Month: October 2018

Olympic champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy has suggested motorists and cyclists should open the lines of communication and put themselves into each other’s shoes, to improve relations on the road and raise safety levels.

The sportsman, speaking at the Cheltenham Festival of Literature, told audiences: “We are people trying to get around, whether you choose to go on foot, cycle, taxi, whatever. We are people trying to get from A to B.”

Hoy suggested both groups should put themselves in each other’s shoes – with drivers recognising how intimidating cars, vans and lorries can be to cyclists, and cyclists being courteous and communicative with drivers.

“If you are cycling and thinking, ‘Well, they can sit behind me for half a mile on this single lane road…’ It’s not about saying you should get out of the way and let them through. It’s about when they do come past, just give them the thumbs-up and you can see the road’s clear. Give them a wave through, say thanks. That little bit of communication helps,” said Hoy.

“Equally, when you are a motorist, to understand what it feels like to have a wing mirror buzz past your ear – it’s absolutely terrifying.

“Most cyclists drive and vice versa. You have to try and put yourself in the shoes of the other person.”

Hoy is one of Britain’s greatest cyclists and the country’s most decorated Olympian along with Jason Kenny. The two men have won six gold and one silver medal each in track cycling.

Hoy praised the ‘brilliance’ of a company in Brazil, which gave bus drivers a taste of passing distances in an innovative study.

The drivers were placed onto stationary bikes by researchers from the Social Transport Service – a non-profit organisation. They were then passed by a bus similar to one they would normally drive. The bus left them 1.5 metres of space – the legal minimum in Brazil.

The UK’s Highway Code contains no such minimum distance. Instead, it specifies only that drivers must give cyclists ‘plenty of room’ and ‘at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car’.

Cycling groups have criticised these guidelines for being unintentionally vague, and called for the introduction of minimum passing distances.

Grand Tour presenter Jeremy Clarkson has warned of a ‘terrifying’ future for petrolheads, with the current trend towards driverless cars, ownership schemes and electric vehicles a death knell for the traditional car enthusiast.

Clarkson was speaking at the inaugural Motor Awards, accepting his title of Motoring Personality of the Year. In traditional Clarkson style, he launched with a quip – “what a surprise!” before launching into his vision of the future.

“It’s interesting that we’ve come here tonight and we’re competing, seeing whether the Seat is better than the Vauxhall or the Ford or the Nissan. But the truth of the matter is… is that the world is changing, really really fast.

“It isn’t so much as which car you should buy, as used to be the case. It’s now becoming much more ‘how will we actually get about’? It’s becoming an interesting debate in the motoring world.

“Will we actually own cars at all? It’s a terrifying prospect for all of us, but it’s one that may well be coming. Who knows what we’re going to do about it.”

Clarkson has been an outspoken critic on several new car technologies in the past. He recently described autonomous vehicles as ‘dangerous’, writing in the Sunday Times magazine: “I drove a car the other day which has a claim of autonomous capability and twice in the space of 50 miles on the M4 it made a mistake, a huge mistake, which could have resulted in death.”

He’s also not a fan of car-sharing, writing in an old Top Gear column: “The idea of sharing a car in a morning with anyone other than Terry Wogan fills me with dread. So the idea of sharing my ‘car’ with people I don’t even know, people who may have germs or smelly bottoms, is truly terrifying.”

Motorists could be invalidating their insurance policies with even the simplest of modifications to their cars.

That’s according to GoCompare, which said that just 1.6 per cent of drivers declared modifications to their insurance providers, potentially invalidating their insurance and leaving them susceptible to fines and penalty points.

Anything classed as non-standard on a car is deemed a modification, with equipment such as uprated exhaust systems, suspension changes and tow bars all included.

Non-standard alloy wheels are also covered under the modifications banner, along with tinted windows and air filters.

Even specialist paintwork or stickers can be classed as modifications by insurers.

