Malcolm Stephenson DSA ADI

Link to RAC Route planner

Danger spots
27 July 2007

The A682 in Lancashire has been declared the most dangerous road in Britain.

Almost 100 people have been killed or seriously injured on the 15-mile stretch in the past 10 years. The second worst is the A54 Congleton to Buxton road in Derbyshire while the A684 from the M6 to Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria is third, according to the European Road Assessment Programme.

The organisation also suggests that improved road markings could save eight times as many lives as a speed trap.

Source: Company Car Driver Road tests

First fine imposed for smoking driver
13 July 2007

A council has handed out its first £50 fine for smoking, to a driver who had lit up in his boss’s vehicle.

Conwy Council warned that future offenders may be named and shamed.

A spokesman for the Welsh council said that the employee chose to disregard both the law, which came into force in Wales on April 2, and his employer’s instructions.

A council enforcement officer had spotted the driver, who was employed by a private company, “smoking in a place of work.”

On July 1, England followed Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in banning smoking in enclosed spaces.

Last week former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy was “spoken to” by police for smoking on a train from London Paddington to Plymouth.

On Thursday the House of Commons was also told other MPs were not obeying the new smoking ban.

Although not illegal in the Palace of Westminster, both Houses of Parliament agreed to restrict smoking to four designated outside areas, although those caught smoking will not face financial penalties.

Source: Company Car Driver Road tests

Smoking ban still confusing drivers
23 July 2007

New research has confirmed that British drivers remain confused over the latest laws banning smoking in company vehicles.

CompanyCarDriver reported recently that van drivers were unaware of the implications of the smoking ban but studies from motoring assist group Green Flag have shown that almost a quarter of car drivers are still unaware of the law for company cars.

One in seven drivers (16%) also said they did not know they were unable to smoke in their vehicle if it was used to carry colleagues.

A spokeswoman at Green Flag said: “The apparent confusion or lack of knowledge about the new law could lead to motorists inadvertently flouting the law. In addition to the government’s generic advertising, companies must communicate with employees to ensure that all UK drivers are clear about the impact and their own responsibilities.”

However, despite many drivers claiming ignorance, the majority of those polled in a separate survey claim to agree with the ban. A study of more than 500 company car drivers by Skoda found that 64% welcomed the legislation.

Martin Burke, head of business sales at Skoda, said: “Considering how much time is spent on business car travel, it is reassuring to see that most drivers agree with the legislation.

“We feel that smoke-free cars will have clear health benefits to company car drivers and to buyers whose vehicles will be expected to reach higher residual values.”

Commercial vehicle supplier Northgate has ensured its drivers make no mistake about the ban.

The company has actively communicated with all customers to encourage compliance with the legislation and has supplied smoking information and signage to be displayed in all vehicles.

Source: Company Car Driver Road tests