Learner Drivers on Motorways – a Good or a Bad Thing?

Posted on February 20, 2012 by ash
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) have become the latest motoring organisation to hit out at plans to let learner drivers loose on Britain’s motorways later this year!
At the moment, it is illegal for a learner to drive on the motorway network under any circumstances, but Roads Minister Mike Penning plans to use his powers of designated legislation to change that in the summer.
The initiative has been announced in response to the rise in numbers of young drivers killed or seriously injured on Britain’s motorways, though it has yet to be ratified for Northern Ireland.
M25 Motorway

Is it safe for a learner driver to have lessons on the M25

Whilst safety campaigners have broadly welcomed the news, the RHA are of the opposite view with RHA chief executive Geoff Dunning saying, “This is an issue that raises many concerns. While we are not in favour of learner drivers using the motorway prior to the test, we would welcome the use of mandatory green P-Plates for newly qualified drivers.”
Though motorways are statistically the safest roads, official figures from a Department of Transport survey revealed that 82 drivers under the age of 21 were involved in a fatal accident on Britain’s motorway network between 2006 and 2010 with many more seriously injured.
Penning and his ministerial colleagues believe that the whole testing regime is in need of a long overdue overhaul, asking, “Are we teaching young drivers how to pass a test, or are we giving them skills to enjoy life on the road?”
Since taking office, Penning has already proven himself as the most proactive Roads minister of recent times when it comes to testing. He has already banned test centres publishing the routes used for examinations, whilst he has also banned the publishing of answers to the theory test, and also stopped the practice of trainee driving instructors giving lessons.
Penning steadfastly believes that his shake-up will help bring down insurance premiums for new drivers.
He said: “If we can show insurers that someone has got skills on their own accord, I would expect them to drop their premiums accordingly and that is what I will be telling them.”

Author: Paul Wilkinson

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David Cameron Taking Action on Spurious Insurance Claims

Posted on February 15, 2012 by ash

He has – rightly at times – been accused of being “out of touch” with Britain’s motorists, but David Cameron went a long way to redeeming himself in the eyes of the car-using fraternity this week…providing he is true to his word, of course!

Dasvid Cameron

The Prime Minister has vowed to tackle the "Compensation Culture"

At a specially-convened ‘insurance summit’, Cameron has vowed to take action on the damaging rise of the American-influenced ‘compensation culture’ which, according to him, has made Britain the “whiplash capital of Europe” and sent motor insurance costs soaring!

Transport secretary Justine Greening has already hit out at the way some lawyers are preying on motorists involved in incidents to claim for whiplash injuries, pointing out that many of these accidents “barely damaged the car’s paintwork.”

With insurers reporting a staggering 1500 claims a day for even the most minor of accidents, the average motor insurance premium now stands at £410 – up 17% on a year ago – whilst average premiums for young males have sky rocketed to just under £3,000 per annum!

On top of top of the VAT hike on fuel, Britain’s motorists really are feeling the pinch right now and need a break.

The irony here of course is that premium costs are soaring at a time when car accidents are falling at a rate of 16% but insurers insist they are simply passing on the costs that the increasingly number of ‘spurious’ claims bring. As they point out, they are running a business not a charity!

To get insurance costs under control, Cameron has vowed to reform the ‘no win, no fee’ system and reduce lawyer fees for small, personal accident cases which he believes will reduce the amount of ‘speculative’ health and safety claims.

In addition, ministers are to examine calls by the Commons Transport Committee for more rigorous, objective analysis of whiplash claims, using factors such as speed and more extensive medical evidence, as they do in several European countries.

We await with interest…but it really is time top this ludicrous and unjust situation where the losses of a few are paid for by the many!

Over to you Mr Cameron

Author: Paul Wilkinson

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Speed Cameras – Love em or Hate them?

Posted on February 13, 2012 by ash
Chris Huhne

I know Nothing!

The recent bombshell that Energy Secretary Chris Huhne was to step down from his cabinet post over the ‘fallout’ from a controversial 2003 speeding case involving a scorned ex-wife, three penalty points and Essex Police, has brought the thorny subject of speed cameras back to the forefront.

