Latest news with #MikeThompson
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Labour dealt major blow as petrol and diesel drivers take same action
The Labour Party government has been dealt a major blow as motorists 'hold off' going electric. Experts have warned that drivers will only be able to get the £3,750 Electric Car Grant on certain vehicles. Mike Thompson, chief operating officer at Leasing Options, said "there's been a lot of confusion around vehicles that will qualify for the new scheme, and we really hope the Government clears things up soon". He added: "What we do know is that to qualify, the car needs to have a recommended retail price of £37,000 or less. That means straight away, popular models like the Tesla Model Y are off the table. READ MORE State pensioners 'caught off guard' after becoming 'casualty' of HMRC "On top of that, the size of the grant will depend on how sustainable the vehicle is. The greenest models could get up to £3,750, while band two models could be eligible for £1,500." "There's also a safety element involved, and some brands won't qualify if they don't meet certain standards," he added. "And when you consider that 54 per cent of people say cost is still the biggest thing holding them back from going electric, it's clear support like this is needed to make EVs more affordable for everyone," Thompson added. Thompson said: "Right now, with the details of the Government scheme still up in the air, there have been reports of a lot of drivers holding off on EV purchases, hoping to take advantage of any discounts when the rules are clearer." One motorist said: "I can buy an electric Mini made in Oxford and shipped to China for £6000 less than I can buy a similar car in UK. Electric cars in China are half the cost of similar cars here but the infrastructure is in place there for charging cars whereas in uk we are a decade behind especially in the rural communities. To charge an electric car in China costs between 10p - 20p but in Rip off Britain it's 9p a kw at home and sometimes up to £1 a kw in public…" "Many people are waking up to that electic vehicles are not as economical and cheap to run as the government and car manufacturers have told us, and are still buying diesel and petrol car's," another wrote.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers warned to never wear popular fashion item as woman almost dies
People with long hair should avoid wearing this item when driving (Image: Getty) People with long hair have been reminded to keep one item out of the car at all costs to avoid causing major damage if an accident occurs. Some people have nearly lost their lives as a result of wearing them, urging other drivers to do the same. Mike Thompson, chief operating officer at Leasing Options, warned that wearing clothing or accessories that restrict movement or control while driving could cause drivers to face serious consequences. Punishments can include a £100 fine and three penalty points if their clothing hinders their ability to drive safely. Mike explains that Rule 97 of the Highway Code specifically states that "drivers must not wear clothing that restricts their movement or interferes with their ability to operate the controls properly'. But, with popular fashion choices constantly changing and evolving, there's a chance your trendy outfit choices could lead to major issues while driving. Some come with added dangers that could land people with serious injuries, enough to make anyone think twice before getting behind the wheel in the same situation again. With summer underway and the hot weather forecast to return, many people with long hair will be pulling it back to stay cool and maintain focus when getting behind the wheel. However, one popular hair accessory could put your life at risk if you decide to keep it in while on the road. As convenient as claw clips can be, they could cause serious injuries if you happen to be involved in a car crash. The Highway Code reminds drivers not to let fashion override safe choices The danger of claw clips is primarily due to the distractions they can cause and their sharpness. If a driver is adjusting or fixing their claw clip while driving, they are, without thinking, diverting their attention from the road. In a car crash, loose hair clips can cause injury by becoming a projectile or pressing against the back of the driver's head. The Mirror has reported on several incidents involving these hair accessories. Jeena Panesar put her hair up in a claw clip before heading out to her car on January 24, 2023. But, she was left fearing she would die after it sliced through her scalp and became lodged in her head during a crash. She was driving home from work in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, when her vehicle hit a tree and the car skidded for 50 metres before flipping over. The crash threw Jeena against the roof and crushing the clip into her head. Several incidents involving these hair accessories have been reported When deciding what to wear while driving, safety should be a priority before style. One of the most dangerous items someone can wear during the summer is flip-flops or 'Birkenstock' style sandals. While they are comfortable in the pool and on the beach, studies have shown that motorists who drive wearing flip-flops have less control over their pedals. Similarly, heavy boots like Dr Martens can be dangerous to drive in due to their heavy and rigid design. Mike said: 'This can affect a driver's ability to change pedals, which is crucial while driving quickly. To make sure you maintain control, it's best to wear comfortable, secure shoes like trainers while driving, as these are the safest shoes to wear while on the road. If you don't typically wear these shoes, make sure to keep a spare pair in the boot, as something you can quickly change into.' Restricting your feet can mean you have issues using the pedals of your car in an emergency (Image: Gary Scott via Getty) Flowy dresses and maxi skirts are a great way to cool down during summer, allowing for breathability. However, long dresses can get caught under pedals, causing problems with the pedals or even overflowing onto the gearbox, making it harder to change gears safely. To avoid this, make sure your skirts and dresses aren't too loose while driving or keep them tucked securely under seatbelts. Throughout summer, sunglasses are a wardrobe staple for many, and you can always be guaranteed to spot someone rocking a pair of sunglasses in a convertible. However, before you get behind the wheel of a car, it's important to make sure that your shades aren't too dark to drive in. Mike said: "If your sunglasses make it difficult for you to see the road clearly, it may be best to just stick with keeping the sunshade down instead.'
