Latest news with #greenertransport
The Independent
11-06-2025
- The Independent
Kids to enjoy free bus travel for summer holidays in west of England
Children under the age of 16 will be able to travel for free on buses across the West of England during the school holidays following new investment. The scheme could benefit around 150,000 young people in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, which make up the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, by simply hopping onboard. There will be no need to get a bus pass or register. The free bus travel offer aims to help people save money and choose greener transport options, the mayor Helen Godwin said when announcing plans at a play park in south Bristol on Monday (9 June). She added: 'It's right that we help people save money and encourage greener travel, and this scheme would do just that. With free travel for 150,000 kids, local families will more easily have busloads of fun during the school holidays. 'This is just the start for a new chapter for the West of England. As well as helping people have a great time over the summer, our first steps on transport should help inspire the next generation of bus passengers.' The proposed plans are set to run from 19 July to 5 September, using some of the £13.5 million of Bus Grant funding secured from the Department for Transport by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. Raya, head girl at primary school Perry Court E-ACT Academy in Bristol, said: "This is brilliant! I don't live that close to my friends – so I will be able to meet up with them more often. Also, I can go into town and get stuff for secondary school in September." Cyrus, head boy at Perry Court E-ACT Academy, said: "This is really helpful as I have a lot of brothers and sisters, but it costs a lot to use the bus – so my mum will find this really helpful! My Grandad can use his bus pass, and I can go with him for free into town. Also, it's better for the environment for us all to use the bus rather than lots of cars." Bus companies Bath Bus Company, First Bus, Stagecoach, and the Big Lemon were also part of the announcement, which featured one of the hundreds of new zero-emission electric buses set to be rolled out across the West following Bristol's first electrified bus depot. Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: 'We're delighted to be able to offer free bus travel for children in the West of England over the summer school holidays. 'We want to give young people the opportunity to explore the region and enjoy all that it has to offer and remain connected to their friends, families and communities. Offering free bus travel will also hopefully mean fewer journeys are made by car which in turn helps reduce congestion and improve air quality.'
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
New driving licence rule kicks in for millions of Brits TODAY – are you impacted?
A NEW driving licence rule has officially been brought in, changing what a standard permit can legally cover. British motorist who hold a standard Category B licence will now be allowed to drive zero-emission vehicles weighing up to 4,250kg. Under this update, millions of UK drivers will now be able to legally drive an electric van or small truck with a standard vehicle licence. Previously, motorists would have been required to provide a higher licence category. The rule change is aimed at making it easier to switch to greener vehicles, which often weigh more due to large battery packs or hydrogen fuel systems. A typical medium-sized electric delivery van or passenger minibus can weigh close to 4,250kg, especially when fitted with extra equipment. This is a significant increase from the 3,500kg limit which was previously in place. The licence update is expected to support the growing shift towards greener transport options. Use of zero emission vehicles has grown significantly in recent years as drivers embrace cleaner motoring. Beginning today, motorists with a Category B driving licence can drive an electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 4,250kg. In order to be eligible, the vehicle must be a zero emission vehicle. Meanwhile, the MAM limit for petrol and diesel vehicles remains at 3,500kg when driving with a category B licence. Shocking moment cyclist tears through traffic with child clinging to back - before riding WRONG way through roundabout To fall in within the category, the vehicle must be classified as a van or a light commercial vehicle. The rule applies to standard vehicles that can be used with a Category B licence, including cars, SUVs, vans, and small trucks. Vehicles which use specialist equipment to support disabled passengers can have a MAM of up to 5,000kg, however, the extra 750kg must be attributable to the equipment. Category B licence holders can also tow a trailer with a MAM up to 3,500kg wit a petrol, diesel, electric, or hydrogen vehicle. However, the combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer must not exceed 7,000kg. Top 10 most common driving licence codes and what they mean EVER turned your driving licence over and wondered what the random collection of numbers mean? If not, you should because the codes could land you with a fine and penalty points if you don't understand what they're there for. Here are the ten most common codes and what they mean: 01 - eyesight correction, for example glasses or contact lenses 02 - hearing/communication aid 40 - modified steering 101 - not for hire or reward (that is, not to make a profit) 105 - vehicle not more than 5.5metres long 106 - restricted to vehicles with automatic transmissions 107 - not more than 8,250 kilograms 111 - limited to 16 passenger seats 115 - organ donor 122 - valid on successful completion: Basic Moped Training Course 125 - tricycles only (for licences issued before June 29, 2014) For a full list visit the DVLA website. And if someone with a Category B licence passed their test before January 1, 1997, they can drive a vehicle and trailer combination as heavy as 8,250kg. The UK Government reports that zero emission vehicles are constructed to the "same high standards" as equivalent internal combustion engine vehicles. However, they still advised drivers to ensure they are familiar with using the controls, as the zero emissions vehicles can "handle differently". Motorists are advised to practice driving the vehicle in a safe and controlled environment, especially before towing a trailer. 'When driving, you should understand how to safely manoeuvre the vehicle and trailer," the DVSA said. "If the trailer starts to snake or swerve, ease off the accelerator and reduce your speed gently. "Do not brake harshly on a bend, as it makes the trailer unstable.' While there won't be any physical changes made to the Category B licence, the entitlement will apply to all motorists who hold it. The Government offers an online service for checking your driving entitlements and what restrictions may apply. It's especially important for anyone unsure about their rights, particularly if they passed their driving test before licensing rules changed in 1997. Drivers in Northern Ireland should note that licence categories may differ slightly and should check regional guidance. The changes come at a time when the UK is encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles to meet its net zero targets. 2
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Driving licence changes launching TOMORROW will impact millions of UK motorists – are you affected?
