Latest news with #SatNav
ITV News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Spirit Mixer produces 25-1 Northumberland Plate surprise
Spirit Mixer made it third time lucky in the JenningsBet Northumberland Plate at Newcastle. A close second to top-class stayer Trueshan in 2023, Andrew Balding's charge could finish only ninth 12 months ago and went off at 25-1 on this latest visit to Gosforth Park for a race affectionately known as the 'Pitmen's Derby'. Bred in the purple as a son of Frankel and owner Jeff Smith's Group One-winning mare Arabian Queen, Spirit Mixer was delivered with his challenge in the home straight and knuckled down to get the better Dancing In Paris by a neck under a delighted Rob Hornby, who travelled north for a solitary ride. 'He was never a 25-1 shot in my head. I've won big races on him before and he was coming in off the back of a really good run at Goodwood,' said the jockey. 'I could have gone to Windsor and had four or five rides, but I wanted to come and ride him. He's a horse that's done no harm to me and it's fantastic to get that sort of reward today. 'There's a great crowd here today – I don't usually make the trek up north this far! I put it in my Sat Nav and it's just over five hours to get home, so this will make it a bit easier.' He added: 'He's such a cool horse, he's seven years old now and a beautifully-bred homebred of Mr Smith's. He's just thriving and really enjoying his racing at his tender age. 'The race went pretty smooth. I thought I was jostling for the lead early enough, but he got into a battle and outstayed them then inside the last furlong. 'It's important to be riding winners on Saturdays in these big races and I've been fortunate enough to win a July Cup in these colours (on Alcohol Free), they mean a great deal to me, as does riding winners for Kingsclere. 'What a joy he is to own and to train and to ride.'
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Older motorists urged 'put 1 gadget in vehicle' to keep driving
Drivers who don't have this tool in their car tend to drive less often, says new research Older drivers could keep hold their driving licence for longer if they fit one gadget in their cars, says new research. Those over 65 years old who are still getting behind the wheel could benefit from the technology which could allow mature motorists to 'maintain their driving independence' for longer. Installing a satellite navigation GPS device in their cars could be a benefit, according to a new study from the University of East Anglia. Researchers found that drivers in that age category with Sat Nav systems in their cars 'tend to drive more frequently'. Those that don't use them didn't drive as often and effectively forced themselves off the road. Sat Nav systems are a common feature of newer cars but they can be installed separately. Professor Hornberger, spokesperson for UEA's Norwich Medical School, said the GPS systems can help older road users with their sense of direction. He said: 'We found that a considerable majority of older drivers use navigation assistance at least for some journeys, and commonly for the entire journey to a new destination. 'Older people with a poorer sense of direction rely more on Sat Navs. 'But the really important thing we found is that those who use GPS tend to drive more frequently than those who do not, suggesting that these tools help mitigate against spatial orientation difficulties and help maintain driving mobility. 'This means that if we support older drivers with using GPS navigation, it could really help maintain their driving independence, keeping them on the roads safely for longer,' reports the Express. The study saw experts question 895 UK drivers aged over 65, with the average age of participants aged 71. The participants self-reported how often and far they tend to drive, how their sense of direction was and how they tend to use GPS tools while behind the wheel. Modern Sat Navs have a voice which walks through directions and can also provide speed alerts and traffic updates. That means it helps elderly individuals to focus on their driving without having to worry about anything else. Professor Hornberger added: 'Driving is usually the preferred mode of transport among older adults, and it can be vital for maintaining independence, quality of life, wellbeing, and cognitive health as we age. 'But age-related cognitive decline means that people might experience worsening spatial abilities, leading them to drive less and less.' There have been calls for older drivers to face medical tests over the age of 70. Eyesight tests and cognitive testing is not mandatory for drivers of this age. Instead they have to declare themselves medically fit to drive. And last week Prime Minister Keir Starmer was urged to introduce stricter eyesight testing rules for all drivers. The Association of Optometrists (AOP) had previously claimed the current rules around road vision checks are 'out of step' and were in need of a review. Dr Peter Hampson, Optometrist and Clinical and Policy Director at the AOP, said they had been calling for tougher vision checks on UK roads. After similar remarks from the Older Drivers Forum and a leading coroner, Sir Keir Starmer and the Government are being urged to react and change the rules.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Busy major motorway used by thousands of drivers every day to SHUT tomorrow
