Do you need to have insurance for a lawnmower or mobility scooter?

Do you have a sit-on lawnmower, or use a mobility scooter to support you get to and from the shops?

If so, then you might properly be in line for a nasty shock.

Golf buggies, sit-on lawnmowers and mobility scooters can all be employed without insurance coverage beneath existing UK laws.

Lawnmowers, for example, only need cover if they are driven in public places, although mobility scooters can be driven on roads without insurance.

But a selection by a Brussels court signifies that anyone wanting to use these so-referred to as ‘niche’ automobiles may possibly now want auto insurance to do so – all due to the fact of a European Union (EU) Directive from 1972.

Sounds crazy does not it? But it could still finish up becoming the law.

What’s going on?

Below UK law, niche motorised cars such as mobility scooters and sit-on lawnmowers do not demand the same level of insurance coverage as automobiles and vans.

Now, even though, it would appear that the EU wants all vehicles of this sort to have at least third-celebration auto insurance coverage, in keeping with an EU directive that dates from April 24, 1972.

The directive in question is about “insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles” and states that ‘vehicle’ implies “any motor automobile intended for travel on land and propelled by mechanical energy, but not operating on rails”.

Why is this taking place now?

You might well be asking yourself why a directive that has been in location for 43 years is suddenly getting dredged up and brought to bear on British gardeners and golfers.

The reason is a 2014 court case brought by Damijan Vnuk, a farm worker from Slovenia who injured himself falling off a ladder that was hit by a tractor.

Motor insurers refused to cover his claim because the incident took place on private house and involved a vehicle being utilised as an “agricultural machine”.

Even so, the European Court of Justice ruled in September that Vnuk’s accident need to have been covered by compulsory car insurance.

And that signifies that any moving automobile employed in the EU need to now have motor insurance, regardless of whether it is becoming utilized on public and private land.

This is at odds with current British laws that only need such vehicles to be insured only if they are on a “road or other public place”.

What this means for you if…

You have a mobility scooter

The government strongly advises mobility scooter drivers to take out insurance coverage to cover accident or theft.

Nevertheless, they do not have to be insured by law.

And while the last Government looked set to make insurance for mobility scooters a legal requirement, it is now unclear when this will happen.

Mobility scooter users with no insurance coverage are nevertheless legal for the moment as a outcome.

Taking out cover now could save you from a costly claim should you be involved in an accident, even though. You can get third party insurance with breakdown cover for about £90 a year.

You have a sit-on lawnmower

Sit-on lawnmowers – and other similar cars such as quad bikes – already need to have insurance if they are to be driven on public roads.

Cover of this sort charges around £100 a year, and may soon turn into a legal requirement for all lawnmower owners.

Other possibilities available in the meantime contain public liability insurance coverage for specialist gardeners, and house contents private liability cover for property owners with motorised lawnmowers.

You have a golf buggy

At the moment, only golf buggies used on public roads require auto insurance coverage.

Nevertheless, if the EU gets its way, these utilised solely on golf courses will also require to be covered with third party insurance.

The difficulty if that happens is that handful of insurers offer cover for buggies that are taken off the golf course.

Even though you can get insurance that involves personal liability insurance coverage for about £25 a year, even specialist policies do not cover you for journeys on public roads.

Image: 

 Quingo Plus Mobility Scooter,E10 by Sludge G is licensed below CC BY-SA 

Do you need to have insurance for a lawnmower or mobility scooter?

Loyal Consumers Need to Still Get New Auto Insurance Quotes

Many of us shop around for auto insurance quotes as soon as and then stick with the same company for years and years. But there’s a compelling cause to get new auto insurance coverage quotes that you may well not know about: the alleged practice by some insurers of charging their loyal buyers far more.

‘Price optimization’

In February, California Insurance coverage Commissioner Dave Jones accused insurance companies of using “price optimization” to charge greater premiums to some buyers due to the fact evaluation showed they were much less most likely to comparison shop. Basically, some insurers are mentioned to attempt to measure your loyalty to the insurance coverage business. If you seem unlikely to switch organizations, the insurer will improve your rates tiny by small to squeeze much more profit from you.

Jones issued a notice saying this practice was unfairly discriminatory and violated state law. He gave firms 6 months to adjust prices and submit new filings.

“It is illegal for an insurer to charge individuals different prices based on their sensitivity to value increases or the likelihood they will comparison shop,” Jones mentioned in a statement. “Price optimization represents a fundamental threat to fairness in rating.”

Maryland and Ohio have issued comparable determinations.

These moves came soon after the Consumer Federation of America and the Center for Economic Justice (CEJ) sent a letter to state insurance commissioners last year complaining that automobile insurance organizations appeared to be employing price tag optimization with no telling state regulators and in violation of state laws.

“This so-referred to as ‘price optimization’ is the most current work by insurers to mine personal consumer details and to evade state customer protection laws prohibiting unfair discrimination in insurance coverage pricing,” CEJ Executive Director Birny Birnbaum stated in a news release.

The customer groups say cost optimization harms low-income buyers the most. Such customers generally shop less frequently for insurance coverage, given that they have a tendency to have fewer policy offerings open to them, significantly less available time and reduce economic literacy.

What insurers say

The Insurance coverage Information Institute, a trade group, has taken the lead in responding on behalf of the sector. Whilst the sector denies allegations of price tag optimization, sector spokespeople seem to leave the door open to the possibility that insurance coverage businesses do indeed use elements other than threat in pricing. Asked about the problem, the group pointed to comments Institute President Robert Hartwig created to The Wall Street Journal.

Among other things, Hartwig told the Journal that the allegation that insurers use analytics to set rates unrelated to risk is “patently false and utterly nonsensical,” adding: “Some insurers could use sophisticated analytical methods to supplement traditional actuarial tools to assist them make marketing choices inside their danger-primarily based pricing program.”

In talking points ready after an earlier Customer Federation statement about cost optimization, the Insurance Details Institute wrote: “The cost of auto insurance is based largely on danger — the likelihood that a policyholder will file a claim, and the cost of that claim. The insurer’s costs are an additional consideration.”

It added that shoppers advantage from advanced analytics, which “have allowed insurers to underwrite cost threat with greater accuracy and unprecedented speed.”

So what?

What does all of this mean to you? If the consumer advocates and some state insurance commissioners are proper, it implies you must periodically get auto insurance quotes to gauge whether you’re at present paying an excessive price. And even if rates actually are just based on danger, the business that gave you the best quote a couple of years may possibly no longer be the bargain.

Aubrey Cohen is a staff writer covering insurance for NerdWallet. Stick to him on Twitter @aubreycohen and on Google+.

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Image via iStock.

Loyal Consumers Need to Still Get New Auto Insurance Quotes

Need to You Convert Your Term Life Insurance coverage to Whole Life?

by Alice Holbrook on April 2, 2015 | posted in Life Insurance

For most families, term life insurance coverage provides a great combination of protection and affordability. Numerous men and women locate their term life policy expires just when they no longer want the coverage — they’ve paid off their home, retired, or their children are now self-supporting.

But what if, a few years into your policy’s term, your situations change and you find out you ought to have purchased permanent life insurance coverage? Several term life policies let you to convert to a whole life policy with no taking an additional medical exam — as long as you do so inside a specific time frame or by a particular age, such as 75.

Reasons for converting

Term life insurance coverage policies spend out a death advantage if you die for the duration of the term the policy is in effect.  Whole life insurance coverage policies, on the other hand, are a kind of permanent life insurance coverage that pays out a death benefit no matter when you die. Permanent life insurance policies also construct up a “cash value” component. Even though you’re alive, you can borrow from this money reserve, even though unrepaid loans will decrease your death advantage.

