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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Fewer crashes, longer trips under 20mph 'the roads are definitely safer'
Journey times on Welsh roads are increasing as drivers slow down under the country's 20mph speed limit law, according to new data. Vehicle speeds on key 20mph routes have dropped by an average of 3.8mph, and compliance with the new limit has improved significantly. Wales Online readers remain to be convinced of the benefits of the law. Figures show more than 130,000 drivers have now been caught exceeding the 20mph default speed limit. The data, covering November 2023 (two months after the law was introduced) to May 2025, shows a gradual rise in the number of drivers breaking the limit again. A report by Transport for Wales, released this month, evaluates how the new default speed limit is performing. It notes that while speeds have fluctuated, there has been a 'significant and sustained' increase in drivers travelling at or below 24mph — the benchmark for compliance. READ MORE: Welsh rock legend fights for his life in hospital READ MORE: Horrifying footage shows street brawl in Newport involving multiple people armed with long poles The report found that vehicle speeds on main 20mph roads have dropped by an average of 3.8mph. Around 54% of drivers now travel at or below 24mph, up from just 20.8% before the change — a shift that is expected to reduce both the likelihood of collisions and the severity of injuries. Average speeds have increased slightly between winter 2023/24 and winter 2024/25. Average journey times on 15 routes — measured during both morning and evening in both directions — rose in 57 out of 60 cases. However, in 44 of those, the increase was no more than two minutes. At the same time, journey time variability has reduced in 45 cases, offering more consistent travel durations. Monitoring of vehicle and pedestrian interactions at crossings has so far produced inconclusive results. Similarly, air quality data shows no significant difference in nitrogen dioxide levels between areas with and without the 20mph limit. While it is too early to draw firm conclusions about trends in pedestrian and cyclist casualties, there has been an 11.8% drop in overall road casualties in the four quarters since the law came into effect. Commenter Rodgerthedodger says: 'I know that many don't like the 20 limit, but I do. I see far more courtesy towards pedestrians since its introduction. It has brought a valuable reduction in the estrangement between pedestrians and drivers, so I'm all for it. I realise that when you drive north through the valleys with their ribbon development it's tiresome, but doesn't that just show that the WG should have built bypasses for these towns decades ago?' Seaphin thinks: 'The speed limit means prices rise as trucks take longer to deliver. it also means an increase in the amount of fuel used, so much for clean air!' Goatman writes: 'I met loads of tourists down Pembrokeshire this year that said as much as they love Pembrokeshire they will not be coming back to Wales. This government in Cardiff is either destroying the tourism industry on purpose or they are just incompetent.' 636396 points out: 'I travel from Newport to every weekend. Virtually none of the route is 20mph, a couple of miles at most. The only bits that are 20mph in rural areas are the towns and villages, they are so small, the speed restrictions make no difference to overall travel times.' Pontybear states: 'But the roads are definitely safer and that cannot be argued.' Blackhand18 replies: 'Roads are not safer as drivers are watching the speed dial instead of the road. That definitely cannot be argued. Plus the frustration of crawling at 20mph is damaging to mental health and wellbeing.' wizard until i die says: 'Huge sections of roads in the west of England have been 20mph for years, nobody's moaning over there. Drive to the speed limit and we'll all be ok.' PJ372 thinks: 'Wales needs a common sense, targeted approach to appropriate speed limits, not the ludicrous mess we have now.' Jeff2509 believes: '20mph works in that it saves lives, injury and money in return for a few extra minutes on journeys. 'Sorry about your child's death, Mrs Jones, but the driver wanted to save a minute on his journey.'' Simoncorkswill retorts: 'It's suitable at certain points, but entirely unnecessary in others. All those who witter on about saving lives, may I suggest learning and teaching how to cross roads? I've noticed pedestrians being even more careless since it's introduction thinking they no longer really have to bother looking at all.' Has the 20mph speed limit in Wales significantly affected travel times and road safety? Share your views in our comments section.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Slow drivers warned of 'black death' risk
