The Department For Transport sought public touch upon a possible ICE bike ban in 2022. It’s 2024. Where did all of the feedback go?
Tag Archives: transport
Government to analyze whether or not headlights are too shiny
The Department for Transport (DfT) has introduced that it’ll fee an impartial report on headlight dazzle, acknowledging that “further evidence” is required on the difficulty.
The announcement got here in response to a parliament.uk petition calling for MPs to assessment laws about the brightness of automobile headlights receiving greater than 10,000 signatures.
In response, the DfT introduced the plan for the report, saying: “We know that lots of people raise concerns about headlight glare – but also that the police collision statistics don’t show any underlying road safety issue.”
Given the “lack of evidence” on the problems of dazzle and headlight brightness, the report might be used to tell “any further appropriate mitigations”.
The DfT has already moved to sort out the difficulty of headlight misalignment, having raised the difficulty on the United Nations’ professional group on car lighting.
“Proposals to amend headlamp aiming rules were agreed in April 2023, together with requirements for mandatory automatic headlamp levelling, which automatically corrects the aim of the headlamps,” added the DfT.
It mentioned that tightened guidelines on headlight beam alignment are anticipated to return into pressure in September 2027 and these “will help alleviate the number of cases where road users are dazzled”.
The announcement of the report comes simply months after the RAC known as on the DfT to “urgently” look into the difficulty of dazzle.
A survey of some 2000 motorists by the organisation discovered that 28% believed most headlights to be too shiny.
Of those that complained about brightness, 74% mentioned they had been repeatedly dazzled whereas driving and 85% mentioned they believed the issue was getting worse.
RAC security spokesperson Rod Dennis hailed the DfT’s acknowledgement of the difficulty as “a real turning point”.
“The topic has undoubtedly struck a chord with motorists up and down the country, with many people contacting us directly to call for something to be done,” he added.
Teardown Reveals Why So Many Jeep EcoDiesel V-6s Fail
America has a posh relationship with diesel engines. Diesels are the life-blood of the transport sector, offering energy for all types of vehicles and business automobiles throughout the nation. But generally, American carmakers make diesels that develop horrendous reputations.
Eric from the I Do Cars YouTube channel finds out why Jeep’s EcoDiesel engine has such a foul status in his newest teardown video. Originally discovered within the last-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee and variations of the Ram 1500, they’re well-known for failing prematurely, with tough-to-find components and many extraordinarily tight packaging.
The solely purpose we all know this engine is dangerous is as a result of it could not be spun by hand, indicating one thing’s gone fallacious with the rods or crankshaft. From the skin, it seems to be pretty wholesome, with no seen indicators of harm. You would not understand it was damaged judging by the heads. The areas below the valve covers are like-new, with none staining and minimal scoring.
It’s solely when Eric removes the heads does the harm turn into clear. One of the pistons, sooner or later, smacked into the valves, making a transparent imprint on its face. Sure sufficient, when the oil pan is eliminated we are able to see copious metallic shavings that, in response to Eric, was once bearings for the connecting rods.
The bearings disintegrated, inflicting one of many rod caps to detach from the rod, liberating the crankshaft to chuck the piston into the top. The rod cap bounced round within the crankcase earlier than wedging itself between the crankshaft and the block, seizing the motor. Yikes.
Eric suspects a scarcity of upkeep and a scarcity of floor space for the bearings are what led to the failure. Seeing as how he is takes engines like these aside for a residing, we suspect he is onto one thing. Eric has taken aside quite a few EcoDiesels, and says they’ve all had comparable issues with the underside finish.
Our suggestion? Just go for the gasoline engine as an alternative.
Paris Votes In Favor Of Tripling Parking Fees For Heavy Cars
The European Federation for Transport and Environment revealed a research earlier this 12 months that confirmed SUVs are becoming too large for European roads and parking areas. With air pollution from SUVs additionally a priority, local weather activists insist there ought to be restrictions in opposition to house owners of cumbersome automobiles.
The outcomes of a referendum held over the weekend in France’s capital present that some individuals are okay with making the lives of SUV house owners a bit more durable. Parisians have voted in favor of successfully tripling parking charges to €18 (almost $20) per hour within the metropolis heart and €12 (nearly $13) in the remainder of Paris. These modifications will not apply to residential parking.
