Fire chiefs warn of growing risk of e-bike ‘explosions’

 

A total of 149 fires caused by exploding e-bike batteries were recorded by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) in 2023, an increase of 71pc from 2022.

Three people died as a result of the incidents while around 60 people were injured.

And at least a further 40 e-bike fires have been recorded so far this year.

The fires are typically triggered when the lithium battery of an e-bike becomes damaged or is charged using the wrong equipment, said Charlie Pugsley, the London Fire Brigade’s deputy commissioner.

He said: “Growing e-bike ownership is a good thing if they help people get around and it supports our climate objectives.

“But what really worries us is the speed and severity of these battery fires when they break out.

In December last year, the LFB revealed how a mother and son were forced to jump from the first-floor windows of their home in Ilford, east London, after an e-bike that had been left charging overnight burst into flames indoor. Both survived but had to be treated in hospital, while large sections of the house’s first floor and roof were destroyed.

The amount of energy packed into lithium batteries makes them particularly dangerous when they explode, leading to fierce flames and billowing smoke that fills the area within seconds, Mr Pugsley said.

The LFB is now advising households not to charge e-bikes when they are sleeping, to avoid placing them next to exits or stairways that could block escape routes and to always use the correct charger, among other things. Households have been advised to store them outside or in outbuildings, where possible.

Mr Pugsley raised concerns about growing spread of illegal e-bikes with more powerful motors and batteries, as well as DIY conversion kits that can lead people to charge batteries with the wrong charger.

Despite the legal limit for e-bikes being 250 watts of power, a string of models with capacities of up to 2,000 watts are openly sold online, described as “road legal”. In UK speed limit for electric bikes is 15.5mph, this means that the motor's assistance must stop when bike reaches this speed.

“In the vast majority of cases, it is not the fault of the consumer because they have bought the bikes in good faith.

“But obviously for those who buy the motorbike-style ones that is a deliberate choice.”

He added that proposals recently set out by the Government to increase the legal limit of e-bike power to 500 watts should not go ahead until more research had been done around the safety implications of such a move.

Learner Driver who killed three friends in Crash

 

Learner driver who killed three friends in crash

 

 A learner driver who killed three of his friends in a crash during which the car split in half has been jailed for four year and eight months.

Jake Loy, 19, lost control of his Honda Civic and smashed into another car just after midnight on the A711 in Dumfries, Scotland, after taking it out on a public road for the first time, without any supervision required by a provisional driving licence.

His three 16-year-old passengers – Tyler Johnston, Ian Cannon and Finlay Johns – were killed in the crash on March 16 2022. The three occupants of the other vehicle and Loy were seriously injured.

The court heard the other driver had been adhering to the 60mph speed limit and although Loy’s speed was “unknown”.

A judge heard how Ian had posted a message in a group social media chat before the crash that he was “scared” in the vehicle and that Loy was a “terrible driver”.

Ian Cannon, Finlay Johns and Tyler Johnston, all 16 years old, were killed in the crash 

 

Sentencing him to four years and eight months imprisonment, Judge Lord Drummond said: “Not only were you unqualified, you had no real familiarity with this car or its characteristics at speed or under adverse conditions.

“Your driving at the time of the collision formed part of a more prolonged and deliberate course of bad or aggressive driving with a disregard for the danger being caused to others.

“The victim impact statements all bear witness to the terrible devastation you caused to the lives of their family members of those you injured. This sentence cannot alleviate their anguish.”

Loy, of Moffat, Dumfries shire, was also disqualified from driving for eight years and must sit the extended test before he is able to drive again.

He showed no emotion as he was led to the cells. Family members in the public gallery were seen crying after the judge had concluded his sentencing.

 

Donald Findlay KC, defending, told the court that his client has “simply no memory” of the incident. He said: “Loy is distressed by what happened and the consequences to his friends.

“It is telling and quite moving to me when he said that if he could take their place he would. He would rather it be him. There is very clear and strong evidence of what is known as survivor’s guilt. There was no badness nor malice or intent of any kind.”

