Thursday, 12 November 2009
Top Motor Offence Lawyer, Miss Justice, Urges The UK Not To Follow Ireland's Drink Driving Limit Lowering
Miss Miller speaks out as President of the Association of Motor Offence Lawyers; she was recently dubbed “Miss Justice” after taking on the government head on to fight to save legislation that safeguards motorists who are found innocent at court. When asked about the Irish move to lower the limit and whether the UK should follow suit she said: “I can certainly see the logic in suggesting lowering the alcohol limit would result in less offenders, but in reality I think it would lead to more. The majority of clients we come across have never been in trouble with the police in any way before and are apparently “anti-drink driving.” The most common cause of offending is lack of knowledge of the limit itself and of how much alcohol leads to one’s blood alcohol level reaching the 80mg limit.
I think the various drink driving campaigns we see featured on TV and on the radio are very hard-hitting but the government needs to focus on improving awareness by having ads on all year round and drumming the message into drivers through education rather than spending money on reducing the limit.”
The new rules in Ireland could see a driver over the limit after just one pint of beer while the lower limit is effectively a ban on any alcoholic drink.
A Brake spokesman disagreed with Miss Justice’s controversial views: “Once Ireland’s new drink-drive limit comes into effect, all other European countries will have limits of 50mg or lower and in the wake of this announcement, Brake calls on the UK Government to follow the example of our Irish neighbours by lowering the drink-drive limit and stepping up law enforcement.”
According to Brake, research shows drivers are two to 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash between 50mg and 80mg and that driving is impaired by even a very small amount of alcohol in the blood stream.
The Brake spokesman added: “Last year, 430 people were killed by drink-drivers, an increase of 20 fatalities compared to 2007. In addition, 1,630 were seriously injured and 10,970 suffered lesser injuries from crashes involving drivers over the 80mg limit.
“Experts have estimated that reducing the drink-drive limit in Britain to 50mg/100ml blood could save about 65 lives and 230 serious injuries per year but the government is still dragging its heels on cutting the UK limit”.
The response from Miss Justice was: “I don’t doubt the accuracy of the statistics about the likelihood of a drink driver being the cause of a fatal crash. However, I suspect lowering the limit will have little impact on reducing the number of offenders. People will continue to offend as long as they think the issue doesn’t apply to them or remain ignorant of just how much alcohol is safe to drink. I am delighted to be working alongside a number of youth organisations and alcohol and addiction therapists to strike the message home to those most likely to offend. My concern is that the government will implement yet another unworkable law change without listening to all parties on the “front line” so to speak.”
Jeanette was responsible for launching a campaign against a change in the system for innocent defendants’ costs being paid back by the courts when found not guilty. The rules changed on 31 October 2009 despite overwhelming opposition to a consultation that took place earlier in the year. Jeanette remains hopeful that the rules will be nullified retrospectively as a result of her efforts to raise awareness of the issue. Over 20,000 signatures were gathered on her e-petition and the Conservatives took up the issue when Miss Justice contacted Shadow Justice Secretary and Human Rights.
Barrister, Dominic Grieve QC MP, said: "I think it is outrageous and I would be interested to see if it could be legally challenged. If an individual is being prosecuted by the state, the individual is entitled to use their own means to defend themselves and expect reimbursement if they are acquitted. This doesn't mean that the courts do not have the right to act if they believe that they are facing an extravagant claim. But to move away from a system in which an acquitted defendant has the right to recover their expenses to one where they only get back a small proportion is entirely wrong."
Gordon Brown’s response is now awaited to the e-petition and to the calls to reduce the drink drive limit. Motorists watch this space.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Don't miss out!
But CVS is warning dealers that time is running out for them to make a claim. The company, which has already saved its car showroom clients over £2.7 million, says that there are more errors in the Rating Valuation of car dealerships than any other industry sector.