In some circumstances, even even though you’ve chosen a term life policy, a complete life policy will become a lot more appropriate. A few examples:

• Your economic circumstances improve. Numerous monetary planners suggest permanent life insurance coverage for very wealthy Americans whose heirs will be subject to estate taxes. Life insurance proceeds can be utilized to spend estate taxes. This only affects estates worth more than $ 5.4 million, according to the IRS.  You may also convert if you’d have preferred complete life insurance from the beginning but couldn’t afford it at the time.


• Your well being changes. It’s no secret that young, wholesome folks qualify for the best life insurance coverage prices. If you’ve developed health conditions considering that you 1st bought your term life policy and consider your term will not be adequate, you might be worried that you won’t be able to acquire one more policy. If you convert to a entire life policy, you won’t have to take yet another health-related exam, even though you will pay larger premiums following you convert.


• Your life insurance coverage wants change. For some individuals, complete life insurance coverage is a better option, like these with unique demands young children or these who own a company. A whole life policy can make certain that business partners, if you have them, have adequate income to keep operating without you. If you discover your self in one of these situations, converting will lock in your coverage.

Life insurance conversion clauses

Several term life insurance coverage policies sold these days include a conversion clause that allows you to switch to whole life but not all. So read the fine print just before you purchase.

If you don’t convert by the deadline, you’ll have to undergo a healthcare exam to qualify for a new entire life insurance coverage policy.

But if you’ve decided to convert, and you’re nevertheless eligible, contact your agent or life insurance business. You may possibly be in a position to save funds by converting just a portion of the policy’s face value.

Reviewing your life insurance every year is a great way to make sure you nonetheless have adequate coverage – and, if you do not, that you have time to alter your thoughts.

Alice Holbrook is a staff writer covering insurance and investing for NerdWallet. Stick to her on Google+.

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Image through iStock. 

Need to You Convert Your Term Life Insurance coverage to Whole Life?

What do I need to know about driving a tractor on a public road?

Question:

Good day I am wondering if you may help me please. I am a farmer, our farms are 30km apart. We need to move equipment and tractors between the farm for seasonal operations. Our tractors are licensed along with the driver. Our problem is this. Each officer we speak to has a different version of the rules of the road.

What we want to know please is how far may we travel on the road? How wide can the equipment be and what code of license is required?
Answer:

As long as the tractor has a normal licence (not a S licence in terms of reg 21 – for tractors that are normally not used on public roads) and the driver is licensed the vehicle may travel anywhere on a public road. If the vehicle has an S licence it may only cross the road within one kilometre.

There is no exemption for a driver – he must have a licence if he drives on a public road.

If the vehicle is wider than 2.6 metres the exemptions in reg 220 and 230apply.

I copy them for you.Certain vehicles exempt from certain provisions of this Part

Reg 220.    (1)        …..

(2)        Any vehicle, including a tractor, which is not a goods vehicle and which is used solely for bona fide agricultural, horticultural, viticultural or pastoral pursuits and when operated on a public road, shall, except for the provisions of regulations 149, 149A, 151, 153, 154, 155, 156, 200, 202, 203, 204, 205, 209, 210 and 212, be excluded from the provisions of this part: Provided that—

(a)        no such vehicle shall be operated on the roadway of a public road during the period between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable weather conditions, persons and vehicles upon the public road would not be clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres;

(b)        the driver of any such vehicle on the roadway of a public road shall stop such vehicle and, where possible, drive it off the roadway if it be necessary in order to allow other vehicular traffic to pass;

(c)        no such vehicle shall be operated on a freeway.

(3)       A motor vehicle manufactured before 1965 is exempt from any provisions of this Part in so far as the fitment of the equipment required in terms of this Part will alter the original design and equipment of such motor vehicle.

Certain vehicles exempt from provisions of this Part

Reg 230.    (1)        …..

(2)        Any vehicle, including a tractor, which is not a goods vehicle and which is used solely for bona fide agricultural, horticultural, viticultural or pastoral pursuits and when operated on a public road, is exempt from the provisions of this Part, except for the provisions of regulation 224: Provided that—

(a)        no such vehicle shall be operated on the roadway of a public road during the period between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable weather conditions, persons and vehicles upon the public road would not be clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres;

(b)        the driver of any such vehicle on the roadway of a public road shall stop such vehicle and, where possible, drive it off the roadway if it be necessary in order to allow other vehicular traffic to pass;

(c)        where such vehicle—

(i)         exceeds the overall length prescribed in regulation 221;

(ii)        encroaches beyond half the width of the roadway except when overtaking other vehicles or crossing bridges; or

(iii)       is more than 2 comma 6 metres but less than 3 and a half metres wide,

2 flags of red cloth shall be displayed not less than 600 millimetres by 600 millimetres in such manner as to indicate its abnormal length or width and such flags shall be suspended from the vehicle transversely to the direction of travel, but the vehicle may be fitted with amber flashing lights in lieu of such flags; and

(d)        the overall width of any such vehicle shall not exceed 4 and a half metres: Provided further that when the overall width exceeds 3 and a half metres—

(i)         such vehicle shall not normally encroach beyond half the width of the roadway except when overtaking other vehicles or crossing bridges; and

(ii)        if such vehicle does encroach beyond half the width of the roadway, 2 escort vehicles with the headlamps switched on and displaying red flags of the size prescribed in paragraph (c) or amber flashing lights shall be provided, one travelling in front and one to the rear of such vehicle;

(e)        no such vehicle shall be operated on a freeway.

Alta

Alta Swanepoel & Associates

What do I need to know about driving a tractor on a public road?

Penalty points – all you need to know

We all dread getting points on our driving licence. But some men and women swerve the difficulty with a radical manoeuvre – they simply don’t bother obtaining a licence in the very first location.

1 motorist from Lewisham in south-east London has managed to amass a enormous 40 points for 12 various motoring offences, in spite of not holding either a full or provisional licence.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IMA) found the case right after submitting a Freedom of Info request to the DVLA asking about for particulars of highest penalty point holders.

The Lewisham driver’s offences incorporate speeding in a 30mph zone and driving without insurance.

He is far from alone. The second-highest penalty points holder with no licence is from the Stockport region, and has 33 penalty points for 6 various offences.

These contain repeatedly failing to disclose details as to the identity of the driver, and getting caught speeding in a 30mph zone.

But it’s not just these who do not have licences who rack up points, of course. The highest points-holder in England and Wales is a man from Liverpool who holds 45 penalty points on a full driving licence. He collected 6 points on 5 occasions for failing to offer info about the identity of the driver, and 6 points on 3 other occasions for speeding in a 30mph zone.

How do penalty points operate?

When it comes to driving, points absolutely do not mean prizes.

If you’re convicted of a motoring offence, such as breaking the speed limit, you can be fined and your driving licence can be ‘endorsed’ with penalty points.

The more critical the offence you’ve committed, the far more penalty points you’ll get. For instance, you will get 3 points if you’re caught employing a automobile with a defective tyre, but 10 points if you’re in charge of a vehicle with an alcohol level above the legal limit.

You have to declare any penalty points you get to your insurer. The much more points you have, the greater your premiums will be.

Click here for a complete list of motoring offences, conviction codes and penalty points.

These will stay on your licence for in between 4 and 11 years, depending on what sort of offence you’ve committed.

For instance, endorsements have to keep on your licence for 4 years from the date of conviction if the offence:

• is for reckless or dangerous driving


• or if it benefits in disqualification.

