Latest news with #NationalHighways
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Coming soon: No NOC for RC, insurance renewal without paying toll dues
. NEW DELHI: Those with pending toll dues for use of National Highways (NHs) will soon not be able to get a no-objection certificate (NOC) for renewal of registration and insurance, change of ownership, transfer and issuance of fitness certificate. The road transport ministry has issued a draft notification to introduce this change in Motor Vehicle Rules, to boost digital collection of toll fees and ensure that no one gets a free ride on tolled highways. The move gains further importance in light of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) going for multi lane free flow (MLFF) on NH stretches for tolling purposes, with there being no physical barrier to stop vehicles for collection of user fee. The draft notification proposes that the registration authorities 'shall not grant request' for depositing motor vehicle tax or recording transfer of ownership in certificate of registration if 'unpaid user fee' is reflected against the vehicle in question. The proposed change in rules also says that in case a vehicle crosses a tolling point after being electronically recorded but the toll charge is not paid, either because of the vehicle not having an affixed valid FASTag or on account of a pending challan, it will be reflected as unpaid user fee in the system. Officials said that vehicle owners would be allowed to avail the vehicle- and transport-related services only after they clear the toll dues. Earlier, NHAI had urged the road transport ministry to make changes in the Vahan system, which is the repository for all registered vehicles, to recover unpaid toll from vehicles with no FASTag or faulty/blacklisted tags.
BBC News
15 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Queensbury Tunnel cycleway plan too costly, say government
Campaigners hoping to convert a former railway tunnel into a cycle-way have been told the passage is to be made "permanently inaccessible" after the proposal was deemed too a letter to the Queensbury Tunnel Society, transport minister Lilian Greenwood said work to transform the tunnel, which is maintained by National Highways, did not offer "best value for the public purse" in a "challenging fiscal environment".She said, as a result, she was in favour of work to "stabilise the tunnel shafts", which campaigners say would bring an end to their hopes of transforming it into a walking and cycling route linking Bradford, Halifax and McWilliam, leader of the Queensbury Tunnel Society, said: "The government is making an investment in destruction to satisfy the needs of a roads body that only cares about its own narrow interests." National Highways inherited the 1.4mile (2.2km) long tunnel after the privatisation of British Rail and abandonment would reduce its of the tunnel as a greenway was first proposed as a Tour de France legacy scheme in 2014 after the Grand Depart of the world-famous cycle race was held in 2018 and 2021 National Highways spent £7.2m on strengthening the tunnel, saying the work would "prevent further uncontrolled collapses, ensuring that any future plans for the re-use of the structure can be realised".Campaigners say work to complete the project would cost in the region of £16m.A feasibility study, published by cycle charity Sustrans earlier this year, found that the route would improve local connectivity and generate £3 in social, economic and tourism benefits for every £1 spent on McWilliam said: "Why are National Highways managing structures like Queensbury Tunnel, why are the government not shifting responsibility for the tunnel and other historic infrastructure to a department who really understand the public benefits of greenways and how to repurpose heritage structures?" A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: "Given the continued deterioration of the Queensbury Tunnel, and in the absence of local funding to develop it as a transport link, National Highways has been instructed to carry out works to maintain public safety."This has been a difficult decision but ultimately, we have a responsibility to safety and delivering value for the taxpayer".West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, who previously campaigned for the tunnel to be reopened said while she shared the disappointment of campaigners she understood the government's said: "The Government had to act quickly to secure the site, and the realities of public finances meant a difficult decision needed to be made."In 2024 Bradford Council said that while it was "supportive of restoring the tunnel in principle" it was unlikely to be able to fund further and would instead focus on other active travel are due to meet with Greenwood in London later this month to discuss her decision. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
M25 partially closed after van overturns near Brentwood
Drivers have been warned of delays after an overturned van led to part of a motorway being anti-clockwise M25 was shut between junctions 28 and 27, near Epping and Brentwood in Essex, at about 09:00 back to the Dartford Crossing has created hour-long waits for motorists, but the road has since been partially Highways called the incident a "serious collision". Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
M25 closed near Dartford Crossing after van overturns in horror crash as drivers face hour-long delays
THE M25 has closed near the Dartford Crossing after a van overturned in a horror crash. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and to allow extra journey time with hour-long delays expected. 1 The M25 in Essex is closed anti-clockwise between J28 (for the A12, near Brentwood) and J27 (for the M11) due to a serious collision involving an overturned van. There are long delays of 60 minutes with congestion back towards the Dartford Crossing. All traffic was stopped at 9am, and there is no entry from J28. Emergency services including Essex Police are in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene assisting with traffic management. Traffic is being diverted via local routes at this stage.