Opinion is still divided on the subject of speed cameras, with it being no exaggeration to say that the majority of Britain’s motorists find them about as welcoming as the Pope would find a condom machine in the Vatican!

The widely-held view by the ‘man on the street’ – backed up by the Drivers Alliance – is that fixed speed cameras are not about road safety and are basically a government ‘cash-cow’, with most cameras strategically-placed to earn maximum revenue.

But, there is a vocal minority of road safety campaigners who continue to champion the effectiveness of speed cameras, with a recent RAC foundation report suggesting that as many as 800 extra people a year would die or sustain serious injuries on Britain’s roads if all cameras we decommissioned.

Almost inevitably, the real truth is probably somewhere in between.

But, at a time when the coalition Government continue to press ahead with cuts to road safety budgets, here are 10 interesting facts about Britain’s speed cameras;

1. Britain’s highest ‘earning’ speed camera is situated on the southbound A1(M) between junctions 4 and 3 in Hertfordshire. In 2011, it caught an average of 789 speeding motorists a month.

2. The worst performing speed camera in the country is situated in the A348 in Ferndown, Dorset. It once caught no speeders in three years!

3. In all, Britain has over 6000 speed cameras on it’s roads which are now yielding over £100 million per annum in fines.

4. The first fixed speed cameras were installed in 1991. It was reported that one on the M40 trapped over 400 speeding motorists in it’s first 40 minutes!

Gatso Speed Camera

Gotcha

5. The most commonly used ‘Gatso’ camera was named after one of it’s inventors – 1950′s Dutch rally driver Maurice Gatsonides.

6. The cost of installing a ‘Gatso’ speed camera is usually around £25,000, but can rise to as much as £40,000 in some rural areas.

7. Approximately one in four of Britain’s motorists have been convicted of a speeding offence since 1996, leading to over seven million convictions.

8. The concept of a speed camera can be dated back to 1905, with the existence of a patent for a ‘Time Recording Camera for Trapping Motorists’.

9. A motorcyclist speeding at 155mph on the A465 in South Wales in 2002 was the fastest ever recorded on a British speed camera.

10. Swindon became the first town in Britain to switch off it’s cameras when they were deactivated in 2009. Statistics released the following year showed a slight fall in accidents!

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WHO WILL BUY MY BMW FOR CASH?

Posted on February 10, 2012 by ash
Who Will Buy my BMW

Who will buy my BMW?

Finding a Cash buyer for your BMW could be easier then you think…or harder, depending on what you decide to do.

There is no question that the majority of BMW’s are in high demand. Some of the older models are quickly becoming classic cars and even increasing in value if they have been well maintained, have low mileage and a low number of owners.

The majority of BMW’s for sale are more recent model, that haven’t reached classic car status and most likely never will. As BMW’s have been one of the top selling cars over the last decade there are plenty of used ones in the market for sale.

Whether you are able to sell your BMW quickly can be determined by:

  • Has it got Full Main Dealer Service History – FBMWSH is always beneficial to values on BMW, an independent BMW specialist service history isn’t a bad second. A BMW without any service history will plummet in value.
  • Optional Extras, whilst puddle lights don’t send the values rocketing, many BMW’s “book” with Leather interior, Sat Nav and often the larger wheel option. If you car ticks these boxes along with Full BMW Service History you should have a highly desirable car on your hands.
  • Mileage – when setting the price you would like for your car be realistic and allow for cars with higher mileage to be worth less. Yes BMW are well built and providing it has been serviced in accordance with the manufacturers specification it should be good for 150,000 + but, the simple fact is above average mileage can reduce what a car is worth dramatically.
BMW Values v Mileage

See how value drops when mileage increases above average

Once you have decided to try and sell your BMW you have numerous options available. You can try and find a buyer for your car privately but bear in mind you will incur advertising costs and there are not many private buyers about with the cash available to buy your BMW especially if it is relatively new (less than 5 years old). People you have never met before will want to go and test drive your car, it is unlikely they will be insured to do this. Is it safe to accompany them on a test drive? Then how do you accept payment, cash can be forged, cheques can bounce as can bankers drafts?

Car Arena offer you a safe, quick and hassle free alternative to help you find a buyer for your car. Our service is free and it takes you less than a minute to list your car for sale with us.

