October is Tyre Safety Month, the annual reminder to make sure vehicles’ wheels are roadworthy.
Motorists using illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres can lead to serious outcomes and in 2019 contributed to 5 fatal collisions and 136 serious collisions according to figures from the Department for Transport.
Motoring charity TyreSafe, the driving force behind the initiative, highlighted the extent of the issue in 2016, commissioning research that revealed over 27% of the 340,000 tyres analysed were illegal due to inadequate tread.
Many police forces across the country support Tyre Safety Month and will be eagle-eyed when it comes to tyre inspections on routine checks.
Car insurance comparison experts Quotezone.co.uk are warning motorists could face another issue – both large fines and hikes to their insurance premiums if they drive with defective tyres.
Motorists can be fined up to £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence. If the police see another tyre falling short of the law, it doubles to £5,000 and 6 points. Four faulty tyres could even see the maximum 12 points – resulting in the loss of a driving licence.
Commercial vehicle drivers, where the car or van is owned by their employer – could land firms with penalties of up to £20,000.
The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm. These grooves help to remove water from the contact patch between your tyres and the road surface meaning the car can brake, steer and accelerate properly.
Greg Wilson, Founder of car insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk, comments: “While the complexity of insurance premium calculations makes it impossible to put a pounds-and-pence figure on it, on average three penalty points could result in a 5% jump in a driver’s car insurance premium, while six penalty points could see the cost of their insurance rise by a painful 25%.
“Also bear in mind that most driving convictions must be declared to insurance providers for five years – even if the penalty points are removed from your licence after four, so motorists with points on their licence could be hit year after year until they’re spent.
“With many cars being parked at home over the past year due to various lockdowns and people working from home, it’s possible tyres might be in better condition than normal, with fewer miles potentially resulting in less wear and tear. However, it is still crucial that drivers do proper checks before travelling – long periods without driving can cause its own problems such as issues with the battery.”
Quotezone.co.uk has created a Winter Driving Checklist, to help motorists prepare for travelling in the darker and colder weather:
Check that windscreen washers are working and topped up with water – the bottle may need emptied out if the car hasn’t been used, to unclog blockages from debris
Check the battery by going for a short trip close to home first
Check tyre pressure and that each tyre has more than 1.6mm of tread i.e. can hold a 20p in place
Check tyres for lumps, bumps or cuts and remove any stones and debris
Check oil levels
Check you have a breakdown kit – jump leads, safety triangle, torch with extra batteries, empty fuel can
Check you have a winter emergency kit – blanket, bottle of water, phone charger, first aid kit, de-icer
Check if your car insurance policy includes breakdown assistance and home start, and consider signing up for standalone breakdown cover if it isn’t included
If the car is electric, make sure you have a full charge before setting off – winter roads can lead to unexpected deters and delays. Ideally, keep a portable battery booster in the boot in case you need an emergency recharge somewhere unexpected.
Quotezone.co.uk is a pioneer of comparison technology and one of the leading car insurance comparison sites in the UK, with over 110 car insurance providers to choose from, helping 3 million people find better deals on their insurance each year.
Op Tutelage – a national policing initiative where drivers who appear to have no motor insurance are sent advisory letters – has encouraged over 150,000 motorists across the UK to drive insured since being introduced in January 2020.
In Scotland nearly 6,600 advisory letters have been issued. Police Scotland comments.
The initiative uses a nudge approach to positively influence decision making. Around 3 in 4 recipients have been successfully encouraged to make sure their vehicle becomes insured.
Op Tutelage helps roads policing focus resources on the remaining dangerous drivers who intentionally drive without insurance – making roads safer and fairer for all.
Op Tutelage – a national policing initiative where police forces issue advisory letters to drivers that appear to have no motor insurance – has encouraged over 150,000 motorists across the UK to drive insured.
The initiative which is led by the NPCC’s National Roads Policing Operations, Intelligence and Investigation (NRPOII) and supported by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), was introduced in January 2020 to help reduce uninsured driving levels across the UK.
By using MIB’s Motor Insurance Database (MID) – a central record of all active motor insurance policies in the UK – police forces can quickly identify any vehicle that appears not to have insurance and send the registered keeper an advisory letter.
Results have been highly successful with 151,464 drivers correcting their insurance status to date following over 215,000 advisory letters issued thus far, which equates to around 3 in 4 people.
In Scotland alone 6,594 advisory letters have been issued so far.
Op Tutelage’s advisory letters were developed alongside Dr Helen Wells, a criminologist and roads policing expert from Keele University and Director of the Roads Policing Academic Network. By drawing on research into the use of nudges, behaviour change approaches and the concept of procedural justice, the letters encourage motorists to take corrective action and drive insured.
There are a range of reasons why someone’s vehicle might show as uninsured on the MID. Causes stem from the unintentional such as drivers not realising their policy has expired or admin errors, all the way through to those willing to break the law by intentionally driving without insurance.
