Latest news with #RhydianJones
Daily Record
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
New Blue Badge parking space finder to help millions of people across UK
More than 3.2 million Blue Badge holders across the UK can now use a new online tool to help them find a free, designated parking bay anywhere in Scotland, England and Wales. New analysis by has revealed that for every Blue Badge parking bay there are 52 scheme users - travelling as a driver or a passenger - potentially competing for each space. While the chances of every Blue Badge holder trying to use all 63,000 parking spaces at the same time is unlikely to happen, the grim reality is that Blue Badge parking space s are not always available when someone needs to use one. To help permit holders find Blue Badge bays in any part of the country - particularly handy if you're travelling somewhere unfamiliar - has created an online tool to help people find them, just by entering a postcode. Blue Badge holders and parking bays across UK As of 2024, the number of Blue Badge spaces and permit holders across the UK, includes: Scotland Number of Blue Badge holders: 271,966 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 16,808 England Number of Blue Badge holders: 2,635,428 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 43,604 Wales Number of Blue Badge holders: 219,614 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 2,588 Northern Ireland Number of Blue Badge holders: 149,038 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: Not available When it comes to the number of Blue Badge spaces available for those who need them, it's also important to be aware of the growing number of people wrongly using the designated parking spot. There have been 705,310 PCNs (Penalty Charge Notices) distributed for the misuse of Blue Badge parking bays. Blue badges are designed to make life easier for people with mobility issues, but for many, finding a space can sometimes be tricky. A survey found that a third (36%) of Blue Badge holders said they have turned up somewhere needing to park, only to find someone without a Blue Badge already in the space. Around the same number (34%) said there simply aren't enough accessible spaces in their area. When there's no space available, two-thirds (65%) said they have had no choice but to park in a standard space. But that doesn't always work - especially when extra room is needed to get out of the car. Worryingly, two-in-five (40%) have even had to leave a car park altogether because there were no accessible bays free. A third (36%) said they have avoided visiting certain places because they weren't sure they'd be able to park nearby. In response to their findings, have created a look-up tool to help Blue Badge holders find out how many designated parking bays are available in their local council area. Users can also use the tool to look up Blue Badge spaces in their area using the map online here. Commenting on the findings, Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at car insurance, said: 'Blue Badge parking spaces are essential for millions of drivers across the UK, but our latest research shows how easily that system struggles. 'This is especially highlighted when there isn't enough availability, and other drivers take advantage of the spaces. Shockingly, for every one Blue Badge parking bay in the UK, there are 52 permit holders who need access to it. 'If you're using a Blue Badge space without needing one, even for just a few minutes, you could be stopping someone from being able to work, shop, or attend a medical appointment. It's clear that more needs to be done, both to increase the number of accessible bays and to prevent misuse. 'If you're caught using a Blue Badge space without a permit, you could receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) costing between £70 and £100.'
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Major change to Severn Bridge begins today
Major change to Severn Bridge begins today A ban which stops any vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes using the bridge comes into force The ban will be in force for at least 12 months (Image: John Myers ) There is concern that a major change to restrictions on the M48 Severn Bridge which comes in force on Tuesday (May 27) could cause delays for many drivers. A ban which stops any vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes using the bridge means that hauliers will be forced to use the M4 Prince of Wales bridge instead. An expert has warned that this 13-mile diversion for HGVs travelling between England and Wales could have a "huge knock-on effect for other road users" due to the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge being used by more traffic. The ban is expected to be in place for 12 to 18 months. The decision to ban hauliers was made after National Highways discovered the cables supporting the structure are deteriorating. Last year, the Severn Bridge carried roughly 32,000 vehicles a day - 3,270 of which were over 7.5t. This means that around 10 per cent of traffic will be diverted via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge once the restrictions are in place. car insurance expert Rhydian Jones said: "With HGVs being redirected to the M4 Severn Bridge instead, this is likely to have a huge knock-on effect for other road users, resulting in heavier traffic and delays on that popular route. Article continues below "The M4 is already one of the busiest links between Wales and England, used daily by commuters, airport travellers, and delivery drivers. "With more large vehicles joining that route, drivers should plan for slower journeys, particularly during rush hour or busy travel periods." He said that drivers should consider leaving extra time for their journeys, check for travel updates and avoid travelling at peak times when possible. He added: "The impact could also be especially noticeable for those heading to airports like Bristol or Heathrow. "So planning ahead will be key to avoiding last-minute stress, especially if you're working to tight schedules like flight times." The weight restriction has been implemented to ensure that two lanes on the M48 bridge can remain open to all other vehicles, ensure the safety of the bridge, and reduce the load on the cables. Chris Pope, Programme Delivery Manager for National Highways, said: "Safety is our number one priority, and this weight restriction is about future-proofing the bridge for years to come. "While the bridge remains safe, it was not designed and built for today's levels or weight of traffic. "Vehicles have become heavier and traffic levels have increased significantly over the last 60 years, putting greater load on the cables. "As with all our structures, we will continue to monitor the bridge and ensure it remains safe for users." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The Severn Bridge first opened nearly 60 years ago, and has had to deal with ever-increasing vehicle weights and traffic numbers. Since the tolls were removed on the bridge in 2018 there has been a 34% increase in traffic, and these changes mean a substantial increase in weight over the bridge, which it was not designed for, National Highways said. Results of assessments of the bridge were finalised in December and revealed that the main cables are deteriorating and not as strong. Due to these results, it was recommended National Highways reduce the load on the bridge to minimise further damage. Chris added: "We'd like to thank drivers for their support and must stress that only heavy goods vehicles below 7.5 tonnes in weight should use the bridge. "Continued use of the bridge by heavier vehicles could ultimately see it closed to all traffic. We are acting now to prevent this from happening." The M48 Severn Bridge will remain open to all emergency vehicles, buses, coaches, gritters and recovery vehicles. If there is an unplanned closure of the Prince of Wales bridge, vehicles over 7.5t will need to follow the official diversion route via the M5 and the M50. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are being explored to support the enforcement of the new weight restriction. Article continues below
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Severn Bridge ban could have 'huge knock-on effect' for drivers using the M4
An expert has warned that motorists using the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge could face more delays as a result of the closure of the M48 Severn Bridge to certain heavy goods vehicles. The ban, which stops any vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes using the bridge, will come into force for at least 12 months from Tuesday (May 27). The decision to ban hauliers was made after National Highways discovered the cables supporting the structure are deteriorating. From Tuesday, hauliers will be redirected to the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, generating concerns that it will have a "huge knock-on effect for other road users". Last year, the Severn Bridge carried roughly 32,000 vehicles a day - 3,270 of which were over 7.5t. This means that around 10 per cent of traffic will be diverted via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge once the restrictions are in place. READ MORE: Council crews to search bins and hand £70 fines to rule-breakers READ MORE: Tesco customers now have to push a button to access one product car insurance expert Rhydian Jones said: "With HGVs being redirected to the M4 Severn Bridge instead, this is likely to have a huge knock-on effect for other road users, resulting in heavier traffic and delays on that popular route. "The M4 is already one of the busiest links between Wales and England, used daily by commuters, airport travellers, and delivery drivers. "With more large vehicles joining that route, drivers should plan for slower journeys, particularly during rush hour or busy travel periods." He said that drivers should consider leaving extra time for their journeys, check for travel updates and avoid travelling at peak times when possible. He added: "The impact could also be especially noticeable for those heading to airports like Bristol or Heathrow. "So planning ahead will be key to avoiding last-minute stress, especially if you're working to tight schedules like flight times." The weight restriction has been implemented to ensure that two lanes on the M48 bridge can remain open to all other vehicles, ensure the safety of the bridge, and reduce the load on the cables. Chris Pope, Programme Delivery Manager for National Highways, said: "Safety is our number one priority, and this weight restriction is about future-proofing the bridge for years to come. "While the bridge remains safe, it was not designed and built for today's levels or weight of traffic. "Vehicles have become heavier and traffic levels have increased significantly over the last 60 years, putting greater load on the cables. "As with all our structures, we will continue to monitor the bridge and ensure it remains safe for users." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The Severn Bridge first opened nearly 60 years ago, and has had to deal with ever-increasing vehicle weights and traffic numbers. Since the tolls were removed on the bridge in 2018 there has been a 34% increase in traffic, and these changes mean a substantial increase in weight over the bridge, which it was not designed for, National Highways said. Results of assessments of the bridge were finalised in December and revealed that the main cables are deteriorating and not as strong. Due to these results, it was recommended National Highways reduce the load on the bridge to minimise further damage. Chris added: "We'd like to thank drivers for their support and must stress that only heavy goods vehicles below 7.5 tonnes in weight should use the bridge. "Continued use of the bridge by heavier vehicles could ultimately see it closed to all traffic. We are acting now to prevent this from happening." The M48 Severn Bridge will remain open to all emergency vehicles, buses, coaches, gritters and recovery vehicles. If there is an unplanned closure of the Prince of Wales bridge, vehicles over 7.5t will need to follow the official diversion route via the M5 and the M50. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are being explored to support the enforcement of the new weight restriction.