 

Cost of Driving Lessons and Ways to keep it Down

There's no escaping the fact that learning to drive is expensive . According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) it takes on average 45 hours of lessons and 20 hours of private practice to pass the driving test. The cost of lessons has sky-rocketed in recent years, with many learners paying between £30-50. Taking £40 as average that's £1800 just for lessons.

There are other costs too; a provisional driving licence is £34, the theory test is £23 and the driving test itself is £75. Totting that up, you can expect to pay upwards of £1919!

Obviously, when it comes to preparing  yourself, for lifetime of safe motoring you don't want to cut corners but there are ways to save.

Block-book lessons

Many driving schools and instructors offer a discount for block-booking lessons. For example, a driving school might offer lessons at £35/hr but a block booking for 10 at £330 (£30 saving)

However, do wait until you're sure the instructor and your teen are a good fit for each other before taking the plunge. You don't want them to be locked into a tutor-pupil relationship that just isn't working. Once you know your teen is happy to continue with their instructor then by all means take advantage of the savings.

 

Choose the right insurance

You can take out learner driver insurance, which can be taken out on short periods ie month by month basis.

The more you practice, the faster they're likely to pass their test.

 

It's cheaper to take a driving test on a weekday (£62) than evenings, weekends and bank holidays (£75), so book strategically to save money.

Stay Calm on your Test Day

No matter how desperate you are for you  to pass first time so you can stop shelling out for lessons, do your best not to let it show.

Use techniques such as breathing exercises, affirmations such as 'I am ready to drive alone' or imagining that they are a different character, such as a cool, calm airline pilot, to get them into the right emotional and mental space for a successful test pass."

 

National Pothole Day -  is 15th January and the purpose of that is to raise their awareness.

Potholes are formed by a combination of weather and wear. Water gets into small cracks in the road, then freezes and expands in the cold. When the weather heats back up, the water evaporates, leaving gaps in the road surface, which can be worsened by vehicles driving over them. Some 2.4m potholes were reported across England and Wales between January 2020 and December 2022, according to Go Compare. 

 

Type of Damage  that can Occur

Colliding with a pothole could damage your car in a variety of ways, including:

·         damaged shock absorbers

·         broken suspension springs

·         distorted wheels.

·         Pothole impact could also affect catalytic converters, which are pricey to repair. 

 

Get a quote

Does car insurance cover pothole damage?

Yes, it does. You can claim back the cost of repairs from pothole damage on your insurance. 

But you should only claim once you've weighed up the pros and cons.

Rightly or wrongly, insurers regard pothole claims as 'at fault', which means you'll have to pay an excess. If the cost of your repairs is lower than your excess, there's no point in making a claim. 

Then there's the fact that you'll forfeit any 'no-claims' bonus you may have had on your policy, so it could be more expensive when you renew.

If you do claim, you'll need a record of repair costs: a receipt if you've already paid, or a quote if you're paying later. 

It can also help to note down the time and date you hit the pothole and to take a picture of it if it's safe to do so. 

Can you claim compensation from your council?

If you don't want to claim on your insurance, you may be able to recover repair costs from the local authority responsible for maintaining the road.

Again, you'll need a receipt or a quote, and details of where the pothole is, including that potential picture. 

If the council rejects your claim, you can appeal its decision. If it rejects your appeal, you can take it to the small claims court. 

How to help with getting rid of potholes

You don't have to hit a pothole yourself to help remove it from our roads. 

If you spot one while you're out and about, you can report it with the government's report a pothole   webpage. 

 

How to drive in snow and icy Roads

 

IMAGE SOURCE,PA MEDIA

 

Driving in severe winter weather conditions can pose many challenges, and where possible it may be best to avoid driving at all unless your journey is essential. 

But if you do need to use your car, prepare yourself with some things mentioned below.

Consider carrying in the car ....

·         Allow extra time before you set off to de-ice the car, and

·         expect journeys to take much longer.