By sending out advisory letters, police forces want to give a chance to those who may have not realised their vehicle was uninsured to correct this before heading out on the road. Roads policing officers are then more likely to stop motorists who intentionally drive without insurance, who are linked to a higher rate of collisions and additional road traffic offences.
With all the UK’s 45 police forces having now signed up to Op Tutelage, the results have continued to grow per month. August alone saw more than 10,000 drivers nationally go from uninsured to insured.
Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland, said: “Op Tutelage is an effective way of reducing the number of uninsured vehicles on our roads. There are a number of reasons why a vehicle may show on the Motor Insurance Database as holding no insurance and Op Tutelage provides an opportunity for registered keepers to take action as necessary.
“Police Scotland is committed to keeping the roads safe and this operation allows our officers to take action against those who deliberately break the law and put other road users in danger.”
Ben Fletcher, Chief Customer Officer at MIB, said: “Op Tutelage is delivering outstanding results. By utilising MID data and behavioural change approaches, we can encourage most drivers who are not correctly insured to positively act.
“This means roads policing can focus more of their resources on the minority of motorists who deliberately break the law and put road users at greater risk.
“With traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels the last thing anyone needs is to be impacted by uninsured motorists. I’m very pleased to say that Op Tutelage is helping to make roads safer and fairer for everyone. I look forward to seeing the great results of MIB’s partnership with NRPOII as we continue to drive down uninsured driving levels.”
Dr Helen Wells, Criminologist at Keele University and Director of the Roads Policing Academic Network, said: “Some people who drive without insurance do so by mistake, but others do it on purpose, and Op Tutelage helps the police focus their resources on those drivers that really need taking off the road.
Feedback shows that the public think this is a fair and legitimate way to police the roads and that the police value the extra intelligence it gives them.”
Alongside Op Tutelage, MIB works with police on a range of initiatives to tackle uninsured driving.
Roads police can access the MID to check if a vehicle appears to be uninsured. If disputed by the driver, the officer can contact MIB’s Police Helpline whose Agents liaise with insurers in real-time to confirm if valid insurance exists.
Driving without insurance can result in a £300 fixed penalty notice, six licence points and the driver’s vehicle can be seized and crushed. In addition, uninsured drivers can face court where they could receive an unlimited fine and a driving ban.
Over 148,000 vehicles were seized for no insurance across the UK in 2020, at a rate of one every four minutes.
MIB is encouraging motorists to check that their vehicle is showing as insured on the MID which can be done for free at www.askMID.co.uk
Older consumers, those on low incomes and rural households will need more support to switch to electric vehicles due to concerns about affordability, range and the UK’s charging infrastructure, new Which? research has found.
Electric car ownership has soared in the last few years and, with the government’s ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles looming, motorists are being encouraged to consider switching. However, Which? found there are stark contrasts between different groups of consumers and how they view the transition to electric vehicles.
The mass adoption of electric vehicles is a critical aspect of the government’s net-zero strategy and will benefit consumers who want to lead more sustainable lives, while also potentially reducing their motoring costs.
A new Which? survey found that while two in five people (44%) are comfortable switching to electric vehicles, almost half (49%) are not. The consumer champion found seven in 10 (71%) 18-24-year-olds are comfortable switching to electric vehicles and around half (56%) of those aged between 18 and 39 said they intended to buy one in the future.
However, only a quarter of those aged 65 and above are comfortable switching (26%) or intend to buy an electric vehicle (23%). More than half (52%) of respondents aged 65 and above do not intend to buy an electric vehicle in the future.
Urban dwellers are also more comfortable transitioning to electric vehicles than rural residents, with almost half (47%) of those living in urban areas open to switching and two-fifths (42%) planning to buy one. However, only a third of those living in rural areas felt comfortable switching (34%) or intend to buy an electric vehicle (36%).
Electric cars are currently more expensive to buy compared to petrol or diesel vehicles – a possible contributing factor to lower enthusiasm levels for switching among lower-income households.
The consumer champion found just a third of households (32%) on lower incomes (£21,000 and below) intend to make their next car an electric vehicle and two-fifths (41%) said they have no intention of buying one. This compares to more than half (57%) in more affluent households (more than £48,000) saying they would buy an electric car in the future and only a fifth (21%) saying they had no intention of buying one.
While the upfront cost of an electric car is one reason many people are reluctant to switch, the most common is related to perceptions about inferior performance. Two in five (44%) said concerns about battery range put them off switching to an electric vehicle, while a third (34%) cited the upfront cost.
The UK’s charging infrastructure is also a concern for motorists, with a third (33%) stating they are put off buying an electric car as they are worried about accessing charge points away from home or on long journeys.
In a market study published earlier this year, the Competition and Markets Authority suggested there needs to be a tenfold increase in the number of charge points across the UK by 2030 and that more needs to be done to address the “postcode lottery” of finding a charge point.
The UK government and Ofgem, the energy regulator, have pledged to invest millions of pounds to expand Britain’s public charging network. While Which? supports this move, it also believes the current infrastructure is difficult to navigate, disjointed and must be overhauled to ensure motorists have easy and convenient access to the charge points they need, wherever they live in the UK.
