Serious warnings issued to drink drivers

New year revellers have been given a strong warning: "Don't let the morning after be a mourning disaster".

The message comes from the AA which pointed out that during this festive period police were targeting motorists still over the limit the day after binge drinking.

The AA said as many as 400 morning-after drivers were caught during 2011.

A previous AA/Populus survey of more than 11,000 drivers found that 34 per cent felt they could often be over the legal limit the morning after and 46 per cent reckoned they might occasionally be over the limit.

AA president Edmund King said: "Too many drivers are caught out by being over the limit the morning after the night before.

"One unit of alcohol takes about one hour to get out of the system. However this is not a precise science as it depends on size, gender, whether you have eaten, state of your liver, metabolism and even mood.

"There is also confusion over units of alcohol due to varying strengths of beers and wines and different sizes of glasses. Our advice remains - if in doubt, don't drive."

Road safety campaigners Don't Be That Someone has also issued a strong message during this festive season. They have called on the government to enhance its efforts to change people's views on drink driving.

The road safety campaigners believe that the problem must be tackled by teaching under-18s about the dangers and effects driving while over the legal limit can have.

Michael McAdam, founder of Don't Be That Someone, said: "We welcome a yearly Christmas drink drive campaign. But it doesn't go far enough to tackle the serious problem of drink-driving.

"You need to educate young people to change their fundamental attitudes to stop them drink-driving in the first place, or you're not fixing the problem. We need specific educational and awareness campaigns aimed at pre-drivers."

Government spends £2.3m to deter motorists 'rubbernecking'

 

"Rubbernecking" could be a thing of the past thanks to new technology purchased by the Department of Transport (DfT).

More than 3,000 sets of screens to "hide" accidents from passing motorists will be made available to the Highways Agency from 2013.

The 105 sets have a total cost of £2.3m – each set costs £22,000 and are made up of 30 screens – but it is hoped they will help deter motorists from "rubbernecking" – the bad habit of slowing down and looking at accidents.

It's thought detering "rubbernecking" will help to not only prevent further accidents, but improve clear-up times by "up to several hundred thousand pounds per incident", says the DfT.

The screens are just one new measure introduced by the DfT as part of its CLEAR – Collision, Lead, Evaluate, Act and Reopen – programme introduced last year.

Along with 38 DfT/police-funded 3D laser scanners which allow police officers to quickly capture evidence at the scene of an accident, and a new hands-free smart phone app which notifies drivers of incidents, the government is confident these measures will help reduce the estimated £750m cost to the economy that incidents cause on the strategic road network in England annually.

Road minister Stephen Hammond said: "There is nothing more frustrating than being stuck in a traffic jam for hours on end. There is also the shocking cost of those lost hours for our economy.

"That is why we are improving the clear-up of incidents so we can get our motorways and major roads re-opened as quickly as possible.

"We are now witnessing even greater than expected time savings as a result of the roll out of laser scanning programme. This and other elements of the initiative, such as the use of incident screens, will help to keep traffic moving and save the economy tens of millions of pounds a year."

Assistant chief constable Sean White, lead on collision investigations for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), added: "The time saved by using this technology is more economically friendly and reduces disruption on the roads, while allowing for thorough investigations to take place

Au revoir, mon ami - Citroen axes C6 after seven years

  

A  very special car ended production for good.

To most people, the Citroen C6 was an oddball car which was just too eccentric to earn their attentions. But to petrolheads and car fans, the Citroen C6 was perhaps the most charismatic and beautiful saloon car made in decades.

In its seven-year life, Peugeot-Citroen built 20,000 of the swoopy four-doors. Some say that's the number Citroen wanted to sell each year, while in the UK dealers sold hundreds, not thousands.

Citroen finally pulled the plug on the UK market in May 2012, finally coming to the conclusion that adapting the car to right hand drive was just too expensive.

In its homeland, the C6 was well respected even if it didn't sell terribly well. But in the UK, the allure of supposedly more premium German brands was just too great, and the buying public spent their cash on 5 Series BMWs, Audi A6s and Mercedes E-Classes instead.

Consequently depreciation on C6s was horrendous (its three year residual value was a shocking 30 per cent at one time); today you can pick up one on the used market from around £8k for a 2006 example with 70k miles on the clock.

The reason why the C6 didn't appeal to UK buyers was not for its equipment levels. Top-drawer C6s came with every conceivable luxury as standard, but a near-£40k price tag did its best to persuade snobby customers to spend their money with the Germans.

The C6 wasn't alone in this respect. Citroen has been trying to tempt the UK motorist into French luxury cars for decades. But it seems like Peugeot and Renault before them, Citroen has finally thrown in the towel. Citroen points to the even more oddball DS5 as a replacement, but we could hardly agree. Styling – yes; confusing powertrains – no.

Don't think the C6 will be the last big Citroen, however. Peugeot-Citroen is considering putting a flagship DS9 into production, but its a virtually full-gone conclusion the UK won't be getting it. China is the market where Peugeot-Citroen is targeting growth, not here  Au revoir, mon ami - Citroen axes C6 after seven years

M25 cameras failing to catch speeders

 

An investigation has found the overhead speed cameras on the M25 have not caught ANY drivers in the last 12 months.

