Latest news with #ofFuture
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Daily Mirror
DVLA driving licence changes: Everything we know on 'biggest change in decades'
Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones said the road safety proposals, set to be published in the autumn, will be the 'biggest shake-up to our driving laws for decades' Elderly motorists face compulsory eye tests and the drink drive limit may be reduced in a radical shake-up on rules for the road. Concern about the number of people being killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads has been rising. In April, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she is 'open to considering' making older drivers pass eye tests to keep their driving licence. And the senior coroner for Lancashire, Dr James Adeley, sent a Prevention of Future Deaths report to the Transport Secretary which related to the deaths of four people killed by drivers with failing eyesight. Mr Adeley warned that older drivers with 'compromised' ability may cause further deaths after a woman was struck and became trapped under a car driven by an 89-year-old man in a Waitrose car park. Meanwhile, an exciting heatwave forecast with maps revealing the exact date a 39C heat plume will scorch the UK. Rosemary McAndrew, 64, died from chest injuries on July 5 last year after she was hit by a car 'reversing at speed' while she was a pedestrian near the shop in Newark, Nottinghamshire. The car was driven by an elderly man who paramedics suspected 'may have had a neurological event' while driving. In the two years before the crash, the man's mobility had reduced, he reported back and leg pains to his GP, and went to A&E in October 2023 with symptoms suspected to be the result of a mini stroke. He died of dementia and gangrene in both feet eight months after the collision. And now changes to driving laws are set to be published by the government in the autumn, with ministers believing that the current safety messaging is not working. Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones said the proposals will be the "biggest shake-up to our driving laws for decades". Eyesight test for elderly drivers Under the shake-up over 70s could be forced to take an eye-test every three years to renew their licence and a driving ban for those who fail. The UK is one of only three European countries to rely on self-reporting of eyesight problems that affect driving. Cutting drink drive limit Ministers are also considering cutting the drink driving limit in England and Wales to match Scotland - a cut from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms. The government says it's impossible to say exactly how many drinks this is equal to as alcohol impacts people depending on factors such as weight, sex, and age. A maximum legal drink drive limit was first introduced in 1967. On Britain's roads last year, 1,633 people were killed and almost 28,000 seriously injured in traffic incidents, and numbers have remained relatively constant following a large fall between 2000 and 2010. Meanwhile, the number of people killed in drink-driving incidents has risen over the past decade, reaching a 13-year high in 2022 and prompting concern that existing road safety measures are no longer working. Tougher penalties for uninsured drivers Motorists who drive vehicles which are uninsured could also face tougher penalties under the new rules as well as people who do not wear a seatbelt. A Labour source said: 'This Labour Government will deliver the first road safety strategy in a decade, imposing tougher penalties on those breaking the law, protecting road users and restoring order to our roads.' Drug drive testing Other proposals are reported to include allowing the police to bring prosecutions for drug-driving on the basis of roadside saliva tests rather than blood tests as increasing numbers of drivers are being caught with drugs in their system. In 2012, government announced a new offence in regard to driving with a specific controlled drug in the body above that drug's accepted limit. The aim was to reduce expense, effort and time wasted from prosecutions that fail because of difficulties proving a particular drug impaired a driver. What the experts say Motoring groups have hailed the plans to overhaul road safety laws as "much overdue" and "a step in the right direction". Edmund King, AA president, said: "The time has come for a bold and proactive approach to road safety. This strategy is much overdue as road deaths have plateaued over the last decade. We believe these new measures will not only modernise our approach to saving lives but also provide renewed momentum in making our roads safer for everyone." But he wants the plans to go further and is urging ministers to introduce limits on new drivers under the age of 21 transporting peer-age passengers for six months after passing their test. Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart said: "In 2023, there were almost 100 serious injuries or fatalities caused by defective eyesight. These tragedies are avoidable. Every driver has a responsibility to ensure they have good enough eyesight for driving, but vision problems can become more frequent as we age, hence the focus on over-70s. "This is a sensible step and motorists overall – even those aged 70 and above – support it. For most older drivers who are safe and 'self-regulate', these proposals are unlikely to be controversial." Changes backed by politicians "In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying [on the roads each year], with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2bn per year," a government source told the BBC. "This Labour government will deliver the first Road Safety Strategy in a decade, imposing tougher penalties on those breaking the law, protecting road users and restoring order to our roads," the source added. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has also said she is behind plans to bring in compulsory eye tests for drivers over 70. "I think we need to make sure that people driving on our roads and using our streets are safe," she said.