If you haven’t been convicted, then endorsements must stay on your licence for 4 years from the date the offence was committed.

Points need to keep on your licence for 11 years from the date of conviction if the offence is:

• Drink driving or drug driving


• Causing death by careless driving although under the influence of drink or drugs


• Causing death by careless driving then failing to supply a specimen for evaluation.

After your points have expired, you can only remove them from your licence by sending it to DVLA and acquiring a new a single.

Dirty dozen

If you build up 12 or much more penalty points inside a 3-year period, you can be disqualified from driving.

A court will decide how extended you can be disqualified for, but if you have 12 or far more points you could be banned for:

• 6 months if you’ve got 12 penalty points or far more within 3 years


• 12 months if you have got a second disqualification inside 3 years


• 2 years if you’ve got a third disqualification.

You’ll have to apply for a new licence and possibly take your test again if you’re disqualified from driving for much more than 56 days.

If you’re a new driver, then your licence can be revoked if you get 6 or far more points within 2 years of passing your test. If this occurs, you’ll have to apply for a new provisional licence and pass one more theory and sensible test to get your full licence back once more.

If you’ve got points on your provisional licence, these will be carried more than to your full licence when you pass your test.

Avoiding points

If you are caught speeding, you will generally be fined £60 and have 3 penalty points applied to your licence.

But you could be in a position to stay away from receiving points on your licence by attending a half-day Speed Awareness course.

You will only be invited to take a course if, in the past 3 years, you haven’t been convicted of any other speeding offences, and if you didn’t exceed the legal limit by a stated amount.

If you total the course, you won’t be fined or have any penalty points on your licence.

You will have to spend to attend, though. The expense generally ranges from £60 to £100.

Premium punishment

Be conscious that going on a speed awareness course may possibly not defend you from larger insurance premiums.

You should let your insurer know about your offence, which means they could put up the expense of your cover – even though almost certainly not by as a lot as if you’d got points on your licence and not taken the course.

Does that square with your experience? Have you got any other experiences of penalty points that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you in the box below…

Penalty points – all you need to know

What do I need to know about driving a tractor on a public road?

Question:

Good day I am wondering if you may help me please. I am a farmer, our farms are 30km apart. We need to move equipment and tractors between the farm for seasonal operations. Our tractors are licensed along with the driver. Our problem is this. Each officer we speak to has a different version of the rules of the road.

What we want to know please is how far may we travel on the road? How wide can the equipment be and what code of license is required?
Answer:

As long as the tractor has a normal licence (not a S licence in terms of reg 21 – for tractors that are normally not used on public roads) and the driver is licensed the vehicle may travel anywhere on a public road. If the vehicle has an S licence it may only cross the road within one kilometre.

There is no exemption for a driver – he must have a licence if he drives on a public road.

If the vehicle is wider than 2.6 metres the exemptions in reg 220 and 230apply.

I copy them for you.Certain vehicles exempt from certain provisions of this Part

Reg 220.    (1)        …..

(2)        Any vehicle, including a tractor, which is not a goods vehicle and which is used solely for bona fide agricultural, horticultural, viticultural or pastoral pursuits and when operated on a public road, shall, except for the provisions of regulations 149, 149A, 151, 153, 154, 155, 156, 200, 202, 203, 204, 205, 209, 210 and 212, be excluded from the provisions of this part: Provided that—

(a)        no such vehicle shall be operated on the roadway of a public road during the period between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable weather conditions, persons and vehicles upon the public road would not be clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres;

(b)        the driver of any such vehicle on the roadway of a public road shall stop such vehicle and, where possible, drive it off the roadway if it be necessary in order to allow other vehicular traffic to pass;

(c)        no such vehicle shall be operated on a freeway.

(3)       A motor vehicle manufactured before 1965 is exempt from any provisions of this Part in so far as the fitment of the equipment required in terms of this Part will alter the original design and equipment of such motor vehicle.

Certain vehicles exempt from provisions of this Part

Reg 230.    (1)        …..

(2)        Any vehicle, including a tractor, which is not a goods vehicle and which is used solely for bona fide agricultural, horticultural, viticultural or pastoral pursuits and when operated on a public road, is exempt from the provisions of this Part, except for the provisions of regulation 224: Provided that—

(a)        no such vehicle shall be operated on the roadway of a public road during the period between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable weather conditions, persons and vehicles upon the public road would not be clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres;

(b)        the driver of any such vehicle on the roadway of a public road shall stop such vehicle and, where possible, drive it off the roadway if it be necessary in order to allow other vehicular traffic to pass;

(c)        where such vehicle—

(i)         exceeds the overall length prescribed in regulation 221;

(ii)        encroaches beyond half the width of the roadway except when overtaking other vehicles or crossing bridges; or

(iii)       is more than 2 comma 6 metres but less than 3 and a half metres wide,

2 flags of red cloth shall be displayed not less than 600 millimetres by 600 millimetres in such manner as to indicate its abnormal length or width and such flags shall be suspended from the vehicle transversely to the direction of travel, but the vehicle may be fitted with amber flashing lights in lieu of such flags; and

(d)        the overall width of any such vehicle shall not exceed 4 and a half metres: Provided further that when the overall width exceeds 3 and a half metres—

(i)         such vehicle shall not normally encroach beyond half the width of the roadway except when overtaking other vehicles or crossing bridges; and

(ii)        if such vehicle does encroach beyond half the width of the roadway, 2 escort vehicles with the headlamps switched on and displaying red flags of the size prescribed in paragraph (c) or amber flashing lights shall be provided, one travelling in front and one to the rear of such vehicle;

(e)        no such vehicle shall be operated on a freeway.

Alta

Alta Swanepoel & Associates

What do I need to know about driving a tractor on a public road?

Penalty points – all you need to know

We all dread getting points on our driving licence. But some people swerve the problem with a radical manoeuvre – they simply don’t bother having a licence in the first place.

One motorist from Lewisham in south-east London has managed to amass a huge 40 points for 12 different motoring offences, despite not holding either a full or provisional licence.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IMA) discovered the case after submitting a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA asking about for details of highest penalty point holders.

The Lewisham driver’s offences include speeding in a 30mph zone and driving without insurance.

He is far from alone. The second-highest penalty points holder with no licence is from the Stockport area, and has 33 penalty points for 6 different offences.

These include repeatedly failing to disclose information as to the identity of the driver, and being caught speeding in a 30mph zone.

But it’s not just those who don’t have licences who rack up points, of course. The highest points-holder in England and Wales is a man from Liverpool who holds 45 penalty points on a full driving licence. He collected 6 points on 5 occasions for failing to provide information about the identity of the driver, and 6 points on 3 other occasions for speeding in a 30mph zone.

How do penalty points work?

When it comes to driving, points definitely don’t mean prizes.

If you’re convicted of a motoring offence, such as breaking the speed limit, you can be fined and your driving licence can be ‘endorsed’ with penalty points.

The more serious the offence you’ve committed, the more penalty points you’ll get. For example, you’ll get 3 points if you’re caught using a vehicle with a defective tyre, but 10 points if you’re in charge of a vehicle with an alcohol level above the legal limit.

You have to declare any penalty points you get to your insurer. The more points you have, the higher your premiums will be.

Click here for a full list of motoring offences, conviction codes and penalty points.

These will stay on your licence for between 4 and 11 years, depending on what sort of offence you’ve committed.

For example, endorsements must stay on your licence for 4 years from the date of conviction if the offence:

• is for reckless or dangerous driving


• or if it results in disqualification.