MILLIONS of UK drivers face new rules tomorrow, changing what standard licences can legally cover. From June 10, drivers across the UK with a standard Category B licence – the regular car licence – will be allowed to drive zero-emission vehicles weighing up to 4,250kg. That's 750kg more than the current limit and means millions of drivers across the UK will now be able to legally drive an electric van or small truck that would previously have required a higher licence category. The rule change is aimed at making it easier for people and businesses to switch to greener vehicles, which often weigh more due to large battery packs or hydrogen fuel systems. A typical medium-sized electric delivery van or passenger minibus can weigh close to 4,250kg, especially when fitted with extra equipment. This marks a significant increase from the current 3,500kg limit and is expected to support the growing shift towards greener transport options. A Category B licence is issued to anyone who has passed a standard car driving test. It typically allows motorists to drive vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM with up to eight passenger seats. Drivers can also tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg, depending on their entitlement. Those who passed their test before 1 January 1997 usually have additional permissions, such as driving heavier vehicles and trailers with a combined MAM of up to 8,250kg. They may also be permitted to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg. Under the new rules, drivers with a Category B licence will be allowed to operate electric or hydrogen cars and vans up to 4,250kg. Vehicles that have specialist equipment fitted to support disabled passengers may weigh up to 5,000kg, as long as the extra weight is due to that equipment. The changes will also allow motorists to drive electric or hydrogen-powered minibuses under the same weight conditions. While these changes expand the scope of vehicles that can be driven, they will not require any updates to the physical photocard licence. The entitlements will be applied automatically and recognised without a new card being issued. However, motorists are encouraged to check their driving licence information online to understand exactly what they are now allowed to drive. The updated allowances will apply to typical Category B vehicles, including cars, SUVs, small trucks and vans. With the heavier battery technology used in many zero-emission vehicles, the Government hopes these changes will make it easier for individuals and businesses to transition to electric transport. The new rules also provide greater flexibility for towing. Drivers will be allowed to tow a trailer as long as the combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 7,000kg. For instance, if the vehicle weighs 4,250kg, the trailer must be no more than 2,750kg. These adjustments are particularly beneficial for tradespeople and those transporting goods or equipment who are looking to use zero-emission alternatives. Although more people will now be permitted to tow trailers, officials have stressed the importance of road safety. Drivers must ensure they are comfortable with the size and handling of their vehicle and trailer, especially under these new weight limits. Before setting off, checks should be made on the tow ball, electrical connections, wheels, tyres, lights and the load being carried. The DVSA has issued guidance, warning: 'When driving, you should understand how to safely manoeuvre the vehicle and trailer. "If the trailer starts to snake or swerve, ease off the accelerator and reduce your speed gently. "Do not brake harshly on a bend, as it makes the trailer unstable.' The Government offers an online service for checking your driving entitlements and what restrictions may apply. It's especially important for anyone unsure about their rights, particularly if they passed their driving test before licensing rules changed in 1997. Drivers in Northern Ireland should note that licence categories may differ slightly and should check regional guidance. The changes come at a time when the UK is encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles to meet its net zero targets. By removing barriers to operating heavier zero-emission vehicles, officials hope to support both private drivers and businesses in the switch away from petrol and diesel. Although the changes do not affect all vehicle categories, they mark a key step in modernising licence entitlements in line with today's vehicle technology. 2
CNA
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- CNA
Bosch powers the future of mobility in Southeast Asia
