Latest news with #Lawhive
Daily Record
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Japanese Acer will have vibrant red leaves all year round if 1 thing added to the soil
Japanese Acers are a popular addition to any garden due to their rich colours and distinctive shape - but they need some care and attention to keep them looking their best Japanese Acers, also referred to as Japanese Maples, are a favourite addition to many gardens due to their vibrant hues and unique shape. However, like all living things, they require care and attention to maintain their beauty. Garden experts have shared tips on how to ensure your Japanese Acer retains its striking colour throughout the year. The most prevalent shade of Japanese Acer is red, particularly a deep burgundy akin to red wine. But if your Acer tree begins to wilt or die, it can lose its distinctive hue as it fades. UrbanGardensWeb highlights several issues these Acers can encounter, including aphid and other insect infestations, scorching from excessive direct sunlight, or overwatering which can result in waterlogged soil and potentially drown the tree. One method to keep an Acer healthy and rich in red colour is to regularly nourish it with 'good quality fertiliser '. The advice given is: "Japanese maples benefit from good quality granular fertiliser. Mulch and apply fertiliser in spring to help the tree during its growth period. "Avoid feeding in autumn, as this can encourage it to grow at the wrong time of year and adversely affect its course." Another factor that can alter the colour of your Japanese Acer is its planting location, and the amount of sunlight or shade it receives, and at what time of day, reports the Express. According to "A Japanese Maple may not be showing red colour, even if it's known to be a red cultivar. "Japanese Maples that are still in their sapling stage may not show prominent red colours, or may even be more green than red. "Environmental factors also play a huge part in the colour of the leaves of your Japanese Maple. If your tree is in full sun, you may see a spike of green colour in late summer due to the excess chlorophyll being stored in the plant. "Optimal conditions to promote vivid colours is early morning sun and late day shade. Cultivar selection is also key if you're looking for a certain colour. "Red Dragon & Emperor 1 are known to hold their red colour much better than other cultivars." Gardeners have also been warned not to cut their grass too early or risk being slapped with a £5,000 fine. From early morning lawn mowing to loud parties and DIY renovations, experts have revealed the legal complications of springtime activities. While most people assume they are free to mow their lawn whenever they want, the legal reality is more nuanced. Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive said: "There is no nationwide restriction on when individuals may cut their grass; however, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides local authorities with powers to address noise that constitutes a statutory nuisance."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Sunglasses driving rule that could cost motorists £5,000 this summer
Experts have issued a warning to UK motorists to ensure their sunglasses are legal. Experts are warning drivers about a hidden sunglasses rule that could result in them being hit with a hefty fine if broken. Thousands of motorists are unaware that wearing certain types of sunglasses whilst behind the wheel is actually illegal. And with extended British sunshine creating challenging road glare conditions for road users, Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, has highlighted the legal duties drivers face when driving in summer. He said: "The fundamental legal principle here is straightforward – drivers have positive obligations under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to maintain clear vision and full control of their vehicle at all times. "Highway Code Rules 93 and 237 specifically address these duties, and failure to comply can result not only in penalties but also legal liability and potential impact on insurance claims." Rule 93 states that drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres, whilst Rule 237 requires drivers to slow down or stop if dazzled by bright sunlight. Daniel added: "Contrary to popular belief, the issue isn't simply about following product guidelines – it's about meeting your legal duty of care. "In my assessment, any eyewear that impairs your ability to assess road conditions, spot hazards, or react appropriately could constitute a breach of these fundamental obligations." The penalties reflect the seriousness with which the law treats vision-related driving offences. Motorists face charges of careless driving under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which can result in fixed penalties of £100, three penalty points, or in court proceedings, fines reaching £5,000 and up to nine penalty points. "If inappropriate eyewear contributes to an accident, drivers may face increased legal liability and insurance complications, as they've potentially failed to meet their statutory duty of care." The legal obligations work both ways, creating what experts describes as a "careful balancing act" for drivers. 