NEWS

Majority of drivers distrust Smart Motorways

A new web poll on smart motorways from the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has revealed that the majority of respondents (85%) want a halt on their construction until the safety case is fully proven.

Furthermore, 84% of the 4,500 respondents surveyed had little faith in the current safety systems’ ability to detect them if they were to breakdown in a running lane, and protect them until help arrived.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said:

“Our members include many high mileage, experienced and confident motorway users but the results of this survey are clear to see, with the vast majority having very little, or no confidence, in the safety of smart motorways.

We would urge the Department for Transport and Highways England to listen to what smart motorway users are saying and to consider our findings, along with other in-depth research, to determine the best approach to developing the smart motorway network. Delaying decisions on smart motorways will only lead to more drivers getting stressed.

Alongside more education for drivers, IAM RoadSmart wants to see strong leadership with clear decisions taken soon on whether the programme should be reversed, or provided with the appropriate funding that will speed up delivery of the promised refuges, CCTV and vehicle detection technology.”

Meanwhile, other hard-hitting results from the IAM RoadSmart study found that 81% of motorists felt less safe travelling on a smart motorway compared to a normal one, and 81% agreed that hard shoulders should be immediately reinstated on smart motorways. More than 80% also wanted safety refuges on smart motorways to be spaced at 500 metres apart or less.

Finally, 40% of drivers found no noticeable improvement in their journey time, with only 4% finding a very noticeable improvement compared to 6% who actually found it worse than before.

“This survey highlights a potentially very serious unintended consequence in that driver reluctance to use smart motorways could create increased traffic on local A and B roads. This would undoubtedly lead to an increased risk of collision and injury with even more delays and driver frustration resulting.” Greig concluded.

If you are like us here at Muddy HQ, these findings probably illicited the response of "No shit, Sherlock!"

I wonder if the government will take any notice of us mere plebeians, and bring back hard shoulders?

Hmmm, it's more likely that we'll find unicorns living in Buckingham Palace than politicians who admit they're wrong!

Volkswagen Caddy California - a campervan for under £30K

The Caddy California completes Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ camper line-up, and stands alongside the T6.1-based California and Crafter-based Grand California, meaning the brand which invented the original iconic campervan now has a touring model for every budget, every journey and every adventure.

The compact camper, based on the award-winning 5th generation Caddy, features a new, foldable bed (1,980mm x 1,070mm), with cup springs and high-quality mattress, that is stored in the parcel shelf and opens out above the rear seats. There is seating for five, with the second row entirely removable for complete flexibility, while a standalone tail-tent, providing additional living space and sleeping compartment, is available as an accessory.

A retractable mini-kitchen is included as standard, extending from the rear with single-burner cooker and integrated gas bottle. Clever and practical stowage compartments house cutlery, and California camper chairs and camper table. Interior blinds for the rear windows double up as window storage bags. Light is provided from integrated LED reading lights in the passenger compartment and tailgate.

Air conditioning, power-adjustable wing mirrors and antitheft alarm are included as standard. Both front seats feature manual height and lumbar adjustment. In addition, the compact camper is packed with driver assistance technology such as Driver Alert system, Lane Assist, Cruise Control including Speed limiter, Front Assist, and towing protection.

Caddy California offers App-Connect, allowing users to access their apps on their phone quickly and easily, alongside Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle’s Composition Media system with 8.25-inch colour touch screen, Bluetooth, DAB, and six audio speakers. Standard specification also includes black roof rails and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is also offering a high-value California Plus pack for those wanting a few extra home comforts while camping.

Priced from £960, the option pack includes a front centre armrest with space for two drinks, a 230V inverter and three-pin UK domestic plug socket, dark tinted rear glass, 2 USB points, power latching on all doors to avoid waking your camping neighbours at night and LED rear combination lights.

Prices for the standard Caddy California start from £29,965 for the entry-level SWB 1.5 TSI 114 PS powertrain and manual gearbox, with the 2.0 TDI 122 PS 7-speed DSG automatic variant priced at £34,699. The Caddy California is also available in Maxi size, priced from £31,285 for the 1.5 TSI 114 PS engine and manual gearbox, with the range-topping 2.0 TDI 122 PS 7-speed DSG automatic priced from £36,019.

For more details on the new Volkswagen Caddy California, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk, or contact your local VW Van Centre.

Cost of pothole damage rises despite huge drop in mileage

New research reveals that the impact of the pandemic has resulted in the average driver reducing their mileage by 42% over the last year. However, there has not been an equivalent drop in the amount of pothole damage to the nation’s vehicles.

In fact, this year’s PIT Report (Pothole Impact Tracker) for Kwik Fit reveals that the total cost to British drivers from pothole damage over the last twelve months rose slightly compared to the year before, reaching £1.267 billion compared to £1.249bn for the year to March 2020.