Sue Davies, Which? Head of Consumer Rights and Food Policy, said:“The mass adoption of electric vehicles is a key element of the government’s net-zero strategy, but while some consumers are ready to switch, our research shows older consumers and those from lower-income or rural households are less inclined to embrace the electric car revolution.
“It is vital that action is taken to address significant barriers including concerns about battery range, cost and the UK’s charging infrastructure that could deter motorists from switching to electric vehicles. Consumers also need more support to ensure they can make the decision to buy an electric car.”
The brand new E10 fuel has been introduced in the UK, designed to cut CO2 emissions by quite a considerable amount, however, it still won’t affect whether cars have to pay an emissions tax.
Recently, Google Maps introduced notifications to drivers hat they’re about to enter a low-emission zone that could incur a hefty fine.
Several major cities in the UK have schemes in place, but where the zones begin is often unclear – and can catch drivers out. Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com explains what they are, where they are, and how you can avoid an accidental fine.
What are Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ)?
A Low Emission Zone (LEZ), or Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is put in place with the aim of reducing pollution levels and to improve air quality in the area – usually towns and cities.
In most cases, you’ll only pay to travel through these zones if your vehicle doesn’t meet minimum emissions standards. If you don’t pay the fee, you may have to pay a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Why do we have Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ)?
The latest IPCC report has been named a ‘code red for humanity’, meaning our attempts to tackle CO2 emissions are vital in order to keep the rise in global temperatures well below 1.5C in the next century.
The report shows that humanity emits approximately 40 billion tonnes of CO2 every year.
With such high numbers, the IPCC report authors believe we are destined to hit a global temperature increase of 1.5C by 2040 if emissions aren’t slashed in upcoming years, highlighting the importance of measures such as Low Emission Zones.
Will my vehicle trigger a fine?
Most fees apply to diesels built before September 2015. Usually these vehicles don’t meet emissions standards and in some cases the fees don’t apply to petrol cars built after January 2006.
Which cities are creating Low Emission Zones?
Birmingham, London, Oxford, Bristol and Scotland are all planning to have Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in the near future.
Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone
On 1 June 2021, Birmingham launched its Clean Air Zone. It’ll operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can enter the zone with no charge if your vehicle is one of the following:
A moped or a motorcycle
A diesel vehicle minimum standard Euro 6A
A petrol vehicle minimum standard Euro 4
A vehicle with zero emissions (electric, hydrogen)
Cars that don’t meet emissions standards will pay £8 per day.
Residents with a car registered within the CAZ will be exempt from the charge for two years.
Support available:
The Birmingham local authority has support available to help people adjust to the CAZ. For example, a £1,000 mobility credit or £2000 scrappage scheme.
London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is in central London within the same area of the congestion charge zone and it covers all vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards.
In 2020, they announced that the ULEZ would extend to create a single larger zone bounded by the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205).
The charge:
If your vehicle doesn’t meet the emissions standards, then you’ll receive a daily fee. This can be up to £200 for some vehicles.
Is my vehicle exempt?
Check if your vehicle meets emissions standards on the Transport for London website here.
Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone
Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone will now run in summer this year. The zone will cover five streets in the centre of Oxford to begin with and a larger Green Zone will expand and cover the rest of the city centre.
You can enter the zone with no charge if your vehicle is one of the following:
A cars that emits 50 g of CO2/km and can drive 70 miles without any emissions
A van that emits less than 75 g of CO2/km and can drive 10 miles without any emissions
Motorcycles and mopeds that don’t emit any CO2
The charge:
Vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards will face a charge of £10 between the hours of 7am and 7pm.
There’ll be a discount for blue badge holders until December 2024.
Oxford residents will receive a 90% discount until 2030.
Bristol’s Clean Air Zone
According to Bristol.gov.uk, 71% of vehicles in Bristol are already compliant and so only a minority of vehicles driving in the CAZ could be charged. The scheme implemented in Bristol is exactly the same as the one in Birmingham, which means you can use the tool here to check your vehicle’s registration.
You can enter the zone with no charge if your vehicle is one of the following:
A moped or a motorcycle
A diesel vehicle minimum standard Euro 6A
A petrol vehicle minimum standard Euro 4
A vehicle with zero emissions (electric, hydrogen)
A low emissions vehicle
The charges:
Non-compliant vehicles would only be charged once in each 24-hour period, and they would apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Private petrol cars: £9 per day
Private diesel cars: £9 per day
Taxis: £9 per day
LGVs: £9 per day
HGVs: £100 per day
Buses: £100 per day
Coaches: £100 per day
Scotland’s Low Emission Zones
LEZs were proposed for Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow but these plans have been delayed due to coronavirus. All being well, the zones should go ahead between February and May 2022.
Edinburgh’s plans
The Edinburgh LEZ will apply to the city centre for all vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards.
Glasgow’s plans
Glasgow introduced a LEZ in 2018, but it only applies to local service buses. In 2022 it’ll apply to all vehicles entering the zone that don’t meet emissions standards.
