How many men does it take to rescue a 40ft lorry from a country lane?

Some lorry drivers a real stick in the mud... One hapless Polish man found himself at the mercy of the residents of a Cheshire village, who joined together in a 24-hour battle to free his 40ft articulated lorry after he followed his Sat Nav into a dead end.

The truck ended up on a dirt track in the village of Higher Sutton, Cheshire, after the driver ignored warning signs the road was not suitable for HGVs, and blindly followed the instructions of his Sat Nav.

A team of 10 workers from a specialist recovery team spent more than 15 hours digging out earth from the road to break the lorry free.

One local farmer even offered the use of his digger, while other locals kept up the workers' spirits with sandwiches and coffee.

Police were called to the scene at about 9am last Tuesday, and called out recovery firm The Mansfield Group.

The truck, which was registered in Warsaw, Poland, had been on its way to deliver industrial yarn to the textiles firm Hardings.

The lorry was finally released in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and carried on its way with undamaged goods inside.

Local councillor Hilda Gaddum said this was a common occurrence, telling the Daily Mail: "It's an ongoing problem and I'm very worried about it. These lorries are blindly following Sat Navs and are ignoring signs and weight restrictions.

"It's not fair on residents who end up with their roads blocked. And I am concerned about pedestrians and cyclists potentially being hit, as well as the damage being done to walls.

"The police do what they can, but I think tough action such as impounding some of the lorries, if there is the power to do it, would really send a message out. And firms should have to pay for any damage caused."

Police said a wall had been damaged in the rescue, and both The Mansfield Group and Hardings declined to comment

Revealed: The £2.7 million a year box junction

As anyone driving through the capital will know, yellow box junctions – areas of the road marked off with do-not-enter-me yellow lines – are a deadly sight.

Yes we're not supposed to stop in them, and yes we should be prepared to receive a fine if we stray into one for more than a few seconds, but what if councils are playing it cheeky: Constructing situations where motorists have no choice but to be fined?

That's the view of the Daily Mail with regards to one particular camera-covered junction, which they – and some motorists – claim has been set up as a "cash cow" for the local council.

The yellow box, which is located on the corner of Bagley Lane and New King's Road in Fulham, is surrounded by a selection of traffic lights that the Mail claims are timed incorrectly.

The "trap", as the paper calls it, involves one set of lights – the closest to the drivers heading north-east along New King's Road – turning green, while the second set – located a few car lengths after the box junction – turn red.

As drivers unwittingly pass through the first set, the second turn red: Thereby creating a queue of traffic and forcing some drivers to sit illegally in the yellow box.

So effective is the "trap" that the box reportedly generates over £2.7 million per year in revenue – or around £7,300 per day – for Hammersmith and Fulham council - be warned!!

Snow is on it's way

The weather forecast for tomorrow in Kent is for Snow. At the MidKent Group of Advanced Motorist we thought it wise to add our own suggests and tips for preparation and driving in tomorrow's snow.

The first thing to consider is 'is the journey essential?' Last year the group had its schedule Sunday morning training, and due to the snow, it was deemed non-essential to be out on the road. The event was postponed. Therefore consider whether your appointment can be rescheduled.

Check that your vehicle is ready for winter. The highways agency suggest using the POWDERY checklist as a good reminder:

PETROL (or diesel). Have you got enough? Do you know where to fill up?
OIL - check levels once a month
WATER - check radiator and screenwash regularly
DAMAGE - check wipers, lights etc for signs of wear and tear or damage, and make sure windscreens, windows and lights are clear of ice and snow.
ELECTRICS - check lights, indicators and controls are working properly
RUBBER TYRES - are they well inflated, legal, with good tread and free from damage?
YOU - are you fit to drive? Have you slept well? Are you taking any medication(s) that could make it unsafe for you to drive?

The Mid-Kent group recommends POWER, Petrol, Oil, Water, Electrics and Rubber. (We recommend this before every motorway or long distance drive)

Importantly and obviously good tyres should be fitted. As the snow arrives, many people decided to check their tyres or pop to the local tyre fitting garage for a check. Do this before the snow arrives. Do it today! Some people even have snow or winter tyres fitted. (See this blog) Worth considering.

Carry some essential supplies in the car. Like high sugar drink and chocolate bars. If your caught out by the weather or your journey is taking a lot longer then normal, eating high sugar content or drinking a can of fizzy drink can give you an energy boost. Of course, if tiredness sets in - pull over for a break or consider continuing no further. Consider Stowing some tea, coffee, sugar making facilities or even some cup-a-soups with you. If conditions get extremely difficult and you have to abandon vehicle for overnight shelter, their's a possibility a kettle maybe on hand. If you have a long journey to make, it may even be worth considering packing a couple of light camping items - if you have them at hand.