Drivers are being urged to take better care of their engines – and it could be as simple as heading down the motorway now and then. Experts at car repair finance firm Bumper have warned that cautious, slow driving habits may actually be doing more harm than good. They say it can increase the risk of engine damage caused by carbon build-up – often referred to by mechanics as 'black death.' Most motorists try to protect their cars by driving gently around town, but this can unintentionally lead to long-term problems. One of the biggest risks is the accumulation of carbon deposits, which clog internal components, reduce fuel efficiency, and can eventually lead to engine failure. 'If you're constantly driving at low speeds – especially for short journeys – your engine never gets hot enough to burn off carbon deposits,' explained a spokesperson for Bumper. 'Over time, this can lead to a build-up inside your valves, pistons and exhaust system.' Known as 'black death' because of its thick, dark appearance, the deposits are a by-product of unburnt fuel and poor engine circulation. Left unchecked, they can harden and cause serious damage. 'In the worst-case scenario, carbon build-up can cause your engine to seize – and replacing that could cost thousands,' warns Bumper. But there's a simple solution – and it doesn't cost a penny. 'Modern engines are designed to be run at higher speeds from time to time," the spokesman said. "Taking your car for a steady drive on the motorway helps heat the engine fully and allows fuel to clean and lubricate components." Petrol, when forced through the system at higher pressure, can act as a natural solvent – cleaning valves and piston rings as it goes. Another warning sign to look out for is white foam or froth under the oil cap, which could indicate water condensation in the engine oil, often caused by short trips where the engine doesn't heat up properly. 'If you take your oil cap off and notice a milky substance, that's usually a sign your engine isn't getting hot enough to burn off moisture,' the spokesman for Bumper said. 'It's not necessarily a serious fault, but it can lead to long-term problems if ignored.' Again, a regular long-distance drive at a steady speed can resolve the issue. The spokesman added: 'When you drive at motorway speed for 45 minutes to an hour, the heat generated by the engine is enough to evaporate condensation and prevent that build-up. 'We know unexpected engine repairs can be financially stressful, which is why Bumper helps drivers spread the cost with interest-free payments. 'But the best approach is prevention – and in this case, it really can be as simple as giving your car a proper run every now and then.'
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
Test Driving The Mercedes-Benz E 450 All Terrain, A Most Elegant Wagon
All about the rear bodywork, from Sindelfingen with love. Mercedes-Benz E 450 All Terrain and its AMG brother are elegant and luxurious alternatives to an SUV. All Terrain has the profile of a slingshot stretched to full extension, ready to fire. Or perhaps a shooting star is the appropriate metaphor. Roof, shoulder and character lines all arc to the rear bodywork. Mark Ewing Family legacy can demand out of the ordinary tasks, like a 250-mile round trip in a tight timeframe to retrieve family heirlooms. For this rapid-strike journey, I was blessed with this Mercedes All Terrain wagon, which transformed what could have been an onerous duty into a pleasurable and comfortable journey, this elegant wagon eating up miles with aid of intelligent cruise control, air suspension set to Comfort, and the depthless joys of Sirius/XM radio. Upon return, I had a brief stretch of back and legs, then and headed to the garden to work for a few hours, no trouble. A mountain 2-lane might not be a wagon's native territory, but it's the best place to snap photos in peace, and the E 450 All Terrain acquitted itself well. As one expects with a well-sorted German vehicle, all the weights and actions of controls instantly read the brain. Location of all controls and switchgear follows logic sorted by Mercedes over the decades, and new technologies like the touchscreen panels of the Superscreen dash are smoothly integrated. Coolly logical. Mark Ewing With its long hood, swept but tall windshield, sharp lines defining the flanks, and long arc of the roof ending in a curvaceous yet taut rump, All Terrain has the profile of a slingshot stretched to full extension, ready to fire. Or perhaps a shooting star is the appropriate metaphor. It's all about the rear bodywork: From Sindelfingen, with love. Big door frames for easily clambering in and out. High-quality leather and interior materials. On a 250-mile round trip, the seats proved supportive and comfortable. Massage function available. No, not supercar seats