Aberdeen’s plans
Currently Aberdeen are still consulting the public on their Low Emission Zone, but more progress will be made this year.
Dundee’s plans
Dundee’s low emission zone should be implemented between February and May 2022. It will apply to all vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards.
Worried about getting an accidental fine for driving into a low emission zone? Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com has provided these three tips for motorists to ensure they don’t get a hefty bill in the post:
Upgrade to a low-emissions vehicle using a manufacturer scrappage scheme to help with the cost
“Upgrading to a newer vehicle that meets the standards could mean opting for an electric vehicle. The government no longer runs an official scrappage scheme to encourage drivers to upgrade to a low-emission vehicle, but many car manufacturers do, including Citroen, Dacia, Hyundai, Kia, Renault and Toyota.
Consider retrofitting your current vehicle, but this can be costly
“Some older vehicles may be able to be retrofitted with emissions reduction technology such as selective catalytic reduction (which reduces NOx emissions) or even converting the vehicle to electric power.
“But any retrofitting would have to be approved. If you’re able to show a booking with a CVRAS-approved fitter or an approved retrofit solution, you get a three-month grace period and might not have to pay the LEZ driving charge if driving in the zone
Use Google Maps as your SatNav
“Google Maps will now notify drivers that they’re about to enter a low-emission zone that could incur a hefty fine. So if you’re driving in one of the areas that has emission zones in place, it’s worth having this installed and working to alert you if you’re close to a zone.“
Over the last two years, Scottish drivers have collectively paid out a whopping £2 million to release their car after being seized by police forces.
More than 4,500 cars were destroyed by local police forces in 2019 and 2020, with a further 1,100 being auctioned, raising more than £500,000.
In total, offences increased by 16% across the UK between 2019 and 2020, with more than 101,000 drivers caught driving without insurance last year alone.
Further research finds a third (33%) of UK drivers have borrowed or driven another car without necessarily having the right insurance in place.
Can I drive someone else’s car on my insurance? Confused.com clears up confusion as one in seven (14%) drivers are unaware of the rules around driving other cars.
The number of uninsured drivers in Scotland has increased by 37%, new data finds, as local police forces report close to 20,000 offences during last year alone.
That’s according to new Freedom of Information data obtained by Confused.com, which showed that the number of motorists caught driving without the correct insurance in Scotland increased from 14,363 in 2019, to 19,726 in 2020.
This means those caught could have collectively paid more than £10 million in fines over the two years, based on the minimum penalty dished out to offenders being £300.
When a driver is caught without the right insurance, the police are within their rights to not only issue fines but also seize the car in question. Offenders would then need to show evidence of a valid car insurance policy to release the car and pay a fee.
In 2020, a total of 8,811 cars were seized across Scotland, up from 6,851 in the previous year. This could be from the number of cars seized after being stopped, or those found on the road without insurance. And collectively, a whopping £2 million was paid by drivers in the region to release their car, which could have been on top of the fines they’ve already paid, proving to be a very costly mistake to make!
Cars that aren’t reclaimed could be destroyed. In fact, over the last two years, more than 4,500 cars were destroyed by police in Scotland. Or alternatively, they could be sold off at an auction, which was the case for 1,161 of the cars seized in 2019 and 2020. This raised a very nice sum of £500,000, averaging at around £431 made per car.
It’s a similar picture across the rest of the UK, where 100,983 motorists were caught without insurance in 2020, up from 86,914 in 2019 (+16%).
Taking out car insurance is one of the first things drivers must do when they buy or lease a car. And as it stands, all insurance policies are set to automatically renew at the end of their terms so that a driver is never left without cover. So why are so many drivers being caught out?
Previous research by Confused.com shows that many people cancelled their car insurance throughout the coronavirus pandemic to save money, which could explain the increase in offences last year.
However, new research has found that a worrying one in three (33%) UK drivers have borrowed or driven another car without necessarily having the right insurance.
Of those drivers, more than half (52%) did so under the assumption that they would be covered, while close to one in six (16%) knew they didn’t have the right insurance in place. Almost two in three (64%) made the excuse that they were only making a short trip, while more than half (58%) took the gamble because the owner of the car was with them.
While it seems that many people are knowingly taking the risk by driving uninsured, the research also found that many drivers are confused about what their insurance policy allows them to do.
Nearly one in six (16%) UK drivers find it confusing to know if their policy allows them to drive other cars, while one in seven (14%) don’t know the requirements.
According to Confused.com’s experts, driving other cars (DOC) isn’t something that is automatically included on comprehensive policies, despite many believing that it is. In fact, not all insurers will offer it as an option. It’s simply there for emergencies, such as if a friend has had an accident and needs driving to the hospital.
But to have DOC on their policy there are a few requirements drivers must meet, including:
They must be aged 25 or over when the policy starts.
Their own car insurance policy needs to be a fully comprehensive one.
Worryingly, many drivers are unaware of the rules around driving other cars. In fact, one in eight (12%) wrongly believe its true that you are automatically insured to drive another car if you have comprehensive policy at any age, while a further one in eight (13%) believe this to be the case if you have a comprehensive policy and are over the age of 25.