MOTOR MAYHEM Busy major motorway used by thousands of drivers every day to SHUT tomorrow – check your route Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BUSY major motorway used by thousands of drivers every day is set to shut tomorrow - check your route. The controversial Operation Brock contraflow will return ahead of the spring bank holiday weekend. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A busy major motorway used by thousands of drivers every day is set to close tomorrow - check your route Credit: Alamy 2 It has been confirmed that the M20 motorway will be closed between Maidstone and Ashford overnight on Wednesday from 8pm Credit: Alamy National Highways has confirmed that the M20 motorway will be closed between Maidstone and Ashford overnight on Wednesday from 8pm so Operation Brock can be deployed. This is at the request of the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum as higher passenger numbers are anticipated at the county's ports over the bank holiday weekend. The London-bound carriageway will shut between Junction 9 and Junction 8 from 8pm to 6am, while at the same time the coastbound carriageway will close between Junctions 7 and 9. Coastbound traffic will be diverted via the A249, M2, A2, and A20, as London-bound journeys are diverted via the A20, A2, M2 and A229. These diversions will be fully signed and drivers have been advised to follow these signs over their own SatNav instructions. When the M20 re-opens on Thursday morning, Operation Brock will be in place and all HGV traffic headed to the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel must follow the signs to join Operation Brock at Junction 8 for Leeds Castle and Maidstone Services. Meanwhile, all other coast-bound traffic, including local freight and cars headed to Europe, should follow the signs and cross over to enter the contraflow on the M20 London-bound carriageway. All traffic that is travelling through the contraflow must adhere to a 50mph speed limit and, while Brock is in effect, the Junction 8 coast-bound slip road will be closed to all traffic. Those who are planning to head to the Eurotunnel or the port should plan their journeys ahead and check for any updates before heading out. The system has been described as a 'massive inconvenience' for residents, and Kent MPs have questioned whether it is necessary to put it in place during every school holiday. This will mark the second time that Operation Brock has been deployed in 2025, having been reintroduced ahead of the Easter half term in April. Moment smoke billows from toll plaza on busy Irish motorway after vehicle bursts into flames The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) said the decision was 'not taken lightly' and was made to help reduce delays at the Port of Dover and in the surrounding areas during the busy period. There is also a possibility that the contraflow could be reinstated for the summer holidays as it was in 2024 reports KentLiveNews. It is yet to be confirmed whether or not the contraflow will make a return for summer 2025, and Kent County Council has said that the KMRF will 'take a view on the traffic management needed over the summer months once more accurate data is available.' However, the government is working on a permanent solution to the problem of congestion at the Port of Dover backing up traffic deep into Kent. The new system would use a combination of new digital technology and off-road sites to hold HGVs during disruption, but is still in the early planning stages. Meanwhile, a major link road of the M5 is set to shut for three months, sparking fury from local businesses. The route connects to Junction 26 of the M5 in Somerset, and will be completely closed from Friday, June 16. until Tuesday, September 16, while £5.7million of upgrade works are carried out.
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Audi drivers left amazed as they realise what dashboard lock button does
Audi drivers have been left shocked after a car dealership showed off a secret hack they didn't know they could take advantage of - and it's something almost all road users will be able to do Audi drivers were taken aback when a car dealership revealed some savvy, lesser-known features that many owners are oblivious to. The TikTok channel @soprettycars became an overnight sensation among the Audi community by unveiling the real purpose behind various dashboard buttons, causing quite the stir among the fans of the revered German brand. One particular hack that caught everyone's attention was the button that temporarily turns off the car alarm - perfect for those moments when you need to leave your furry friend in the vehicle. Among the hacks praised by drivers were tips such as updating the satnav with cutting-edge intel and a nifty trick to keep the fuel cap from scratching the car at the pump. The folks behind @soprettycars shared their wisdom on TikTok, saying: "Things to know about your Audi A1. Press and hold the lock button to close windows and unlock to open." "The car has to be unlocked to open the petrol cap. Place cap here to avoid scratching paint." One viewer, who goes by the handle @honsmith, chimed in: "Found that out when I was trying to open my fuel cap in Tesco." On the channel, a quick look at the car's dashboard demonstrated how drivers could effortlessly engage their fog lights when necessary, reports the Express. Continuing their string of tricks, they said: "Pull out once for front fog lights twice for rear. Tilt rear-view mirror." The handy tutorial didn't stop there; it also featured how to easily pop the boot and unfurl the bonnet using simple interior switches. And that wasn't all - they showed a spot for a Sat Nav SD card slot where drivers can refresh their maps for the latest road layouts and updates. However, some savvy viewers pointed out that such luxuries might come with a steep price, potentially costing some motorists a hefty sum. One TikToker, @lucy_jane_55, revealed the hefty price of tech upgrades, saying: "I tried to get one for my A1 ... so if it's not installed with the SD card they are about £600 from Audi to get installed and to get the card." Another user, @esmepeace2, chimed in on the discussion: "That's so annoying!! I got my car through a different company than Audi, they sent me the SD but £600 is just stupid!!!! I'll keep using my phone lol." Then, @soprettycars demonstrated how to operate the Audi's sunroof by pushing a button overhead, as well as unveiling the sneaky spot for the "hidden warning triangle" tucked away in a covert compartment in the boot – an important safety feature for alerting other drivers to potential hazards when there's a breakdown. Taking things further, the dealership highlighted the Audi's child lock safety features and presented a clever hack particularly useful for pet owners. By flipping off a switch inside the car, you prevent the alarm from sounding if your pooch is left inside temporarily. @soprettycars explained: "This button stops the alarm going off, perfect for doggos in the car (which we DO NOT recommend)." To top it off, an enthusiastic TikTok follower, @annalea_rose4, exclaimed: "Omg the alarm thing! Brilliant so we can lock it!!! I always drop him off at my nan's before I nip the shops."