Once we have the details we need on your car we get offers for you from our subscribing network of car buyers. We never disclose your personal details to them. You only ever have to discuss the sale of your BMW with your Car Arena Account Manager. If you accept an offer from Car Arena to buy your car (which you are under no obligation to), we arrange to come to you to collect your BMW, wherever you are in Great Britain and ensure you are paid in full by secure bank transfer before we leave with your car.

There are no hidden fees, administration charges, tax contribution fees or collection charges, the offer we make is the amount you will be paid in full on collection.

There really isn’t a more secure way find a cash buyer for your BMW today.

 

Posted in Automotive, BMW 3 Series, buy my car, buy my car in London, car buyers, car buyers scotland, Cash for car companies, Sell my BMW 3 Series, Sell my Car | Leave a comment

Renault-Nissan Production Facility Opened in Morocco

Posted on February 9, 2012 by ash

 
Renault Nissan

Renault Nissan Alliance

The King of Morocco, His Majesty King Mohammed VI today opened the new Renault-Nissan Alliance plant in Tangier, Morocco.

With an estimated investment of €1 billion Renault-Nissan have demonstrated their commitment to building new cars in North Africa. With an annual capacity of 400,000 new Entry models it is hoped more than 6000 people will be employed there by 2015

Renault have had a presence in Morocco for over 80 years and with Tangier located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea it benefits from excellent port facilities, an extensive network of suppliers and a pool of highly qualified staff.

“Renault and Nissan share the Kingdom of Morocco’s high ambitions for industrial development,” said Carlos Ghosn at the inauguration ceremony. “Thanks to the mobilisation of Renault and its partners, as well as to the unfailing support of the Moroccan government, our plant in Tangier sets a new global standard for the automobile industry.”

Renault Tangier Factory

Renault Tangier Factory

Production capacity geared to continuing the Entry range’s success story

the new family car, Lodgy, and a small van that will also be available in passenger car form will be the first vehicles to be produced at the plant. The additional capacity allows for higher production volume models and the new factory will enable the Entry range to expand.

The current manufacturing plants at Pitesti (Romania) and SOMACA (Casablanca, Morocco) plants are currently running to maximum capacity. The new factory will enable the Renault Group is in a position to meet its customers’ growing demand for entry-level vehicles.

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Sunday Drivers – Safe or Dangerous?

Posted on February 9, 2012 by ash

According to popular definition, a ‘Sunday driver’ is the following.

“A person who drives slowly or unskilfully, as if used to driving only on Sundays when the roads are relatively quiet.”

All sounds harmless enough doesn’t it?  Well, no actually.

Research is now showing that Britain’s motorists feel the same level of disdain for the archetypal ‘Sunday driver’ as they do ‘boy-racers’, white van man, or even foreign lorry drivers!

So, what exactly is the big problem?

Sunday Driving

Are Slow Drivers as Dangerous as Boy Racers?

Well, it would appear that slow drivers are proving an increasing source of anxiety on UK roads and new research from the Department of Transport suggests that they are actually responsible for a large, and increasing, amount of accidents each year.

A poll conducted last summer by insurance experts confused.com found that 60% of motorists experience an increase in stress levels and heightened irritability when faced with a vehicle driving slower than the rest of the traffic, causing nearly half of all drivers to attempt risky overtaking manoeuvres.

Roughly half of the 2000 respondents were in full support of introducing ‘slow-speed’ cameras to combat slow driving and penalising the dawdlers with a fine. Solutions offered from the survey included; imposing a minimum speed limit on all British roads; dedicating set times for slow drivers to be on the road; the issuing of a warning badge system to be displayed by offending motorists.

Back in July, around the time of the poll, Peter Rodger, chief examiner from the Institute of Motorists (IAM), said: “All forms of inconsiderate driving need to be tackled. Drivers who are unnecessarily slow lead others to make rash moves.”

Well, Peter…we are still waiting more than six months on.

…and you talk about drivers being excessively slow!