Electric vehicles (EVs) are steadily becoming part of everyday life in Southeast Asia, as more consumers make the switch to greener transport options. According to Mr Vijay Ratnaparkhe, president of Bosch Southeast Asia, EV adoption in the region has gained momentum in recent years, rising from 9 per cent in 2023 to 13 per cent in 2024. In Singapore, the shift is even more pronounced: About one-third of new cars registered in 2024 were electric, up from nearly one in five in 2023, and just over one in 10 in 2022. Despite the encouraging trend, growth has not been as rapid as many had anticipated. Mr Ratnaparkhe noted that key challenges remain, particularly regarding cost, resale value, battery performance and charging accessibility. Against this backdrop, global technology supplier Bosch believes that closing infrastructure gaps and educating the public about misconceptions surrounding EVs is essential for the EV transition to gather momentum. OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO EV ADOPTION Southeast Asia's varied landscape and infrastructure present a unique mix of obstacles and opportunities. While some markets have experienced faster adoption spurred by government incentives, others continue to lag due to infrastructure limitations and consumer hesitance. A major hurdle is the absence of a robust and widely accessible charging network. Without enough charging stations, many drivers experience 'range anxiety', the fear that their vehicle might run out of power before reaching a charger. Mr Ratnaparkhe highlighted that while earlier EV models had shorter ranges, today's vehicles have made significant strides. 'Thanks to ever-improving range prediction and navigation systems showing available charging stations, EV drivers can now clearly understand how far their battery will take them and where nearby charging stations are. By continually assessing the driver's surroundings, the vehicle can provide precise range calculations, minimising anxiety,' he explained. 'Range capabilities will only get better. With advances in battery technology and the adoption of more efficient components, such as the use of silicon carbide in inverters, EVs will continue to go farther on a single charge.' Another challenge is the uncertainty around battery health and resale value. Cost-conscious buyers in the region often consider long-term maintenance and potential resale value before committing to a purchase. As a result, many consumers opt for hybrid vehicles, which feel more familiar and are seen as less risky, particularly amid concerns about battery degradation over time. To tackle these concerns, Bosch has launched a battery certification service. This initiative enables buyers of used EVs to evaluate a vehicle's remaining battery life and value, ultimately boosting confidence in second-hand EV purchases. DEBUNKING MYTHS ABOUT ELECTRIC VEHICLES Despite growing EV adoption, persistent myths about EVs continue to influence consumer perceptions. One common concern is the perceived poor performance in wet weather and safety in floods, issues that are being actively addressed through advancements in EV design and engineering. 'EVs are designed and tested to resist water damage, just like combustion cars,' said Mr Ratnaparkhe. He explained that the battery pack is insulated and protected with additional shielding, while the high-voltage cables linking the battery to the motors are also insulated. Moreover, electric and hybrid vehicles are equipped with fail-safe systems that automatically shut down the electrical components in the event of a collision or short circuit. 'While driving through floodwaters is generally not advisable, the idea that EVs are unsafe because of the battery is a misconception,' said Mr Ratnaparkhe. Another common concern is the cost of owning an EV. According to Mr Ratnaparkhe, the upfront price of EVs is decreasing due to mass production and improvements in battery technology. While tariffs may affect supply chain costs, tax incentives and road tax exemptions in some countries have helped narrow the price gap with traditional vehicles, making EVs more accessible. PROMISING SIGNS ON THE ROAD AHEAD With continuous advancements in technology and strong government support across many countries, owning an EV is becoming both a financially smart and environmentally responsible decision. 'Our internal data shows that EVs produce 20 to 30 per cent less carbon dioxide emissions over their life cycle compared to equivalent petrol or diesel cars,' Mr Ratnaparkhe said. This assessment includes emissions from manufacturing, driving and recycling. Looking towards 2030, Bosch expects the environmental benefits of EVs to become even more significant. By then, new EVs are projected to emit around 40 per cent less carbon dioxide than their conventional counterparts. Mr Ratnaparkhe added that EV adoption in Southeast Asia is set to accelerate. The entry of more automakers, a wider variety of models and falling battery prices are making EVs increasingly attractive and accessible. Younger, more eco-conscious buyers, are also playing a key role in driving demand for EVs. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is enhancing the EV experience by enabling real-time analytics, predictive maintenance and personalised driving features. 'Software will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of mobility,' said Mr Ratnaparkhe. 'With new hardware and software solutions, we are helping to make mobility safer, more efficient and more sustainable.'