If you haven’t been convicted, then endorsements must stay on your licence for 4 years from the date the offence was committed.

Points must stay on your licence for 11 years from the date of conviction if the offence is:

• Drink driving or drug driving


• Causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs


• Causing death by careless driving then failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Once your points have expired, you can only remove them from your licence by sending it to DVLA and getting a new one.

Dirty dozen

If you build up 12 or more penalty points within a 3-year period, you can be disqualified from driving.

A court will decide how long you can be disqualified for, but if you have 12 or more points you could be banned for:

• 6 months if you’ve got 12 penalty points or more within 3 years


• 12 months if you’ve got a second disqualification within 3 years


• 2 years if you’ve got a third disqualification.

You’ll have to apply for a new licence and possibly take your test again if you’re disqualified from driving for more than 56 days.

If you’re a new driver, then your licence can be revoked if you get 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test. If this happens, you’ll have to apply for a new provisional licence and pass another theory and practical test to get your full licence back again.

If you’ve got points on your provisional licence, these will be carried over to your full licence when you pass your test.

Avoiding points

If you’re caught speeding, you’ll usually be fined £60 and have 3 penalty points applied to your licence.

But you may be able to avoid getting points on your licence by attending a half-day Speed Awareness course.

You’ll only be invited to take a course if, in the past 3 years, you haven’t been convicted of any other speeding offences, and if you didn’t exceed the legal limit by a stated amount.

If you complete the course, you won’t be fined or have any penalty points on your licence.

You will have to pay to attend, though. The cost usually ranges from £60 to £100.

Premium punishment

Be aware that going on a speed awareness course might not protect you from higher insurance premiums.

You must let your insurer know about your offence, which means they could put up the cost of your cover – although probably not by as much as if you’d got points on your licence and not taken the course.

Does that square with your experience? Have you got any other experiences of penalty points that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you in the box below…

Penalty points – all you need to know

Penalty points – all you need to know

We all dread receiving points on our driving licence. But some men and women swerve the difficulty with a radical manoeuvre – they basically do not bother having a licence in the initial place.

A single motorist from Lewisham in south-east London has managed to amass a massive 40 points for 12 distinct motoring offences, in spite of not holding either a full or provisional licence.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IMA) discovered the case after submitting a Freedom of Details request to the DVLA asking about for particulars of highest penalty point holders.

The Lewisham driver’s offences include speeding in a 30mph zone and driving without having insurance.

He is far from alone. The second-highest penalty points holder with no licence is from the Stockport area, and has 33 penalty points for 6 various offences.

These consist of repeatedly failing to disclose information as to the identity of the driver, and becoming caught speeding in a 30mph zone.

But it is not just those who do not have licences who rack up points, of course. The highest points-holder in England and Wales is a man from Liverpool who holds 45 penalty points on a full driving licence. He collected 6 points on 5 occasions for failing to supply information about the identity of the driver, and 6 points on 3 other occasions for speeding in a 30mph zone.

How do penalty points operate?

When it comes to driving, points absolutely don’t imply prizes.

If you are convicted of a motoring offence, such as breaking the speed limit, you can be fined and your driving licence can be ‘endorsed’ with penalty points.

The a lot more serious the offence you’ve committed, the more penalty points you’ll get. For example, you will get 3 points if you’re caught utilizing a automobile with a defective tyre, but 10 points if you’re in charge of a car with an alcohol level above the legal limit.

You have to declare any penalty points you get to your insurer. The a lot more points you have, the higher your premiums will be.

Click right here for a full list of motoring offences, conviction codes and penalty points.

These will keep on your licence for between 4 and 11 years, depending on what sort of offence you’ve committed.

For example, endorsements must stay on your licence for 4 years from the date of conviction if the offence:

• is for reckless or harmful driving


• or if it final results in disqualification.

If you haven’t been convicted, then endorsements need to keep on your licence for 4 years from the date the offence was committed.

Points have to stay on your licence for 11 years from the date of conviction if the offence is:

• Drink driving or drug driving


• Causing death by careless driving even though beneath the influence of drink or drugs


• Causing death by careless driving then failing to give a specimen for evaluation.

When your points have expired, you can only take away them from your licence by sending it to DVLA and obtaining a new 1.

Dirty dozen

If you create up 12 or far more penalty points within a 3-year period, you can be disqualified from driving.

A court will choose how long you can be disqualified for, but if you have 12 or much more points you could be banned for:

• 6 months if you’ve got 12 penalty points or a lot more within 3 years


• 12 months if you have got a second disqualification inside 3 years


• 2 years if you have got a third disqualification.

You’ll have to apply for a new licence and possibly take your test once more if you’re disqualified from driving for much more than 56 days.

If you are a new driver, then your licence can be revoked if you get 6 or much more points inside 2 years of passing your test. If this takes place, you will have to apply for a new provisional licence and pass an additional theory and sensible test to get your full licence back again.

If you have got points on your provisional licence, these will be carried over to your complete licence when you pass your test.

Avoiding points

If you’re caught speeding, you will generally be fined £60 and have 3 penalty points applied to your licence.

But you might be able to avoid obtaining points on your licence by attending a half-day Speed Awareness course.

You’ll only be invited to take a course if, in the previous 3 years, you haven’t been convicted of any other speeding offences, and if you didn’t exceed the legal limit by a stated quantity.

If you total the course, you will not be fined or have any penalty points on your licence.

You will have to pay to attend, although. The price typically ranges from £60 to £100.

Premium punishment

Be aware that going on a speed awareness course may well not defend you from higher insurance coverage premiums.

You need to let your insurer know about your offence, which implies they could put up the price of your cover – though probably not by as significantly as if you’d got points on your licence and not taken the course.

Does that square with your knowledge? Have you got any other experiences of penalty points that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you in the box below…

Penalty points – all you need to know

Penalty points – all you need to have to know

We all dread getting points on our driving licence. But some people swerve the problem with a radical manoeuvre – they simply don’t bother having a licence in the first place.

One motorist from Lewisham in south-east London has managed to amass a huge 40 points for 12 different motoring offences, despite not holding either a full or provisional licence.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IMA) discovered the case after submitting a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA asking about for details of highest penalty point holders.

The Lewisham driver’s offences include speeding in a 30mph zone and driving without insurance.

He is far from alone. The second-highest penalty points holder with no licence is from the Stockport area, and has 33 penalty points for 6 different offences.

These include repeatedly failing to disclose information as to the identity of the driver, and being caught speeding in a 30mph zone.

But it’s not just those who don’t have licences who rack up points, of course. The highest points-holder in England and Wales is a man from Liverpool who holds 45 penalty points on a full driving licence. He collected 6 points on 5 occasions for failing to provide information about the identity of the driver, and 6 points on 3 other occasions for speeding in a 30mph zone.

How do penalty points work?

When it comes to driving, points definitely don’t mean prizes.

If you’re convicted of a motoring offence, such as breaking the speed limit, you can be fined and your driving licence can be ‘endorsed’ with penalty points.

The more serious the offence you’ve committed, the more penalty points you’ll get. For example, you’ll get 3 points if you’re caught using a vehicle with a defective tyre, but 10 points if you’re in charge of a vehicle with an alcohol level above the legal limit.

You have to declare any penalty points you get to your insurer. The more points you have, the higher your premiums will be.

Click here for a full list of motoring offences, conviction codes and penalty points.

These will stay on your licence for between 4 and 11 years, depending on what sort of offence you’ve committed.

For example, endorsements must stay on your licence for 4 years from the date of conviction if the offence:

• is for reckless or dangerous driving


• or if it results in disqualification.