According to research by CVS , over 8,000 UK car dealerships assessed during the 2005 Rating List have a total Rateable Value liability of £490 million. That’s over £1 billion rates payable of the latest five year rating period, an average of almost £137,000 per dealership. If the remaining UK dealerships still to appeal took action and were to achieve this level of results, this could create an average rebate of £15,297 per property.
However CVS warns the right to appeal to these charges runs out on the 31st March 2010 with the introduction of the next Rating List.
Andy Myers, Operations Director at CVS , says: “Business Rates are a major expense to any company. However, it is often the case that the majority of commercial property occupiers are unaware that these rates can be challenged. When appealing overcharges, it is critical to have an in-depth understanding of how the rating system works, therefore using professionals, such as CVS, will achieve far greater results.
“The UK’s motor industry has been particularly hard hit by the credit crunch with retail sales likely to remain low for the remainder of 2009 and dealers driven to reduce already tight margins.”
CVS advises now is the ideal time for car dealerships to re-evaluate their rating position following receipt of their new projected charges for the 2010 ratings list. This will see many businesses receive a significant increase in their rateable value, in-turn resulting in rising costs.
At this particular point in the rating cycle, CVS is able to not only assess discrepancies in the 2005 ratings list, but also look forward to the 2010 list. This can result in a reduction in future rateable value and a possible five year rebate on overpaid rates.
Paul Burnett, Head of Rating at CVS, adds: “Through re-evaluating assessments made by the Valuation Office, our highly skilled and expert team can identify rebates, adjustments and future savings enabling more funds to be made available for the continued growth of our client’s business.
“We have a dedicated team of surveyors, each with a raft of experience in working to identify and reclaim overpaid business rates. It’s a very simple and risk free process for our clients to undertake as we handle all assessments, negotiations and legalities on the basis that if we don’t win, they don’t pay.”
CVS is able to offer its clients access to its wealth of experience, specialist knowledge and its highly qualified Ratings Surveyors, many of whom are former Valuation Officers. The company’s extensive experience includes lease reviews, valuations and building surveying, all designed to maximise every potential saving for CVS clients.
David Manchester, MD at Charters Group, said: “We have been working with CVS for the last 10 years and they have acted on our behalf appealing our business rates, rent reviews and lease renewals on 15 of our showroom sites saving our business around £250,000. The service we received from CVS has been very supportive and appreciative of the nature of our business, making the whole service completely hassle free.”
CVS has been operating for 25 years. It has its headquarters in Manchester and is about to open offices in London to cope with increasing demand for its services.
For further advice and guidance on how businesses working within the sector can reclaim business rates, visit www.cvsuk.com or call 0161 291 0330.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
World's fastest production motorcycle pulls over to Carole Nash stand at NEC Bike Show
The world’s fastest production motorcycle was hand-built over two years by the Berkshire-based mechanical engineer. With a mighty eight litre Dodger Viper V10 engine at its heart it produces a fearsome 500 bhp and 525ftlb of torque. Now Millyard who created the bike without drawings, computers or help, has plans to break the world land speed record, saying: “The mass for the power I’ve got, and the aerodynamics, put the theoretical maximum speed at 280mph but my tyres would restrict that. The world land speed record for an unfaired motorcycle is 252mph on Bonneville Salt Flats. We’re going to try and beat that next spring, in the UK, at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground.”
The bike has already proven its mettle with a professional speed tester taking it to 207 mph at Bruntingthorpe last month. “He said he’d never been on a bike with that acceleration and he couldn’t even give it full throttle. It was pulling about 2 G of force. We looked at the acceleration curve and it was straight!” reports Millyard who says he himself took the bike up to 195mph.” Travelling at a more sedate pace he has notched up to 1,000 road miles on the traffic stopper.
Weighing in at over 630kg and nine-foot long the bike is nonetheless impressively stable. “It weighs half a ton but it’s built in proportion,” explains Allen. “It’s got massive 20” wheels with a 280 tyre on the back and a 190 on the front so it’s well balanced.” The Viper is also fully road legal having secured Department of Transport Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval at the first time of asking, paving the way for it to go into production. “I want to build a pre-production prototype and get some drawings done. So far everything’s been done from images in my head and built from what I had around and could afford. When that’s done I can see very limited production of maybe ten bikes, handmade to individual specifications.”