Matt Oliver, spokesman for GoCompare car insurance, which commissioned the study, said: “While modifications may ring bells of the bygone boy racer, it’s worth remembering that insurers don’t just class body kits, exhaust systems or suspension changes as vehicle modifications.

“The average used car buyer could find there are modifications they’re simply not aware of. Typically, modifications are anything which isn’t standard on a car, which could include alloy wheels, a satellite navigation system or even tinted windows – so it’s always worth checking what the factory standard is for your model of car to avoid landing in hot water when it comes to making a claim.

“Under two per cent of drivers are claiming to have car modifications, but we estimate this figure to be much greater, which leaves potentially millions of drivers open to invalidating their insurance and having their claims rejected.”

The survey revealed that alloy wheels, suspension alterations and tow bars were among the most popular modifications actually declared by drivers.

The figures were based on data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, along with quotes generated by GoCompare between March and September 2018

Jaguar’s all-electric I-Pace SUV may be able to travel over 200 miles on a single charge, but its complete lack of engine noise means it poses a problem to blind or visually impaired people.

To combat the issue, the British car manufacturer has created a unique Audible Vehicle Alert System (AVAS), which produces a sound that can be heard at speeds of up to 12.5mph.

The system exceeds new European legislation which is due to be introduced for all new electric vehicles from July 2019.

The technology, which took four years to develop, was tested by people involved with the Guide Dogs for the Blind organisation. The sound created is clearly audible outside the vehicle yet unnoticeable to those within.

A speaker housed behind the front grille plays the sound which can be heard from all angles, and increases or decreases in pitch and volume according to the car’s speed. It then disengages at higher speed, where wind and tyre noise gives a clear indication of the approaching vehicle.

Iain Suffield, Jaguar technical specialist, said: “The absence of a traditional engine noise from electric vehicles creates a problem for vulnerable pedestrians, such as the blind or visually impaired. This is especially true at low speeds in town centres and car parks.

“We developed the Audible Vehicle Alert System for the I-Pace to ensure the safety of all road users. Our potentially life-saving technology cannot be switched off and as it’s the leading charity for people with sight loss, we are pleased to have the support of Guide Dogs for the Blind to ensure real people are at the heart of our product testing.”

John Welsman of Guide Dogs for the Blind said: “There are two million children and adults living in the UK affected by sight loss. That is why we campaigned hard to make it compulsory for quiet vehicles to have sound-generating systems built in and turned on, including when the vehicle is stationary at a pedestrian crossing.

“We applaud Jaguar for being the first to launch an EV which meets standards before the new legislation even comes in and look forward to working with the company more in the future.”

One of the world’s most extensive collections of publicly viewable Formula One cars will be closed permanently on November 5.

The collection includes an extensive range of cars from British-based F1 teams such as Williams, Vanwall, Lotus, McLaren and Force India among dozens from the sport’s past, plus an array of military vehicles.

Initially founded by Tom Wheatcroft, the collection is housed at the Donington Park racing circuit. Wheatcroft helped re-open Donington in 1977, having had his first taste of motorsport at the venue before the Second World War.

Very disapointing to hear that the Donington Park museum will be closing. Only been there once a few years ago but spent a great couple of hours looking at the awesome collection of #williamsf1 and #McLarenf1 cars. pic.twitter.com/SF9cJeqO1s

— Pat Cranham (@PatCranham) October 11, 2018

The museum was built and opened ahead of the track’s revival, in 1973, as the Leicestershire-based enthusiast had been steadily purchasing classic racing cars for some time, and was running out of garage space.

Wheatcroft passed away in 2009, in the midst of a trying time for Donington Park following a botched attempt to host the British Grand Prix. His son Kevin Wheatcroft took over the reins, ensuring the survival of both the circuit and the museum.

In the midst of salvaging Donington’s facilities, several of the key cars in the collection were sold off, replaced by newer models from various racing teams. Many of the cars in the museum today are present on a lease basis, and will be returned to their owners.