A three-month probe, which involved no less than 20 Freedom of Information requests, has resulted in four police forces to admit their cameras either don't work or have failed to catch any drivers in the last year.

The Met Police, which is in charge of policing the London Orbital motorway in Surrey and the Thames Valley took more than 40 days to respond to requests – and originally refused to respond for fear of the repercussions.

However, after arguing with the Met that these cameras are paid for by motorists, are supposed to be located at "accident black spots" and that other forces had already revealed the information, the force finally admitted that NO drivers have been caught be overhead gantry cameras on the M25 in the last 12 months in its area.

Hertfordshire police said it was the same for the stretch it polices, while the Essex force were even more forthcoming – they admitted that there are NO live cameras on its stretch of the M25 at all.

Kent police also told us that despite the Highways Agency installing overhead speed cameras between junctions one and three, they had yet to be commissioned and as such had not caught any drivers. "There are no other gantry cameras within the Kent boundary," added the response to our FoI request.

The original aim was to uncover which overhead speed camera on the M25 had caught the most motorists. We asked each authority this question as well as which was the worst performing in terms of generating revenue for the Treasury. We also asked what the highest speed recorded by one of these cameras was.

However, it soon became clear from the responses that followed – and the evasive actions some forces took to our requests – that very few of the cameras were actually active.  Edmund King, president of The AA (pictured below), was shocked when presented with the report.

He said: "Generally, apart from controlled motorway schemes or average distance cameras through road works, cameras are not targeted on motorways as they are our safest roads.

"Speeding on the M25 does not tend to be as prevalent as on other motorways mainly due to heavy usage and congestion.

"If drivers believe that there is no chance of being caught speeding on the M25 then there will be a temptation for some to speed up when conditions allow it. We know that some of the cameras have worked in the past so we will be keen to hear why they are not currently working.

"Perhaps the police should investigate which are the most dangerous sections of the motorway and target their enforcement resources on those areas?"

The question as to why, despite numerous speed camera warning signs and lines painted on the motorway to gauge speeds, the traps remain unused.

Police forces already struggle to process the offences recorded by cameras in built-up areas and that the deluge of paperwork the M25 cameras would generate would simply swamp the system.

Some may also question the ethics of revealing that few – if any – of the cameras on the M25 are live and say it may result in more motorists breaking the law. However, it's worth noting that there are many thousands of miles of motorway in Britain where there are no cameras at all and there's always the chance of mobile camera vans operating on the M25, not to mention police patrols.

While the overhead gantries on some sections of the M25 may not be active now, there's nothing to stop police forces changing their minds either...

Try a mocktail this New Year's Eve

 

The Department for Transport has produced a number of alcohol-free "mocktail" recipes to appeal to those who are designated drivers on nights out.

It's all part of efforts to cut down on drink driving this New Year's Eve.

It has produced a number of recipes - from a Berry Breezer to a Piña- Banana - and says they are "easy to make at home and provide a festive alternative".

The department is also warning party-goers to plan their way home in advance so they can celebrate the New Year in style, not in the cells.

A hard-hitting television advert highlighting the consequences of drink driving has been shown throughout December as part of the Department for Transport's THINK! drink drive campaign.

Road safety minister Stephen Hammond said: "Our message is clear: have a great New Year's Eve, don't risk the consequences of drink driving.

"If you get behind the wheel after drinking you risk losing your licence as well as facing a fine and even a prison sentence."

Last year, drivers aged between 20 and 24 failed more breath tests than any other age group.

The Department for Transport is currently consulting on a package of tough measures to crack down on drink drivers. This includes removing drink drivers' rights to demand a blood or urine test. This is because evidence shows it is used as a delaying tactic by drivers caught over the limit.

The department has also supported Coke's Designated Driver Scheme, which offered buy one get one free soft drinks in pubs around the country throughout December.

Here are the mocktail recipes...

Berry Breezer

• Half a fresh lime
• Two teaspoons of brown sugar
• 100 ml of cranberry juice
• 50 ml of pineapple juice
• Tonic water

Crush the lime and sugar together, add the juices, shake and strain over ice.

Top with tonic and garnish with a lime wedge.

Elderflower Spritzer

• 50 ml of elderflower cordial
• Three lemon wedges
• Half a teaspoon of brown sugar
• Soda water
• Mint to garnish

Crush the sugar and lemon wedges together, add the elderflower cordial, shake, top with soda, stir and add more ice as required. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of mint.

Winter Warmer

• 75 ml of apple juice
• 75 ml of cranberry juice
• 2.5 teaspoons of honey
• Lemon and cloves for garnish

Heat the apple and cranberry juice together for one minute in the microwave, stir in the honey and serve immediately in a heated mug or handled glass. Garnish with a clove-studded lemon wheel.

Citrus Mock-tini

• Three fresh kumquats
• Three teaspoons of lime
• Marmalade
• 25 ml of clementine juice
• Tonic water

Crush the kumquats with the marmalade, add the clementine juice, shake, pour over ice and top with tonic. Garnish with spent kumquat shells.