Keep your mobile phone charge topped up. peculiarly if you have to travel later in the day. Consider purchasing a 12v adaptor to charge from the vehicles power supply. Remember however, charge it while the engine is running or you might flatten your vehicles battery. It's important that full concentration is needed on the roads, more so in the predicted conditions. Pull over to use your mobile, not while your driving.  

A shovel or snow shovel should be stowed in the boot too. Some great folder-away ones are available in many stores. It maybe worth carrying a small tub of salt or grit. This may help if you get stuck on small patches of snow or ice.

If you've not had winter tyres fitted, consider purchasing snow socks. These can be fitted when the going gets tough. However, these are often manufacture specific - so sourcing these the day before a predicted snow fall may result in disappointment. Some shops and garages have on sale small strips of plastic tracks. These can be placed in front (or behind) the tyre that is stuck or spinning to help gain extra grip.

Think about your arrangements or schedule for the day. it may be worth considering calling your destination before hand and warn of the conditions and the possibility of being late. Removing the need to 'be their on time' means you can concentrate on the driving in hand and not then need to drive faster to catch up with time. Consider a 'plan B' just in case your journey takes much longer then you anticipated. One of the groups observers was caught in awful traffic conditions due to the snow last year. His 1 hour 15 minute journey home from work took him 10 hours! Even if the roads are passable, the traffic build up will almost certainly delay your journey.

Keep to gritted or treated roads were possible. Park your vehicle near a treated road if you wish to avoid getting stuck in your driveway or cul-de-sac. But don't obstruct the road. You will simply be adding to the chaos if the gritters can not past badly parked vehicles.

While on the road, keep claim. Don't let others rush you and drive appropriately to the conditions. Slow down, add extra braking distance. For example the braking distance in normal dry conditions is two seconds. Double this in the wet, and in ice and snow, times this by 10. Ease application to accelerator and brakes. Heavy application of acceleration will result in wheel spinning. While it may seem fun, you have essentially lost control of your vehicle which could result in an accident or at best your simply burning rubber - and tyres are not cheap. Heavy and hard braking must be avoided. Keeping your distance and thinking well ahead will help. Use engine over run (known by some as engine braking) to help reduce speed - Although we don't advocate engine braking on normal everyday driving. If you do get into a skid, try to maintain steering. Antilock brakes will help so no need to pump the brakes. Try not to panic and if impact is inevitable, use a horn to warn of your presents. Your speeds should be relatively low, so hopefully it will only be minor damage.

If you brake down, don't panic. Get you vehicle in a safe place if possible. Call your breakdown service. If on the motorway call from a motorway phone. Look at the nearest marker post. This will tell you which direction the nearest roadside phone is. Buy using these it will help the highways agency pin point your location.

And the last advice is to take extra clothing, thinker coat. But don't wear this while driving. Wear thin layers in the car so you don't restrict your movement. Keep the heat in the vehicle to reasonable temperature inside and if the going gets tough - stop in a safe place and consider whether its worth going on.

The IAM has a winter driving advice website here.

Stay safe, and drive carefully.

Whats in your boot?  

The Mid-Kent group is interested to know what people carry in their boots when the snow is predicted. Let us know, share your knowledge.

Baby it's cold outside

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has today issued advice on driving on snow and ice, with increasingly chilly conditions arriving across the UK, bringing with it the threat of snowfall.

IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger said: "When there's snow on the ground, avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary, and don't ignore police warnings or advice to not travel on specific routes. Can you work remotely or change your schedule?"

If staying in the warmth of home is not an option, the IAM offers the following advice on driving safely through this period:

• Make sure your windows are clear and that you have all-round visibility before you set off.
• Take the time to thoroughly clear your roof and windows of snow.
• When driving in snow, get your speed right - not too fast that you risk losing control, but not so slow that you risk losing momentum when you need it.

