Green number plates get the green light for a zero-emission future

Introduction of green number plates plus a multi-million pound investment for electric vehicle research helping accelerate a zero-emission future for the UK.

Green number plate on an electric vehicle.
  • green number plates for electric vehicles to be introduced across the UK from autumn
  • £12 million investment also announced for ground-breaking zero-emission vehicle research
  • cleaner, greener transport will help people to travel safely and drive a green economic recovery as the country rebuilds

Green number plates are set to be rolled out from autumn, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed today (16 June 2020), under plans to drive a green economic recovery.

As part of the government’s plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, drivers will be encouraged to make the switch to electric vehicles through the introduction of green number plates. The plates will make it easier for cars to be identified as zero emission vehicles, helping local authorities design and put in place new policies to incentivise people to own and drive them.

For example, drivers could benefit from local initiatives such as cheaper parking and cost-free entry into zero-emission zones where those with a green number plate will be recognised as eligible.

The plates will be identifiable by a green flash on the left-hand side and will be available for zero emission vehicles only.

Example of front and rear green number plates.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

A green recovery is key to helping us achieve our net zero carbon commitments while also promoting economic growth.

Green number plates could unlock a number of incentives for drivers and increase awareness of cleaner vehicles on our roads, showing people that a greener transport future is within our grasp.

We’re supporting small businesses to develop the transport tech of the future through a multi-million pound investment, ensuring that UK businesses remain at the forefront of low carbon innovation and research.’’

This follows the conclusion of a consultation, inviting comments from the public, local authorities and industry stakeholders from a range of sectors including motoring and consumer groups and vehicle manufacturers on how best to introduce green number plates.

To further accelerate the government’s plans to drive a green recovery, £12 million funding for ground-breaking research into the zero-emission market has also been announced to develop greener vehicles and help improve vehicle charging technology.

The funding, made available through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and delivered through Innovate UK, will see £10 million for a new Zero Emission Vehicle Innovation Competition. This will invite applicants to bid for project funding to support advancements in both battery electric and hydrogen vehicles, as well as charging infrastructure.

OLEV is also providing £2 million to UK small and medium businesses to support their research into zero-emission vehicles in areas such as battery technology, which could be used by major vehicle manufacturers in future electric vehicle production.

The funding will help these businesses to drive local economic growth through research and development projects in areas including charging infrastructure and zero emission vehicles, which could in turn create over 6,000 skilled jobs.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/green-number-plates-get-the-green-light-for-a-zero-emission-future

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More than a third of people are unsure whether electric scooters should be legalised, according to a new survey.

The 2020 Road Safety Survey was carried by the Road Safety News editorial team, with 920 respondents answering questions on emerging themes.

When asked whether they supported the legalisation of electric scooters, views are split – with 39% responding ‘yes’.

On the other hand, 26% are against the idea – while 35% are unsure.

Some of the opposition expressed might be explained by a fear over the impact electric scooters could have on the risks faced by those travelling actively.

Nearly two-thirds (60%) of respondents felt the legalisation of electric scooters would increase the risks for people walking or cycling – while only 16% believe they would not.

Less than two in 10 (19%) of respondents would consider riding an electric scooter if they were allowed to.

Electric scooters – the current situation
Under current UK law, it is illegal to use a powered transporter – such as an electric scooter – on a public road or other prohibited space, including pavements and cycle lanes.

The UK is the last major European economy where e-scooters are banned everywhere except on private land (with the landowner’s permission).

However, the Government is considering changing the rules.

In March, it announced a consultation would be launched to look at the requirements for both electric scooters and those using them, to make sure they are safe for use on roads.

Meanwhile last week, the Transport Committee launched a separate inquiry to consider the implications of legalising electric scooters for use on roads, cycle lanes and pavements.

Source: Road Safety GB;

https://roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/uncertainty-reigns-over-use-of-electric-scooters/

How does AdBlue work – and does my car have it?

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What is AdBlue?

AdBlue is an exhaust fluid – not a fuel additive – and is stored in a separate reservoir topped up via a (usually) blue filler cap located either next to your fuel filler, in the boot or under the bonnet.