However, experts suggest that motorists can only drive another car if their policy explicitly specifies it, although this will only cover for third-party damage, or if they are a named driver on the owner’s policy, in which case they would be covered for the same level as the policy holder.
This seems to be a popular option for the two in three (68%) drivers who drive or have access to another car. Almost half (49%) of these drivers are insured as a named driver, while almost two in five (39%) are insured on their own comprehensive policy.
However, it seems that drivers who have access to another car aren’t necessarily using it regularly. In fact, only one in four (25%) will use the second car at least once a week, while one in five (21%) claim to use it very rarely. But this isn’t surprising, given that more than a fifth (22%) claim they only have access to another car to reduce the insurance premium.
In fact, Confused.com car insurance price index (Q2 2021) data does suggest that this can reduce prices for some drivers, with the average premium dropping by as much as £204 for having another person on the policy(3). However, for two in five (41%) drivers, they have the option of which car to use depending on the journey they make.
Despite so many motorists being insured to drive another car, a worrying one in two (54%) admit they would still jump behind the wheel of another car without insurance, with almost two in five (38%) claiming they would take the risk in an emergency. However, this is a point that many drivers raised throughout the research, with one in three (30%) believing that having DOC on an insurance policy is important for emergencies, while more than one in five (22%) thinking it should be standard on all comprehensive policies.
Either way, it’s important for drivers to understand that having a comprehensive policy doesn’t automatically entitle them to drive another vehicle, and that they could in fact be hit with a very hefty fine.
And when it comes to buying or renewing a car insurance policy, having a conviction for driving without insurance is likely to increase your premium, with some insurers potentially not offering cover at all.
If a driver needs to use another car, Confused.com’s guide to driving other cars explains how to check if this is included on an insurance policy, or search for alternatives to help motorists avoid fines.
Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “Driving without insurance is an offence that can be costly in fines but can also damage your record when it comes to applying for a new car insurance policy.
“Not only this, but you could risk having to pay to have your car released, which when you consider the fine as well, could end up costing you more than an insurance policy itself!
“Insurers appreciate that there are some emergency situations where you may need to jump behind the wheel of a car you don’t own, which is why some offer driving other cars within their comprehensive policy. But being over 25 or having a comprehensive policy doesn’t automatically entitle you to this. This must be outlined in your policy, or you do risk the penalty.
“If you’re confused about whether you policy allows you to drive another car, we’ve outlined what policies tend to cover, and how you can add it to your policy in our guide to driving other cars. Though it’s important to remember that this will only cover for third party damage.”
The IFB is warning new drivers to watch out for a rising scam known as ‘Ghost Broking’ which involves bogus car insurance deals being sold on social media, as it could cost them their first car.
The warning comes as hundreds of thousands of learners get set to pass their driving tests as they catch up from the disruption caused by Covid-19.
The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) also provides comment.
Statistics and campaign content can be found in the notes to newsroom.
The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is urging new drivers to watch out for bogus car insurance deals being promoted on social media, as hundreds of thousands of learners* get set to pass their tests following a year of disruption caused by Covid-19.
Fake car insurance sales known as ‘Ghost Broking’ is a growing scam which involves fraudsters pretending to be Insurance Brokers in order to sell unrealistically cheap and completely fake policies, often to younger drivers via Facebook and Instagram.
With a large influx of new drivers on the horizon following confirmation from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that driving test centres face an unprecedented challenge to reduce waiting times left by the pandemic, the IFB is warning new motorists to be vigilant to bogus car insurance deals on social media as it could cost them their first car.
Stephen Dalton, Head of Intelligence and Investigations at the IFB, said: “The last thing new drivers need right now is to risk losing their car for no insurance because they’ve been duped by a scammer on social media.
“Drivers must carry out basic checks to make sure they’re buying car insurance through a trusted provider, or they’ll be making a very expensive mistake.
“I encourage anyone who’s seen evidence of an insurance scam to report it to the IFB’s confidential Cheatline online or on 0800 422 0421.”
Mark Magee, Head of Driver Policy at the DVSA, said: “DVSA’s priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving.
“As well as ensuring you have the skills, knowledge and understanding attitude to drive safely, having valid insurance is of the utmost importance when you drive on your own.
“Check to make sure insurance brokers are genuine before parting with your money.”
Learner drivers in a driving school are typically covered by their instructor’s insurance policy, until they pass their test and need to take out motor insurance for their first car. With a rush of new drivers approaching and with so many people facing financial hardship, the IFB is concerned it will provide fertile ground for ‘Ghost Broker’ scammers.
Fraudsters often tempt younger people with their bogus car insurance deals by promoting unrealistically cheap prices up front, despite the fact insurance is meant to be priced based on the risk of the individual. They often then encourage contact with them through popular end-to-end encrypted messaging software such as WhatsApp.
The IFB which is a not-for-profit organisation that works with the police to crackdown on organised insurance scams has seen its investigations into ‘Ghost Broking’ double since 2016, and the scam has remained prevalent throughout the pandemic.