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kansas attorney general cautions Johnson County on renewing public safety tax
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said the Johnson County Commission should not hold an election to renew a . He warned that the commission exceeded its authority in putting the tax on the November 2025 ballot. Overland Park police receive $500K grant from QuikTrip for Fire Training Center 'Imposing new taxes on the people of Kansas is something that can be done only under tightly limited situations and as specifically allowed by Kansas law,' Kobach said. 'Johnson County is breaking the law by imposing this new tax for this purpose.' The money raised would fund mental health and emergency medical services. Kobach's opinion, sought by Kansas Republican Senator Mike Thompson, warned that a court would find the resolution null and void because the tax is really a 'new' tax, not a renewal. Lenexa man sentenced for killing wife, son during police standoff In a statement, the county said commissioners are reviewing and considering the opinion: 'While the opinion does not carry the force of law and is not binding on courts or other entities, the Board of County Commissioners is reviewing and considering its content.' The existing quarter-cent Public Safety Sales Tax III was initially approved by Johnson County voters in 2016. It is currently set to expire on March 31, 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Al Arabiya
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Cyclist Greg LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal at Capitol ceremony
Greg LeMond, one of the most decorated cyclists in American history as a three-time Tour de France winner, was honored Wednesday with the Congressional Gold Medal. LeMond, 64, received the medal during a ceremony at the Capitol with his wife Kathy and children in attendance. It was announced he'd receive the medal in 2020, but the pandemic delayed his ceremony. 'It is the highest honor that we can bestow in this institution,' Republican US House Speaker Mike Johnson said. 'It honors citizens whose contributions have shaped our country, enriched our history, and lifted the spirits of the American people. And much like the American Dream itself, this honor is not reserved for any one person and profession; it can be earned and won by anyone who's deserving.' For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app. LeMond, a two-time World Road Race champion, was shot on a hunting trip in 1987 at the peak of his career, shortly after becoming the first American man to win the Tour de France. He recovered to win two more Tours: by the race's narrowest margin (eight seconds) in 1989 and again in 1990. 'The honor is more than I ever expected, and I accept it with deep gratitude and also with a profound sense of humility,' LeMond said. 'Today isn't just about reflecting on my own journey. It's about honoring the people, places, and the moments that shaped it.' Johnson presented the medal alongside Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson of California and former Republican Rep. Tom Graves of Georgia. LeMond reflected on his time in Europe, where he was proudly referred to as 'The American.' 'I am honored beyond words to receive this Congressional Gold Medal,' he said. 'I stand here knowing this honor isn't mine alone. It belongs to every teammate, every supporter, every family member, and to all of the extraordinary Americans whose courage and sacrifice made my life and career possible. I am proud to be an American, and I thank you all of you from the bottom of my heart.'
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Cyclist Greg LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal at Capitol ceremony
Greg LeMond, who is one of the most decorated cyclists in American history as a three-time Tour de France winner, was honored Wednesday with the Congressional Gold Medal. LeMond, 64, received the medal during a ceremony at the Capitol with his wife, Kathy, and children in attendance. It was announced he'd receive the medal in 2020, but the pandemic delayed his ceremony. 'It is the highest honor that we can bestow in this institution," Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said. 'It honors citizens whose contributions have shaped our country, enriched our history and lifted the spirits of the American people. And much like the American Dream itself, this honor is not reserved for any one person and profession, it can be earned and won by anyone who's deserving.' LeMond, a two-time World Road Race champion, was shot on a hunting trip in 1987 at the peak of his career, shortly after becoming the first American man to win the Tour de France. He recovered to win two more Tours: by the race's narrowest margin (eight seconds) in 1989 and again in 1990. 'The honor is more than I ever expected, and I accept it with deep gratitude and also with a profound sense of humility,' LeMond said. 'Today isn't just about reflecting on my own journey. It's about honoring the people, places and the moments that shaped it.' Johnson presented the medal alongside Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson of California and former Republican Rep. Tom Graves of Georgia. LeMond reflected on his time in Europe, where he was proudly referred to as 'The American.' 'I am honored beyond words to receive this Congressional Gold Medal," he said. 'I stand here knowing this honor isn't mine alone. It belongs to every teammate, every supporter, every family member and to all of the extraordinary Americans whose courage and sacrifice made my life and career possible. I am proud to be an American, and I thank you, all of you, from the bottom of my heart.' ___