It ought to be talked about that the choice will not solely impression crossovers and SUVs. Owners of standard vehicles weighing 1,600 kilograms (3,527 kilos) or extra should pony up the additional money. Electric automobiles tipping the scales at over 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) may even be affected. Those who stay or work in Paris will likely be exempt, as will these affected by disabilities. Additionally, taxi drivers, well being employees, and tradespeople will not be impacted by the result of the referendum.
Only round 5.7 % of voters, about 78,000 folks out of a complete of 1.3 million, went to one of many 39 voting cubicles. Parisians voted 54.55 % in favor of tripling parking charges for heavier vehicles. Despite the low turnout, the choice is anticipated to come back into impact as early as September 2024.
The referendum final 12 months in April to ban rental electrical scooters wasn’t in style both, with solely about 103,000 folks voting, accounting for simply seven % of registered voters. Despite the low turnout, rented electrical scooters had been subsequently banned within the City of Lights.
The new referendum held over the weekend is projected to impression about 10 % of automobiles in Paris, as said by the town’s deputy mayor answerable for transport, David Belliard. It’s protected to imagine that somebody who owns an enormous luxurious SUV reminiscent of a Mercedes GLE or a BMW X5 will not have a problem with paying an hourly fee of €18 as a substitute of €6.
That stated, the result of the voting may affect different capitals to take related motion. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo believes that some European cities will likely be inspired to take related measures, stating:
“Parisians have made a clear choice… other cities will follow. We’re proud of having posed an eminently environmental question at a time when the environment is presented as the source of all evil. It’s a form of resistance here in Paris to this very concerning movement.”
£15k heroes: What is Britain’s greatest low cost automotive?
How a lot does a brand new automotive price these days? Any automotive will do: transport, freedom, 4 wheels, an engine and a few seats. After the couple of years we’ve simply had, I wouldn’t blame anybody who wanted to look it up.
At the top of 2019, the reply was lower than £8000. There was a Vauxhall Corsa on the worth listing for lower than £12,000, a Ford Focus for lower than £20,000 and a BMW 3 Series for little greater than £30,000. Now take a look at us. In one other 4 years, who is aware of what a worth supermini may cost a little – or if you’ll nonetheless be capable of purchase one in any respect.
If you want low cost, easy, versatile and environment friendly motoring, then, now could be time to safe some. And if you’re questioning what’s inside attain – assuming that you just need to spend round £15,000 in money or £200 per thirty days on a typical private finance scheme (10% down, a three-year time period and a conspicuously excessive rate of interest: you already know the drill) – you is likely to be stunned how few the choices already are.
There are solely eight vehicles left on the UK market at that worth or beneath it – and we’ve bought 5 of them proper right here.
Unfortunately, Fiat’s UK distributor doesn’t have any Panda demonstrators proper now, Volkswagen’s doesn’t preserve any Ups and we didn’t assume it price together with two barely completely different Dacias in the identical take a look at only for the sake of completeness.
So it’s the Citroën C3, Dacia Sandero, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto and MG 3 we have now right here to settle the query of who makes the most effective low cost automotive on sale at this time.
The reality is, neither the producers nor the sellers are a lot taken with promoting or selling vehicles this low cost any extra, they usually’re rising much less so, whereas consumers’ curiosity, as they see it, has migrated elsewhere.
As you’re about to learn, although, bargain-basement motoring could be surprisingly enjoyable, nice and sensible, and remarkably handy in 2023. Liberating, then, in additional methods than one.
Meet the contenders: Dacia Sandero
Even in isolation and even at this time, the Sandero appears like an terrible lot of automotive for the cash. That’s its shtick, after all. Really examine it, although, and drive it again to again with its price-matched rivals, and it appears much more good worth.
The MG 3 isn’t too far off it for cabin area however has a boot some 20% smaller, whereas the C3 undoubtedly provides much less practicality. The i10 and Picanto really feel a lot smaller – as a result of they’re – but price the identical. But the Sandero can deal with adults within the second row, taller people up entrance and folded buggies within the boot – and depart a little bit of dwelling area round all of them. Superminis by no means used to do this.
What do UK motorists need from the General Election?
Labour responded on 10 October. Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh stated the Tories demonstrated how out of contact they have been with the fact going through drivers.