Appearance at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle Show will place the Viper firmly in the shop window. “It’s the ultimate bike show and the Carole Nash stand is the most prestigious,” says Allen.
ALLEN MILLYARD VIPER V10 SPECIFICATION
Engine: 8 litre Dodge Viper supercar v10, purchased for £5,000 on Ebay.
Frame: Tubular steel front-subframe and rear sub-frame fitted bolted directly to engine.
Forks: Handmade (taking around 100 hours) utilising Vauxhall Carlton damper units and Hagon springs.
Brakes: 310mm vented AP Lockheed car racing disc on front, 310 on rear, both with 6-piston PRETECH calipers. Rated 92 percent efficent against 42 percent required for vehicle approval.
Exhaust: Ceramic coated with ex-NASA space shuttle tiles as heatshields.
Wheels: Modified 20” Outlaw Triad car alloys.
Tyres: Rear – 280 x 20, front – 190 x 18
Top speed: Theoretical maximum 280mph. To view MotorCycle News’ video of the 207mph speed test at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, Leicestershire, October 2009 click here
Fuel consumption: 5 – 25 mpg
Motoring report
However, the latest recession is witnessing job-seekers taking four wheels rather than two to travel ever greater distances to secure employment according to research by leading online used car website, motors.co.uk.
The survey of 1,020 UK motorists has revealed a whopping 45 percent of commuters are spending more time in their cars and travelling further for work than this time last year. Of those questioned, 15 percent confessed to commuting over 40 miles per day – that’s over 9,600 annually.
Furthermore, 34 percent of the total respondents spent up to two hours a day on the road leaving them less time to spend with family and friends.
“With commuters travelling further, it’s increasingly important to select the correct car for the journey,” said Katie Wardle, motors.co.uk's Marketing Manager. “Factors such as depreciation, fuel economy, reliability and comfort increasingly have a major impact on choice particularly following the news that the UK’s wage growth has slowed to its lowest on record.
“With these factors in mind, we have created a guide to the hidden danger of depreciation showing which of our favourite cars are most likely to keep their value. This, combined with our easy to use search function, ensures motorists are able to find the right car at the right price.”
The motors.co.uksurvey also asked respondents’ views on public transport, asking which factor would be most influential in deciding to ditch the car. Surprisingly, despite money restraints, increasing road taxes/charges or increasing fuel costs were not identified as the most major influencers in the move to public transport.
The ‘Depreciation: which cars lose least money from new?’ report can be downloaded free of charge at www.motors.co.uk
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Stop Westminster Council's bike rider robbery before it spreads nationwide
The New Party, "the UK's truly progressive political party", is supporting a local campaign to abolish the tax and is calling on people across the UK to do the same before other local authorities decide to adopt the idea.
"Robin Hood's Sheriff of Nottingham would be embarrassed by this level of robbery," said New Party National Spokesperson Richard Vass, today. "It is even more perplexing as it is out of step with Transport for London's targets for reducing congestion. Bikes and scooters are fuel efficient and help ease congestion.
"We are offering our support to the No To Bike Parking Tax campaign spearheaded by chairman Warren Djanogly because they are standing up for what is right through legitimate protest. If Westminster wins this battle and retains the tax then it is only a short time before councils across the UK catch on and follow suit."
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Last few days to enter free prize draw to won £30,000 Carole Nash Old Skool Bobber
That’s because entries to a free prize draw to win the magnificent machine close at midnight this Saturday (October 31st). To be in to win all you need do is get a motorcycle insurance quote from Carole Nash and regardless of whether you then take out cover with the company you will be automatically entered.