If you haven’t been convicted, then endorsements must stay on your licence for 4 years from the date the offence was committed.

Points must stay on your licence for 11 years from the date of conviction if the offence is:

• Drink driving or drug driving


• Causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs


• Causing death by careless driving then failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Once your points have expired, you can only remove them from your licence by sending it to DVLA and getting a new one.

Dirty dozen

If you build up 12 or more penalty points within a 3-year period, you can be disqualified from driving.

A court will decide how long you can be disqualified for, but if you have 12 or more points you could be banned for:

• 6 months if you’ve got 12 penalty points or more within 3 years


• 12 months if you’ve got a second disqualification within 3 years


• 2 years if you’ve got a third disqualification.

You’ll have to apply for a new licence and possibly take your test again if you’re disqualified from driving for more than 56 days.

If you’re a new driver, then your licence can be revoked if you get 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test. If this happens, you’ll have to apply for a new provisional licence and pass another theory and practical test to get your full licence back again.

If you’ve got points on your provisional licence, these will be carried over to your full licence when you pass your test.

Avoiding points

If you’re caught speeding, you’ll usually be fined £60 and have 3 penalty points applied to your licence.

But you may be able to avoid getting points on your licence by attending a half-day Speed Awareness course.

You’ll only be invited to take a course if, in the past 3 years, you haven’t been convicted of any other speeding offences, and if you didn’t exceed the legal limit by a stated amount.

If you complete the course, you won’t be fined or have any penalty points on your licence.

You will have to pay to attend, though. The cost usually ranges from £60 to £100.

Premium punishment

Be aware that going on a speed awareness course might not protect you from higher insurance premiums.

You must let your insurer know about your offence, which means they could put up the cost of your cover – although probably not by as much as if you’d got points on your licence and not taken the course.

Does that square with your experience? Have you got any other experiences of penalty points that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you in the box below…

Penalty points – all you need to have to know

MiWay Releases Animated Video Entitled ‘4 Reasons You Need Car Insurance’

MiWay has released its fun and educational animated video, ‘4 Reasons You Need Car Insurance’ [Link to: https://www.miway.co.za/blog/your-car/4-reasons-you-need-car-insurance], which is dedicated to explaining the top 4 reasons why everyone needs car insurance in South Africa.

Many people believe that because they adhere to the rules of the road, do not drive under the influence and always keep to an acceptable speed, that they do not need car insurance. After all, if you are such a good driver, why should there ever be any reason for you to be involved in an accident? The truth is that while you may be a good driver, there are plenty of other driving ‘duds’ on the roads who are not. With this in mind, accidents do happen – and all it takes is one small mistake. As a result, without car insurance, you risk your savings and your assets every time you start that engine.

The animated video is directed at both new car owners and at those who have previously been uninsured. It seeks to educate South African drivers about the importance of vehicle insurance and explains, in detail, how paying a monthly premium now can result in massive savings further down the road. The aim of the video is to educate, inform and empower all drivers to take responsibility and to make the right decision when it comes to car insurance.

MiWay is a direct, short-term insurance provider offering a range of value-for-money insurance products. As well as motor, household and homeowners’ insurance, there are also a variety of add-on products available, such as warranty cover and liability cover.

MiWay is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (Licence no: 33970).

: MiWay Insurance Limited (‘MiWay’) is a direct, short-term insurance company, offering customers a range of short-term insurance products including motor, household and homeowners insurance as well as add-on products such as warranty cover and liability cover. MiWay’;s major shareholder is Santam, a blue-chip JSE-listed company.

MiWay Releases Animated Video Entitled ‘4 Reasons You Need Car Insurance’

What You Need to Get an Auto Insurance Quote

by Alice Holbrook on March 13, 2015 | posted in Vehicle Insurance

The process of discovering the very best auto insurance quote can look so daunting that you may really feel like sticking with your existing insurer rather than producing the effort to comparison shop. But the time spent obtaining a handful of quotes each and every year can help guarantee that you are not paying too significantly for the right coverage.

Fortunately, most key insurers have easy and rapidly online quoting processes. And you’ll save even a lot more time if you have the right data handy when you commence your quote request.

Standard personal data. Who are you? Where do you live? When had been you born? Most automobile insurance quotes will begin with this information. Be positive to list the spot where your auto will be parked most often as your address, not a friend’s or family members member’s home.

Car details. The on the internet quoting kind will usually ask regardless of whether you personal, finance or lease the vehicle you’d like to insure, what security characteristics it has and how a lot of miles you drive every day and annually. Have your car’s VIN (automobile identification number) handy.

In addition, the insurer will want to know about the “use” of the automobile — for example, for driving to work or for pleasure. This helps the organization give you an precise auto insurance coverage quote. If you use your car to do your job — outdoors of commuting — you must get a quote for a business auto policy. This typically expenses much more than personal auto coverage.

Driver data. The auto insurer will ask about you and any other licensed drivers in your household, like how long you’ve been licensed and whether you personal your house. They’ll most likely also ask what business insures you now.

Driving history. Most businesses will want to figure out how “risky” you are as a driver. Have any drivers in your household had a moving violation, an accident or a claim in the last couple of years? Some companies, like State Farm, think about violations as old as 5 years, so you might have to do some digging for the information you need. Attempt to uncover the dates of the dilemma so that you don’t have to guess.

Desired coverage limits. Have the declarations web page of your current or most current auto insurance policy handy. This will assist you fill in coverage levels for liability, collision and comprehensive, and choose deductibles. Inputting your existing coverage limits helps you evaluate apples to apples.

Geico and Esurance aren’t the only organizations that can give you a quick auto insurance coverage quote these days, specifically if you are prepared for the procedure. On the internet quotes will assist you narrow down your alternatives but they’re not often binding. Once you’ve submitted your quote, an agent or organization representative will usually make contact with you. They may have adhere to-up inquiries and can offer a final value.

Alice Holbrook is a staff writer covering insurance and investing for NerdWallet. Comply with her on Google+.

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Image by means of iStock.  

What You Need to Get an Auto Insurance Quote

Do Young, Single People Need to have Life Insurance?

by Alice Holbrook on February 13, 2015 | posted in Life Insurance coverage

Traditional wisdom says that you ought to acquire your first life insurance coverage policy when you get married or have your first child, or perhaps when you sign on your very first house. By this logic, 20-somethings who are single and rent apartments don’t need to have that sort of coverage, but some economic advisors and insurance agents nevertheless suggest life insurance coverage plans for young adults to cover some expenditures.

Student loans

According to CNN, the typical college graduate now carries $ 35,200 in debt, among student loans, credit cards and other costs. If you have racked up equivalent bills whilst acquiring your education, and if a friend or family member co-signed on any of your loans or allowed you to share their credit account, getting a life insurance coverage policy in at least the quantity of your debt is a wise move. That way, the individuals who did you a economic favor won’t be saddled with your bills if you are unable to pay them.

Finish-of-life costs

Although it is unpleasant to consider about, any person can incur major health-related bills from a fatal illness or injury. The expense of experimental treatments and extended stays in a hospital or residential facility can speedily stack up, and that is not such as the price of a funeral. Fox Business finds that the typical service now expenses close to $ 6,600. A life insurance coverage policy can assist defray these costs.

Dependent buddies or loved ones members

You don’t have to be a parent to be a caretaker. Several young adults support aging or disabled close friends and household members, who would otherwise have to spend for help with household chores. A life insurance policy is a fantastic way to fund the services you provide if you are no longer around to offer them.

