TyreSafe voices concerns over four-year MOTs
TyreSafe has voiced concerns that four-year MOTs will negatively impact road safety should the government decide to extend the time allowed before an initial MOT from three to four years. The comment follows the announcement in the Summer Budget speech on 8 July by The Chancellor, The Rt Hon George Osborne MP, which said: “We will consult on extending the deadline for new cars and motorbikes to have their first MOT test from three years to four years, which would save motorists over £100m a year.”
Continue ReadingTyreSafe: 10 million illegal tyres on British roads
Yesterday, 9 July 2015, TyreSafe held its annual industry briefing at the National Motorcycle Museum near Solihull. During the event TyreSafe announced the fun, shall we say “suggestive” theme for this year’s Tyre Safety Month and presented case studies of previous Tyre Safety Month activities alongside an update from Highways England’s Stuart Lovatt. However, as interesting as this was, the results of TyreSafe’s most recent tread depth survey, showing that there are potentially up to 10 million illegal and dangerous tyres on Britain’s roads – around 27 per cent of the whole market – really stood out.
Continue ReadingLaunch UK to distribute Smoke Wizard leak detector
Launch UK has become the approved lead distributor of Global Leak Detection’s Smoke Wizard, a diagnostic smoke machine used by OEMs such as AMG, Audi, KIA, Mazda, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Jaguar Land Rover. There are two models available in the aftermarket – the GLD-40 and the GLD-50 Smoke Wizards.
Continue ReadingSix million overseas car trips last year for Brit motorists
British motorists made almost six million overseas trips by car last year, according to new analysis by Sainsbury’s Bank car insurance. The supermarket bank, which provides comprehensive cover in Europe, is urging motorists to brush up on the local motoring laws of any countries they are visiting if they plan to drive, as these can differ significantly from UK road regulations.
Continue ReadingKPMG calls for greater investment in roads and transport
James Stamp, head of transport at KPMG UK comments on the Chancellor’s commitment to invest in UK roads. He said: “In the last budget, the Government announced a major road investment program worth £15billion. Today, the Chancellor announced that road tax (VED) income will be ring fenced. This provides some clarity about where funding for the ambitious road projects will be found.
Continue ReadingCycle Tanzania raises £133,000 for Transaid
Thirty professionals from the transport and logistics industry battled stifling heat, rugged terrain and unforgiving altitudes to raise a staggering £133,000 for international development charity, Transaid – the largest sum ever raised for the organisation in a single challenge or event. The cyclists pedalled an impressive 400km across Tanzania over five days in order to raise vital funds towards Transaid’s work developing safer and alternative transport systems, improving access to livelihoods and healthcare for people in Africa. Starting next to the famous Mount Kilimanjaro and ending at the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater, the participants faced steep inclines and overcame mental barriers, many pushing themselves further than they thought possible, for this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Continue ReadingGood half year for motorcycle registrations
Figures from the Motor Cycle Industry Association show that, in June, registrations of scooters and mopeds were down -7.8 per cent compared with June 2014, at 846 units. However, June motorcycle registrations were up 21.6 per cent year on year at 12,282 units. Overall, two-wheeler sales in June 2015 rose 19.2 per cent. The year to date registration figures are encouraging too, with the sector showing sales over the first six months of 60,965 machines; a 12.9 per cent rise over the first half of 2014.
Continue Reading…while BIBA is “disappointed”
CEO of the Briitish Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA), Steve White, has responded to the announcement of a rise in Insurance Premium Tax. In response to the rise to 9.5 per cent of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT), Steve White, said:
Continue ReadingRise in Insurance Premium Tax is “outrageous” says AA
In his Budget, the Chancellor said Insurance Premium Tax will be increased from 6 per cent to 9.5 per cent. The AA, for one, was unimpressed, describing the increase as “an outrageous hike thatcould well backfire by leading to an increase in uninsured drivers.” The IPT increase will mean an extra £17.50 on a £530 average Shoparound premium according to AA benchmark British Insurance Premium Index.
Continue ReadingGlass’s: budget rewards lower CO2 cars; older vehicles undertaxed
Analysts from Glass’s vehicle pricing guide have applauded the simplification of road tax announced in the recent budget and appeared supportive of measures to effective reward newer, lower CO2 vehicles. However, they also said that older vehicles are undertaxed:
Continue ReadingRMI also voices opposition to MOT extension
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), which represents retail business across the automotive sector including franchised dealers and independent garages, added to the NTDAs objections its strong opposition to the proposed MOT change. The RMI believes the change could only harm the UK’s road safety record.
Continue ReadingPRA welcomes Budget’s fuel duty freeze, ‘disappointed’ no cut
The Petrol Retailers’ Association has welcomed the chancellor’s Budget announcement that fuel duty will be frozen, while expressing disappointment that there was no cut. Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association comments: “The PRA has been lobbying Government and the Treasury on the subject of fuel duty, so it is good news to hear the chancellor’s announcement.
Continue ReadingNTDA to challenge MOT changes on ‘road safety’ grounds
The NTDA plans to challenge at the consultation phase the UK government’s proposal to extend from three to four years the deadline for a new car’s first MOT. Chancellor George Osborne announced today that the Government is exploring the options, with the proposed changes to become part of the government’s forthcoming Motoring Service Strategy.
Continue ReadingMaxxis Gives County a Makeover
County Tyres is the latest dealership to have had a complete makeover courtesy of Maxxis, after demonstrating its commitment to the tyre manufacturer. The Newport Centre of Excellence will now have all of its external signage updated courtesy of the tyre maker and Stapleton’s.
Continue ReadingCalais death underlines need for action, says FTA
The FTA has told David Cameron that the death of a migrant on a freight train at Calais highlights the need for urgent action to tackle chaos at the port. Following weeks of violent disturbances, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has written to the prime minister describing the situation as a “deplorable”. FTA has told the PM that conditions for drivers have reached unacceptable levels and the situation must be given urgent priority by the British and French governments. A resolute and determined plan must be put in place.
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