16 September 2011
The current legal limit for tread depths on UK tyres is dangerous and UK motorists are being urged to change their tyres at three millimetres rather than the prescribed 1.6mm, says a leading tyre manufacturer.
Continental Tyres says that the current legal tread depth of 1.6mm means that tyres will perform at just 55 per cent efficiency when compared to cars with a full tread of eight millimetres, with serious consequences for UK in the event of heavy braking or emergency manoeuvring, particularly on wet roads.
Read the full article here
19 August 2011
More than five million UK motorists have driven through a red light in the past month alone according to new data.
That means more than one in six motorists will flout the law each month, while a further two per cent of motorists will habitually drive through red lights.
Read the full article here
19 July 2011
Highways Agency helps holiday traffic on its way
The Highways Agency is urging families to plan their journey and to check traffic and weather before they set off on their summer holiday.
With the majority of schools breaking up for the end of term this week, extra traffic will be heading for the seaside and major ports, especially on Friday and over the weekend.
As usual, staff at the agency’s control centres and on road patrols will be working round the clock to keep traffic moving. And the agency will continue to provide information on current road conditions through its range of traffic information services to help drivers plan their journeys.
Roads Minister Mike Penning said:
“For many people this will be the longest car journey of the year, often on an unfamiliar route and we want to help them to avoid spoiling the start of their holiday.
“A few moments checking traffic conditions before you set off could take a lot of stress out of the journey. There are also plenty of ways to check for updates whenever you stop for a break, which you should do every two hours.”
Other tips include making sure roof racks and bike racks are well secured, taking care when towing a caravan, boat or trailer, not running out of fuel and allowing plenty of time for the journey.
Families heading off on holiday can check live traffic conditions from the Highways Agency website highways.gov.uk/traffic, which is also available from mobile devices, an iPhone app that is free to download, digital information screens at most motorway services or by tuning in to the agency’s digital Traffic Radio.
This summer there are also live updates on Twitter. Holidaymakers can follow @holidayroutes for information about major events and there is a full index of Highways Agency services on the social media site at highways.gov.uk/twitter
To feed its live traffic services the Highways Agency collects data from thousands of traffic flow monitors, CCTV cameras and other sources. This information is also passed on to third parties including the BBC, local radio stations, media websites, Google Maps and TomTom.
28 June 2011
Driving examiner strike. Candidates to attend tests
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is urging all driving test candidates booked to take a test on Thursday 30 June to attend as usual regardless of the threat of strike action by examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union.
DSA chief executive Rosemary Thew said:
“Not all examiners are members of the PCS union and even if they are, we cannot be sure that they will not turn up for work. We therefore want candidates to attend so that practical tests can be delivered if possible. Theory tests are not affected and will be taking place as planned.
“Candidates who turn up but are unable to take their tests because of industrial action will not have to contact DSA to re-book. They should hear from us with a new date within five to ten working days. We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and will do everything we can to minimise disruption for our customers"
If no examiner is available for a test, a new date will be rebooked automatically by DSA and the candid ate will be sent details of the new test. If candidates fail to attend they will not be able to claim out of pocket expenses if their tests are cancelled and they will need to rebook their own tests.
DSA customer service centre for practical tests might also be affected by the strike action. Customers who wish to book a practical test will still be able to use DSA internet booking service at direct.gov.uk/drivingtest.
Details about claiming out-of-pocket expenses can be found at direct.gov.uk/drivingtestexpenses.
27 June 2011
Plans to take driving tests closer to candidates
Driving test candidates could benefit from a more local service as the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) carries out a trial exploring a new approach to test delivery.
As well as using conventional driving test centres, DSA is looking at whether tests could also be delivered from other venues such as local authority buildings, hotels or leisure centres.
The trials will provide practical car tests in selected areas that no longer have a local test centre, but still have a significant demand for tests. The aim is to provide a service for the local community and ensure that candidates are able to take their test at convenient locations.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:
“I want us to be more flexible and innovative in delivering driving tests to make sure that we are offering people the best service possible wherever they live.
“Our aim is to provide a more local service that is both convenient for candidates and cost effective.”
The trials are due to take place in seven locations across Britain: Ashford, Ayrshire, Dumbarton, Louth, Warrington, Wiltshire and one location in Wales that is still to be decided. The trials will be monitored to assess any impact on levels of customer service and the cost of delivery, as well as making sure the integrity of the test is maintained.