Insurability

The younger you are, the cheaper your life insurance premiums will be. Not only can signing up early save you money, but it also ensures that you will get coverage at all. Medical difficulties that might crop up as you age can make life insurance coverage impossible to qualify for, or at least prohibitively costly.

The bottom line

Not all young singles need to have life insurance coverage. If you are the sole holder of your debt or are debt-free, do not have children, and are otherwise nicely-insured, a life insurance policy is far more an option than an crucial. But if you are like most folks, you will eventually want a policy, so do not wait too lengthy to get one particular. Sign up as quickly as you’re married or have your 1st youngster to get the lowest possible premiums.

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Image by means of iStock.

Do Young, Single People Need to have Life Insurance?

15 Things You Need to Know About the 2017 Ford Focus RS

The Concentrate RS is finally here!

Right after a long wait—and one even longer in the U.S., where the vehicle has by no means been sold—a new Ford Focus RS is coming! Ford revealed the ultra-high-functionality Concentrate hatchback at a particular event in Cologne, Germany, where the automobile was created. But the company only spilled a mere trickle of info. C’;mon, Ford, we’;re talking about a 316-plus-hp (see? we don’;t even have final output figures), all-wheel-drive hot hatch here—we need to have all of the details! Fortunately, we cornered a few Ford people and pressed them for a lot more RS details—read on for the secrets they divulged.

1) Higher 5! We get the same car Europe does!

Ford insists that the U.S.-spec Focus RS will be totally identical to the one particular sold elsewhere, save for safety and homologation gear.

2) The Focus RS may go racing

When asked whether or not or not Ford was arranging on racing the Focus RS, Ford’;s chief of international performance vehicle development Jamal Hameedi answered that “it’;s an outstanding platform to go racing with.” It did not finish there when pressed, he added: “Amazing vehicles constantly go racing.” The takeaway? Appear for this auto in a racing or rally series of some type in the subsequent year.

3) No RevoKnuckle necessary

Ford’;s clever RevoKnuckle front suspension design, which it has employed on high-horsepower front-drive models like the last-generation Focus RS500 to tame torque steer, wasn’;t necessary on the new RS. Torque steer instead is quelled by the all-wheel-drive program and specific suspension tuning.

4) Mustang engine, RS tune

Considerably has been created of the RS engine’;s EcoBoost Mustang roots, but it is been comprehensively upgraded for Focus duty. In the RS, the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder wears a new turbocharger, a new cylinder head, and a completely distinctive cooling setup tailored to the Focus’;s transverse engine layout and differently shaped front finish. Official output figures are forthcoming, but we’;ve been told to anticipate “nicely in excess” of 316 horsepower. The EcoBoost Mustang, for reference, makes do with 310.

5) It won’;t have main carbon-fiber parts

As you probably currently surmised, the Concentrate RS will share its basic body with the normal Concentrate. It also will share that car’;s total lack of carbon-fiber physique panels.

6) It could be a Ford, but right here in the U.S., it’;ll be an import

Ford will assemble every single Concentrate RS it sells globally at its Saarlouis, Germany, assembly plant. The RS will be constructed alongside more pedestrian Foci there, and surely will make those normal Focuses really feel insecure.

7) Take a hike, Haldex—this AWD is Ford-only

Unlike its important competitor, the VW Golf R, the Focus RS utilizes an all-wheel-drive program that is said to have been developed completely in-house. Assuming the RS is traveling in a straight line with zero slip at any of its 4 tires, the all-wheel drive setup sends 25 % of the accessible power to the front axle. When slip is detected or if there is steering input, up to 70 percent of the obtainable power can be sent rearward.

8) Some percentage of the time, each rear wheel gets 100 percent of up to 70 % of offered torque

Like Sex Panther men’;s cologne, which 60 % of the time works each and every time, the Concentrate RS’;s rear axle is all about difficult percentages. The all-wheel-drive technique is capable of routing up to 70 % of the accessible torque to the rear axle. From there, it can be split evenly amongst each rear wheel, or, in extreme cases, the system’;s brain can instruct the rear-axle torque-vectoring mechanism’;s 2 clutches to direct 25 % of the rear-axle torque to a single rear wheel. Exciting-with-numbers time: 25 percent of 70 % of obtainable engine torque can be directed at a single rear wheel to aid rotate the car in corners. Dooorrriffftoooo!

9) That tricky differential is not the only factor capable of inducing rotation

While the brunt of the process of shoving the RS’;s ass end around corners falls on the rear-axle torque-vectoring mechanism, Ford tells us the hot hatch does get some aid from the brakes in corners. Operating mostly on the front axle, the car’;s brain can brake the inside wheel(s) when getting into and leaving a corner to induce a yaw event—otherwise recognized as understeer mitigation.

10) Speaking of the brakes . . .

Like virtually each other factory overall performance car these days, the Concentrate RS’;s brakes will be supplied by—you guessed it—Brembo.

11) Ford knows what is up when it comes to Saving the Manuals

Do not get us wrong, it makes us cringe to even think the words “automatic transmission” when discussing a vehicle like the Concentrate RS, but we had to ask Ford whether or not it planned to introduce an auto-equipped RS. We have been told that there are “no plans” for an automatic of any sort (dual-clutch or otherwise), followed with a hearty “You are welcome” from the company’;s chief engineer of global efficiency autos. Save the Manuals!

12) Ford could have gone gung-ho on the RS’;s top speed

In our testing, we’;ve found the 252-hp Focus ST loses its fight against aerodynamic drag at 150 mph—not far off of the highest quantity on the U.S.-spec speedometer, 160 mph. Hunting at Ford’;s photos of the 2017 RS, on the other hand, we can clearly make out that its speedometer runs all the way to 300 kph, or 186 mph. Ahead of you get as well excited, Ford slaps a 280-kph (174-mph) speedo on the European Concentrate ST. Suffice it to say, although, that we’;re hunting forward to personally verifying the car’;s Vmax.

13) Six speeds, a lot more than 1 drive mode

The RS will come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, just like the Focus ST. Unlike the ST, the RS has a drive-mode button Ford hasn’;t told us however what modes there are, but are we crazy for hoping one riffs off of the Tesla P85D’;s “Insane Mode”? Possibly get in touch with it “Ludicrous Speed” or anything?

14) This is the not-messing-about rubber

Don’;t be shocked if the RS posts absolutely bonkers grip figures when we at some point test the car—its tires are that critical. Both ends of the car will ride on 19-inch 235/35 Michelin Pilot Super Sports. The front-drive Concentrate ST, on the other hand, wears Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 2 tires sized 235/40—and it posted .96 g on our skidpad. Yeah, the RS is going to be rad.

15) the one point we do not like about the Concentrate RS . . . ?

In spite of the number of hot Ford RS models more than the years to put on ultra-sweet stripe packages, Ford tells us there are no plans to provide stripe kits for the Concentrate RS. That’;s okay, though—we can cut vinyl just fine ourselves.

15 Things You Need to Know About the 2017 Ford Focus RS

Clearing snow off the pavement? No need to kerb your enthusiasm

Last year may well have been the warmest on record, but 2015 has brought us up sharp with reminder of just how bitter the weather can be in January.

Temperatures have fallen as low as minus 13.7 degrees centigrade in Scotland, and most components of the UK have seen at least a dusting of winter snow.

A lot more is forecast, which raises a hoary old question – do you clear an accumulation off the pavement in front of your property, or do you let sleeping flakes lie?

Are you liable if an individual slips and injures themselves – or any other passing elves – outdoors your home?

All clear for shovellers?

