New rules have been laid down on laden vehicles for driving tests and they're coming into force this September.  Read the full details here.
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A new THINK! road safety initiative to encourage motorcyclists to improve their defensive riding skills has been launched today (18 April 2013) by the Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond.
Read the full article here
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/think-urges-motorcyclists-to-stay-in-control


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The new Think campaign, costing over £1.2 million (some how) is aimed at making those who believe that drink driving is alright's wallet.  It's now believed that the cost for someone caught will be between £20,000 and £50,000 over a life time.  This reflects the fines, legal costs, rise in insurance premiums and possible job losses faced by offenders.

Mr Hammond, the Government minister, was then heard to say "Anyone thinking of drinking and driving should be without any doubt. If you are c...
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Millions of drivers are facing the prospect of reduced speed limits in towns and cities across England and Wales, according to new research.

Figures obtained by the Independent show more than a third of local authorities have introduced measures to stop motorists exceeding 20mph on at least some roads, or are planning to do so.
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Of the 75 local authorities that responded to a survey by the newspaper, 27 said they had introduced or were in the process of considering default 20mph zones, while...
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It's a practical one today sadly.  Although some us quite like this types of gifts.  

Adding lasers to fog lights isn't just for visibility: Audi, in its infinitely Germanic wisdom, has decreed that this laser system shall project a line unto the actual road, and across that line other cars shall not pass. Or something like that. The projected laser line ends up at a safe following distance, and in heavy fog, the light refracts through the water droplets in the air and forms a large warning tr...
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THINK! and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) are joining forces to warn drivers that getting behind the wheel after a festive tipple could see them end up behind bars this Christmas.

A hard-hitting television advert highlighting the consequences of drink driving will be shown throughout December as part of the Department for Transport’s THINK! Christmas drink drive campaign.

ACPO today also launched its anti-drink and drug driving enforcement campaign, warning that young driver...
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DSA has confirmed plans to improve drink-drive rehabilitation courses following a public consultation.

In its response to the consultation, DSA has confirmed that:
a more rigorous course approval and quality assurance process will be introduced
the current minimum course fee will be dropped, allowing courses to offer better value for money
the cost of administration, compliance and quality assurance will be transferred from the taxpayer to the offender

Reducing the likelihood of re-offending

Road S...
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CAR PRODUCTION increased last month, official figures showed today.

There were 137,028 cars made in the UK in October - a 6.5% rise on the October 2011 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

Commercial vehicle (CV) production also rose last month - going up 5% to 11,899 - while engine production increased 1.2% to 239,011.

The latest figures took the year-so-far car production total to more than 1.22 million - a 9.7% rise on the January-October 2011 figure.

CV producti...
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MINI has released details of an updated Countryman for 2013, including models that comply with Euro 6 emissions regulations that come into force in 2014.

Models designed to the new specifications will start being built in November. The engine choice of four petrols and three diesels remains largely the same, with power outputs between 89bhp and 215bhp, but the One Countryman and the Cooper Countryman will boast ultra-low particulate emissions.

The characterful large speedometer and air vents ha...
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A PLANNED 3p rise in fuel duty stands a 70% chance of being deferred, a campaigner said today after crunch talks with the Treasury.

The Government agreed to meet officials from the FairFuelUK group who had given them a report by the National Institute for Economic and Social Research.

The study says January's rise could lead to 35,000 job losses and a 0.1% cut in economic growth.

As a result of the predicted job losses and damage to growth, the tax hike would only bring in just over half the exp...
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Passage road in both directions is down to one lane yet again.  More bus stops by the looks of things.  The traffic lights on the crest of the hill are also out, so be on guard for pedestrians walking out infront of you!



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Transport and logistics isn't just for businesses directly involved in the transport sector. If you use transport in any part of your business - from providing company cars for employees to moving goods or produce or drawing up workplace travel plans – the transport and logistics theme will point you towards the information you need.

You can access us directly at businesslink.gov.uk/transport or find us in 'Your business sector' on businesslink.gov.uk.

Transport and logistics ...

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The Department of Motor Vehicles in California, USA is considering the introduction of advanced new digital car number plates. A variety of uses is proposed, including hosting advertising to raise money for the state's coffers.

Smart Plate, a company based in San Francisco, has developed the new technology. The number plates show the car's registration as usual, but have the ability to display customised messages and advertisements.

It is being proposed that the state of California sel...

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The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published a video on its YouTube channel which explains how to sign up, free of charge, for DSA Direct email alerts.

·         watch the video on YouTube

DSA is encouraging learner drivers and driver trainers to sign up for the service. It will help them to stay up to date with information about learning to drive and ride, the driving test, and road safety.