The Irish Sun
08-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Dad, 28, died trying to save his brother from burning home after e-bike battery caught fire
The e-bike burst into flames after its battery 'catastrophically failed' while charging overnight FATAL INFERNO Dad, 28, died trying to save his brother from burning home after e-bike battery caught fire A MAN died while trying to save his brother from his burning home after an e-bike fire set the property ablaze. Dad Mohsin Janjua, 28, died after a lithium-ion battery - placed into a pedal bike to convert it into an e-bike - caught fire at his home in Bradford, West Yorkshire. 2 Mohsin Janjua, 28, died after trying to save his brother from the house fire Credit: Facebook The 28-year-old's bike - which he himself had converted - burst into flames after being plugged into the mains in the living room while he was sleeping on the sofa in the early hours of December 2, 2023. An inquest into his death heard how he rushed to alert his mum and son in the upstairs bedroom as soon as he spotted the fire. Despite all three leaving the home through the front door, they believed Mohsin's brother was still trapped inside. Bravely, Mohsin rushed inside to try and save him - not realising his brother had managed to escape by jumping from the upstairs bedroom window. When Mohsin's brother then tried to turn around to rescue Mohsin, he was forced back by toxic smoke and intense flames. The 28-year-old was then found by the fire service in the rear upstairs bedroom. After initially thinking he was just unresponsive, fire crews later discovered he had already died by the time they arrived. Senior Coroner Martin Fleming concluded Mohsin died from the effects of fire - saying it had most likely been started by the "catastrophic failure" of the e-bike battery. In a Prevention of Future Deaths report, he said: "On December 2, 2023, Mohsin Janjua died from the inhalation of products of combustion in a house fire at his home address [in] Bradford. "Unknown to him, he had previously purchased an unsafe lithium battery on the internet in order to convert his bicycle with other modifiable parts to an E-bike, which he left on charge overnight in his living room. "It is found more likely than not that the fire was caused by a catastrophic failure of the ion lithium battery." He also warned that unregulated lithium battery sales pose a "significant and growing risk to public safety". Future deaths could occur unless action is taken Senior Coroner Martin Fleming Mohsin had purchased the battery on eBay, and tests from a battery from the same store showed it did not comply with UK safety standards. The dad had replaced the previous electric motor on his bike with the lithium-ion battery just one week before the blaze. Mr Fleming issued a warning to the Office for Product Safety and Standards, advising it to pursue great regulation of online marketplaces or further deaths may occur. He said: "In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. "To review and reconsider the adequacy of the of the current unregulated sale of lithium-ion batteries, especially those intended for e-bike conversions through online market places, since they pose a significant and growing risk to public safety. "Fires caused by substandard or non-compliant batteries have increased and many originate from online marketplaces. "At the moment it is my understanding that online market places disclaim responsibility for the safety of 3rd party goods, so I ask that you give consideration to the appropriateness of regulations to make online marketplaces jointly responsible for ensuring the safety and legal compliances of products sold on their sites. "Consider further steps to increase the general public's awareness with regard to the life threatening risks involved with lithium ion batteries from e-bikes in this case stored in domestic properties."
Scottish Sun
08-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
Dad, 28, died trying to save his brother from burning home after e-bike battery caught fire
The e-bike burst into flames after its battery 'catastrophically failed' while charging overnight FATAL INFERNO Dad, 28, died trying to save his brother from burning home after e-bike battery caught fire Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAN died while trying to save his brother from his burning home after an e-bike fire set the property ablaze. Dad Mohsin Janjua, 28, died after a lithium-ion battery - placed into a pedal bike to convert it into an e-bike - caught fire at his home in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Mohsin Janjua, 28, died after trying to save his brother from the house fire Credit: Facebook The 28-year-old's bike - which he himself had converted - burst into flames after being plugged into the mains in the living room while he was sleeping on the sofa in the early hours of December 2, 2023. An inquest into his death heard how he rushed to alert his mum and son in the upstairs bedroom as soon as he spotted the fire. Despite all three leaving the home through the front door, they believed Mohsin's brother was still trapped inside. Bravely, Mohsin rushed inside to try and save him - not realising his brother had managed to escape by jumping from the upstairs bedroom window. When Mohsin's brother then tried to turn around to rescue Mohsin, he was forced back by toxic smoke and intense flames. The 28-year-old was then found by the fire service in the rear upstairs bedroom. After initially thinking he was just unresponsive, fire crews later discovered he had already died by the time they arrived. Coroner Martin Fleming concluded Mohsin died from the effects of fire - saying it had most likely been started by the "catastrophic failure" of the e-bike battery. In a Prevention of Future Deaths report, he said: "On December 2, 2023, Mohsin Janjua died from the inhalation of products of combustion in a house fire at his home address [in] Bradford. "Unknown to him, he had previously purchased an unsafe lithium battery on the internet in order to convert his bicycle with other modifiable parts to an E-bike, which he left on charge overnight in his living room. "It is found more likely than not that the fire was caused by a catastrophic failure of the ion lithium battery." More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Leader Live
23-04-2025
- Leader Live
Chester FC fan took his life after gesture to player circulated online
Andrew Paul Hewitt was found dead at his home on Palace Street in Flint on December 1, 2024. At County Hall in Ruthin on Wednesday (April 23), an inquest was held into the 52-year-old's death. In a statement read out to the coroner's court, Mr Hewitt's brother, Alan, said he had been a keen supporter of Chester FC for around 40 years. He had taken his son to see Chester play at Warrington Town on November 30. During the match, Mr Hewitt made a 'gesture' towards an opposing player which his brother said was 'completely out of character'. A photo of Mr Hewitt making the gesture was shared widely on social media, and Chester FC subsequently released a statement condemning it. Mr Alan Hewitt told the inquest: 'He'd obviously seen the video and comments online. He must have come to the conclusion that he either faced a lengthy ban from football or a custodial sentence. "He could not face the embarrassment of either outcome." Alan Hewitt said his brother had never been in trouble with the police. In the early hours of December 1, police officers were called to a report of at Mr Hewitt's home to a report of a sudden death. Mr Hewitt's body was found on the bed by family members. A pathologist's cause of death following a post-mortem examination was hanging. Samples taken for the purposes of toxicology found no evidence of alcohol or drugs in Mr Hewitt's system. A receipt next to the bed had an apology written on it. John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, said he was satisfied from the evidence that Mr Hewitt had sought to end his life. He recorded a conclusion of suicide. Mr Gittins described it as a 'very tragic loss' for his family in 'extremely difficult circumstances'. He added that it was clear that Mr Hewitt will be 'very much missed'. He said that there was 'no evidence that points me in the direction' of issuing a Prevention of Future Deaths report to any organisation in relation to the incident. Anyone struggling with their mental health can call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email them at jo@ or visit to find your nearest branch.
Leader Live
22-04-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Report issued by coroner after death of Flintshire pensioner
John Gittins, Senior Coroner for North Wales East and Central, expressed concern about the situation following the death of a Mold pensioner. Patricia Ann Catterall, 81, had been a patient at Mold Community Hospital for 207 days before being transferred to the Cae Bryn Nursing Home, part of the Pendine Park care organisation, in Wrexham on June 11, 2024. Her condition deteriorated and on June 19 she was admitted to the Maelor Hospital where she was diagnosed as suffering from Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic Syndrome (HHS) – very high blood sugar levels – and sepsis. Her condition and co-morbidities meant she was unfit for aggressive treatment and she died on June 23. An inquest heard that whilst in hospital Mrs Catterall's blood sugar levels were checked three times a day in hospital in Mold but only once a day at the nursing home. In a Prevention of Future Deaths sent to the Pendine Park organisation and the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the Coroner said: 'The process of assessment by the Nursing Home prior to the transfer of care to them was not sufficiently robust so as to ensure that all relevant information required for the safe care of a patient had not been received and assessed prior to the patient being received into their care. 'Evidence was received that in the majority of cases (post Covid) there are no face-to-face assessments prior to patient transfer and that the assessment is therefore dependent on the documentation supplied to the Nursing Home by the Health Board, which in some cases may result in not all relevant information being provided. 'In this instance evidence was given that the Nursing Home did not know that the deceased's blood sugar levels were monitored three times per day whilst in the care of the Health Board.' MOST READ: A spokesperson for the Cae Bryn nursing home said: 'It is clearly vitally important that a nursing home is given full and detailed information about a patient's needs when they are discharged from hospital and we will convey to the Coroner that we would support a tightening up of the handover procedure to ensure that hospitals pass on all the relevant information to the home so that the appropriate level of care can be provided.' Angela Wood, Executive Director of Nursing & Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: 'I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family for their loss. 'We are continually working to improve our services, and we will be responding to the coroner directly outlining the actions that we are taking.' The home owners and Health Board have until June 6 to respond, either explaining what steps have been taken to address the Coroner's concerns or why it is felt that no action is necessary.