Kevin Wheatcroft said of the closure: “Closing the museum after 45 years has been a really difficult decision, but family responsibilities simply make it the right thing to do.”

The museum will continue to open as normal until November 5.

Ford is continuing its mental health campaign in association with the charity Time to Change, and has commissioned a Norfolk artist to ‘paint’ a mural onto a filthy Transit van in support.

‘Ruddy Muddy’ painted a huge elephant onto the van, signifying the act of confronting the so-called elephant in the room – in this case, mental health. Along with the elephant, the van carries the legend: “If your mate’s acting differently – ACT! Don’t let mental health be the elephant in the room,” as well as the #asktwice hashtag.

This #worldmentalhealthday, open up a conversation and don’t let metal health be the elephant in the room. https://t.co/mQl4y5Jgrg

— Ford UK (@forduk) October 10, 2018

Ford’s support for the campaign comes after the manufacturer conducted research and found men working in trade and construction are at the greatest risk of depression. It also found more than half of Brits have had an emotional conversation while in a vehicle, with 60 per cent believing that’s the best place to do it.

Jo Loughran, director of the charity Time to Change, said: “It’s really important to us that we change how people think and act towards those of us experiencing mental health problems. Mental health problems can affect anyone and they can be hard to discuss. Our latest research shows that when asked how we are, three quarters of us will say ‘I’m fine’ even if we’re struggling with our mental health. This World Mental Health Day, we’re encouraging everybody to ask twice.”

“Asking twice – “Are you sure you’re ok?” – means people are much more likely to open up in conversation. We’re proud to be working alongside Ford on their dirty van art campaign.”

Ruddy Muddy, the artist responsible for the portrait, said: “When the mental health campaign was first mentioned I knew I wanted to be on board. Poor mental health has touched both friends and family and I have seen first-hand what a profound impact it can have.

“A chance to do something that increases the awareness of talking and understanding mental health was an extremely interesting idea. If it can help just one person then it is a very important muddy van…”

Ford has been doing its own part to help its employees confront mental health issues. Since April, it has issued daily emails to employees around mindfulness and mental health awareness, trained 50 new mental health first aiders and provided mental health training to 250 others, and launched a dedicated employee wellbeing portal.

Ford has undertaken trials of new connected car technology that could remove the problem of stop-start traffic and free up roads worldwide.

The system, called Intersection Priority Management (IPM), is being showcased on the streets of Milton Keynes this week, in a bid by Ford to show how the traffic-easing technology has genuine real-world potential.

IPM uses vehicle-to-vehicle communications to suggest optimum travelling speeds. It can even allow cars to pass by one another at junctions without the need to stop.

Each car is capable of broadcasting its location, as well as its direction of travel and speed. The on-board systems identify an upcoming junction while assessing the approach speeds of nearby vehicles simultaneously. The car can then pick an optimum speed so that each car can pass through safely.

Christian Ress, supervisor for driver assist technologies at Ford Research and Advanced Engineering, said: “We know that intersections and traffic lights can be a real bugbear for many drivers.

“With the connected car technology we have been demonstrating this week, we envisage a world where vehicles are more aware of each other and their environment, enabling intelligent co-operation and collaboration on the roads – and around junctions.”

The showcase of technology was part of the government-funded UK Autodrive project, which looks to improve traffic flow as well as increasing safety and efficiency.

Other technologies displayed were Collaborative Parking, which uses a crowd-sourced map of a car park to display available spaces, as well as Emergency Vehicle Warning, which can alert drivers to the location and proximity of approaching emergency services vehicles.

A new poll has revealed the most popular albums to listen to while driving.

Fleetwood Mac’s iconic Rumours topped the bill after drivers were asked which album they would listen to while driving alone.

Coming in at second was Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, followed by Ed Sheeran’s Divide.

Other notable albums which entered into the top ten came from artists such as Adele, David Bowie, The Beach Boys, Elton John and U2.