IFB investigations have found cash-strapped young drivers forking out hundreds of pounds for car insurance that in reality is worth no more than a photoshopped piece of paper. In some cases scammers also use stolen personal information to take out policies which are then doctored before being sold on to customers.
Driving without valid insurance is easily detected by police. Uninsured drivers can have their vehicle instantly seized and are likely to receive six licence points. They can also face court where they might receive an unlimited fine and a driving ban. Furthermore, an uninsured driving conviction will show on records and can affect job prospects.
If a collision is caused by the uninsured driver they may also be liable for covering the costs which can run into the thousands.
Avoiding fake car insurance deals
New drivers are urged to avoid deals on social media or messaging apps and to only purchase car insurance through reputable sellers.
Drivers willing to add more than a half marathon distance to their journey to avoid narrow roads
1 in 10 drivers has had an argument over who should reverse back to a passing place on a narrow country road
Three-in-10 motorists admit to deliberately steering clear of narrow country lanes and are prepared to take a detour of 16 miles or 25 minutes to avoid them, according to new research from one of the UK’s biggest car insurers, Ageas, and the RAC.
As millions of Brits jump into their cars and head off on staycations in the countryside this summer, the figures highlight just how unnerved many drivers – especially those who live in towns and cities – are by Britain’s rural roads, which account for more than half of all those in the country.
More than half of drivers (58%) say they find using narrow country roads stressful, a figure that rises to 76% for drivers who live in urban areas. The two biggest causes of stress, according to the research, are the difficulty of squeezing past other vehicles in tight spaces (62%) and the fear of colliding with another vehicle head on (61%).
But the etiquette of who moves out of the way is also high on drivers’ list of concerns about these types of roads. Having to try to reverse back to find a passing place (45%), the fear of meeting a tractor and not being able to pass (44%) and deciding who succumbs to back up to a passing place (37%) make up drivers’ top five stress factors.
More than a third (36%) meanwhile say they think the default 60mph limit on country roads is just too fast to begin with, while 35% say they fear damaging their car.
The research suggests that some motorists are more vocal than others when it comes to deciding who has to reverse, with one-in-10 drivers admitting they’ve had an argument with another driver over who should go back when driving on a narrow country road.
But it is the detours that drivers are prepared to go to avoid the stress of rural lanes which is perhaps most surprising. On average, people are prepared to add 16 miles – more than a half marathon – to their journey if it means they can avoid driving down this type of road. They’d also be willing to add another 25 minutes to their drive – enough time to watch a whole episode of Eastenders.
City-dwellers are also much more concerned about narrow country lanes and go to longer distances to escape them. Three-quarters (76%) of these drivers say they find them stressful, of which 27% say they will always stick to wider main roads instead. What’s more, these drivers say they’d be willing to add 23 miles or 30 minutes to their journey to avoid them, 14 miles and 10 minutes more than their rural counterparts.
Robin Challand, claims director at Ageas Insurance, said: “We understand that getting to your holiday destination can be stressful at the best of times. Between packing, long car journeys and hot weather, there’s a lot to get flustered about.
“Our research shows the type of roads we drive on can also be a cause of stress, with crashes and scrapes high on the list of people’s concerns, so we’re urging people to stay calm and – most importantly – stay safe this summer.
“Negotiating narrow rural lanes can be tricky, even for the most seasoned of drivers, but by following some simple tips and staying calm, you can avoid adding a damaged car to your list of things to get stressed about this summer.”
RAC Breakdown spokesman Simon Williams said: “With unprecedented numbers of drivers on the UK’s roads this summer, more and more people will find themselves squeezing down narrow country lanes to reach beaches and popular countryside spots – and these figures show just how uncomfortable many drivers are using doing this, especially those who are used to wider city roads with much better visibility.
“For any driver less confident with tackling rural lanes the message has to be to plan a journey properly before setting out, and drive at the right speed according to the nature of the road, even if the official limit is 60mph. We’d also advise not becoming too reliant on a car’s sat-nav – while ducking off a main road to shave off a few minutes might seem like a good idea, if you’re then faced with having to carefully negotiate a tractor and queue of vehicles coming the other way, any advantage is soon lost.”
The RAC offers three simple tips to help drivers negotiate rural roads safely and more stress-free this summer:
Check your route carefully – if using a sat-nav, scrutinise the suggested route before setting out and see whether it’s actually easier and more comfortable to stick to main roads as far as possible instead. And be aware of sat-navs recommending diversions down narrow lanes for the sake of making up just a few minutes – it’s time that’s easily lost if you meet oncoming traffic. Don’t be afraid to take the long way round – perhaps an extra 16 miles or 25 minutes is well worth it
Get in some practice – if you’re not used to negotiating narrow roads, then have some practice driving on some close to home before the pressure of a family holiday
Take your time – while many country roads might have speed limits of 60mph, that doesn’t mean it’s the right speed to drive at – in fact, in many cases it’s incredibly unsafe to do so. Read the road carefully and consider what forward visibility you have. If it’s narrow and winding, reduce your speed accordingly
Separate RAC research suggests this summer will see very high levels of traffic on UK roads, with drivers planning in excess of 29m staycations – 16m of these in the school holidays alone.