“Labour’s plan means action on unfair petrol and car insurance costs, removing barriers so infrastructure improvements are actually delivered, reducing the traffic clogging up our roads and boosting the charge-point roll-out,” she stated.
With a common election looming, the political events are unwilling to essentially nail their motoring colors to the mast till it’s time to publish their manifestos – so we requested a variety of specialists what they wish to see made a precedence, and the way they assume the UK’s roads will change within the subsequent 5 years.
The tech insurance coverage pioneer
Andrew Bennett is an insurance coverage telematics and ‘connected car’ advisor, concerned in such applied sciences for practically 20 years and an skilled in drivers’ behaviour. We requested him what driving in 2029 will appear like.
“On the motorway, I expect a procession of cars trying to travel at 70mph, due to average-speed control and adaptive cruise,” he says.
“Lots of flat-fronted electric cars and the start of GPS-enabled road-tolling beyond the Dartford Crossing and the M6. In towns, fewer cars, more on-street charging, with electric charge costs approaching those of ICE vehicles – parking payments being automated in a consolidated app. The proportion of vehicles that are EV and ICE will vary very notably geographically, influenced by affluence.”
What does he wish to see? “More autonomous automobiles and fewer ICE automobiles, a greater charging infrastructure off-motorway, and reflective quite than profiteering prices for EV charging.
“A extra built-in Britain, with subsidies on EV and practice use to scale back carbon emissions.”
The motoring champion
Edmund King, president of the AA, has robocops and middle-lane hogs on his future adaptive cruise radar.
Do Different Speed Limits For Motorcycles And Cars Make Sense? EU Says No
On December 7, 2023, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who’re seated on the Transport and Tourism Committee permitted an inventory of revisions to European Union driving license guidelines. In the tip, the group permitted a draft place containing a number of frequent sense revisions, together with issues like a minimal two 12 months probationary interval for brand spanking new drivers and making a digital driving license accessible for drivers to make use of on their smartphones.
This issues to motorcyclists as common street customers, in fact. Also, many riders drive automobiles once they’re not driving. However, it is also important as a result of the MEPs concurrently rejected some beforehand proposed adjustments that will have positioned different speed limits on motorcyclists relying on what kind of license they maintain (A1, A2, or A).
We’re Not Kidding, Someone Proposed Adopting Different Speed Limits For Motorcyclists Riding In Europe
The motorcycle-specific speed limit proposals that have been rejected have been these. Regardless of any common posted pace restrict on a given motorway or street, riders would face the next:
- Riders with A1 licenses couldn’t exceed a pace of 90 kilometers per hour (or 55 miles per hour)
- Riders with A2 licenses couldn’t exceed a pace of 100 km/h (or 62 mph)
- Riders with A licenses couldn’t exceed a pace of 110 kim/h (or 68 mph)
For these unfamiliar with Europe’s tiered bike licensing scheme, here is the way it works:
- A1 license holders have to be no less than 16 years of age. Qualifying A1 bikes should not have a displacement bigger than 125cc or have bikes that produce energy better than 11 kilowatts (or roughly 14.7 horsepower)
- A2 machines should not make greater than 35 kW (or 46.9 horsepower)
- A-level motorbikes could be any bikes, fully unrestricted, however the rider should have an A license to trip them.
Why Propose Different Speed Limits For Different Tiers Of Motorcycle Licenses?
The purpose acknowledged by Rapporteur Karima Delli, who initiated the proposal, was street security and a need to reduce and hopefully to get rid of street deaths within the EU by 2050. The aim is admirable, nevertheless it’s not clear how a pace differential between among the most among the most susceptible car operators on the street and the automobiles and vehicles round them would obtain that aim.
Evidently, sufficient MEPs discovered fault with this proposal that they rejected it. Considering that the present common car pace restrict present in EU member states is 120 to 130 km/h (or about 74.5 to 80 mph), the failings on this proposal are plain to see.
Why This Proposal Was A Terrible And Unsafe Idea For Riders
Even for those who’ve by no means ridden in your life, chances are high good that you have in all probability pushed in a state of affairs the place different visitors goes at what appears to be a lot decrease than the posted pace restrict.
In actuality, it might solely be 10 or 15 miles per hour below. But for those who’re caught behind that driver, it is simply irritating.