Kwik Fit’s PIT Report tracks the impact of potholes on an annual basis, and its research shows that this year, despite reduced mileage, drivers have hit an average of 11 potholes per month, and some 10.2 million have suffered damage to their car as a result. As tyres are a car’s first line of defence against potholes, they are the most commonly damaged component, suffered by 4.2 million drivers. This is followed by suspension damage (3 million), wheels (2.8 million) and steering (2 million).

The average cost of repairs drivers have faced over the last twelve months has been £127.20, an increase of 11% on the previous year. While slightly fewer drivers have suffered damage than in the previous year, this increase in average cost has resulted in the slight rise in the national repair bill.

Although the average driver has been covering significantly fewer miles over the past twelve months, the worsening condition of UK roads may be a reason why so many are still needing repairs. Nearly half (48%) of all drivers say that the condition of the road surfaces in their local area are worse than twelve months ago, with only 12% saying they are better. (35% say they are about the same.)

Drivers in Scotland are most likely to say their roads are worse than a year ago, while motorists in London are least likely. In the capital a third of drivers 33% say the roads are worse, but nearly as many (27%) say they are better.

Interestingly, it is London drivers who are most likely to have complained to their local authority about the potholes in their area. 46% of London motorists have done so, compared to an average of 30% of drivers across the country, which may be a reflection of the fact that London drivers pay an average repair bill of £142.60, compared to the national average figure of £127.20.

Drivers hitting potholes may find that the damage is not immediately apparent. Pothole impacts can often result in slow punctures, damage on the inside wall of the tyre, or cracks in the wheel which are not obvious straight away. Any driver who hits a pothole with significant force should monitor their car carefully in the days following the incident, to ensure that their vehicle has remained unscathed.

Roger Griggs, Communications Director at Kwik Fit, says

“We are all very aware of the massive shock there has been to the public finances as a result of the pandemic. However, the condition of our roads is a long term issue as shown by our PIT report over recent years. Potholes are not just an issue because of the cost to drivers, they present a risk to people’s safety. We need to ensure that any funds made available are used strategically and effectively and not just for short term patching up of the worst affected areas.”

Any driver who has hit a pothole and suspects they may have suffered damage, but are unsure what to look for, can take their car to any of Kwik Fit’s 600 plus centres across the UK, where the company’s expert technicians will check for damage.

Could your car be an 'Unexceptional' star of the show?

Hagerty invites owners of deliciously dull vehicles to nominate them for a space on the concours lawn at the 2021 Festival of the Unexceptional. If you own an Opel, maintain a Morris, fettle a Fiat, cherish a Chevette or run a Reliant this is your chance to show the world your beloved vehicle.

Once again, Hagerty’s annual Concours de l’Ordinaire is open to classic cars, motorcycles and light commercial vehicles built between 1966 and 1996, but spaces on the coveted concours lawn are limited, and owners of eligible vehicles are encouraged to nominate their entry at the earliest opportunity.

Festival of the Unexceptional is a competitive concours that celebrates the world of mundane motoring with a tongue-in-cheek take on the familiar concours format. Instead of displaying multi-million-pound vehicles, and enforcing a dress code of chinos and blue blazers, cars are of the type once seen on every residential street, and dress is smart casual, without the need to be smart.

Showcasing much maligned and long forgotten ‘ordinary’ classic cars and commercial vehicles of the late 1960s through the 70s, 80s and into the mid-90s, Festival of the Unexceptional remains the only concours that prefers a Dolomite to a Diablo, a Tagora over a Testarossa and where a Victor is preferable to a Vantage.

Hagerty believes in basic and understands the labour of love needed to keep these cars on the road. Every city has an Italian supercar specialist, but you’ll struggle to find spares for a Talbot Solara regardless of where you live. You may think a supercar is a rare sight on the roads, but when did you last see a Datsun Cherry? The cars that were once every day transport are now on the verge of extinction and it takes a committed enthusiast to keep them alive.

Potential entrants are reminded the Festival, as its name suggests, celebrates the unexceptional. Spaces on the concours lawn will be awarded to a Merit over an SRi, and a City will be chosen over a Vanden Plas.

Hagerty seeks the cars few would see benefit in saving, and while many luxury or sporting models from the past still have a strong following, it’s the lower trim levels that will catch the judges’ eyes.

The date and location for 2021 Festival of the Unexceptional is July 31st at Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire. The castle offers expansive grounds to enjoy with lakeside walks, formal gardens, and a children’s play area, ensuring the 2021 Festival of the Unexceptional will be a great day out for all the family.