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. Failing to wear appropriate eyewear when bright sunlight creates dangerous conditions can equally result in penalties for driving without due care and attention. Daniel said: "Generally speaking, the law requires drivers to take reasonable precautions to maintain safe vision. "This means planning ahead – keeping suitable eyewear accessible and being prepared to adjust or remove it as conditions change." Caution is advised as some sunglasses may be deemed inappropriate due to their tint level. UK regulation requires all sunglasses to be categorised and labelled with a category number that indicates the strength of the tint and the appropriate time of day for their use, which ranges from zero to four. Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of said: "Carrying a spare pair of legal sunglasses in your glove box is essential during these brighter months especially in the UK when we don't know when the sun will appear. "Wearing the right pair of sunglasses will help keep yourself and other road users safe this summer - inappropriate eyewear could put you at risk of fines, penalty points or worse.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Exact times you can legally mow your garden lawn on weekend without facing fine
People will be out in their gardens mowing the lawn, but there are exact times you can legally do it without facing a fine - and there are different rules for weekdays and weekends As 'No Mow May' has come to an end, garden enthusiasts can dust off their lawn mowers for the season's first trim. However, they're being warned to watch the clock when it comes to weekend gardening or risk facing fines of up to £5,000. Local authorities have the power to penalise those who disrupt the peace by mowing at unsociable hours, with potential Noise Abatement Notices on the cards if your grass-cutting grates on the neighbours. During the week, firing up the mower between 8am and 8pm is generally fine, but come the weekend, it's best to keep it between 9am and 7pm to avoid any trouble, reports the Express. East Coast Fencing advises: "Most people naturally opt for weekends to complete household and garden chores, including mowing the lawn. However, weekends are also when noise complaints tend to rise as families aim to relax or catch up on sleep. To prevent frustrations, pay extra attention to the timing of your mowing on Saturdays and Sundays. "On weekdays, acceptable mowing hours typically range from around 8am to 8pm in residential areas. This range takes into account workers who may need to start their lawns early before their workday or later in the evening upon returning home. Weekday allowances are often slightly more flexible compared to weekends. "During weekends, stricter noise rules may apply due to the majority of residential homes being occupied throughout the day. For instance, many councils recommend no lawn mowing before 9am on Saturdays and 10am on Sundays, with a cut-off time of 7pm. These specific timings may vary depending on local council noise regulations, so checking their advice is strongly recommended. "There is no nationwide restriction on when individuals may cut their grass; however, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides local authorities with powers to address noise that constitutes a statutory nuisance." Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, explains: "Non-compliance with an abatement notice can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000 for domestic premises. This is not an empty threat - these fines are real, and local authorities do enforce them. "To be more precise, noise that is excessive, unreasonable, and persistent, particularly during unsociable hours, can result in abatement notices, fines up to £5,000, and in some cases, even prosecution. "Avoid very early or late hours. Generally speaking, it's safest to operate noisy tools between 9am and 7pm. Notify neighbours in advance of using machinery like hedge trimmers or pressure washers. Opt for quieter tools where possible. "Limit duration and avoid back-to-back noisy days, especially on weekends. Consider your neighbours' specific circumstances (e.g., shift workers, infants), and adjust accordingly."