As different visitors on the street that desires to get across the slow-moving car, more often than not, you could not probably care much less why they are going so slowly. You care far more that they are in your approach. You get annoyed and upset, and also you cross them as quickly as you probably can. Maybe you flip them off, otherwise you yell out your window at them.
Do we have to have a speak about street rage right here? Because that is additionally one of many many ways in which you get street rage. It’s removed from the one approach, however egregiously sluggish driving typically tends to make the blood stress rise in anybody caught behind that car.
Now, let me ask you a query. Regarding automobiles, did you image two automobiles within the state of affairs I simply proposed? If you probably did, now strive picturing a motorcycle because the slow-moving car, and a automotive or truck because the one caught behind it, eager to get previous this tremendous sluggish factor blocking its approach.
Instantly, the facility dynamic shifts. Cars and vehicles are a lot bigger automobiles than bikes. If they cross or push a motorcycle too aggressively, more often than not, it is the rider who’s going to get injured (or no less than have their car undergo harm.) The driver, in the meantime, might need a number of scratches and dents of their automotive, however will probably not need to go to the hospital. There is a significant imbalance in threat ranges right here.
Unless in addition they trip, most drivers of automobiles and vehicles merely do not care sufficient about bikes to note that “oh, that’s an A1 bike, so they can only legally go THIS fast.” Instead, they will simply see a sluggish motorcycle, and so they’ll get irritated and wish to get round it.
If you are interested by selling street security, why would you deliberately provoke extra aggressive street conduct, particularly when all that aggro could be directed on the folks you say you wish to shield?
We do not know for sure why the MEPs rejected this proposal, however on behalf of anybody driving in Europe, we’re glad that they did.
“This is a significant victory for the European motorcyclists’ foyer. Different speeds for various license holders is essentially the most ridiculous and harmful proposal I’ve heard in a very long time,” the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations common secretary Wim Taal stated in a press release.
“This would not only discourage a lot of road users to switch to powered two-wheelers, it would also put motorcyclists in an unacceptable unsafe situation. A victory like this once again proves how important it is to have strong motorcyclists’ organisations throughout Europe,” he concluded.
Here Are The Updated EU Driving License Requirements That Are In The Draft Legislation
- Driving licenses might be legitimate for no less than 15 years on bikes, automobiles, and tractors.
- Driving licenses might be legitimate for 5 years on vehicles and buses.
- Some exceptions to the above could also be made.
- A prompt obligatory well being examine could also be required for issuance and/or renewal of a driving license.
- Inexperienced drivers would have a probationary interval of two years, throughout which stricter penalties could be imposed for infractions similar to drunk driving.
- Due to the present scarcity of expert skilled drivers of vehicles and buses, 18 12 months olds is perhaps allowed to acquire their license for vehicles and buses that would carry as much as 16 passengers, so long as they maintain a certificates {of professional} competence. Otherwise, the age restrict could be raised to 21. Another proposed change would see 17 12 months olds be capable of drive vehicles in the event that they have been additionally accompanied by an skilled driver.
- A driver expertise take a look at replace is proposed, which would come with subjects similar to e-bikes, e-scooters, cellphone utilization, driving in snow and slippery climate situations, driver help programs, and extra.
- Adoption of a single digital driving license for EU member states is proposed, which might be accessible on a driver’s smartphone, and could be fully equal to a bodily, handheld license that you just would possibly carry in your pockets.
What Happens Next?
The draft proposals agreed upon by the MEPs “will possibly be voted on by the full house of the European Parliament in January 2024 plenary session,” in accordance with the European Parliament’s official launch on the topic. Stay tuned.
Used Volvo V40 2012-2019 overview
If you’re drawn to the V40 by Volvo’s fame for sensible, snug transport, you’ll in all probability be quietly impressed by what you discover. That it did not lead the category on area is maybe a slight disgrace, nevertheless it’s not a serious shock, given the automobile’s common outward dimensions.
The V40 affords passenger lodging ranges and usable boot area that’s as beneficiant as essentially the most sensible hatchbacks of the day, however no higher.
But the air of simplicity and unpretentiousness that characterises the cabin is rather more interesting than its sheer dimension. This is a automobile fully dedicated to on a regular basis use. The driver’s seat is mounted somewhat increased than we’d have favored, nevertheless it’s the place it’s to grant glorious all-round visibility.