It’s a trade name registered by the German car manufacturers association, but is the most recognised form of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

What is AdBlue made of?

AdBlue is a colourless, non-toxic mixture of urea and de-ionised water. It’s not actually blue at all.

Lots of people think AdBlue is made of pig urine – it’s not. The urea used in AdBlue is a high purity man-made solution – pig urine wouldn’t be pure or sterile enough for a commercial product.

How does AdBlue work?

Tiny amounts of AdBlue are injected into the flow of exhaust gases. At high temperatures AdBlue turns to ammonia and carbon dioxide. Inside the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalyst, harmful nitrogen oxide in the exhaust reacts with the ammonia and is transformed to harmless nitrogen and water.

Similar technology has been used effectively for years in buses and heavy lorries.

What happens if I run out of AdBlue?

If you run out of AdBlue while you’re driving, then the engine’s power and performance will be reduced to limit its emissions. Once you’ve stopped, you won’t be able to restart the engine if the AdBlue tank’s empty.

The car will give you plenty of warning that the AdBlue tank’s running low – usually a text warning on the dashboard with around 1500 miles to go followed by an amber warning light.

Which cars can use AdBlue?

Not all car manufacturers use AdBlue technology. But chances are if you’ve got a diesel from Jaguar, Land Rover or any French or German manufacturer, and it was registered new after September 2015, it’ll use AdBlue.

Does my car use AdBlue?

Some older cars or vehicles from other manufacturers use AdBlue too, so if you’re not sure if your car uses it, you can check:

  • The vehicle handbook.
  • See if there’s an AdBlue filler cap either next to the fuel filler, in the boot or under the bonnet.
  • If the model name contains ‘Blue’ or ‘SCR’.
  • If you’re still not sure, ask a dealer.

Where can I buy AdBlue?

AdBlue’s sold by petrol stations, garages, motor accessory shops, online retailers and even some supermarkets. If you’re in any doubt that you’re buying the right stuff, contact your dealer.

It’s widely available in 1.5, 5 and 10 litre containers. The smaller packs have a specially-designed neck which allows you to top up the tank without a funnel but without risk of spillage, so why not carry a small container of AdBlue so you’re ready to top-up when necessary?

How long does AdBlue last?

The rate at which you use AdBlue depends on your engine and how economically you drive.

Typical consumption seems to be around a litre of AdBlue every 600 miles but could be as high as a litre every 350 miles. The size of the tank varies too so the range between refills could be somewhere between 3,000 and 12,000 miles depending on the car and your driving style.

This means that most drivers will have to top-up their AdBlue reservoir at least once between normal service visits to the dealer.

Is it safe to drive with the AdBlue warning light on?

It’s not a major safety issue, but if you don’t top up, you’ll eventually run out of AdBlue and you won’t be able to start the car.

When the warning light first comes on you’ll have plenty of time to refill – so don’t panic. Just make sure you don’t put off topping up.

How to reset the AdBlue warning light

There’s no manual way of resetting your AdBlue warning light – the only thing you can do is top up. Once you’ve refilled to the minimum level, the warning light will disappear.

Where is the AdBlue tank?

The AdBlue tank is usually located under the boot floor, where the spare wheel might have been in the past, but it’s more important to know where the filler for it is located. There’ll usually be a small blue filler cap next to the main diesel filler. If it’s not there, then check in the boot or under the bonnet.

What happens if I put AdBlue in the diesel tank?

Putting it directly into your fuel tank could cause expensive damage to your fuel tank, pump and injection system. If you start the engine it’s likely to be an expensive write-off, so don’t touch the ignition.

You’ll need to get the tank drained and the contents disposed of safely before you can refill it. Call us, and we’ll sort the problem out.

What happens if I put diesel in the AdBlue tank?

Don’t turn on the ignition or start the engine and call us for help. If you do start your engine, then the damage could mean that you have to get the entire Selective Catalytic Reduction and AdBlue injection system replaced.

How do I refill the AdBlue tank?