with massive side bolstering, but perfectly executed luxury chairs. The car will lope along at any speed you choose up to three digits. It's very, very happy on the open highway. Mark Ewing Mercedes has a 'parts bin' of subsystems the envy of all other manufacturers. In All Terrain, we find the tidy 375 horsepower straight six turbo that pairs with a mild hybrid system that adds a bit of torque at lower speeds. Rear seats also comfortable for full-sized adults. Note the squared-off upper rear door frame—no bonking of heads climbing in or out. Obviously in the photo, foot, leg and knee room are plentiful. Driver seat in the photo is set for me, six foot two+. Mark Ewing Squeeze the throttle pedal firmly to the carpet and the engine room answers with more forward thrust, the 9-speed kicking down several gears nearly instantly, and the car rushing onward with accompaniment of a classic but subtle straight six yowl. Excellent acceleration is available anywhere below 100 mph, which is right where you want it. Dawdlers and people cruising on the highway while staring down at smartphones, are dusted off with ease. All Terrain covers 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. When I was a mere Boy Editor, very few sports cars, no matter the size of the engine, could match or beat that time. These are the good old days for acceleration junkies. Mark Ewing For data hounds, it covers 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. When I was a mere Boy Editor, very few sports cars, no matter the size of the engine, could match or beat that time. These are the good old days for acceleration junkies. Test car equipped with the Superscreen option. The passenger can control numerous functions like navigation and audio, becoming copilot on any journey. For family travel, it's worth every penny. Steering column adjusts widely. Plenty of cubby space in center console. Smartphone recharging pad in lead cubby. Note camera on center dash top, for Zoom meetings when parked. Mark Ewing Air springing is standard, and those 'balloons' combined with superb suspension architecture and advanced dampers (nee shock absorbers) deliver excellent ride quality even with the optional 20-inch AMG wheels. Set to Comfort, the car simply glides along the highway. Even in the hellacious conditions of Greater Los Angeles, the suspension absorbs severe potholes, broken surfaces and expansion joints with little more than the sound of a muffled timpani strike. All Terrain is about as German and Mercedes as a car can be, with final assembly on the holy grounds of Sindelfingen. My test car wore a rich shade of Patagonia Red from Mercedes' in-house atelier service, MANUFAKTUR. Optional AMG 20-inch wheels are most desirable. Note long hood, shoulder lines and character lines on flanks. A shooting star. Mark Ewing On the much better highways leading north to Santa Barbara or south to San Diego, All Terrain loafs along, its intelligent cruise control reducing stress. On a decent stretch of highway, there's little or nothing to disrupt mental contemplation of life's mysteries, pure Zen Time. Mercedes has evolved this approach to seat controls for decades, and it works. That little 'pillow' at the leading edge of the bottom cushion extends the seat bottom outward for those with long legs who need more under-thigh support. Several memory settings that incorporate mirrors. Heating and cooling functions. The cooling function helps traveling long-distance, particularly in summer. Burmester audio is standard on Pinnacle. Mark Ewing An elaboration of the newly launched E-class, All Terrain is about as German and Mercedes as a car can be, with final assembly on the holy grounds of Sindelfingen. My test car wore a rich shade of Patagonia Red from Mercedes' in-house atelier service, MANUFAKTUR. On a decent stretch of highway, there's little or nothing to disrupt mental contemplation of life's mysteries, pure Zen Time. Mark Ewing My car was also Pinnacle trim level, meaning most of the good stuff is standard. I strongly recommend the optional Superscreen and the driver assistance package with all its sensors and braking/steering interventions. Both make life behind the wheel more pleasant. Almost anyone who does not need the maximum cargo capacity of an SUV will find this a pleasing daily driver. If you want an elegant German station wagon, E 450 All Terrain and its AMG brother are arguably the best choices. Other German luxury wagons exist—with and without enormously powerful engines—but those options are more aggressively 'styled,' and thus not truly elegant. All Terrain has far more than enough power to deal with the eventualities of everyday life in the big city. All Terrain proved entirely competent in the expected German way on open highway, mountain two-lanes and on the rough streets and freeways of Los Angeles. Mark Ewing
