Motoring-International drivinglaws

By Nadia Goldsmith

Although most driving laws are designed with safety in mind, some are more peculiar. Here are some of the strangest driving laws from around the world to intrigue you. Eating while driving – Cyprus Cyprus prohibits motorists from eating and drinking behind the wheel as they must keep both hands on the wheel at all times. Like many Scandinavian countries, Cyprus asks drivers to have their headlights on at all times. In Cyprus sneaking a snack can cost you an €85 fine. Dirty number plates – Russia You may have read it’s illegal to drive a dirty car in Russia; that’s not true. In Moscow however, motorists can get fined if their number plate is covered in dirt, salt or road grime. Personal breathalyzer kits – France Since 2013, French motorists have been required to carry an unused breathalyser in their car to test their own alcohol levels. While motorists who chose not to purchase one originally risked receiving an €11 fine, the sanction didn’t make it into the final version of the law so this law has been historically under forced with no penalty in action at present. No splashing – Japan Japanese motorists must think twice before driving through a puddle. The law states they need to have mudflaps fitted to their vehicle, reduce their speed and/or take other measures before ploughing through water or mud to ensure they don’t spray pedestrians with it. June in Japan is known for Typhoons and this is month that the enforcement of this law goes up. 24-Hour headlights – Sweden It could be the sunniest summer day but in Sweden you must keep your headlights on. Drivers are required to keep their headlights on 24 hours a day throughout the country.

Hamilton Cole, Pulborough

To h ave an est abli s h ed business for over 50 years is qu i te an ac compli shmen t particularly in the face of today's on-line giants. Hamilton Cole is a family-run business which prides itself on the service it gives to customers. Siblings Robin and Susan who have run the business since 2004, spoke to Sussex Local about their aims and successes. Face-to-face contact, said Susan, is of great importance to their customers. It is easy to purchase an electrical appliance online – all it takes is a click of a button, but there is no button to click to be able to touch it, study the controls or ask a knowledgeable person about how it actually works. It’s not just reassuring to speak to a human being, it is pleasurable! “We are proud of the friendly service given to all our customers, whether they are buying the latest TV or simply asking for a replacement watch battery.”

Susan was anxious to point out that Hamilton Cole have stayed abreast of market trends and the various changes relating to electrical standards. As well as the retail outlet they are able to offer a number of domestic electrical services. These include TV aerial/satellite installation, PAT Testing, repairs to TVs, microwaves and cleaners and most recently, the installation of Electrical Vehicle (EV) Charge Points. Robin and Susan told us, “There is a growing demand for installing EV charge points and our electrician Steve has been on a course so we are fully qualified to do this now.” High Streets are adapting and Robin and Susan hope that Hamilton Cole's commitment to excellent service will stand them in good stead. Hamilton Cole, Station Road, Pulborough, RH20 1AH. 01798 872237 www.hamiltoncole.co.uk

HAMILTON COLE

FAMILY RUN LOCAL RETAILER / SERVICE PROVIDER

SERVICE PROVIDER REPAIRS

Aerial/Satellite Custom Installer TV Wall Moun ng NICEIC Domes c Electrician PAT Tes ng Electrical Vehicle Charge Points Replacement Watch Ba eries Copying of VHS Tapes to DVD

RETAILER

Flat Panel TV’s DAB/FM Radios Domes c Appliances Freestanding/Built In Ligh ng and Hea ng TV, Audio, DVD Recorders Lamps Microwaves Vaccum Cleaners Cookers Hobs