  • Follow any instructions given in your handbook or on the pack.
  • Your handbook will tell you how much AdBlue the tank holds.
  • 5 litres should be enough to make sure your car will restart if you’ve run out completely.
  • You may need a funnel depending on where the AdBlue filler cap is located – next to the fuel filler, in the boot, or under the bonnet – and the size/design of the AdBlue pack you’ve got.
  • Wash your hands and rinse any spills from the bodywork – AdBlue’s non-toxic but can cause irritation to your skin and eyes and will damage the paintwork.

How does AdBlue reduce exhaust emissions?

AdBlue is added to your exhaust and is mixed with the fumes your car produces – it reacts with nitrogen oxide gas (NOx gas) created by your engine and breaks it down into harmless nitrogen and water vapour. NOx gases cause respiratory problems and contribute to the formation of particulate matter, smog, acid rain and ground level ozone.

Vehicles have to meet strict exhaust emissions limits and the latest standard, Euro 6, is very challenging on Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) limits. Most cars can only meet the Euro 6 standard when fitted with emissions technology known as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). This technology uses AdBlue to break down and reduce harmful emissions

Source: https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/advice/adblue

Drivers On The Spot Eyesight Screening

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Drivers who can’t read a car number plate at 20m will have their licence suspended in a crackdown by police

UK police forces are kicking off a crackdown on drivers without sufficiently good eyesight. Thames Valley, Hampshire and West Midlands police will conduct regular on-the-spot eye tests at the roadside on drivers they pull over. Anyone who can’t read a car number plate at a distance of 20m faces having their driving licence revoked. 

Currently, the only mandatory test of a driver’s eyesight is done before the practical driving test. From that point it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that their vision is up to the required standard before getting behind the wheel. Licence holders are required to inform the DVLA if they have vision problems that may affect their driving.

Police have the power to contact the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and request an urgent revocation of a licence for reasons of poor eyesight under a 2013 law dubbed Cassie’s law. The legislation was named after 16-year-old Cassie McCord who died when an 87-year-old driver, who had previously failed a police eyesight test, lost control of his vehicle in Colchester, Essex.

Police say that they will use the data collected under the new eyesight test scheme to gain a clearer picture of the extent of the problem of drivers on the road with defective vision. Speaking to the BBC on behalf of the three forces involved, Sgt Rob Heard said “Not being able to see a hazard or react to a situation quickly enough can have catastrophic consequences.”

Current eyesight regulations for drivers

The eyesight test was introduced in 1937 and has been amended occasionally to reflect changing number plate sizes. Immediately before the driving test, the examiner asks the candidate to read a new-style number plate (beginning with two letters) on a parked vehicle 65 feet (20 metres) away, or an old-style plate at 67 feet. If that can’t be read, then the candidate is asked to read a second one. If they can’t read that, the examiner measures the distance to a third plate, and if that can’t be read, the driving test is cancelled, the DVLA is informed and the candidate’s licence is revoked. 

When they first apply for a licence, and when they renew at 70, drivers must declare that they meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving, and whether they need corrective lenses to drive. They don’t have to confirm whether lenses are worn at each 10-year renewal. The law also requires all licence holders to inform the DVLA about any medical condition they have that may affect their ability to drive – including poor eyesight.

Source: Auto Express https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/35323/calls-make-eye-tests-compulsory-drivers?_mout=1&utm_campaign=autoexpress_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter

Speed has ‘direct influence on crash occurrence and severity’

 

 

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Governments need to take actions that will reduce the speed on roads – as well as speed differences between vehicles sharing the same road, a new report has found.

The International Transport Forum* (ITF) report, titled ‘Speed and Crash Risk’, concludes that with higher driving speeds the number of crashes – and the crash severity – ‘increase disproportionally’.

The report points to research which suggests that the risk of death is about 4-5 times higher in a collision between a car and a pedestrian at 50kmh – compared to the same type of collision at 30kmh.

The report recommends that where motorised vehicles and vulnerable road users share the same space, such as in residential areas, 30kmh (20mph) is the recommended maximum speed.

It also suggests stricter enforcement or an upgrade of the infrastructure is needed to compensate for the increased risk related to higher speeds.

The report has been welcomed by the campaign group 20’s Plenty for Us.