Lord Freud, the wellness and security minister, wants individuals across Britain do a very good deed and clear snow from footpaths without worrying about obtaining sued.

Presenting his evaluation of the scenario, Lord Freud said: “People need to have to be conscious that they will not be reprimanded for performing a very good deed by clearing ice and snow.”

But why do folks even think that clearing snow could lead to a court case?

Myth the point

In past winters, media reports have claimed that health and safety regulations mean clearing snow at your house (or your neighbour’s) or outdoors your enterprise could leave you at danger of litigation.

Leave a footpath in a treacherous condition, the stories said, and you could be sued for any injuries due to individuals slipping, for instance.

So Lord Freud is worried that would-be good Samaritans might leave their shovels in the shed for worry their effectively-intentioned action could backfire on them.

Acquiring the drift

And he is not the only one in the government speaking out to encourage men and women to clear snow if and when it comes in quantity.

Judith Hackitt, chair of the Overall health and Security Executive, no less, said: “Anyone can clear ice and snow from public spaces, so don’t be place off due to the fact you are afraid an individual will get injured.

“Remember, people walking on snow and ice have a duty to themselves to be cautious.”

Snow-go areas

As nicely busting misunderstandings about clearing snow, the government has place collectively a list of prime suggestions to support you do it correct.

Now, we’re not suggesting for a moment that you need to have guidance on how to clear snow, but here they are anyway…

1. Do it promptly soon after the snow falls – it’ll less difficult to move when it is fresh and loose.

2. Don’t use water to wash snow away – it might refreeze and turn into black ice.

3. Use salt if achievable – it will melt the ice or snow and stop it from refreezing overnight (but don’t use salt from roadside salting bins as this is required to preserve roads clear).

4. Use ash and sand if you do not have enough salt – it will offer grip underfoot.

5. Pay added interest when clearing measures and steep pathways – using much more salt may aid.

Panel beaters

The Overall health and Security Executive is keen to cease bogus excuses give true safety laws a bad name. So if you come across a myth masquerading as health and security regulation, why not report it to the Overall health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Myth Busters Challenge Panel? It has busted 336 myths considering that launch in April 2012.

Maintain us up to speed in the box beneath.

Clearing snow off the pavement? No need to kerb your enthusiasm

Clearing snow off the pavement? No need to have to kerb your enthusiasm

Final year might have been the warmest on record, but 2015 has brought us up sharp with reminder of just how bitter the climate can be in January.

Temperatures have fallen as low as minus 13.7 degrees centigrade in Scotland, and most components of the UK have noticed at least a dusting of winter snow.

More is forecast, which raises a hoary old query – do you clear an accumulation off the pavement in front of your home, or do you let sleeping flakes lie?

Are you liable if someone slips and injures themselves – or any other passing elves – outside your property?

All clear for shovellers?

Lord Freud, the health and safety minister, wants individuals across Britain do a very good deed and clear snow from footpaths with out worrying about obtaining sued.

Presenting his evaluation of the predicament, Lord Freud mentioned: “People need to be conscious that they will not be reprimanded for undertaking a great deed by clearing ice and snow.”

But why do folks even consider that clearing snow could lead to a court case?

Myth the point

In past winters, media reports have claimed that health and security regulations imply clearing snow at your property (or your neighbour’s) or outside your enterprise could leave you at risk of litigation.

Leave a footpath in a treacherous situation, the stories mentioned, and you could be sued for any injuries due to individuals slipping, for example.

So Lord Freud is worried that would-be excellent Samaritans may possibly leave their shovels in the shed for worry their effectively-intentioned action could backfire on them.

Receiving the drift

And he is not the only one particular in the government speaking out to encourage folks to clear snow if and when it comes in quantity.

Judith Hackitt, chair of the Well being and Safety Executive, no much less, said: “Anyone can clear ice and snow from public spaces, so don’t be place off because you’re afraid somebody will get injured.

“Remember, folks walking on snow and ice have a duty to themselves to be cautious.”

Snow-go locations

As properly busting misunderstandings about clearing snow, the government has put with each other a list of prime tips to aid you do it right.

Now, we’re not suggesting for a moment that you need tips on how to clear snow, but right here they are anyway…

1. Do it promptly right after the snow falls – it’ll less complicated to move when it is fresh and loose.

2. Do not use water to wash snow away – it may possibly refreeze and turn into black ice.

3. Use salt if attainable – it will melt the ice or snow and cease it from refreezing overnight (but don’t use salt from roadside salting bins as this is necessary to hold roads clear).

4. Use ash and sand if you do not have sufficient salt – it will offer grip underfoot.

5. Pay additional interest when clearing actions and steep pathways – using more salt may possibly help.

Panel beaters

The Health and Security Executive is keen to cease bogus excuses give true safety laws a bad name. So if you come across a myth masquerading as well being and security regulation, why not report it to the Wellness and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Myth Busters Challenge Panel? It has busted 336 myths since launch in April 2012.

Maintain us up to speed in the box below.

Clearing snow off the pavement? No need to have to kerb your enthusiasm

Need to fuel prices be even lower?

As pump costs fall, the proportion we give to the government in fuel taxes is rising. Campaigners are calling for a cut in duty – but is this realistic?

Drivers all over the UK are celebrating as the cost of fuel continues to fall.

At the time of writing, the average price of a litre of unleaded in Britain is just beneath 109p a litre, with some forecourts selling it at below £1.

Collapsing oil value

Diesel is 116p a litre at a typical filling station but less than 110p in some components of the country.

The collapse in the price tag of oil since last summer time has clearly been a boon for motorists: a barrel of Brent crude is now trading at less than $ 50 dollars, compared with $ 115 last summer season.

But must fuel prices be even lower than they are at present? Are we receiving a fair deal from retailers and – given that tax makes up the lion’s share of what we spend for fuel – the government?

It is a frequent complaint that when the price of oil falls, petrol retailers as properly as power suppliers are slow to pass on the savings to consumers.

Why have prices not fallen further?

On the other hand, critics say, when the value of oil is on the up, these companies are much faster to increase what they charge.

An investigation by the Office of Fair Trading 2 years ago located no powerful proof that there was something unfair about the way petrol retailers set costs.

But with the price tag of oil down by properly more than half given that final summer’s peak, it is reasonable to ask why the expense of petrol and diesel has only fallen by about a fifth.

Element of the purpose is that the raw material that goes into a litre of fuel – the oil itself – only represents a part of the all round price tag.

Tax is the large concern

There is also the price of processing, transportation and retailing to take into account: the value of oil may have slumped but the exact same certainly can not be said of these aspects.

The real situation, however, is tax. The UK government imposes duty of 57.95p on every single litre of petrol and diesel, with VAT at 20% then added to both the product value and the duty.

Simply because this duty is fixed, the lower the cost of petrol is the greater the proportion motorists spend in tax.

According to the RAC, this indicates that the tax on petrol final July – when unleaded was virtually 140p a litre – was just more than 60%.

Greater tax take

This month, however, the proportion of fuel bills going to the treasury is nearly 70%.

As you might expect, retailers now want the government to cut taxes so they can pass on a lot more of the falls in the oil price to their customers and thereby boost sales.

But from the coalition’s point of view, it is not that simple: although the Treasury’s percentage take from each litre of fuel has risen, the government is actually getting significantly less income per tank than last summer season.

Tax at roughly 60% on a 140p litre of petrol performs out at 84p, compared with 70% of 110p right now – just 77p.

Lack of political stress

This does not necessarily imply we are paying much less in duty overall – the decrease cost of fuel has boosted sales, and that could be enough to make up the revenue shortfall.