Author: Paul Wilkinson

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Who will buy my car for cash in Liverpool

Posted on February 7, 2012 by ash

Whether you have tried unsuccessfully to sell your car privately in Liverpool or simply don’t want the hassle of trying to sell your car privately then Car Arena is a great alternative for people who are looking for a cash buyer for their car.

River View Liverpool

Look further afield for car buyers

Car Arena do not charge you for this service, it is completely free to you. Because we come to you to collect your car on behalf of our buyers, you don’t have to worry about only being able to find a local car buyer in Liverpool. Our buyers buy from us because they know we take care of the collection and ensure the car is paid for and any finance cleared.

It only takes a moment or two to add your cars information to Car Arena. As soon as we have all the details we need we then circulate the details of your car (not your personal details) to our subscribing dealers. We handle all the enquiries and questions so that you don’t have to. You only ever need to speak to your Car Arena Account Manager when looking for someone to buy your car. Once we have an offer that we think is high enough we will make an offer to you to buy your car. We only get paid when you agree to sell your car to one of our dealers so you can be certain we work hard to get you the best possible price. Our offer to you is the total amount that you will receive directly into your bank account when we come to collect your car. Our collection drivers even wait with you until you can check the funds are securely in your bank account. There are no hidden fees, admin charges or collection costs to be deducted, the amount we agree on is the amount you will receive into your bank account.

Using Car Arena to find a buyer for your car saves you the time, hassle and expense of trying to find a buyer for your car locally in Liverpool. We buy cars on behalf of buyers across the country each and every day. We ensure the entire process operates smoothly and securely removes the worry often associated with trying to find a genuine buyer for your car.

You have nothing to lose by seeing how much you could get for your car using Car Arena, it is completely free and you can remove your car at any point, you are not under any obligations to accept the offers on your car.

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How can I find someone to buy my car in Newcastle?

Posted on February 6, 2012 by ash

Even in these challenging economic times, finding a buyer for your car can be as hard or as easy as you would care to make it.

Finding a Car Buyer in NewcastleSetting an unrealistic asking price is by far the quickest way to deter would be buyers, but setting a price too low could lead some buyers to believe there was something wrong with your car!

How do you know what is a fair price for your car?

You can do your own research, looking at the classified adverts and local car prices. Don’t fall into the trap of many would be car sellers who only take notice of cars advertised at a high asking prices and then assume that is what their car is worth. Many of these cars are advertised by dealers and are backed up with extensive warranty, finance options and dealership facilities. Others will be cars whose owners are asking too much and will carry on advertising it regardless of the interest. The chances are they will still have the car in two months time when it will be worth even less.

If you are looking for someone to buy your car, don’t think because you’re in Newcastle you are restricted to looking for a buyer in your area. Most people looking for a car to buy do only look within a radius of 50 or so miles of their home, perhaps more if they are looking for a specialist or more prestigious car.

If you are serious about finding a buyer for your car, Car Arena can do this for you. Our buyers don’t care where you are based in Newcastle or Plymouth. They will make a cash offer on your car based on your car only and not how far they have to travel.

Car Arena helps you to find someone to buy your car securely, quickly and hassle free. We work exceptionally hard to get you the best offer we can from within our trade network, after all we only get paid when you agree to sell your car to one of our subscribing dealers.

You don’t even need to worry about talking to all the dealers and negotiating with the trade, we do all this for you. From the moment you list your car for sale on Car Arena, we ensure all your personal details are kept secure, only presenting the information the dealers need on your car to make an offer.

Once we have an offer we think is fair within the current market, we will make you a cash offer to buy your car. This cash offer is the amount that you will be paid when we collect the car. There are no hidden fees or charges to be deducted at the last minute. The offer we make will be transferred directly into your bank account on collection of your car. Our collection drivers even wait with you until you can confirm the cleared funds are safely in your bank account.

Finding a buyer for your car with Car Arena means you can spread your net much further than just Newcastle, you could be reaching buyers at the opposite end of the country.

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Winter Driving Tips

Posted on February 6, 2012 by ash

Just when we thought we had got away with it for once, the obligatory ‘winter freeze’ has hit with a vengeance!

Winter Driving

Pull off the road Carefully

Whether you have read similar articles a million times, or whether you are a first time ‘winter driver’, it never does any harm to brush up on the whys and wherefores of how best to negotiate the driving challenges snow and ice can bring; So here goes.