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Severn Bridge ban could have 'huge knock-on effect' for drivers using the M4
Severn Bridge ban could have 'huge knock-on effect' for drivers using the M4 The ban comes into force on Tuesday The ban will be in force for at least 12 months (Image: John Myers ) An expert has warned that motorists using the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge could face more delays as a result of the closure of the M48 Severn Bridge to certain heavy goods vehicles. The ban, which stops any vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes using the bridge, will come into force for at least 12 months from Tuesday (May 27). The decision to ban hauliers was made after National Highways discovered the cables supporting the structure are deteriorating. From Tuesday, hauliers will be redirected to the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, generating concerns that it will have a "huge knock-on effect for other road users". Last year, the Severn Bridge carried roughly 32,000 vehicles a day - 3,270 of which were over 7.5t. This means that around 10 per cent of traffic will be diverted via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge once the restrictions are in place. car insurance expert Rhydian Jones said: "With HGVs being redirected to the M4 Severn Bridge instead, this is likely to have a huge knock-on effect for other road users, resulting in heavier traffic and delays on that popular route. "The M4 is already one of the busiest links between Wales and England, used daily by commuters, airport travellers, and delivery drivers. "With more large vehicles joining that route, drivers should plan for slower journeys, particularly during rush hour or busy travel periods." Article continues below He said that drivers should consider leaving extra time for their journeys, check for travel updates and avoid travelling at peak times when possible. He added: "The impact could also be especially noticeable for those heading to airports like Bristol or Heathrow. "So planning ahead will be key to avoiding last-minute stress, especially if you're working to tight schedules like flight times." The weight restriction has been implemented to ensure that two lanes on the M48 bridge can remain open to all other vehicles, ensure the safety of the bridge, and reduce the load on the cables. Chris Pope, Programme Delivery Manager for National Highways, said: "Safety is our number one priority, and this weight restriction is about future-proofing the bridge for years to come. "While the bridge remains safe, it was not designed and built for today's levels or weight of traffic. "Vehicles have become heavier and traffic levels have increased significantly over the last 60 years, putting greater load on the cables. "As with all our structures, we will continue to monitor the bridge and ensure it remains safe for users." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The Severn Bridge first opened nearly 60 years ago, and has had to deal with ever-increasing vehicle weights and traffic numbers. Since the tolls were removed on the bridge in 2018 there has been a 34% increase in traffic, and these changes mean a substantial increase in weight over the bridge, which it was not designed for, National Highways said. Results of assessments of the bridge were finalised in December and revealed that the main cables are deteriorating and not as strong. Due to these results, it was recommended National Highways reduce the load on the bridge to minimise further damage. Chris added: "We'd like to thank drivers for their support and must stress that only heavy goods vehicles below 7.5 tonnes in weight should use the bridge. "Continued use of the bridge by heavier vehicles could ultimately see it closed to all traffic. We are acting now to prevent this from happening." The M48 Severn Bridge will remain open to all emergency vehicles, buses, coaches, gritters and recovery vehicles. If there is an unplanned closure of the Prince of Wales bridge, vehicles over 7.5t will need to follow the official diversion route via the M5 and the M50. Article continues below Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are being explored to support the enforcement of the new weight restriction.
The Irish Sun
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Irish drivers warned over little-known car rule before travelling with pets for summer holidays
IRISH drivers have been warned over a little-known car rule before families head off on summer holidays. Motorists are being reminded of their legal responsibility to properly restrain dogs when travelling in their 1 Dogs must be properly restrained in Irish cars Credit: Alamy This rule exists to reduce driver distraction and to protect both the The If involved in an accident or forced to brake suddenly, an unsecured pet could suffer injuries or cause harm to others inside the car. And road safety bosses said that appropriate restraint systems must be used to secure pets while READ MORE IN MOTORS For medium and large dogs, a safety harness that connects directly to the seat belt is considered the safest and most effective restraint. Small dogs can be transported in a pet carrier, which should be secured with a seat belt or placed on the floor behind a front seat. And dog guards can be installed in hatchbacks and estate cars to keep your pets confined to the rear section of When using the boot space, the RSA said it is important to place a rubber mat on the floor to give the dog better grip while the car is in motion. MOST READ IN MOTORS Even if a dog is wearing a harness, it should not sit in the front seat as the cars airbags could result in serious injury. Along with using restraints, the RSA advises drivers to plan for their dogs to take regular breaks on long journeys. I'm an Irish driving instructor and here is why your friends are failing the test Dogs should also not be left alone in a car, particularly during warm weather, as temperatures can become dangerous in a matter of minutes. Drivers who fail to comply with these requirements may face significant fines and penalty points. Speaking of the warning, Rhydian Jones, 'It's not just about avoiding fines; it's about ensuring the safety of everyone in the vehicle, including your dog. 'Investing in proper restraints is a small price to pay compared to the potential consequences.' Meanwhile, as the weather gets warmer, drivers are being urged to check their sunglasses' rating when behind the wheel. Sunglasses have ratings which range from 0 to 4 - with category 4 shades labelled as being 'not suitable for The most heavily tinted sunglasses should not be worn while driving day or night as they only transmit between 3 per cent to 8 per cent of light, according to Lenses considered unsuitable for night A spokesperson for 'Sunglasses with category 3 lenses are best for daytime driving conditions — any higher is considered too dark to drive 'For low light and night-time driving when sunglasses are not suitable, our UltraClear SuperClean lenses help to reduce reflections (such as from signage and street lights) experienced while driving. 'There are also lens treatments you can add to sunglasses and prescription glasses to enhance your comfort and help improve your driving vision. 'These range from polarising lenses to tints that help to improve contrast perception.'