Cars can be offered for consideration via this link - carfestivalbooking.com/events/festival-of-the-unexceptional-2021-concours-registration

Ford's New Ranger Stormtrak & Wolftrak Limited Editions

Arriving in dealerships from October this year, Ford has introduced 2 limited edition models of their award-winning pick-up - the new Ranger Stormtrak and Ranger Wolftrak.

Ranger Stormtrak

Based on the premium Ranger Wildtrak series, the Stormtrak is equipped with Ford’s range-topping Biturbo 213PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine developing 500Nm of torque for outstanding pulling power. The new Ranger Stormtrak delivers even higher specification with further enhanced comfort features and unique finishes. A limited run of vehicles will be built to ensure exclusivity, available as a Double Cab for UK customers with spacious rear seating.

Striking Rapid Red paint is unique to Ranger Stormtrak, complementing the exclusive red grille insert. it also features LED headlights, rugged underbody protection as standard, and Frozen White and Blue Lightning paint options.

It's powerful look is enhanced by exclusive bonnet and body side decals, chunky three-dimensional badging, and a black rear bumper and sports hoop.

In addition, a bedliner, load divider and Ford’s new Power Roller Shutter feature as standard, providing greater convenience and practicality when moving cargo. Ranger Stormtrak also retains the 1.0 tonne payload and 3,500kg maximum towing weight.

The Ranger Stormtrak interior further enhances the model with premium specification and practical features. Stormtrak-specific seats feature the same supple leather as Ford’s iconic Ranger Raptor, accentuated with embroidered Stormtrak logos and bolsters trimmed with technical fabric. Tinted Graphite interior surfaces and red stitching throughout mirror Stormtrak’s unmistakeable exterior palette.

Ranger Wolftrak

Ranger Wolftrak is built for customers who desire dependable off-road capability and a bold, no-nonsense exterior. Based on the Ranger XLT series, Wolftrak is powered by Ford’s 170PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with the choice of 6 speed manual or 10 speed automatic transmission.

A selectable four-wheel drive system with shift-onthe-fly function, electronically-locking rear differential and all-terrain tyres are standard to enable progress in challenging off-road conditions, supported by a low range four-wheel drive setting to improve performance on steep hills and soft surfaces.

Ford anticipates Ranger Wolftrak will appeal strongly to customers in farming, forestry and outdoor pursuit industries as well as private buyers. A 1.0 tonne payload and 3,500kg maximum towing weight offer significant load-moving ability, supported by a standard protective bed liner. An optional manual load bed cover or Aeroklas full load canopy are uniquely available in matte black to match Ranger Wolftrak’s blacked-out exterior detailing.

A long-leg tubular sports bar exclusive to Ranger Wolftrak creates a rugged look and supports accessory fitment and easy load restraint.

Imposing Conquer Grey paint accentuates the pick-up’s haunches which complements the matte black grille, underbody protection and 17” black alloy wheels. Sea Grey paint is also available. The truck’s distinctive style is completed by darkened Wolftrak badges and plastic moulded side steps.

Exclusive touches in Ranger Wolftrak’s cabin include Wolftrak badges, a matte black instrument panel and door spears, and durable all-weather floor mats.

Ford’s SYNC 3 connectivity and navigation system with 8” touchscreen is a standard feature.

1st year business owners, Isuzu wants to hear from you!

To celebrate the launch of the All-New Isuzu D-Max, Isuzu UK has announced an exciting competition aimed at driven business owners.

Isuzu UK are on the look-out for a driven individual who has launched a new company during the Covid pandemic. If that's you, Isuzu UK want to hear from you.

They want to celebrate all those hard working entrepreneurs who are making things happen and may just need a little help to get their business on the road.

Driven entrepreneurs who set up a business in the last year are invited to apply for the loan of a brand-new top of the range D-Max. The lucky winner will receive:

• The loan of an All-New Isuzu D-Max for one year

• Marketing and Social support from 438 Marketing

• Vehicle decals for the D-Max with the winner’s company information

• Top tips and advice in a oneto-one Zoom business meeting with the Managing Director of Isuzu UK, William Brown.

• 1 year’s fully comprehensive insurance from Admiral Van Insurance

William Brown, Managing Director of Isuzu UK, remarked “Supporting small and start-up businesses has never been so important and the Isuzu D-Max is the perfect truck to help.

The D-Max already has a great reputation as a workhorse and the new model takes it to another level - for example, we are the first pick-up to achieve the maximum 5-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests.

We’re grateful to Admiral Van Insurance who are supporting the All-New D-Max loan by providing fully comprehensive motor insurance and to 438 Marketing who will help grow brand awareness for this new company.”

Applicants should visit isuzu.co.uk and complete the on-line form for their chance to win an All-New Isuzu D-Max.