Preparing your vehicle.

Preventive maintenance is the key – you’ll spend less time and money servicing your car than you’ll spend towing and fixing it if your vehicle gives out while you’re on a dark, snowy road!

It’s imperative that your tyres are fully inflated with at least 3mm of tread to cope with wet and slippery conditions.

Ensuring that your vehicle’s ‘screen wash’ is fully topped up, and at the right concentration too ( to prevent freezing), is an obvious must.

Be aware that a car’s battery will run down much quicker in freezing conditions –  it needs to be in best working order.

Make sure you have as much fuel in the car as possible – you may have to ‘run your engine’ to keep warm if you become trapped.

Stick to the road!

Winter Driving Conditons

Driving In snow and ice.

Get your speed right. Don’t drive too fast so that you risk losing control, but, equally, don’t drive so slow that you risk losing all momentum!

Double, or even triple, your normal stopping distance from the vehicle in front. Remember, there is no guarantee that your brakes will stop on an icy surface – give yourself as much room as possible!

If you get into 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!

When starting your vehicle from stationary, avoid high revs by driving in as high a gear as possible.

Planning your journey.

Always allow more time for your journey and avoid using ‘shortcuts’ on minor roads – they are less likely to have been cleared or treated with salt.

On motorways or dual carriageways, stay in the clearest lane where possible (usually the inside) and keep within clear tyre tracks if you can. Be aware of slush and ice on the outer lanes.

In falling snow, used dipped headlights or fog lights to make yourself visible.

If you get stuck!

Make sure you have packed an ‘emergency snow kit’ which should consist of warm clothing, food and drink, and a charged mobile phone.

If you are trapped in the car, you can stay warm by running the engine, but it’s vital the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by show – it can cause a build-up of carbon monoxide gas!

Stay in, or close, to your vehicle – it can be easy to get disorientated and separated from your vehicle if wandering too far. If necessary, hang a piece of brightly coloured clothing on to your car to let others know you are there.

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Who will buy my car in London?

Posted on February 3, 2012 by ash

Just because you live in the London area doesn’t mean you have to find a London company to buy your car.

If you do live in or around London and need someone to buy your car for cash then we’re certain we could help you out.

Everyday here at Car Arena we buy cars from all areas of Great Britain. With the minimum of fuss and effort to you. Our simple and free service allows you to find a buyer for your car quickly and easily and most importantly securely.

Simply enter your registration number and a few more details to list your car for sale with Car Arena. Once we have all the information we need, we will circulate the details of your car to our subscribing car buyers and dealers. When we have an offer we think is high enough we will make you an offer to buy your car. No personal identifying details are shared with our dealers and you only ever have to deal with your Car Arena account manager. We only get paid when you agree to sell your car so we will work hard to get you the best possible price.

If we one of our dealers wants to buy your car and you agree to sell it to them, it doesn’t matter where you are based. Car Arena come to you to collect your car and we pay you in full before we take your car away.

This way of working ensure we are one of the most secure ways to find a buyer for your car quickly.

Finding a buyer for your car can be a minefield no matter where you live. You have to decide whether to sell it privately, which more often than not will cost a lot of money and you are by no means certain to find someone to buy your car.

You could part exchange your car, but you may get a better deal if you sell your car separately and  have a cash deposit. A dealer may not even want your car if it isn’t the type they would retail themselves.

You could sell to a conventional cash for car company, beware many ask for you to take the car to them, make high initial offers only to then reduce this offer on inspection once you committed your time and expense travelling to them. Many also take up to five working days to pay you.

Car Arena gives you the best of both worlds, we find car buyers who actually want your car (not a dealer who is buying your car because you are buying one from them). Because they want your car they are likely to offer more for it. But don’t forget you are not dealing with all these enquiries from individual dealers, we take care of the entire process for you. Presenting you with our best offer, collecting your car and paying you in full before we leave with your car. There is no safer way to find a cash buyer for your car quickly.

Posted in Automotive, buy my car in London, Buy My Jaguar, car buyers, Cash for car companies, Cash for my Jaguar, Sell my Car, Sell my car in london, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment