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Daily Record
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Drivers warned over common sat nav mistake that can see you fined £200
Sat nav is a great tool for finding your way around but it must be used properly, say experts The majority of UK drivers will use sat nav to help them find their way to places on a regular basis. But, with many cars not having the tool built into the dashboard, a lot of motorists will use their mobile phone to access maps. But those that use the handy system on their phones are being warned it could lead to a fine of £200. And that's because many will be breaching Highway Code rules on using their devices in the car. While it is not against the law to use your phone's sat nav, the mobile must be mounted properly to do so. According to experts at cinch, the UK's biggest online used car retailer, the device should be mounted in a fixed position and used hands-free at all times. This is backed by Rule 149 of The Highway Code which states: 'You must not use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication for any purpose when driving." It is illegal to drive with your phone on your lap or hold it to check directions. If a driver is caught doing this, they face a £200 penalty but can also be given six penalty points on their licence, they warned. Ben Welham, motoring expert at cinch, said: "Make sure you're happy with the positioning of your phone mount before you set off. You need to keep your focus and attention on the road while driving to avoid distractions.' Drivers must avoid using a device in their hand for any reason, including when: Stopped at traffic lights Queuing in traffic Driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving Holding and using a device that's offline or in-flight mode A survey by cinch also found six other common mistakes drivers make which could see them facing thousands of pounds in fines. And with two-thirds of British drivers planning a long trip, there's a lot more to prepare for over the coming weeks than drivers might realise. Here they list some crucial Highway Code rule-breaks that could land you in trouble with the law and hit you in the pocket too. 1. Tyres below legal tread depth or underinflated - up to £2,500 per tyre (max. £10,000) Drivers must check tyre pressure and tread before setting off. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, and bald tyres affect your car's grip and are unsafe – especially in the wet conditions of unpredictable British weather. Underinflated tyres (below the manufacturer recommended pressure) also affect your car's handing and put you at risk of blowouts. That means driving with tyres not up to scratch can lead to heavy fines (up to £2,500 per type) and up to three points on your licence for each tyre that is found to be illegal. Welham advised: 'You can check your tread depth in a pinch using a 20p coin, making sure the grooves cover the outer ring of the coin. 'Checking your tyre pressures is a case of looking at your owner's manual (there may also be a sticker in the driver's door frame or fuel cap) and matching your wheel/tyre size to the reading from a tyre pressure gauge. 'If you're stuck and not sure if your tyres are safe, most chain garages and motoring retailers will check your tread and pressure for free. What the law says The Annex. 6 Penalties of The Highway Code states: 'Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle's handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects. 'Cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference.' 2. Driving tired or skipping breaks - unlimited fine It's important to be well rested before you begin your road trip, so you're alert to the demands of the road. Falling asleep at the wheel is a serious offence and could increase your chances of causing an accident on the road. 'Don't forget to include regular breaks when planning your route,' advises Welham. 'It's important to stop, get some fresh air and eat regular meals. It's not worth avoiding rests just to get to your destination more quickly. 'If you get sleepy behind the wheel, find a suitable place to pull over and take a break – avoiding pulling over in emergency areas or hard shoulders of a motorway unless there's an actually emergency.' What the law says Rule 91 of the Highway Code says: 'Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.' 3. Obstructing your view with luggage - up to £1,000 fine You need to be careful when stacking bags and other luggage in your boot. Blocking your view out of the rear windows can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on your licence. Welham emphasises the importance of this: 'Check that you can see out your back window before you begin your journey. Being able to see the cars behind you is crucial for changing lanes and when braking.' What the law says The Annex. 5 Penalties of The Highway Code outlines: 'Failure to have proper control of vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead, can land motorists with a £1,000 fine plus three penalty points.' 4. Driving over 60mph while towing a caravan on the motorway - £100 to £2,500 fine New to towing a caravan? Doing so comes with its own speed limits, and you must drive at a safe reduced speed to stay within the law. Otherwise, you risk facing a penalty of up to £2,500 fine and disqualification from driving. What the law says Rule 124 of the Highway Code specifies: 'You must not exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle.' There are reduced speed limits for cars towing caravans: Driving on motorways and dual carriageways: 60mph Single carriageways: 50mph Built-up areas in England and Scotland: 30mph Built-up areas in Wales: 20mph 5. Parking in an unsafe place to make a pit stop - £100 fine Pit stops are part and parcel with road trips, whether it's a bathroom break or to grab a sandwich. But, regardless of how quick your stop is, make sure to park your used VW properly or you could be slapped with a £100 fine. 'Parking anywhere you like for a few minutes might not seem like a big deal,' says Welham. 'But you could be in the way, or worse, cause a dangerous situation for other drivers or pedestrians.' What the law says Places to avoid parking are listed in Rule 243 of The Highway Code. It states that drivers should not stop or park: Anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services In front of an entrance to a property On a bend Opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, except in an authorised parking space Opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle Near the brow of a hill or hump bridge Near a school entrance Where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles Where you would obstruct cyclists' use of cycle facilities At or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank Where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane On the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing 6. Leaving the engine running to take photographs – up to £1,000 If you stop your car to take a few snaps of a beautiful view, make sure to turn your engine off before you step out of the car. Welham warns: 'By leaving the engine running, you 'stop being in control of your car,' and this is a driving offence.' By breaching The Highway Code in this way, you could be fined £1,000 and issued with three penalty points. What the law says Rule 123 of The Highway Code states: 'You must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.'