DSA will then decide whether the trials can be rolled out to other areas without a test centre where there is a significant demand, and where suitable routes and venues can be identified.
The trials will only involve practical car tests; theory test centres will not be affected.
20 June 2011
Crackdown on uninsured driving gets underway
New laws to tackle uninsured driving will be enforced from today.
Under the new Continuous Insurance Enforcement law it is an offence to be the keeper of an uninsured vehicle, rather than just to drive when uninsured.
From today, registered keepers identified as having an uninsured vehicle will be sent a letter telling them that their vehicle appears to be uninsured, and warning them of the consequences if they fail to take action. Those who do not act on this warning - either by taking out insurance or declaring their vehicle off the road - will receive a hundred pound fine and could have their vehicle clamped, seized and destroyed. They may also face a court prosecution.
All drivers can check their vehicle is recorded correctly for free at askMID.com
Under the new system:
- DVLA will work in partnership with the Motor Insurers Bureau to identify uninsured vehicles
- motorists will receive a letter telling them that their vehicle appears to be uninsured and warning them that they will be fined unless they take action
- if the keeper fails to insure the vehicle they will be given a hundred pound fine
- if the vehicle remains uninsured, regardless of whether the fine is paid, further action will be taken. If the vehicle is on public land it could then be clamped, seized and destroyed; alternatively court action could be taken, with the offender facing a fine of up to one thousand pounds
- seized vehicles would only be released when the keeper provided evidence that the registered keeper is no longer committing the offence of having no insurance and the person proposing to drive the vehicle away is insured to do so
Vehicles with a valid Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) won't be required to be insured.
17 June 2011
DSA searches for casual hire sites for module one motorcycle test
To improve access for those candidates who have to travel long distances to take the module one test, DSA is looking for additional casual hire sites in the following areas:
- Mid Wales
- East and West Yorkshire
- Cumbria
- Stoke-on-Trent
DSA may also consider other areas for casual hire sites, but this will depend on location and demand. If you are a driver or rider trainer who knows of any suitable sites ready to use, then DSA would like to hear from you.
Any sites you suggest must:
- have suitable examiner accommodation, so will require office space and toilets as a minimum
- be available for weekday or weekend use
- have a surface with little or no work needed to bring up to a suitable standard, so it must:
- be relatively flat
- have a good quality tarmac surface with no significant hazards near the riding line such as drains, kerbs, posts, potholes or other damage
DSA will not consider any sites where the surface is not suitable; for example, if it is made up of concrete, gravel, or compressed hardcore.
On road access for module two is not necessary. You could also consider areas where road markings or paint need to be removed.
Motorcycle test module one site size options:
A standard area:
- an area of 125 metres long and 40 metres wide
A hockey stick shaped layout:
This may become an option. DSA uses these at VOSA sites:
- the short end of the hockey stick needs to be around 40 metres long by at least five metres wide
- the straight should lead in to a 20 to 30 metre radius bend, travelling through at least 90 degrees
- after the bend a straight section of approximately 100 metres long by at least 12 metres wide is required, there should be 35 metres (plus or minus four metres) from the exit of the bend to the two red cones at the start of the speed measuring channel
- an area of about 40 by 20 metres should be available for the slower speed exercises
There is some flexibility in the above dimensions as they may have to be varied to suit the local area. Please bear these options in mind when considering potential sites.
Please forward full details to: casualsites@dsa.qsi.gov.uk
27 May 2011
BBC Fake Britain - Driving Standards Agency fraud and integrity team
Back in 2010, our Fraud and Integrity team were involved in the BBC programme Fake Britain. This footage is now on our YouTube channel.
Follow the team as they investigate impersonators for driving tests.....
BBC Fake Britain footage of Driving Standards Agency
23 May 2011
Motorists warned to get insured ahead of crackdown
Motorists are being warned to insure their vehicles ahead of a new crackdown to tackle the menace of uninsured driving.
Under the new Continuous Insurance Enforcement law, which will affect all motorists from 20 June, it is an offence to keep an uninsured vehicle, rather than just to drive when uninsured.
A national advertising campaign will be launched by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau today to raise awareness of the law.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:
“Uninsured drivers are a danger on our roads, killing 160 and injuring a further 23,000 people each year, and they cost honest motorists 500 million pounds in extra premiums. That is why we are introducing this tough new law which will leave uninsured drivers with nowhere to hide.
"Our message is clear; get insured or face a fine, court action or seeing your car seized and destroyed.”