Rod King MBE, founder and campaign director, said: “This is yet another report coming to the firm conclusion that 20 is plenty where people live, work, play, shop and learn.

“Other countries have adopted a near universal 30km/h limit for urban and residential streets.

“Over 25% of the UK live in authorities who have also set 20mph as the right urban limit. The Scottish Parliament is considering a bill to make 20mph the limit (with exceptions) for built up roads.

“It’s time to end the postcode lottery on pedestrian/cycling safety and general well-being in our residential and urban places by setting a 20mph default limit for built-up roads across the UK.”

*The ITF is an intergovernmental organisation with 59 member countries. It acts as a think tank for transport policy and organises an annual summit of transport ministers.

Source: roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/speed-has-direct-influence-on-crash-occurrence-and-severity/

 

Garry Handley OBE Retires After 43 Years in Road Safety

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Garry Handley, road safety delivery manager for Gloucestershire County Council, is to retire at the end of this month.

Garry says his interest in road safety began when he carried out a study into vehicle safety features while still a pupil at school – which means his actual engagement with road safety has lasted for almost half a century.

Garry’s professional career started at Berkshire County Council, working in traffic management and collision investigation.

Working in schools teaching children to be safe – and demonstrating to them that safety lessons can be enjoyable – was the theme for the first few years of his work, which Garry describes as “some of most enjoyable of my career”.

Garry then moved to Hampshire for a couple of years, taking on a role funded by the county council but based in a district council office. The satisfaction of being “semi-independent and largely my own boss” was a great motivating factor for Garry, and taught him “valuable lessons about self-motivation, politics, priorities and resilience”.

Garry finally settled in Gloucestershire, where over the last 35 years he has overseen a significant reduction in road casualties – with annual KSI figures falling by around 1,000 over that period.

Garry says: “These years have been filled with enjoyment and rewards.

“Firstly, road casualties have significantly fallen over the years and this positive outcome is precisely why I dedicated my working life to improving road safety.

“I’m very proud of some of the initiatives we’ve developed including the Safer Driving with Age Scheme (SAGE), offender re-education programmes which preceded NDORS, and many more initiatives involving community groups and others to help influence and reinforce safe behaviour on the roads.”

Sharing best practice, nationally and internationally, has given Garry the chance to put Gloucestershire on the road safety map.

He was involved in a global driver training conference and has connected through TISPOL with many EU police and road safety colleagues, and has supported road safety in Japan, Australia and Poland, and also with most road safety organisations in the UK

While recognition for efforts was never a feature on Garry’s agenda, involvement in several Prince Michael Road Safety Awards and other national prizes and awards culminated in him being appointed as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by her Majesty the Queen in 2010, for his outstanding contribution to road safety.

Source: roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/garry-handley-obe-to-retire-after-43-years-in-road-safety/

Speed cameras reduce collisions and deaths

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Photo: Albert Bridge – licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.

Deploying an additional 1,000 speed cameras on British roads could save up to 190 lives each year, a study has concluded.

The London School of Economics research, published in October 2017, analysed collision outcomes before and after speed cameras were installed at 2,500 sites in England, Scotland and Wales.

The analysis found that from 1992 to 2016, the number of ‘accidents’ fell by between 17% and 39% – and fatalities by between 58% and 68% – within 500 metres of speed cameras.

In addition to the reduction in fatalities, lead researcher Cheng Keat Tang says that adding another 1,000 cameras would produce annual savings of up to 1,130 collisions and 330 serious injuries.

However, the report points out that the benefits of speed cameras are ‘highly localised’ and dissipate over distance – with a slight increase in collisions observed at distances beyond 1.5kms from the camera sites.

The report says this could be due to a ‘kangaroo’ effect as drivers ‘brake suddenly before the camera to avoid fines’ and ‘speed up beyond camera surveillance’.

Cheng Keat Tang said: “Although the study found a slight increase in accidents away from the camera, the overall reduction in road accidents and deaths around the camera more than makes up for this increase.

“Given the huge number of fatal accidents that take place on our roads every year, the introduction of more cameras could save hundreds of lives annually and make our roads safer for users.”