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Brit drivers warned of deadly mistake millions face over summer holidays – and how to avoid getting caught out
BRIT drivers have been warned of a deadly mistake that will face millions over the summer holidays. As Brits hit the roads for their holidays this summer, motorists have been urged to take regular stops on their long journeys. 1 Drivers have been urged to take regular stops on their long journeys this summer Credit: Getty This is because new analysis has revealed a steep rise in fatigue-related crashes during the summer months. National Highways issued the advice and warned that driver tiredness can lead to "dangerous mistakes". Drivers have been urged by the agency to plan breaks that go "beyond quick pit stops". They suggest activities such as exploring a nearby tourist attraction or beauty spot to ensure drivers are alert before they get back behind the wheel. Read more Motors News To encourage drivers, National Highways is producing videos that spotlight potential places to visit near major roads. It's in an effort to help drivers discover new places and take a meaningful break without straying too far from their route. For example, drivers travelling on the M1 can visit Bolsover Castle, Hardwick Hall and Wrest Park on their journey. Or if you find yourself on the M5, you can pay a visit to Cheltenham's Pittville Park with its lakeside walks. Most read in Motors An average of 262 people are killed or seriously injured between June and August each year on England's motorways and major A-roads where fatigue is a contributory factor. That's 59 per cent more than the whole of the remaining nine months of the year. Dramatic moment idiot driver speeds off road, spins out of control and crashes into police car The data covers the period from 2016 to 2022, excluding figures for 2020 and 2021 as the coronavirus pandemic affected travel patterns. A National Highways survey of 1,727 adults in England indicated just 39% would take a break because of driver tiredness. Some 29% said they did not factor in rest stops on their last long journey. Regional differences are clear too with drivers in the North East, North West and South West far more likely to take rest stops on long journeys. Whereas those in the Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways, said: "We all want to reach our destination quickly, especially when the excitement of a holiday awaits, but fatigue behind the wheel can be deadly. "It's not just about falling asleep, tiredness slows your reactions, clouds your judgment and can lead to dangerous mistakes." She added: "That's why we're encouraging drivers to follow our advice by planning ahead, taking regular breaks and staying refreshed. "This will help keep themselves and other road users safe while enjoying the rich heritage and natural beauty our country has to offer." Beth Stone, Head of Visitor Experience at English Heritage advised drivers to "stretch those legs and enjoy a well-deserved tea and a slice of cake" at its sites across the country. What does the Highway Code say about resting while driving? The Highway Code has a number of rules and guidance around being fit to drive including for when you're tired and about to hit the road. Rule 91 of the Highway Code states that driving when you are tired greatly increases your risk of collision. To minimise the risk, they advise: Make sure you are fit to drive. Do not begin a journey if you are tired. Get sufficient sleep before embarking on a long journey Avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6 am, when natural alertness is at a minimum Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended If you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place. Do not stop in an emergency area or on a hard shoulder of a motorway If you drive a goods vehicle, there are rules you need to follow on duty time, daily driving limits and daily duty limits. The same rules apply to drivers of buses and coaches with additional advice on breaks from driving and rest periods. If you're vehicle is over 3.5 tonnes and you're driving in the UK or the EU, you must follow the assimilated rules which dictate driving hours, breaks and rest.