Piña- Banana

• One banana
• One teaspoon of almond syrup
• Two teaspoons of honey
• 50 ml single cream

Dash of pineapple juice

Blend all the ingredients together with some ice until frozen.

Winter Tyres?

Winter tyres have become a popular buy among motorists over the last couple of years, but are you wondering what all the fuss is about?

This guide should help you decide whether to make the switch to winter rubber.

Why fit them?

We'll keep this simple: When the mercury drops below seven degrees celsius, you're much more likely to have an accident.

In fact, according to the British Tyre Manufacturers' Association, a car fitted with winter tyres, braking from 62mph on a cold, wet road, will outbrake a summer tyre by around five metres.

On snow at 30mph the difference is 11 metres, while the same vehicle braking on an icy road at just 20mph would pull-up eight metres shorter – a crucial two car lengths less than a vehicle using summer tyres.

What are they?

They are made of specially formulated compounds that harden less as temperatures fall, and covered in hundreds of grip-inducing "sipes", winter tyres give better performance in cold, wet weather, as well as in snowy and icy conditions.

Where can I buy them?

Well, you can buy winter tyres at your local tyre supplier. If you decide to go this route, expect to pay in the region of £350 plus approximately £50 for fitting. Michelin Alpin A4 and Primacy Alpin PA3 tyres have been named as "Best Buys" by Which? You may need a set of steel or alloys wheels but you can pick up some second-hand ones from a scrap yard cheaply.

Most drivers will want to purchase their tyres from a franchised dealer. Most manufacturers have a winter tyres offer so visit their website or your local dealer for a quote. We've found four offers just by searching the web...

Mini - The British brand will sell you a set of winter tyres and steel wheels for £560. That's a full set but doesn't include centre caps though. And if you want alloys, you'll have to stump up upwards of £1,000. A Mini dealer will also store your summer tyres for just £30.

Porsche - Concerned your two-wheel-drive Porsche will get a little hairy when the temperatures fall? Don't worry – Porsche will charge you from £1,800 for a set of 'winters' and wheels for a Boxster. Want to make your 4x4 Cayenne invincible in the ice? The German firm will charge £1,600.

Suzuki - A Suzuki dealer will charge £99 for a set of winter tyres and steel wheels for a Suzuki Alto. Fancy some extra grip in a Grand Vitara? That'll be £199. They'll also sell you some wheel trims from £33 if you want, and store your summer tyres for £49.99.

Audi - Audi has a vast range of models and they've got a winter tyre to suit every car. They are offering winter wheel and tyre sets from £799 to £3,659. Tyre-only sets are priced from £540 to £1,300. Got an older Audi? A dealer can sell you a set of winter tyres from £325.

Did you know?

Don't buy cheap winter tyres – Like summer tyres, you can buy budget ones – but why risk it? Goodyear Dunlop found that a budget winter tyre will only perform as well as a premium summer tyre. So it's worth investing properly in a decent set.

Winter tyres are not snow tyres – Winter tyres aren't the solution to every type of winter driving. If the weather gets really snowy, snow chains or snow socks are a better bet.

Check your winter tyres – Investing in a good set of winter tyres one year may mean you'll be able to use them in twelve months' time. But check they're safe. The AA says winter tyre tread depth should be 3mm, and no less than 2mm.

Tell your insurance company? The Association of British Insurers published an agreement in 2011 saying car insurance firms would not increase premiums if drivers fitted winter tyres. Therefore, if an insurer says they'll charge you for being safe – they can't. But some firms require you to tell them before you fit your winter tyres.

Resolutionary road

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain's top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is advising on ways to improve your driving for the New Year:

• Night driving: You must be able to stop in the distance you see to be clear. Use your lights on full beam where possible and keep windows and mirrors clean to maximise your view.
• Eyesight: The NHS suggests having an eye test every two years. It is your responsibility to ensure you're fit to drive. Many eyesight problems are worsened when driving in the dark.
• Weather: Heed weather warnings all year round. If the weather is really bad, consider whether you need to travel at all. If so, there are alternatives to driving.
• Year-round maintenance: Clean your windows, lights, mirrors and number plates regularly. You should spend around 10 minutes every week checking your vehicle's fluid levels, tyre pressure, lights, tread depth and windscreen wipers.
• Eco-driving: A planned drive is an economical drive – having a good sense of your vehicle's power and gears will save fuel.
• Anticipate: Consider what the traffic around you may do, especially at traffic lights, roundabouts and junctions.
• Refuel: Be sure to top up your tank, especially when embarking upon long journeys. Running out of fuel causes hundreds of motorway breakdowns every year. 

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: "The New Year is a common time for people to sit back, reflect and evaluate their goals for the upcoming year. Why not begin by incorporating your driving behaviour into your list of resolutions for 2013?"

To help drivers stay safe this winter, the IAM has launched a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.

Tips cover rain, snow, ice, fog and wind – everything you can expect in a typically unpredictable British winter. Check it out before you travel.