Ashton West, Chief Executive at the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, said:
“The change in law is a stepping up of enforcement activity, so that not only those vehicles driven without insurance will be caught. Now the registered keeper must make sure that their vehicle is insured all the time.
“In order to make sure everyone is aware of the new scheme, a national awareness campaign will be shown on satellite and terrestrial TV channels.
“Around four percent of vehicles have no motor insurance at any given time, and this needs to change so that is why this new enforcement approach is so important.”
Watch the TV advert on YouTube
20 May 2011
Your chance to cut motoring red tape
Life is about to get easier for road users, businesses, and local authorities as Roads Minister Mike Penning today pledged to slash unnecessary red tape.
Over 400 Whitehall road transport regulations have been placed on the Red Tape Challenge website, a Government-wide site aimed at reducing bureaucracy - for four weeks. It asks everyone whether they think that a regulation is well designed and provides vital protections, or is badly designed, badly implemented or simply a bad idea.
Prime candidates for being scrapped include:
The requirement for motorists to have a paper or electronically issued Motor Insurance certificate.
Getting rid of this requirement could reduce admin costs for businesses and cut bureaucracy for many people;
Regulations specifying that bus companies have to wait 48 hours before they can throw away perishable items that have been left on the bus;
Rules specifying the procedure that councils must go through when installing speed humps. This includes the minimum (and maximum) heights and the minimum number of lights that must be installed nearby.
Mike Penning said;
“We are calling on everyone: consumers, businesses and volunteer groups to get involved and help reduce the number of badly thought out and obsolete regulations in our country."
14 April 2011
Highway Code celebrates 80 years on the road
One of Britain's best selling and most iconic publications - the Highway Code - is 80 years-old today.
The first edition was published on 14 April 1931 in a bid to cut down on the number of accidents taking place on Britain's roads. Despite the fact there were just 2.3 million motor vehicles at the time, over 7,000 people were killed in road accidents that year.
The Highway Code quickly became the 'must read' publication for those using the road and is now recognised the world over. The Code is now used by millions of drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians every year and has even been featured in TV drama storylines.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:
"The Highway Code is the official guide to using the roads safely and responsibly. The Code has helped to save thousands of lives over the last 80 years, which is cause for celebration.
"The Highway Code is not just for new drivers, it holds crucial information for everyone from experienced motorists and motorcyclists to horse riders and pedestrians.
"The publication offers the latest information on the rules of the roads and road safety advice, as well as promoting greater courtesy and understanding among all road users. Its long-standing success is one of the reasons why Britain's roads are among the safest in the world".
The Highway Code has moved with the times and is now available in a variety of formats, including online from the Directgov website, as a download and on CD ROM with a voice-over for people with reading difficulties.
The Highway Code : Directgov - Travel and transport
06 April 2011
DSA to stop accepting Maestro cards from 14 April 2011
From 14 April 2011, DSA will no longer be accepting Maestro cards for test bookings and other payments.
If you’re registered with DSA as a business or trainer booker and your nominated payment card is a Maestro, you’ll need to change it to another card either:
- in writing to: DSA Business ID section, PO Box 280, Newcastle upon Tyne NE991FP
- by fax: 0300 200 1155
Theory test trainer bookers must log onto the online booking service and either delete or amend their nominated payment card details saved within the ‘Favourite form of payment’ field.
DSA accepts the following cards:
- MasterCard
- Visa
- Delta
Visa Electron
09 March 2011
The THINK! website has changed
Road safety information has been moved to three different places in line with government rules to move public information to Directgov.
THINK! campaigns
Visit direct.gov.uk/think for THINK! campaign information including:
- THINK! road safety statistics and facts
- THINK! adverts and interactive road safety games
- partnership information
Do you link to THINK? |
Road safety advice
Visit the new road safety advice section of Directgov for general road safety information including:
- drink driving limits
- advice on choosing and fitting child car seats
- penalties for using hand-held mobile phones whilst driving
Road safety professionals
Visit the new road safety professional area on the Department for Transport website for information and resources to support professionals in delivering road safety messages including:
- THINK! campaign strategies, key messages and recent campaign activity
- THINK! research including campaign evaluation
- information about using THINK! adverts and brand guidelines
THINK! Education
THINK! Education websites haven't changed
21 February 2011
Government crackdown on drink and drug driving
A package of measures to tackle drink and drug driving was announced today by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond.
Improved testing equipment to detect drink and drug drivers will be given the green light and key changes made to streamline enforcement of both offences.