Source: http://roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/speed-cameras-reduce-collisions-and-deaths-study-finds/

Police Embark On Week-long Mobile Phone Crackdown

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Police forces across England and Wales are redoubling their efforts to catch drivers using mobile phones under a week-long campaign from today.

Co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), the campaign will see officers running targeted patrols with marked and unmarked vehicles and using high vantage points and helmet cams to catch offenders.

A similar operation in July 2017 saw more than 8,000 drivers stopped and 2,595 offences detected.

In March 2017, the penalties for drivers using a mobile handset doubled to a £200 fine and six penalty points, with RAC research indicating that around 11% fewer drivers were stopped in the three months post-legislation than in the preceding three months.

National Police Chiefs council lead for roads policing, chief constable Anthony Bangham said: If you glance at a phone for even 2.3 seconds while driving at 30mph you miss 100ft of road. That is the equivalent to the length of Boeing 737.

The news of this week crackdown was welcomed by Brake but the organisation said that a more concerted and long-term police enforcement effort was needed to ensure offenders are caught.

Brake also called for the Government to legislate against hands-free phone use while driving.

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake, commented: Shockingly, research has shown that hands-free calls cause almost the same level of risk whilst driving as hand-held “ last year a driver using a hands-free device was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. Brake urges government to regulate against hands-free phone use at the wheel, ridding our roads of the menace of distracted driving.

Source: https://fleetworld.co.uk/police-embark-on-week-long-mobile-phone-crackdown/Police embark on week-long mobile phone crackdown

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First MOT test to remain at 3 years to protect road safety

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Ministers put road safety first as they today (18 January 2018) decided to maintain the period before a cars first MOT test at 3 years.

The move comes after a Department for Transport consultation last year to consider changing the wait before the first test to 4 years.

Most of those responding to the consultation were against the proposals on safety grounds, arguing that the savings to motorists were outweighed by the risk to road users and the test often highlights upcoming issues affecting the vehicle. A public survey for DfT by Populus also showed fewer than half of people were in favour of the change.

Roads Minister Jesse Norman said:

“We have some of the safest roads in the world, and are always looking at ways of making them safer.

Although modern cars are better built and safer than when the MOT test was last changed 50 years ago, there has been a clear public concern that any further changes don’t put people’s lives at risk.

We are looking at further research to ensure the MOT test evolves with the demands of modern motoring.”

By law, all vehicles must be roadworthy, regardless of whether they have passed an MOT, and the content of the tests will not be changed.

The test was introduced in 1960, requiring vehicles to undergo a first check after 10 years. It was changed in 1967 to 3 years.

In 2016 (the most recent figures available), more than 2.4 million cars had their first MOT test, which costs owners a maximum of £54.85. The pass rate was about 85% and the most common reasons for failure include lighting, tyres and braking faults.

Changing the time period until the first test would have saved motorists more than £100 million a year.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport and https://www.gov.uk/government/people/jesse-norman

Drivers to face fines for ignoring red ‘X’ signs

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Highways England has stated that motorists are likely to start picking up fines for ignoring lane closures on smart motorways from spring 2018 (RAC).

In a document seen by the Press Association, and reported on the RAC newsfeed, Highways England reveals it is testing roadside cameras which detect drivers who flout the instructions given by red X signs on overhead gantries.

Highways England expects to be able to legally enforce the practice within the next three months, with the RAC anticipating a similar penalty to that handed out for running a red light £100 and three penalty points.

According to the RAC news report, Highways England has sent out around 80,000 letters of warning to motorists who have broken smart motorway rules since December 2016. At least a third of these relate to driving in closed lanes.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, has warned the extra capacity is welcome move, only so long as it can be delivered safely.

He said: We need to see a redoubling of communications by Highways England to leave no doubt in motorists minds as to what a red X sign means.

A Highways England spokesman said: Safety is at the heart of everything we do and our roads are among the safest in the world. We close lanes for a reason and drivers ignoring red Xs puts them and others at risk.

Since we started issuing warning letters we have seen a decrease in the number of drivers ignoring lane closures.

Source: Road Safety GB http://roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/drivers-to-face-fines-for-ignoring-red-x-signs/