The top three choices varied between age groups, however. Ed Sheeran took the number one spot for 18-34 year olds, while Fleetwood Mac was tied with the soundtrack from the movie ‘The Greatest Showman’ for second. However, for the remaining age groups, Fleetwood Mac was the most popular.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “Playing an album can help reduce boredom on long journeys but is there an ideal type of music to drive to? Some academics warn that up-tempo loud music may not be as safe as slower, quieter tracks.

“We are told that if music is above 60 beats per minute, listeners experience a faster heart rate and increased blood pressure which could lead to them taking more risks. Classical music may not be as fast as dance music, but the number of notes, combined with the repetitive crescendo and diminuendo can have the same effect.”

The AA survey was undertaken to coincide with the first National Album Day on October 13 and questioned over 20,000 AA members.

Fleetwood Mac’s success in the poll could be because The Chain, from the Rumours album is synonymous with Formula 1. It’s been the sport’s soundtrack on and off since 1978, making it instantly recognisable for most motoring enthusiasts.

Despite over a fifth of all music listening taking place in a car, the poll also revealed that 29 per cent of 65 year olds and over don’t listen to an album while driving. On the opposite end, only 10 per cent of 18-24 years olds admitted to driving without music.

An advert for Nissan’s all-electric Leaf has been ruled as misleading by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

The online ad claimed that the Leaf’s battery could be largely replenished in under an hour, stating in a footnote that the charging time would depend on the type of charger used, as well as factors such as battery temperature and size.

Following its release, three complainants stated that the car sometimes took longer than the stated 60 minutes to charge, and would only accept one fast charge per day – challenging the manufacturer’s charging time claims and asking whether they were misleading and unsubstantiated.

As a result, the ASA found that as a result of the charging process taking longer in some circumstances, the advert “did not clearly convey the degree of variability in the time that may be required to deliver a certain amount of charge” and concluded that “the claims had not been substantiated and were likely to mislead”.

In response, Nissan edited the wording of the advert, changing it to state that drivers would “get from 20-80% charge in around 60 minutes”.

However, despite these amendments the ASA still deemed that the advert was “likely to mislead”.

The ASA ordered that the advert must not appear in the same form again, and told Nissan Motor GB “to ensure that their future advertising made clear the degree of variability in the time that may be required to deliver a certain amount of charge.”

A spokesperson for Nissan GB said: “We were very disappointed with the ruling made by the ASA although of course we will respect their decision. We constantly review and react to customer feedback to ensure that we are giving the very best possible service and information.

“We are pleased to see that the New Leaf is performing well, and meeting our customers’ expectations, and will work closely with them to ensure that this continues in the future.”

Jaguar Land Rover has taken a step closer to an autonomous future with a new public display — completing an entirely driverless lap of one of the UK’s trickiest public roads.

The firm sent a Range Rover Sport equipped with self-driving tech around Coventry’s Ring Road, with the goal of taking itself around the route safely.

JLR opted to use the Range Rover Sport for its pre-existing assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control. To give it its fully driverless capabilities, RADAR and LIDAR sensors were also fitted.

It was a success, with the car safely changing lanes, merging with traffic, exiting junctions and sticking to the 40mph speed limit without any input from the driver.

JLR also says the tech allows the car to autonomously navigate roundabouts safely while also making it capable of dealing with pedestrians, cyclists, traffic lights and other vehicles on complicated roads.

Mark Cund, autonomous vehicle research manager for Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The Coventry Ring Road is known for its complicated slip roads and exits. It makes for very challenging conditions, especially when under pressure in the rush hour.

“Our self-driving car is not impacted by the same pressure, frustrations or fatigue that a driver may experience and so it’s capable of turning a potentially very stressful situation into a completely stress-free one.”

The trial was undertaken as part of the government-funded, £20 million UK Autodrive project — an initiative to test autonomous tech in Coventry and Milton Keynes, in an effort to put the UK at the forefront of driverless vehicle development.