246 people killed or seriously injured on UK motorways each year when roads are wet
Nearly three-quarters of drivers (72%) would like to see the standard 70mph speed limit on motorways reduced in wet weather to improve road safety and encourage better driving habits, RAC research has found.
Of 2,100 drivers surveyed, a third (33%) said the limit should be reduced to 60mph in the wet, while 7% think it should be cut to 65mph. Seventeen per cent of drivers would like an even lower limit of 55mph or even 50mph, while 14% would like to see the limit cut but aren’t sure by how much.
The RAC understands France is currently the only country in Europe to have speed limits that are reduced during inclement weather, with the 130km/h (80mph) limit reduced to 110km/h (68mph – a reduction of around 12mph).
While there are significantly more motorway fatalities in France, 806 people were still killed or seriously injured on motorways in Great Britain in 2019, with around a 30% of these casualties (246) occurring when the road surface was damp, wet or flooded – a figure higher than four years earlier (208).
Official figures also show that wet roads and drivers travelling too fast for the conditions were respectively the cause of some 259 and 242 motorway collisions in 2018.
Of the reasons given by drivers who advocate lower motorway speed limits in the wet, 78% said they felt lower limits would encourage some drivers to slow down, while 72% believed it might save lives, so is worth trying.
Two-thirds (65%) said slower speeds might improve visibility with less spray from moving vehicles, and half (53%) felt it would reduce overall vehicle speeds, even if some people ignored the lower limit.
Among the fifth of drivers (21%) who are against the idea of a lower motorway speed limit in bad weather, a majority said it was because most drivers already adjust their speed to the conditions (54%), or because there would be difficulty in defining when the new limit should apply (60%) – for instance, whether it would apply whenever the road surface was damp, or only while rain was actually falling.
Four-in-10 (42%) said many drivers choose to ignore existing speed limits anyway and a similar proportion (41%) thought drivers wouldn’t obey a lower motorway limit.
When asked whether a lower speed limit in the wet should be posted on stretches of motorway that already feature variable speed limit signage, including smart motorways, 73% of drivers were in favour, with 15% against the idea and 11% unsure.
RAC data insight spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Statistically, the UK has some of the safest motorways in Europe but it’s also the case that there hasn’t been a reduction in casualties of all severities on these roads since 2012, so perhaps there’s an argument for looking at different measures to help bring the number of casualties down.
“Overall, our research suggests drivers are broadly supportive of lower motorway speed limits in wet conditions, as is already the case across the Channel in France.
“And while most drivers already adjust their speed when the weather turns unpleasant, figures show that ‘driving too fast for the conditions’ and ‘slippery roads’ are still among the top 10 reasons for motorway collisions and contribute to significant numbers of serious injuries and even deaths every year.
“The overall success of any scheme would of course depend on sufficient numbers of motorists reducing their speed, but even just a proportion reducing their speed in the wet would be likely to improve the safety of the UK’s motorways.
“There would also be a number of practical hurdles to be overcome such as deciding what that lower limit would be, updating the Highway Code and fitting roadside signage to inform drivers of the new limits.
“Finally, it’s worth remembering that an increasing number of stretches of motorway no longer have permanent 70mph limits, as all smart motorways feature speed limits which are automatically adjusted to ease congestion based on traffic flow.
With digital signs now so commonplace, arguably the means exist to conduct a trial to see whether there are safety benefits of setting different speed limits in inclement weather.”
Highway Code Rule 227 states that stopping distances in wet weather are at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. This means the typical stopping distance at 70mph in dry conditions of 96 metres (315 feet) is extended to at least 192 metres (630 feet) in the wet, the equivalent of 48 car lengths. For more information, see this page on the RAC website.
Serious casualties on Great Britain’s motorways – when the road surface is damp, wet or over 3cm flooded:
With many people heading to the North of Scotland this summer, road policing officers are reminding road users to be safe on country roads.
Constable Neil MacDonald of Highlands and Islands Road Policing said: “The scenery in the area attracts people from all over the world. While we welcome the visitors we would like to remind them that some of the roads are different to what they may have encountered before and to be careful and safe while visiting.”
Drivers are reminded to reduce speed on approach to bends and junctions and look out for blind summits and hidden dips.
Many of the roads are single track and only wide enough for one vehicle. In these instances there will be signs for passing places and drivers are asked to use these responsibly and use them to allow vehicles to pass and overtake.
Chair of The Highland Council’s Tourism Committee, Gordon Adam said: “Driving throughout the Highlands is truly unique and the journey is very much part of the experience, however it does come with some challenges; particularly on narrow single track roads.
“We encourage all to drive according to the conditions of the road. Be courteous to other road users – please check your mirrors regularly and pull in and let the traffic behind you pass.
“Others may be carrying out vital deliveries or travelling to work, if you see a vehicle flashing headlights, it maybe someone attending an emergency. Pull in and let them pass. Take extra care when passing cyclists and walkers, particularly on single track roads and look out for livestock and horse riders.”