If you run your own website for learner drivers and riders, or driver trainer...

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Chancellor George Osborne delivered his first Budget, introducing it as "tough but fair", with increased living costs likely for most of the population. At first glance it appears that motorists will pay dearly, thanks to a significant hike in the VAT rate.

The standout announcement in the Budget was a change in the VAT rate from 17.5- to 20 percent. This takes effect from 4 January 2011 and will up the cost of everyday items for all. The 2.5 percent increase will have a marked effect...

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The July issue of Despatch is on its way to you. As you've signed up to DSA Direct you can also view a copy online right now.

Despatch - July 2010

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It’s celebration time this month as we mark the British driving test’s 75th anniversary.

Since a Mr J Beene took the first ever driving test in 1935, over 94 million tests have been conducted in Great Britain, playing a vital role in making the country’s roads a far safer place.

In the...

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Renault has announced pricing and specifications for the flagship Clio, the Gordini 200.

Available to order now, this top end version of the Renaultsport Clio 200 hot hatch costs £19,650. Only 500 will come to the UK.

For that sum, buyers get a special blue paint job with white racing stripes, an F1-style 'blade' incorporated into the front bumper, white wing mirrors and a unique set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside there are Gordini branded sports seats as well as blue detailing on t...

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Those who want the ultimate convertible Mercedes have had their wish granted, courtesy of German tuner TC-Concepts.

The Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series is a car so focussed on performance that AMG replaced its heavy folding roof with a lighter, fixed lid. The downside is that owners can no longer experience the open-top cruising that the SL does so well.

TC-Concepts has modified the Merc to offer the best of both worlds. It takes a 'standard' SL65 AMG, adds a full Black Series body kit...

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This month marks 40 years since the introduction of the Range Rover on June 17 1970.

Land Rover's luxury 4x4 was - and still is - one of the most revolutionary cars on the road due to its ability to mix a luxurious driving experience with superb ability off-road.

The original Range Rover, now known as the Classic, remained in production for 25 years. It was replaced by the second generation model, the P38a, in 1994.

The current version arrived in 2001 and spawned the performance orient...

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New EU legislation that came into force yesterday (June 1) could help to cut the cost of servicing and repairs for motorists.

Current EU law states that a car's warranty will not be affected if it is serviced outside the franchised dealer network, as long as approved parts are used and the work is carried out to the manufacturer's specification.

Until now, independent garages had to buy approved parts from car manufacturers, but the new legislation allows parts suppliers to sell their ...

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Summer time and the living is easy, so how about making your driving just as enjoyable and laid-back with a classic car?

Choose the right car and all your motoring worries will melt away in the sunshine and, if you're not keen on a winter's classic motoring, you'll be able to sell up and maybe even make a profit.

All of our choices can be had for £10,000 or less in tip-top condition.

MGB Roadster

The MGB Roadster is the definition of the ideal summer classic. There's a massive selection...

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The new independent drive will be introduced to the UK driving test in a few months time, which will take a good 10 minutes of the exam, something that a lot of learners arent looking forward to.  However, on the bright side a manoeuvre will be dropped! 

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The ABI says new drivers should have classes for at least a year

Learner drivers should take lessons for a minimum of 12 months, the Association of British Insurers has suggested.

The ABI says the measure could cut up to 1,000 serious injuries and deaths among UK drivers aged 17-21 each year.

It is also calling for l...

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Fiat will launch a brand new Uno in 2012 - and pictures of the production car have already leaked out.

It's an interesting revival for the Uno, which was originally launched in 1983 before being replaced by the Punto supermini in the early 1990s. It's still sold in Brazil, however.

The looks of the new Uno mimic those of the current Panda, though it's a bigger car and will be more expensive. It uses the same chassis as the Grande Punto, shortened slightly.

The image of the car leaked ...

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There's no doubt that the cost of motoring is spiralling. This is especially true of insurance premiums. Research shows that they've risen by 4.3 percent on average since the start of 2010.

But there's no need to despair, for at the same time small cars are getting more spacious, greener, cheaper to run and funkier than ever. Here are a few with plenty of practicality, paucity and prestige (of their own unique kind).

Insurance ratings in the old 1-20 scale are displayed first with the...

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Changes to ID requirements for driving tests and Driver CPC periodic training

DSA has been working closely with the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) so we can accept UK Identity Cards issued by IPS as an alternative means by which candidates may confirm their identity for all types of driving tests and Driver CPC periodic training.

Candidates for driving tests and periodic training need to produce evidence of their entitlement to drive the relevant vehicle and prove their iden...

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