The government will also examine the case for a new specific drug driving offence, alongside the existing one – which would remove the need for the police to prove impairment on a case-by-case basis where a specified drug has been detected.
The measures are set out in the government’s response to the North Report on Drink and Drug Driving, which was published last year.
The prescribed alcohol limit for driving will not be changed, with the focus instead on improving enforcement and education to tackle the drink and drug drivers who put lives at risk.
Philip Hammond said:
“Drink and drug driving are serious offences and we are determined to ensure they are detected and punished effectively.
“It is just as dangerous to drive impaired by drugs as alcohol so we need to send a clear message that drug drivers are as likely to be caught as drink drivers and that drug driving is as socially unacceptable as drink driving has become. That is why we will approve drug-testing devices and change the law to speed up the testing process, ensuring the police can bring drug drivers to justice.
“The number of drink driving deaths has fallen by more than 75 per cent since 1979. But drink driving still kills hundreds of people so we need to take tough action against the small minority of drivers who flagrantly ignore the limit. Their behaviour is entrenched and after careful consideration we have concluded that improving enforcement is likely to have more impact on these dangerous people than lowering the limit.
“We are therefore taking forward a package of measures which will streamline enforcement, helping the police to target these most dangerous offenders and protect law-abiding road users.”
On drink driving the government will:
- revoke the right for people whose evidential breath test result is less than 40% over the limit to opt for a blood test (the ‘statutory option’). The breath testing equipment used in police stations is now very accurate and technically sophisticated so a blood sample is not needed to confirm the breath test. The need to organise a blood sample can mean that drivers who were over the limit when breath tested have fallen below the limit by the time their blood sample is taken – removing the statutory option will eliminate this loophole
- introduce a more robust drink drive rehabilitation scheme, so that we can require those drink drivers who are substantially in excess of the limit to take remedial training and a linked driving assessment before recovering their licence
- approve portable evidential breath testing equipment for the police. This will speed up the testing process and free up police time
- close a loophole used by high risk offenders to delay their medical examinations
- streamline the procedure for testing drink drivers in hospital
On drug driving the Government will:
- approve preliminary drug-testing equipment - initially for use in police stations, and at the roadside as soon as possible. The Home Office is currently testing six drug-testing devices and hopes to be able to take decisions on type-approval by the end of June.
- allow custody nurses to advise the police whether or not a suspected driver has a condition that may be due to a drug. This will remove the need to call out police doctors and so speed up the testing process – ensuring that drug drivers do not escape punishment because a doctor is not available and also freeing up police time.
- examine the case for a new specific drug driving offence – alongside the existing one – which would remove the need for the police to prove impairment on a case-by-case basis where a specified drug has been detected.
The full response to the North Report, which also includes the Department’s response to the Transport Select Committee’s report on the same subject, has been published today at http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drivinglaws/.
21 February 2011
Toyota gives updated recall information
Toyota has updated its information about the build dates of vehicles affected by their February 2010 recall. The dates now cover a much shorter period.
The Corolla and RAV4 are no longer subject to recall.
Peugeot Citroen information from the same recall has not changed.
Read the updated recall notice on Directgov
18 February 2011
DVLA reminds motorists of new motor insurance law
The DVLA in conjunction with the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) and the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) are reminding drivers that a new law to be rolled out in late Spring will mean that they must keep their vehicle insured unless they have notified the DVLA that is it is being kept off the road.
Information about the new law is being distributed with all V11 tax renewal forms from March in addition to the guidance and video available now on Directgov.
David Evans, DVLA’s corporate affairs director, said:
“We know that uninsured drivers are a menace on our roads and add around 30 pounds to honest motorists’ premiums.
“It is vitally important that motorists understand the change and how it will impact on them. That is why we have added new information to Directgov which offers clear advice to help motorists understand the new rules.”
Neil Drane, MIB’s head of motor insurance database services said:
“The change in law is a stepping up of enforcement activity, so that not only those vehicles driven without insurance will be caught. Now the registered keeper must make sure that their vehicle is insured all the time. And if it is, then they need not be concerned. The DVLA and MID will be systematically checked, so that the levels of uninsured driving are reduced even further.”
Graeme Trudgill, BIBA’s head of corporate affairs said:
“Continuous Insurance Enforcement will help reduce the 500 million pound burden on innocent motorists caused by uninsured drivers, vehicle keepers should ensure they stay insured or SORN their vehicle if it is laid up, vehicle keepers can always check at askmid.com or speak to their insurance broker or company if they have any doubt.”