But if the government cut duty, it would most likely want to raise tax revenues in other approaches.

And with most drivers enjoying this unexpected fall in pump costs, it is hard to see political pressure to reduce tax increasing considerably in the subsequent few months.

Examine automobile insurance coverage – you could discover a fantastic deal in minutes Get a automobile insurance quote

Need to fuel prices be even lower?

Explainer: why need to some medicines be taken with food?

By Janet Sluggett, University of South Australia

Have you ever been advised to take a medicine with meals? How about taking a medicine with cola or avoiding grapefruit?

Hundreds of medicines have meals-associated dosing instructions. With 4 out of 5 Australians aged above 50 taking day-to-day medication, most folks will encounter instructions about medicines and meals at some point in their lives – some of which might appear rather strange.

If a medicine is not taken as recommended with respect to meals, the medicine may not have an impact. Worse, it could lead to side effects. The timing of the meal, the size of the meal, and the types of meals and drinks consumed can all impact the body’s response to a medicine.

Absorption of medicines from the gut

Eating meals triggers multiple physiological alterations, including elevated blood flow to the gut, the release of bile, and changes in the pH (acidity) and motility of the gut. These physiological adjustments can influence the amount of medicine absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream, which can then impact on the body’s response to a medicine.

Certain medicines are recommended to be provided with food due to the fact the physiological adjustments following eating can improve the amount of medicine absorbed by the body. Itraconazole capsules (employed to treat specific fungal infections), for instance, should be taken with meals, and in some circumstances acidic drinks such as cola, due to the fact this product demands an acidic environment to be absorbed.

In other circumstances, alterations in gut secretions and the digestive approach can reduce the effectiveness of a medicine. Specific antibiotics, such as phenoxymethylpenicillin (also recognized as penicillin V), are greatest taken on an empty stomach as they can be significantly less efficient soon after prolonged exposure to acidic circumstances.

Skip the breakfast grapefruit when taking particular drugs.
liz west/Flickr, CC BY

Meals can act as a physical barrier to the surface of the gut wall and prevent specific medicines becoming absorbed into the bloodstream.

Certain components of food, such as calcium or iron, might also bind to particular medicines. This can reduce absorption into the bloodstream, and lead to reduced effectiveness. For this purpose, osteoporosis medicines risedronate and alendronate have to be taken on an empty stomach with water only.

Taking certain medicines with food can reduce the danger of side effects. Diabetes medicines such as gliclazide or glimepiride (belonging to the group of medicines recognized as sulfonylureas), for instance, must be taken with food to reduce the danger of low blood sugar.

Taking medicines such as ibuprofen (for pain and inflammation) or metformin (for diabetes) with food is also advised to decrease nausea and stomach upset.

Does size actually matter?

The partnership in between meal size and medicine effect has not been extensively studied. If you need to have to take a medicine with meals and it’s not mealtime, often a snack is sufficient. But for some medicines, the size of the meal is essential. Orlistat, for instance, reduces the absorption of fats from food to assist weight loss, so it is essential to take this medicine with principal meals for optimal effect.

Constantly adhere to the guidance of your wellness specialist.
Taki Steve/Flickr, CC BY

Meal composition can also be critical. Eating foods high in fibre, protein or fat can effect on the absorption of some medicines.

Drinks such as tea, coffee, milk and fruit juice can also affect the way certain medicines act in the body.

Dairy products need to be avoided within 2 hours of taking antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin, however they can be eaten at other occasions.

You could need to have to avoid grapefruit altogether as it can interfere with the metabolism (processing) of particular medicines in the physique, top to side effects.

Medicine labels demystified

Check medicine labels very carefully for advice about meals or drinks. Unless otherwise advised, tablets or capsules ought to be swallowed with water.

If the label states “take with or soon after food”, it signifies the medicine need to be taken in the course of the meal, or inside half an hour of eating.

To take a medicine “on an empty stomach”, verify you have not eaten in the past 2 hours, and wait at least half an hour right after taking the medicine before consuming once more, unless the label states otherwise.

Finally, it is crucial to take medicines at the same time every day and be constant with respect to meals and drinks.

If you have particular concerns about taking medicines with meals, ask your pharmacist for additional guidance, check the consumer medicines data (CMI) for each and every medicine, or contact Medicines Line on 1300 633 424.

This write-up was originally published on The Conversation.
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Explainer: why need to some medicines be taken with food?

What you need to have to know just before buying a automobile for your kid

Are you searching to get a auto for your son or daughter?

As a parent, maintaining costs low and making sure the car is safe are the 2 crucial issues. But there doesn’t have to be a trade-off amongst the 2.

I asked Crispin Moger (pictured), CEO at Marmalade, provider of cars and insurance coverage for young drivers, what he thinks parents must look for when acquiring their kid’s very first car…

“When they’re beginning out, young drivers and their parents frequently start looking for a used vehicle, rather than a new model, because they believe that’s the only cost-effective selection.

“But this is not constantly the case. The older the automobile, the larger the expenses of upkeep, tax and insurance. What’s much more, some young driver insurance coverage policies won’t actually cover older cars, which makes life hard if they’ve already bought the vehicle.”

Security concerns

Crispin continues: “Aside from these added charges, there is also the critical issue of security. The simple truth is that newer vehicles have a tendency to be much more robust, much better made and equipped with more and greater safety features.

“Research shows that young drivers are most at danger of becoming in an accident when they are inexperienced and haven’t accrued the road hours that aid them to judge and react in a protected manner.

“That’s why a new automobile need to be the preferred choice. An adult may well have the encounter and capability to drive an older car without having undue concern, but that almost certainly will not be the case for his or her youngster.”

What to look for in a new auto

Crispin provided a handful of pointers on how to preserve a lid on costs when buying a vehicle that nonetheless ticks the boxes safety-sensible:

• Engine size The more potent the engine, the more threat of the young driver speeding and driving dangerously. That’s why we recommend a relatively modest maximum size of 1.4 for young drivers, and we will not insure anything bigger


• Optional extras You may locate a very good deal for car that has alloys, tinted windows and all the trimmings, but beware as these are all features that drive up the price of insurance for young drivers


• Age of the automobile Not only are older automobiles significantly less robust in crashes, but the newer the car, the a lot more safety characteristics it is probably to have. Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) have been a regular feature of all new automobiles given that 2004 and help the driver to preserve handle of the vehicle in an emergency. Extra characteristics such as electric windows and steering wheel audio control adapters help to lessen distractions for drivers and enable them to stay focused on the road. The most recent models also advantage from automatic emergency braking


• MoT It is also worth remembering that, if a car is new, it will not need an MoT for 3 years.


• Telematics Appear for a vehicle that will function with a telematics-based insurance policy as this may nicely support to maintain you child secure on the roads.

How can telematics aid?

One of the major improvements to the security of young drivers in current years has been telematics.

Installing a black box in your child’s auto to monitor driving functionality and qualities has several benefits, not least that it makes them feel about their driving when behind the wheel.

Some policies also operate ‘curfews’, which hold young drivers off the road at times when there is a greater frequency of accidents.

And the important point is that very good, sensible and secure driving is ultimately rewarded with reduced premiums, while bad, reckless and harmful driving is deterred by the threat of greater premiums.

Data protection

Crispin added: “As properly as encouraging your youngster to drive safely, telematics can also assist if there is an accident.

“If it wasn’t your child’s fault, the information in the black box may possibly assist to prove their case. And if the vehicle is stolen, you will be able to hold track of the car so that it can be recovered.”

What you need to have to know just before buying a automobile for your kid