Latest news with #motorists
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Drivers are risking fines costing THOUSANDS when they drive in Europe this summer
As thousands of British motorists prepare to drive across mainland Europe this summer, experts have warned of three common mistakes that could result in costly fines. It comes after a national survey by The Motor Ombudsman revealed over 70 per cent of UK drivers are unaware of some mandatory road requirements when driving to Spain and France. The research shows over two thirds of motorists aged 17 to 28 will be driving on the right side of the road for the first time - and almost one in three admit they don't feel confident doing so. Ranking as the least self-assured region is Scotland, with over half of first-time drivers confessing they don't feel ready to drive on the right-hand side, while a whopping 79 per cent of Londoners maintain a more positive stance. The data highlighted some costly gaps in knowledge, as 59 per cent of drivers admitted they did not know it's mandatory in many European countries to carry emergency equipment, such as high-vis jackets and warning triangles, while driving. In France, drivers who cannot produce these items on request can incur a fine of up to €750. Additionally, 30 per cent of respondents said they were unaware of sat-navs, speed camera detectors and similar apps are illegal in some European countries. In Spain, drivers risk a fine of up to €6,000 if they're caught with such apps installed on their devices, and in France, their vehicles could potentially get confiscated. Meanwhile, 70 per cent of survey participants admitted being either unsure or uninformed of environment rules regarding pre-purchased windscreen stickers for low-emission zones. In Germany, this can result in a fine of up to €80, and in France, a fine of up to €135. One Leeds-based driver, Will, found out the hard way after driving abroad with a pre-purchased sticker while driving abroad. He said: 'The signage was a bit unfamiliar, and I didn't know the routes well. On one occasion, I forgot to display the correct low-emission zone sticker on the windscreen when driving through a city. 'Not long after, I received a fine for that oversight - a mistake that could have been avoided with a bit more preparation. Will admitted that had he taken a 'few minutes' to familiarise himself with some of the routes he would be travelling on, he would have avoided the fine. To help Brits stay one step ahead and avoid unnecessary fines on European roads this summer, The Motor Ombudsman, which recently launched an online hub packed with advice, has issued some essential tips. They urge British drivers to pack their UK identifier sticker, as GB stickers are no longer accepted in Europe. Many European cities also require motorists to display an official low-emission sticker, so it's best to order these well in advance. Finally, motorists are advised to double-check tyre pressure units as most air machines on the continent use BAR instead of PSI - a car's manual or door frame should always show recommended levels. Will Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman, said: 'Driving in Europe offers real freedom and flexibility, but it's clear from the research that some drivers are setting off unprepared.' Will added: 'From speed limits to mandatory equipment and emission zone rules, there's a lot to consider - and ignoring the details can quickly turn a relaxing break into an expensive headache.'
Top Gear
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
‘Well done, clowns': DVSA introduces IQ test for owners of 500bhp+ family SUVs
'Well done, clowns': DVSA introduces IQ test for owners of 500bhp+ family SUVs New exams are due to small minority unable to understand basic common sense Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. Here's roving correspondent, Cory Spondent, with his mostly incorrect exclusives from the world of motoring The DVSA is set to announce mandatory IQ tests for anyone in possession of a family SUV producing more than 500bhp, insiders have revealed. Advertisement - Page continues below It follows an unprecedented rise in road-going idiocy and inexplicable driving behaviour from a small minority of motorists who have, as usual, absolutely ruined it for everyone. The radical new plan will see compulsory intelligence exams for applicable owners to test their understanding of the basic laws of motion and assess their ability to follow the most rudimentary tenets of common sense. One example given by officials is that 'Track' mode in a large, tall car weighing close to three tonnes is 'probably a bit unnecessary' when travelling through a 30mph residential area. 'Currently anybody able to take up an attractive lease offer can get themselves into an overpowered, street-legal space shuttle without ever understanding basic principles of speed, mass, geography and public decorum. Advertisement - Page continues below 'We've had a few reports of drivers of such cars fishtailing out of junctions and nearly swiping everyone around them because they did not fully comprehend the notion that 500bhp+ on a wet road in an inexplicably large car will end up in a spin if you just bury the throttle. 'Most people with even a passing interest in the workings of dynamics could have spotted this. Not these people. So we're going to have to ruin it for everyone. 'Slow clap. Well done, clowns.' Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
UAE Moments
5 hours ago
- Climate
- UAE Moments
Cooler Coasts, Fog Risk, and Dusty Winds: UAE Weather, July 23
On July 23, UAE residents can expect fair to partly cloudy weather, with convective clouds forming in the eastern regions. Temperatures will slightly decrease along coastal areas, offering minor relief from the summer heat. Humidity and Fog Expected Overnight Humidity will rise by tonight and Thursday morning, especially across coastal and internal areas, increasing the risk of fog or mist formation. Motorists are advised to stay alert for reduced visibility in the early hours. Hot Inland, Breezy Conditions Westward
Times
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Times
EV grant brings ‘chaos and confusion' for makers and drivers
The launch of the electric vehicle grant scheme has led to 'chaos and confusion' for carmakers and motorists, industry experts have said. Manufacturers face 'extraordinary' amount of paperwork to learn if their vehicles are eligible for grants while buyers have been left in limbo, despite being told the scheme was under way. Ministers announced last week that motorists would be given up to £3,750 to switch to EVs, in an effort to drive up demand to meet net zero targets. It would be available on cars with a list price up to £37,000 with the level of grant tiered, so the most 'environmentally sustainable' models attract the biggest discount. Registration for the scheme opened on Wednesday last week, the day after it was announced. Car dealers said they were left fielding calls from potential buyers but had no information. Others said buyers with existing orders were asking to cancel so they could take advantage of the scheme.
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Rage and despair of the 100,000 Citroen owners told: Do not drive your car!
Around 100,000 motorists in Britain have been told they must stop driving their cars immediately – and may not be allowed back on the road for weeks or months. The owners of two popular Citroens from the past decade have been hit by an urgent so-called 'stop-drive' action, which bars them from using their cars until they can have a dangerous fault repaired.