Drivers are also reminded to put away any distractions and always fasten seatbelts.
Constable Neil MacDonald said: “Following this advice will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip while helping to play your part in ensuring the smooth and safe running of the roads in the north.”
Trish Robertson, chair of the Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “The Highland Council fully support Police Scotland’s Road Safety campaign to inform visitors of the challenges of driving in rural locations with single track roads.
“Please make use of the nearest passing place and pull to the left to let traffic pass. You may have to reverse to let a vehicle pass. If you see a large vehicle approaching in the distance, be prepared to stop in the next passing place and wait for them to go by you.
“Follow the guidance provided by Police Scotland to ensure that you and other road users can safely enjoy the beautiful Highland scenery.”
Police Scotland have released a new leaflet with advice on Road Safety on Country Roads. The public are asked to share the leaflet:-
In the North of Scotland we are fortunate to be surrounded by stunning scenery, with a road network that enhances the natural beauty of the landscape.
However these roads may be different to what you have encountered before and while we welcome and encourage you to enjoy this beautiful part of the country, we want you to be safe.
Please read and follow these useful pointers to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, and which should help you to play your part in ensuring the smooth running of our roads on and near the North Coast 500 route:
» Please take extra care on rural roads and reduce your speed on approach to a bend – it may be sharper than it appears and you never know what could be round the corner. Also take care when approaching minor junctions and turnings which may be partially hidden. Drive at a speed that doesn’t affect your decision-making ability – this could be well below the speed limit.
» Look out for blind summits and hidden dips. Keep an eye on road signs and slow down as you approach.
» Single-track roads – these are only wide enough for one vehicle and you will see signs for ‘passing places’. If you observe a vehicle travelling towards you – or the driver behind wants to overtake – pull into a passing place on your left or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Do not park in passing places.
» Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass.
» Be prepared for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists, or farm livestock or wild animals moving from one side of the road to the other. Allow yourself enough time and space to move either into a passing place or off the road.
» Always reduce your speed on the approach to built-up areas.
» Belt up – it could make a crucial difference to you and your passengers in the event of a crash.
» Prepare for the unexpected – you might know the road like the back of your hand, but conditions and other traffic are always changing.
» Put away any distractions. Ignore your phone and do not attempt to set your Sat-Nav while driving.
A leading Insurance comparison website is warning that many motorists with diabetes risk a hefty fine if they fail to declare the condition to the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA).
Quotezone.co.uk also warns that policies could be void and claims disputed if diabetic drivers have not declared the disease to their insurer – and that includes those newly diagnosed.
As the pandemic-induced lockdowns forced people to alter their lifestyles with the closure of gyms, restricted exercise and reported spike in fast food takeaways – elements which can increase a person’s chances of developing the disease – it may lead to a surge of people being diagnosed with diabetes.
According to research from Manchester University, the first lockdown in April 2020 led to diagnosis rates falling 70% on the 10-year average.
It estimates that more than 45,000 type 2 diagnoses were either missed or delayed between March and July alone, creating an imminent surge in new diabetes patients as things slowly begin to open up.
Diabetes UK states that there are nearly five million people with the disease in the UK: 90% with type 2, 8% with type 1 and the remainder with rarer types. The charity predicts diabetes could rise to five and a half million by 2030 and 13.6 million are at risk of becoming type 2 sufferers.
The charity shared the following advice to show the various levels of restrictions for drivers with diabetes:
Those who have suffered a severe hypoglycaemia (hypo) attack at the wheel or while awake in past year-stop driving and tell the DVLA straight away.Driving licences will be revoked but can be applied for again after three months. Severe hypo attacks do not need to be declared if sufferer experiences it asleep.
Prescribed insulin – apply to the DVLA for a restricted licence – one to three years. Temporary insulin users do not need to tell the DVLA.
Medication that can risk hypos –a severe hypo while awake in a 12-month period, stop driving and tell the DVLA. Driving licence will be revoked, but can be reapplied for 3 months later.
Other diabetes medication or new exercise and diet – no need to tell the DVLA.
The penalties for not declaring a medical condition can result in a £1,000 fine and the risk of prosecution if the driver is involved in an accident.
In addition to diabetes, motorists with heart issues and other conditions such as epilepsy, sleep apnoea, strokes should visit the DVLA’s website for more information.
Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, comments: “A serious medical diagnosis on top of the fear of losing transportation and independence can be devasting. On a more positive note, many conditions and medications won’t impair driving, which the DVLA and insurers recognise.
“However, anyone whose condition or medication could affect their driving needs to keep the DVLA up to date. It won’t necessarily mean a permanent loss of a licence and many successfully reapply when their condition is managed and the risk declines. It is however essential that all drivers are properly covered with an accurate policy, to protect themselves and other road users.
“If a motorist sees their premiums go up due to the insurer’s updated risk assessment, and it looks like they might be priced out of affordable insurance, they should shop around for new quotes – insurance comparison websites are a good place to start.”