Time of India
28-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Museum opens at Welham Girls' School documenting institute's history
1 2 3 Dehradun: Welham Girls' School has inaugurated a new museum on its campus to document the school's history since its founding in 1957. The museum has been set up in Nasreen, a Neo-Tudor-style building that was once part of the Nizam's estate and served as the school's first building. The museum traces the origins of the all-girls' residential school, established ten years after Independence by Hersilia Susie Oliphant and Grace Mary Linnell. It includes archival material, photographs, personal notes, and memorabilia from former principals and alumnae, highlighting milestones from the school's early years to the present. Romesh Sobti, president of the school's board of governors, said the museum is a tribute to the institution's history and its role in advancing girls' education in post-Independence India. The event was attended by two alumni Neelam Khanna (batch of 1965), who served as chief guest, and Premila Nazir (batch of 1957), the school's first registered student who was the guest of honour. Both shared memories from their time at Welham and reflected on its founding years. Principal Vibha Kapoor said the museum was created to preserve the school's heritage and to inspire current and future students by highlighting its founding values and evolution. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo The museum's displays include stories from former students and staff, early classroom settings, traditions, and personal items from the first batches. There are also references to the school's participation in national efforts during events like the Indo-China War and the evolution of its educational practices. The initiative aims to serve as a space for reflection and learning for students and visitors, while preserving the school's legacy as one of India's oldest girls' residential schools.
India Today
07-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
"Never compromise on what you believe in": Inside the ethos of Welham Girls' School
On a rain-soaked morning in Dehradun, I met Mrs. Vibha Kapoor, Principal of Welham Girls' School, in her office overlooking the lush green campus. The monsoon had cast a quiet calm over the school, but inside, there was the unmistakable energy of a place that has shaped generations of young our wide-ranging conversation, Mrs. Kapoor reflected on what has kept Welham relevant for decades, even as the landscape of education continues to shift. From adapting to AI in classrooms to the unique value of all-girls education, she spoke with clarity and conviction about the school's evolving role and enduring ethos in a changing LEGACY AMID CHANGE"Our goal has always been to provide girls with an education that empowers them to become leaders in their respective fields, without compromising our ethics and values." Since 1957, Welham Girls' School has stood as a symbol of progressive yet grounded education. The Principal believes this enduring legacy is the result of remaining rooted in the school's original ethos. "The school was modern and progressive then, while still rooted in traditional values, and it continues to embody that balance today," she says. With clarity of purpose and consistency in values, the institution has navigated changing times while staying relevant and BOARDING SCHOOLS STILL RELEVANT? While boarding schools did face a momentary dip in popularity-particularly during the pandemic-the Principal notes a strong resurgence. "There seems to be an upsurge again," she says, attributing it to a growing parental awareness of holistic education. Parents are looking beyond academics, with increased interest in institutions that develop soft skills, provide safe environments, and support profile-building for university admissions. She adds that while international schools and curricula may be rising, "the trend seems to favor Indian boards as a viable option." Boarding schools like Welham have adapted, strengthening their college counseling and personal development programs, and are once again viewed as ideal environments for well-rounded AI IN EDUCATION"For me, AI is a tool; it cannot replace teachers or educators," the Principal asserts. She stresses the importance of preserving creativity, advocating for ethical tech use and balanced integration. Teachers at Welham use AI to enhance lesson plans and assessment rubrics, while students are encouraged to rely on their own thinking in classrooms. "We do not allow access to technology during academic hours," she notes, ensuring focus and original thought. She proposes creative evaluation methods such as open-book assessments, vivas, and prompt analysis, to navigate the age of AI responsibly. "It's here to stay, but we must find a balance."BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND SOFT SKILLS IN GIRLS "Being a team player is essential," she emphasizes, citing collaboration, empathy, negotiation, decision-making, and problem-solving as critical life skills. Life in a dorm-with juniors and seniors living together-fosters early development of these attributes. "They learn to think and decide for themselves," unlike day schools where emotional support is always readily available at home. The school's motto, "Arthe Shanti Bhala Vidya" (education brings peace to the suffering), is more than words-it shapes a culture of service, resilience, and community-mindedness. Graduates like Laila Tyabji, who champion Indian handicrafts, stand testament to AN ALL-GIRLS ENVIRONMENT WORKSThe Principal passionately defends the merits of single-gender education. "In our school, the girls are responsible for everything," she says, from planning events to executing them. This builds ownership and self-belief, unburdened by gender stereotypes. She recalls a visiting teacher from Cheltenham praising Welham's students for their confidence and organizational skills, remarking that he wanted to take them back with him. Social interactions with boys are still facilitated via quizzes, treks, dinners, and inter-school events, debunking the myth that all-girls schools lack exposure. "The discomfort with the opposite sex is a dated concern from previous generations," she BOARDING MYTHS"There's this assumption that students in holistic environments cannot succeed in competitive exams like JEE or NEET," she says. This year alone, a Welham student got into India's top-ranked law college and another cleared the JEE. The school now actively supports academic ambitions alongside holistic development, proving that well-rounded education and exam success are not mutually NIGHTS IN THE DORMSFar from rigid or joyless, dorm life is full of warmth and community. Saturday nights are for dancing, dreaming, and debating. Students brainstorm ideas for upcoming inter-house and inter-school events, supported by housemistresses who act like second mothers. "It's a joyful atmosphere," the Principal smiles. Senior students mentor juniors, reinforcing a culture of encouragement and HEALTH SUPPORTAcknowledging the emotional transitions girls go through, the school has two full-time counsellors. "Sometimes, they don't even have problems-they just want someone neutral to talk to," she explains. The counselling program is confidential and open to all, including staff, fostering a culture of emotional safety and Message to Young Girls "The sky is the limit," she says with conviction. "Follow your heart, understand your strengths, and work toward them." Drawing from her own experience-turning down an engineering seat to pursue French and later becoming a school principal, she encourages girls to stay true to themselves. "Never compromise on what you believe in. That's something I've learned through experience."- Ends