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Warning to all UK Netflix users over £1k fine for watching new show this weekend
NETFLIX users in the UK could be faced with fines of up to £1,000 for watching a new show this weekend. An update to the streaming platform means viewers will be required to pay an additional fee to watch certain programmes. 1 Netflix has recently branched into showing live content, which will have a major effect on UK viewers. UK households are legally required to have a TV licence when watching or recording live TV, regardless of what channel it is on. However, if you do not watch or record live television, or use BBC iPlayer, then you do not need a TV licence. Previously, this has meant that those who solely watch television through Netflix or other streaming platforms do not need a TV licence. However, with the new Netflix live streaming feature, which includes the upcoming Tudum Live event this weekend, that could now change. UK viewers wishing to watch the live event will require a TV licence to do so legally. Legal experts previously warned about this issue when Netflix first began live streaming content in 2023. Now, the BBC has confirmed to Cord Busters that viewers will be required to purchase a TV Licence if they plan to watch live events on Netflix. However, the majority of Netflix's content remains exempt from the TV licence fee, so long as it is not broadcast live. Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, confirmed: "Under UK law, any live television broadcast requires a valid TV Licence, regardless of the streaming platform." Inside the horrendous Tylenol massacre that left seven dead Netflix users who violate the licensing law could face fines of up to £1,000. While you cannot be imprisoned for evading the TV licence, court -imposed fines resulting from non-payment could see you facing jail time. Daniel advised viewers to "stay informed on licensing changes as streaming platforms expand live broadcast offerings." While enforcement officers for the licence can carry out checks to ensure compliance, occupiers have "no legal obligation" to let them into their home. The licence fee raises around £3.7 billion a year which is around 65 per cent of the corporation's funding. Do I need a TV licence? IF you want to watch or record live TV then, yes, you need a licence. This includes recording it live and watching it later. Live TV includes all programmes on any channel, including soaps, series, documentaries and even movies. In addition, the rules apply even if you don't watch the shows on an actual TV - for example, if you watch programmes that are being broadcast live on a PC, laptop, tablet or phone. A colour TV licence currently costs £169.50 a year. A licence for watching a black and white TV costs £57. You'll need to apply for a free licence on the TV licensing website or call 0300 790 6117. Around 80 per cent of homes pay the fee but evasion is up to more than 10 per cent. If you are over 75 and receive Pension Credit, or live with a partner who does, you are entitled to a free TV Licence. Those living in care homes or sheltered accommodation who are retired and over 60, or disabled, can grab their licence for just £7.50. A 50 per cent discount is offered to anyone who is registered blind or lives with someone who is.
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Householders warned over £5,000 fine for breaking 9am gardening rule
Gardeners should avoid mowing their lawn very early in the morning or late at night to avoid any complications. Gardeners are being warned not to cut their grass too early or risk being slapped with a £5,000 fine. From early morning lawn mowing to loud parties and DIY renovations, experts have revealed the legal complications of springtime activities. While most people assume they are free to mow their lawn whenever they want, the legal reality is more nuanced. Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive said: "There is no nationwide restriction on when individuals may cut their grass; however, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides local authorities with powers to address noise that constitutes a statutory nuisance. 'To be more precise, noise that is excessive, unreasonable, and persistent, particularly during unsociable hours, can result in abatement notices, fines up to £5,000, and in some cases, even prosecution.' To stay within legal bounds during gardening work, Daniel advised avoiding very early or late hours. He added: "Generally speaking, it's safest to operate noisy tools between 9am and 7pm." Daniel's top tips to stay within legal bounds during garden work: Notify neighbours in advance of using machinery like hedge trimmers or pressure washers. Opt for quieter tools where possible. Limit duration and avoid back-to-back noisy days, especially on weekends. Consider your neighbours' specific circumstances (e.g., shift workers, infants), and adjust accordingly. Social events and garden gatherings during unsociable hours can also land householders in trouble. Daniel added: "The Noise Act 1996 provides supplementary powers that local authorities may choose to implement specifically for night hours — defined in law as 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. While implementation of the Noise Act is voluntary for councils, many have adopted these provisions to address excessive domestic noise during night hours. 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. "For the avoidance of doubt, a statutory nuisance can arise at any time of day, provided the noise is both unreasonable and substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of another person's home, or is likely to cause harm to health. Beyond council action, private civil claims for nuisance may follow, including applications for injunctions and compensation.' If you break any of these rules, you could end up with an abatement notice - basically an official warning requiring the offender to stop the noise disturbance. If you ignore it then you take the risk of being taken to court and given a fine of up to £5,000. These measures aim to maintain community peace and ensure that noise disruptions are kept under control. DIY and renovation projects are another frequent source of tension between neighbours, particularly when carried out over long periods or outside of daytime hours. Daniel added: "Renovation noise is generally lawful but becomes problematic when it is excessive and poorly timed. Again, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applies, and failure to heed warnings can result in abatement notices or civil claims."
