NEW CAR NET Features

A blueprint for road safety

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

The all-party Transport Select Committee has recently published what amounts to a blueprint for improved safety on UK roads. And, as Andrew Legion reports, social conditions appear to play their part in the annual toll of road deaths.

Shouldering on

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

As a low-cost alternative to widening busy stretches of our motorway network, the existing roads will soldier on with the help of the hard shoulders, and, as Andrew Legion reports, a section of the M42 will be the first to benefit.

Signs of the times

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:00:00 GMT

More than 8 million motorists have received parking fines in the past 12 months, but, as Andrew Legion reports, a survey by esure has revealed that most drivers simply don't understand where and when they can park.

Grace and favour

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMT

As a much-needed favour to motorists, a recent change in legislation introduces a period of grace to allow for the late arrival of road fund licences ordered online. Andrew Legion explains.

Podium power

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMT

With the entire world focussed on the Olympics, Andrew Legion set up a podium of his own to see which of Britain's top-selling cars would make it up the steps.

Race to the line

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:00:00 GMT

The London International Motorshow will close its doors on Sunday August 3, but, as Andrew Legion reports, the closing laps will feature some high-octane entertainment.

Kelly's 2020 vision

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Despite a concerted effort, car manufacturers have been unable to meet voluntary CO2 emission agreements, and as Andrew Legion reports, this will lead to the EU imposing mandatory targets.

Le Small Print

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:00:00 GMT

With UK motorists poised for a summer dash to Le Continent, Andrew Legion reminds them to check Le Small Print.

British International Motor Show 2008

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:00:00 GMT

London's Docklands will soon be playing host to the British International Motor Show, and Andrew Legion reports on the newcomers to the 2008 event.

11-year stretch

Fri, 30 May 2008 08:00:00 GMT

To underline the length of endorsements for drink-driving convictions, Road Safety Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick, has just launched a new series of radio and TV advertisements. With the help of a fun quiz, Andrew Legion examines the underlying message.

A testing time for new drivers

Sat, 17 May 2008 08:00:00 GMT

New proposals to reform the way people learn to drive and how they are tested have been announced by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly. In the first of two articles, Andrew Legion examines the background to the new proposals.

Big is still beautiful

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Despite a slight downward trend in used-car sales as a whole, in comparative terms, sales of second-hand diesel cars increased in 2007. Yet, as Andrew Legion reports, the growth masked a trend towards larger cars in general.

Livingstone's CO2 claims are hot air, says Porsche

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMT

As Andrew Legion reports, hitherto undisclosed research into the effect of the proposed £25 London emissions charge reveals that CO2 levels are likely to go up rather than down.

The ups and downs of CO2

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT

As Andrew Legion reports, European car makers would like to see a unified car tax system yet, perversely, this could slow down the processes of reducing CO2 emissions.

New road tax changes explained

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Chancellor Darling's recent budget included an inevitable hike in road fund licences, but the details are confusing and Andrew Legion offers his own Dummies' Guide.

Geneva 2008 - Show Report

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Apart from the Paris bash in September, there's only one other European motor show worth visiting this year, and that's the one currently running in Geneva. Richard Dredge reports on the weirder and wackier creations.

It's not good to talk

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Although surveys appear to indicate that fewer drivers are using mobile 'phones behind the wheel, as Andrew Legion reports, the number of convictions for related offences notably increased in 2007, suggesting that the police are getting tough on talkers.

New congestion charges

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Later this year, congestion zone charges are to be changed in order to encourage London drivers to go green. Andrew Legion has the details.

Clunk clique

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Since their wearing became compulsory 25 years ago, seatbelts have saved some 60,000 lives, but, as Andrew Legion reports, a small number of drivers remain averse to belting up.

Autosport International 2008

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Lovers of all things motorsport converged at Birmingham's NEC centre last week for the Autosport International show. Pat Holliday went along for the ride.

Detroit 2008 Show Report

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Richard Dredge makes his debut visit to the Detroit Auto Show.

Nano Domini

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 08:00:00 GMT

As the motor industry focuses on Detroit's latest offerings, on the other side of the world, reports Andrew Legion, a modest story is breaking that could dominate the automotive news pages for months ahead.

Is PPI all bad?

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:00:00 GMT

There have been stories in the press recently of well-known companies selling unnecessary Payment Protection Insurance. The director of Ant Insurance, John Needham, addresses some of the issues.

Detroit Motor Show Preview

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT

Dimitri Pesin previews the highlights of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show before the doors open to the press on 13 January.

Nervous breakdown

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT

Anyone leaving their broken-down car by the roadside could be in for a nerve-breaking time, if, as Andrew Legion reports, Highways Agency Traffic Officers are given proposed new removal powers.