·         Check traffic reports and plan your journey around major roads, which are more likely to be gritted or cleared.

·         Avoid shortcuts on minor roads.

·         Wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes.

·         Pack a coat, hat, gloves, sturdy boots and a blanket to keep you warm in case you do get stuck or have to leave your car.

 

·         Take some food such as chocolate and biscuits, as well as water and a hot drink if you can.

·         Make sure you have any medication you need.

·         Always carry a fully-charged mobile, a shovel to clear snow and some old bits of carpet, or cat litter, to put under the tyres if you get stuck.

Preparing car for Driving in Snow and ice?

·         Consider buying winter tyres, which offer extra grip, especially if you live in an area which regularly experiences snow. If you have standard tyres , make sure they're inflated at the right pressure, and that each has good tread.

·         Car batteries run down more quickly in winter. Take regular long journeys to keep yours running well or consider using a trickle-charger.

·         Keep screen wash topped up, and use a proper anti-freeze at the right concentration to prevent ice.

·         If there is a risk of windscreen wipers freezing overnight, place cardboard between the blades and the windscreen.

·         Keep your fuel tank topped up so if you are caught out, you have enough fuel to make it home, or run the engine to keep warm.

·         But if you do get stuck, make sure snow doesn't block the exhaust, because noxious fumes can leak into the vehicle.

How should you Drive in snow and ice?

IClear  all snow and ice from the windscreen, windows and roof of the car before setting off.

·         Don't use boiling water to de-ice windscreens - hot water can crack the glass, and the water will only freeze again on the screen, or on the ground where you are standing.

·         Check your lights are clear of snow and are working.

·         Maintain the right speed: too fast and you risk losing control, but driving too slowly means you might lose momentum when you need it.

·         Brake, steer and accelerate as smoothly as possible, and drive so that you do not rely on your brakes to be able to stop.

·         Remember stopping distances are up to 10 times greater in snow and ice.

Leave more space behind the car in front than you usually would.

On motorways, stay in the lane clearest of snow, ice and slush, and keep within existing tyre tracks if you can.

 

What should you do if your car gets stuck in snow or ice?

·         If you get stuck, don't try to keep moving if the wheels spin - it will only dig you in deeper.

·         Use a shovel to clear snow from under your tyres. Pour cat litter, sand or gravel in front of the wheels to help them get traction.

·         Shift from forward to reverse and back again. Give a light touch on the accelerator until the vehicle gets going.

·         If you can't move your car, you can stay warm by running the engine. However, it is vital to ensure exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow because highly toxic carbon monoxide gas could enter the car.

·         If there is any risk of fumes coming into the vehicle, do not run the engine. Even if it is safe, don't run it for more than 10 or 15 minutes in each hour.

·         Stay in or close to your car.

·         In heavy snow, it is easy to get disorientated and lost or separated from your vehicle. You can hang a piece of brightly coloured cloth on your car to let you or others find it.

 

Motorway 60mph Speed Limits Remain - despite No Evidence that they work

 

 National Highways has been told to come clean with air pollution data - or end the trials.

 

Air pollution speed limits that force motorists to drive at 60mph should end, campaigners have said, after it emerged they have lasted twice as long as originally proposed without producing evidence they work.

Driving on stretches of the M1, the M6, the M5 and the M602 has been limited to 60mph  in a bid to ascertain if driving more slowly helps reduce emissions.

But the restrictions, which were only supposed to last between 12 and 15 months, have now been running for more than two years, and still there is no evidence to show they are effective.

There are questions over this scheme that the increased congestion caused by the new speed limit may have actually increased pollution.

Motoring groups and a former roads minister are among those now calling on National Highways to come clean with the data or end the trials.

Braking not taken into account

The lowering of the speed limit was introduced based on modelling that claimed it would significantly reduce the annual mean nitrous dioxide concentrations in the affected zones.

It was suggested this would help the areas around the trials near Rotherham in South Yorkshire; Witton in Birmingham; Eccles in Greater Manchester and Oldbury in the West Midlands meet pollution limits one to two years earlier than expected.