For more information go to direct.gov.uk/stayinsured.
02 February 2011
DVLA scam email warning
Watch out for emails claiming to be from DVLA asking you to verify your driving licence details via an online link – it's a scam. DVLA has not sent any such email, so if you get one delete it immediately.
Scam phishing email
The email appears to be an attempt to trick drivers into providing personal details. If you get the email below, do not respond to it and delete it immediately.
This warning has also been published on the Directgov website:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_194193
From: DVLA
Subject: Update Your License Details
We are currrently upgrading our database and all drivers are required to update and verify there driver's license details.To complete your license verification with us, you are required to fill out the form in the link below.
{Fake link}
Drivers that refuses to upgrade his or her details within two weeks of receiving this verification email will lose his or her driver's License and will have to take a fresh driving test.
We sincerely apologise for any inconviniences this might have caused you.
Thank you for your co-operation.
(c) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Swansea SA6 7JL
12 January 2011
Cancellation of identity cards: changes to ID requirements
The government has passed legislation cancelling identity cards for British citizens. From 21 January 2011, those identity cards that have already been issued will no longer be legal forms of identification.
This means you will no longer be able to use the identity card as a valid document to prove your identity for a practical driving test or for Driver CPC periodic training.
If you don’t have a photo card licence and counterpart to prove your identity but have an old-style paper one, you must bring this and a valid passport.
For more information about the cancellation of identity cards visit direct.gov.uk/identity
11 January 2011
Uninsured drivers face new crackdown
New powers to tackle uninsured driving will come into force within months, Road Safety Minister Mike Penning announced today.
Under the new powers it will be an offence to keep an uninsured vehicle, rather than just to drive when uninsured.
Currently every responsible motorist pays an average £30 each year within their premiums to cover crashes involving uninsured and untraced drivers. It is also estimated that uninsured and untraced drivers kill 160 people and injure 23,000 every year.
Mike Penning said:
"Uninsured drivers push up premiums for other motorists and often drive with no regard for other road users, so it is vital that we do everything we can to keep them off the roads.
“More than 400 uninsured vehicles are already being seized by the police every day but it is simply not possible to catch every uninsured driver in this way. That is why we are bringing in these new powers which will help us to take targeted action while freeing up police time to deal with the hard core of offenders.”
Ashton West, Chief Executive at the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, said:
“Today’s news marks a significant step forward in the fight against uninsured driving. This means that as enforcement can take place for both keeping and driving a vehicle without insurance there will be no place for illegal motorists to hide.
“Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) will complement and run alongside existing police roadside enforcement, which has already reduced uninsured driving by 20 per cent.”
Under the new system:
- the DVLA will work in partnership with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to identify uninsured vehicles
- motorists will receive a letter telling them that their vehicle appears to be uninsured and warning them that they will be fined unless they take action
- if the keeper fails to insure the vehicle they will be given a £100 fine
- if the vehicle remains uninsured - regardless of whether the fine is paid - it could then be seized and destroyed
Vehicles with a valid Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) will not be required to be insured.
The Department for Transport today made the Commencement Order to make it an offence to be the registered keeper of a vehicle which does not have insurance, as well as regulations to support this. Further regulations will be made shortly, allowing the scheme to come into force in the Spring.
07 January 2011
'How to be an eco-safe driver' video on YouTube
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published a new video on its YouTube channel about eco-safe driving.
Watch the video for tips on how to be an eco-safe driver and contribute to road safety as well as reducing your fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.
'How to be an eco-safe driver' video
If you run your own website you can embed the video, or share it on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
More information about eco-safe driving can be found at direct.gov.uk/ecosafedriving.
07 January 2011
Driver CPC statistics now available online
You can now find statistics on the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) on DSA corporate website.
Here, you will find up to date information on matters such as:
- number of periodic training hours logged
- how many people have completed the initial qualification
- how many courses approved and completed
For more details about Driver CPC, visit businesslink.gov.uk/cpc
04 January 2011
Registration and non statutory test fee increases from 4 January 2011
The following registration and non statutory test fees have increased today due to the VAT change:
Registration for large goods vehicle instructors
Registration and test fees for fleet driver trainers
Registration to join the post-test register of motorcycle trainers
Taxi driving assessment
You can find out more for each category on the Business Link website.
Please visit the Business Link website for a list of all fee increases effective from 4 January 2011, including the Cardington special tests for driving and motorcycle instructors.
