new 30mph road sections, in locations where previous speed limit signs have all been removed.' However, some residents have claimed that they were not given fair warning ahead of the change. Now, disgruntled residents are taking to Facebook to vent their anger at the new speed limits. One wrote: 'I'm hoping it will calm the speeding down but I doubt it. Advertisement 'We could do with a few more speed cameras.' Another wrote: 'I'm now worried I've been caught previous days going to work as there have been no warning signs of it coming into effect at all.' The news comes after Manchester was West Yorkshire also saw alarmingly high numbers of road accidents, with 215 incidents reported. Advertisement In recent years, the Home Office has said that the number of dangerous driving deaths has seen a three per cent rise from 2021 and 2024. Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, said: 'These figures are a stark reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible driving. "With more than 4,000 reports of causing deaths by dangerous and careless or inconsiderate driving recorded in the past four years it's clear that greater awareness, enforcement, and driver education are crucial to making our roads safer.'
Wales Online
11-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Highway Code rule drivers must follow during heatwave
Highway Code rule drivers must follow during heatwave Motorists who do not follow the rules could face hefty fines Drivers have been told to follow a Highway Code rule as Wales experiences a heatwave (Image: Getty Images ) With temperatures soaring in Wales, drivers have been warned of the Highway Code rule they must follow, as driving in hot conditions could put them and their passengers at risk of heatstroke. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, warns that the temperature inside a vehicle can rise significantly within minutes, even with the windows slightly open. Heatstroke is an issue that people are increasingly concerned about, with searches for the condition increasing over 185 percent in the past month. It's for good reason that people are concerned about heatstroke, as it's a potentially life-threatening condition. And Rule 237 of the Highway Code states that drivers are required to keep their cars well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Select's Mr Conway said motorists and passengers should make sure they take on board fluids – with the NHS recommended at least six to eight glasses of water per day – even if it means more toilet stops on road trips. He added: 'If you're stuck in traffic, driving a long distance, or your car's air conditioning isn't working properly, it's possible that you could experience heat stroke behind the wheel. 'Typically your body cools itself through sweating, but if you're dehydrated or sitting in a poorly-ventilated car, your body isn't able to cool itself down effectively. Article continues below "This can quickly lead to symptoms of heatstroke which include headaches, dizziness, nausea, cramps, tiredness and weakness. 'And driving poses a particular problem when it comes to heatstroke. Many motorists will skimp on their fluid intake during long trips in order to limit the number of comfort breaks they need to take. But that tactic could be catastrophic for a person's health. 'The signs of heatstroke can come on quickly and once your concentration starts to slip, your ability to make quick decisions or even stay alert at the wheel is compromised, which increases the risk of accidents. 'According to Rule 237 of the Highway Code, drivers are required to keep their cars well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Drivers who fail to take the heat seriously while driving could also be hit with hefty fines, if they're found to be driving carelessly. "Drivers could face a fine an unlimited fine and up to nine points on their licence for this offence. 'To ensure proper ventilation in your car, open all the windows slightly when you first get in the car to remove the trapped air. If you're stuck in traffic, rather use the recirculation button to allow your car to rather recirculate the cooler air in your car. 'However, if you're stuck in traffic for long periods, it's best to switch between AC and the recirculation button, as the recirculation button can decrease the oxygen levels in the car, which can also lead to drowsiness. 'For those who spend a lot of their time driving, it's always best to ensure that you have plenty of water available in your car and wear light clothing. "If you notice signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke setting in while driving, pull over safely as soon as possible, turn off the engine, get out of the car into the shade, and rehydrate.' Article continues below
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning to Scots drivers as major crackdown sees £100 driveway parking fines
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, has urged drivers to be wary over where they park BE AWARE Urgent warning to Scots drivers as major crackdown sees £100 driveway parking fines Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MOTORISTS have been warned they could face a £100 fine amid a new crackdown. Drivers can be penalised if they block someone's driveway with their vehicle. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Drivers have been warned over parking in front of driveways Credit: Getty Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, has urged drivers to be wary over where they park. In particular, larger vehicles like trucks and vans used by tradespeople are often at fault. He said: "Ever stepped outside only to find a van blocking your driveway? "Frustrating doesn't even begin to cover it, especially when you're trying to get to work, do the school run, or take a vulnerable family member to an appointment. "What seems like a quick parking job to a tradesperson can turn into a major disruption to your day. "The law is often on the side of the homeowners and there are simple steps you can take to avoid it ruining your day." In Scotland, there is a national level fine of £100 issued to offending road users. Local authorities often reduce this to £50 if the penalty is paid within the first 14 days. In January, Glasgow City Council introduced a ban on pavement parking. Those breaking the rule will be hit with a £100 fine, lowered to £50 if paid within a fortnight. I restored a classic car I found at a scrapyard – now it's award-winning The local authority has enforced the policy to protect pedestrians, in particular preventing wheelchair users and people with prams from having to go onto the road. Edinburgh was the first city north of the border to ban pavement parking in January last year. The parking curbs were passed under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.
Daily Record
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Red light myth that can cost drivers £100 and penalty points
A motoring expert said that many motorists misunderstand the rules around temporary traffic lights. Drivers have been warned they face a steep fine and penalty points on their licence for ignoring red lights on temporary traffic lights. Those driving through a red signal could be hit with a £100 fine and have three penalty points added to their licence. The advice comes as motoring experts said that some drivers look at temporary traffic lights, erected by construction companies during road works as merely a 'suggestion'. They said that motorists don't treat these lights as they would permanent ones. It is not the case that you can 'proceed with caution' at a red light in an area that's subject to work simply because the road ahead looks clear. An alarming number of drivers will risk it, especially late at night or when the lights seem to be faulty or slow at changing. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said both the Road Traffic Act and the Traffic Signs Regulations treat portable temporary lights at road developments, as well as temporary road traffic control systems, on par with lasting lights and signs under law. That means disregarding any red light, whether temporary or permanent, may result in a fine of £100 and three points on your licence. He said: "I think we've all probably been in a situation where we've approached a temporary roadworks late at night and seen a traffic light seemingly 'stuck' on red. If you can see the end of the roadworks ahead, and there's no other traffic on the road, you might even be tempted to sneak through before the lights change to green. "There's also a widely held belief that portable red lights at roadworks are somehow 'advisory', and that you can choose to ignore them if you proceed with caution. "It's all untrue. So long as they conform to industry rules, traffic lights at roadworks are no different to permanent traffic lights in the eyes of the law. If there's a 'STOP' sign there, stop until the lights go green.", reported Devon Live. He also cautioned against jumping the red light because you think it's too slow to change. He added: "And don't take the risk even if you suspect that a red light signal is broken - what if it's just slow to change because it's dealing with multiple road junctions? "Running any red light can put you and others in harm's way. And while there might not be an enforcement camera to catch offenders at temporary roadworks, you'll still be prosecuted if witnessed by the police." Instead, if you believe lights at roadworks - which detects approaching vehicles using a sensor - isn't working right, check for an information board near the works with an emergency phone number. If that doesn't help, consider calling the police on the 101 non-emergency number. Mr Conway advised: "If you're stuck at a red light you believe to be faulty, your best bet - if you can - is to simply find another route around the roadworks." The Highway Code clearly states that all traffic light signals must be followed. It says: "You MUST obey all traffic light signals and traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals and signs."