• Start gently from a stationary position, avoiding high revs. Stay in a higher gear for better control and, if it is slippery, in a manual car move off in a higher gear rather than automatically using first.
•  If you find yourself in a skid, the main thing to remember is to take your foot off the pedals and steer - only use the brake if you cannot steer out of trouble.  
• Double or even triple your normal stopping distance from the vehicle in front so you are not just relying on your brakes to be able to stop. It simply may not happen!
• It's better to think ahead as you drive to keep moving, even if it is at walking pace.
• Plan your journey around busier roads as they are more likely to have been gritted. Avoid using short cuts on minor roads – they are less likely to be cleared or treated with salt, especially country lanes and housing areas.
• Bends are a particular problem in slippery conditions – slow down well before you get to the bend, so that by the time you turn the steering wheel you have already lost enough speed.
• On a downhill slope, get your speed low before you start the descent, and do not let it build up – it is much easier to keep it low than to try and slow down once things get slippery. 

And if the worst does happen:

• Keep track of where you are. If you do have to call for assistance, you need to be able to tell the breakdown or emergency services your location so they can find you.
• If you must leave your vehicle to telephone for assistance, find a safe place to stand away from the traffic flow; the next driver could lose control in the same place.
• On motorways and dual carriageways it is always better to leave your vehicle and stand a short distance behind and to the safe side of it. Don't stand in front of it if at all possible.  Balancing the risks of a collision and hypothermia is something that depends on your situation. 

To help drivers stay safe this winter, the IAM has launched its winter driving campaign which includes a dedicated website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter. Check it out before you travel.

Rush hour chaos as Eddie Stobart lorry bursts into flames on motorway

This is the dramatic moment an Eddie Stobart lorry burst into flames on the M6 motorway.

The incident was caught on camera on Wednesday afternoon at junction 9, north of Birmingham.

The picture shows the lorry cab and wheels were blazing, although West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service said there were no reported injuries at the moment.

Motorist John Trifonos said: "You could literally see the plume of smoke for miles. I slowed down to take the photo but the heat from the fire was that intense I couldn't pause for long.

"I've never felt heat like it - it was like a furnace. Immense but very frightening. You could also hear popping and crackling sounds as the fire consumed the lorry.

"It looked like it was carrying a liquid or soft drink of some sort."

A spokeswoman for the Highways Agency said the lorry was carrying cans of cola, which were "exploding" as a result of fire

Hop on a Routemaster for £20k

One special lot at Silverstone Auction's upcoming sale could be just the ticket for one lucky bidder.

A 1962 Leyland Routemaster bus is all set to go under the hammer next month with an estimate of £20,000 to £28,000.

Despite it being 51 years old, this Routemaster has been lovingly cared for and is offered in tip-top condition. More recently it has been used for the occasional summer trip and historic vehicle displays.

Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: "This 1962 Routemaster is a great example of a great bus, serving Londoners, visitors and tourists for many decades.

"For most people it remains the best ever London bus and is still recognised throughout the world, so not surprisingly we expect an enormous amount of interest in this vehicle from all parts of the globe."

The Routemaster was designed specifically for London by Associated Equipment Company (AEC) and Park Royal Vehicles in 1954.

In 1958 they hit the streets of London, and their lightweight design meant fuel consumption figures were better than many of the vehicles that replaced it, while power steering and an automatic gearbox eased driving.

In 2005 they were withdrawn and replaced by "bendy buses", however, Routemasters can still be seen in central London thanks to two heritage routes.

The 1962 Routemaster on offer will be at the Race Retro & Classic Car Sale at Stoneleigh on February 23, 2013.

"The Race Retro Sale focuses on classic and race cars but we're also delighted to have a few other lots, such as this Routemaster, adding to the appeal. It might not be as fast or as sleek as some of the cars on offer, but it provides just as much fun and a great investment opportunity," added Whale

Crack down on drug-drivers thanks to new kit

Drug-drivers are facing more rigorous tests in police stations, the Home Office has said.

A new kit for detecting cannabis has been approved for use in police stations across the UK.

A positive saliva test with the new device means officers will no longer have to call a doctor before asking for a blood sample if they suspect a driver of being on drugs.

The testing kit is able to detect THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, while equipment capable of accurately identifying other substances is still under development.

A total of 644 accidents were caused by drug-drivers using both illegal and medicinal substances, including 49 deaths, according to the most recent figures from the Department for Transport, from 2011.

The number of 17 to 24-year-olds who drive after taking drugs increased from five per cent to nine per cent in the 12 months to May, according to a survey by the RAC.

Policing and criminal justice minister Damian Green said: "Those who take drugs and go out on the roads are a menace to pedestrians, other motorists and themselves."

Motorists can already be punished for driving while impaired by drugs, but the new testing equipment will make it easier for the police to prove a case.

Offenders will face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to £5,000 as well as an automatic driving ban of at least 12 months