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But the modelling did not take account of particle pollution produced by braking. The policy also penalises electric vehicles which produce no exhaust emissions and newer, less polluting cars.

More than two years since the trials started no data has been published to support claims it improves air quality. But the restrictions have caused huge frustration for  as part of the Smart Motorway upgrade.

On Saturday night Sir John Hayes,  said: “Air pollution is a real concern but the relationship between speed or traffic and pollution is complex. When you have congested traffic, emissions grow.

Scheme 'may have made pollution worse'

Iain Stewart, the Conservative chair of the Transport Select Committee, said “I’ve got a general concern about having things that evolve by a creeping change without it being evidence based,” he said.

“I would certainly want to know if the data that they’ve established thus far, has shown and whether that gives a justification for these speed restrictions to be made permanent.

“I wouldn’t be in favour of doing that without there being a strong evidence base.”

Claire Armstrong, from the campaign group Safe Speed, said the scheme may have even unwittingly made pollution worse.

She said: “If you slow the traffic you risk creating congestion and the more congestion the more pollution you are going to get so I would be highly suspicious of a 60mph zone on a motorway doing anything other than causing frustration and not reducing the pollution.”

Hugh Bladon, from the Alliance of British Drivers, also called for an end to the trials.

He said: "There is an obsession in this country with lowering the speed limit. They are trying to find any excuse they can to reduce the speed limit. Lowering the speed limit is seen as a panacea for everything but it is not.”

The AA has argued that the most polluting vehicles, such as large lorries, were already limited to 60mph anyway, while police forces often allowed 10 per cent plus 2mph leeway to the speed limit, meaning drivers could still be driving near 70mph during the trials.

AA spokesman Luke Bosdet, said: “Essentially, this issue boils down to environmental concerns versus the efficiency of the road network. Many drivers feel that it is slanted too much towards the former.

“The key question is whether the lower speed limit needs to be in operation all day, or whether they could be brought into force when environmental conditions require it.

“The AA would argue that, if variable speed limits can operate on the M25 depending on conditions, the same can happen on other motorways, where needed.

First results released in spring 

National Highways said that the policy was based on real-world driving data and vehicle emission testing. It originally promised to publish monitoring for the first 12 months of the restrictions on its website but has not done so.

A spokesman for National Highways: “As part of this process we are taking a series of actions such as lowering speed limits on some roads. Robust findings informed our decision and these 60mph limits will remain in place until the air quality has met legal limits and will continue to do so when the measure is removed.  

“Given the complexity and amount of data needed, this requires appropriate time to complete all the stages of the analysis process. 

“National Highways is looking to produce initial reports on the performance of the real world 60mph speed limits in spring 2023.”

DVSA is selectively inviting people to book their driving test.

after Driving Test photo

DVSA is selectively inviting people to book their driving test.

DVSA will send emails out:

·    on 15 July to critical workers in England, Scotland and Wales who had a test booked during lockdown 

·    from 16 July to candidates in England whose practical car test was put on hold due to lockdown

Both emails will include a link to book a new test date as the candidate booking system remains closed.

This link will only work for people who have been invited to rebook their test.

When DVSA emails candidates whose tests were put on hold due to lockdown, they will initially invite around 10,000 each day, split in batches to spread out demand on the service.

All available appointments will be shown on the online service. Do not contact DVSA customer service centre as they will not be able to book any alternative test slots.

Making sure your pupils are ready

Driving Instructors should speak to your pupils before they rebook their tests to make sure:

·    they are ready to take their test

·    you are available to take them

As examiners will only be at test centres when they have a test booked, dvsa have increased the minimum notice period for booking a test from 60 minutes to 10 hours.

Wearing a face covering

All candidates must wear a face covering when taking their driving test, unless they have a good reason not to. This includes if:

·    they have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means they cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering

·    putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause them severe distress

When they arrange their test, they’ll need to say if there’s a good reason they cannot wear a face covering. The email will tell them how to do this.