The outer rear seats are mounted barely additional inboard than the hatchback norm, offering a greater view forwards and extra shoulder and elbow room for occupants three and 4. The fifth seat is barely compromised, however how usually do you really carry 5?
In the entrance, the first ergonomics are glorious and the supplies strong however fully unostentatious. Liquid crystal devices present glorious legibility in any gentle.
And though we’re undecided concerning the usefulness of the ‘eco guide’ financial system meter, which merely reminds you ways a lot throttle you’re utilizing more often than not, the set-up reeks of excellent sense.
We just like the full-length glass roof, optionally available on the time, and sensible touches just like the drained ice scraper recess within the driver’s door. We additionally just like the beneficiant cupholders. This is certainly one of the vital usable hatchbacks in your cash.
There are 4 trim ranges to select from – Momentum, Inscription, R-Design and R-Design Pro, whereas there are two trim ranges for the extra rugged V40 Cross Country.
Opt for the entry-level Momentum trim, you will discover LED headlights, 16in alloy wheels, rear spoiler, quite a few Volvo security techniques, whereas inside occupants get local weather management, lumbar help for the entrance passengers and a 5.0in touchscreen infotainment system full with DAB radio and Bluetooth.
Upgrade to the Inscription trim and also you get a leather-based upholstery, 17in alloys, cruise management, parking sensors and a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system full with sat nav, whereas the R-Design fashions get quite a few sporty exterior and inside particulars, greater alloys and low profile tyres.
The range-topping R-Design Pro comes with leather-based certain sports activities seats, automated wipers and lights, and an uprated stereo system, whereas the rugged Cross Country fashions obtained quite a few exterior syling cues together with a skid plate and beneath guard safety.
This Solar-Powered Truck Set An Altitude Record For EVs
Taking the “aim high” idiom actually, Swiss transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss have simply set a brand new altitude file for EVs. This large rig is known as Terren and it launched into a grand journey to the western ridge of Ojos del Salado in Chile. It’s the best energetic volcano on this planet and the place the place a Porsche 911 with portal axles recently set an altitude record.
Running on artificial gasoline, the sports activities automotive climbed 22,093 toes (6,734 meters) above sea stage. As for the off-road truck, it “only” obtained as much as 21,325 toes (6,500 meters) however it was sufficient to set a file for electrical autos. The earlier file, established in May 2022, belonged to the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX. The electrical SUV reached 19,081 toes (5,816 meters) by climbing the Uturuncu volcano in Quetena Chico, Bolivia.
King vows to expedite autonomous driving legislation in the UK
What should be included in the UK’s self-driving bill?
The Transport Committee in the UK, which includes members from various political parties, has emphasized the need for legislation concerning self-driving vehicles (SDVs) before the next general election, citing the current laws as outdated and restrictive.
Chairman of the Transport Committee, Iain Stewart, stated: “Self-driving vehicles [SDVs] are a promising British accomplishment, and we hold a competitive advantage over many other countries.
“However, all the progress we have made could be compromised if the government fails to act and introduce a transport bill in the upcoming parliamentary session, prior to the next general election.
“There are several obstacles to widespread adoption of SDVs, including public confidence in their safety, security, and their potential effects on other road users. To achieve the government’s aspirations for self-driving vehicle deployment, these challenges need to be addressed.
“We advocate for a cautious and gradual approach, initially implementing SDV technologies in well-defined contexts. Otherwise, unintended consequences may arise.”
Members of Parliament have voiced concerns regarding the government’s proposed “safety ambition” for autonomous vehicles, which states that they should reach an equivalent level of safety to that of a competent and careful human driver. MPs believe this objective is “too weak and too vague.”
The committee also recommended that the government outline a strategy for the future of human driving in an era of SDVs, which could involve changes to driving tests and a plan to ensure all drivers have a thorough understanding of SDVs.
Legal liability in SDVs will become more intricate as it is shared between the vehicle owner and the software operators. The committee advises the government to give more thought to this matter.
Support for the bill’s recommendations
Tom Leggett, a vehicle technology specialist at Thatcham Research, expressed support for the recommendations, particularly highlighting data access as a key issue.