Created in front of the admiring eyes of some 150,000 bikers at last year’s show the Bobber can be won simply by getting a Carole Nash motorcycle insurance quote. Regardless of whether you take up the quote your name will automatically go into the prize draw hat.
Since it was created in front 150,000 bikers the Bobber has toured UK and Irish bike shows where perfect Hawg Haven touches have earned praise from many, many more riders. Built around a goosenecked Santee rigid frame and powered by a throaty Revtech 88ci 1450cc polished motor fitted with Mikuni Carb, it incorporates a number of neat Hawg touches. These include a bespoke stainless steel 2-into-1 exhaust with vintage slip-on muffler and hand-made rear fender and fuel tank.
It took over 400 man hours of hard graft and creative ingenuity to create the custom chop – it’ll take significantly less time to earn your chance to win it. Simply log on to www.carolenash.com or call 0800 458 2613 to get a no obligation bike insurance quote. But hurry, you’ve got until the witching hour on Halloween before that chance disappears!
CAROLE NASH OLD SKOOL BOBBER: SPECIFICATION
Frame: Santee Rigid, goosenecked to give a stretch to top tube, with a 38 degree rake.
Drive train: Revtech 88ci 1450cc polished motor fitted with Mikuni Carb, 5spd polished Revtech gearbox, 3inch B.D.L 0pen belt drive.
Wheels: Chrome spoke 16inch wheel fitted with 510x16 vintage tyres.
Brakes: RST front, RST 4pot rear polished billet with polished brake rotors.
Oil tank: De- chromed and painted in Carole Nash colours.
Front forks: Springer: De-chromed and painted in Carole Nash colours.
Bars: Drag style with vintage grips.
Foot controls: Old skool style chromed forwards.
Hand controls: Chromed switch and lever controls.
Lights: Front: 4 1/2" Bates, Rear: Early classic tail light.
Exhaust: One off hand made s/steel high level 2 into 1 headers with vintage slip-on muffler.
Fuel tank: Hand made.
Rear fender: Hand made.
Seat: Old skool sprung seat in black.
Custom paint: Frame, forks, oil tank, fuel tank and rear fender all painted in one-off Carole Nash colours, blue and green, with green panels on fuel tank and oil tank, with pin striping around panels and to rear fender.
Value: Estimated £30,000.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
FranceCasse Is Expanding Its Network To The United Kingdom
In France, the company is the leader in the online sale of used car parts.
Francecasse works with more than 170 breaker yards around the country and its website attracts thousands of visitors everyday.
After 3 years of activity on the French territory, the managers decided to go to the next level: the expansion on the international market.
"The U.K appeared like a priority, as the online purchase and sale of used car parts is very common there" said Olivier Haro, the manager of FranceCasse.
In the UK, the website http://www.car-scrapyards.co.uk has been launched in early 2009. Thanks to the network of car breakers in the UK, the Internet users can find all the car spares they need, regardless if they are living in England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland.
According to Olivier Haro, the worldwide expansion is essential to the company's success: "Our final objective is to develop the activity in Europe and in the rest of the world. We already have a Spanish version of Francecasse and we are planning to launch our service in Italy, Germany and in the United States of America".
This expansion abroad appears like an obvious strategy, given that the company has a good track record on the French market.
FACT FILE:
Francecasse is a French online parts finder which has been launched in 2006.
It is the result of the collaboration between car experts and Internet development specialists.
The main goal of the company is to change the way people look for car parts, allowing them to do it at home, without having to visit each car scrap yard in their area .
The British website provides a wide range of car parts, and lets any visitor make a car part request for free.
The database also contains 1284 car models from more than 113 car manufacturers such as Audi, Renault and Rover .
When a car parts request is made, it is directly forwarded to the scrap yards in the U.K who will reply within 24 hours. The customer will then receive an e-mail with many offers made by the car breakers, and will have the possibility to choose the most interesting one.
Everyday, the company helps hundreds of people find their used car spares, putting them in contact with a large network of breaker yards in the U.K.
