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Wales Online
2 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Highway Code rule drivers must follow during heatwave
Highway Code rule drivers must follow during heatwave Motorists who do not follow the rules could face hefty fines Drivers have been told to follow a Highway Code rule as Wales experiences a heatwave (Image: Getty Images ) With temperatures soaring in Wales, drivers have been warned of the Highway Code rule they must follow, as driving in hot conditions could put them and their passengers at risk of heatstroke. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, warns that the temperature inside a vehicle can rise significantly within minutes, even with the windows slightly open. Heatstroke is an issue that people are increasingly concerned about, with searches for the condition increasing over 185 percent in the past month. It's for good reason that people are concerned about heatstroke, as it's a potentially life-threatening condition. And Rule 237 of the Highway Code states that drivers are required to keep their cars well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Select's Mr Conway said motorists and passengers should make sure they take on board fluids – with the NHS recommended at least six to eight glasses of water per day – even if it means more toilet stops on road trips. He added: 'If you're stuck in traffic, driving a long distance, or your car's air conditioning isn't working properly, it's possible that you could experience heat stroke behind the wheel. 'Typically your body cools itself through sweating, but if you're dehydrated or sitting in a poorly-ventilated car, your body isn't able to cool itself down effectively. Article continues below "This can quickly lead to symptoms of heatstroke which include headaches, dizziness, nausea, cramps, tiredness and weakness. 'And driving poses a particular problem when it comes to heatstroke. Many motorists will skimp on their fluid intake during long trips in order to limit the number of comfort breaks they need to take. But that tactic could be catastrophic for a person's health. 'The signs of heatstroke can come on quickly and once your concentration starts to slip, your ability to make quick decisions or even stay alert at the wheel is compromised, which increases the risk of accidents. 'According to Rule 237 of the Highway Code, drivers are required to keep their cars well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Drivers who fail to take the heat seriously while driving could also be hit with hefty fines, if they're found to be driving carelessly. "Drivers could face a fine an unlimited fine and up to nine points on their licence for this offence. 'To ensure proper ventilation in your car, open all the windows slightly when you first get in the car to remove the trapped air. If you're stuck in traffic, rather use the recirculation button to allow your car to rather recirculate the cooler air in your car. 'However, if you're stuck in traffic for long periods, it's best to switch between AC and the recirculation button, as the recirculation button can decrease the oxygen levels in the car, which can also lead to drowsiness. 'For those who spend a lot of their time driving, it's always best to ensure that you have plenty of water available in your car and wear light clothing. "If you notice signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke setting in while driving, pull over safely as soon as possible, turn off the engine, get out of the car into the shade, and rehydrate.' Article continues below
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning to Scots drivers as major crackdown sees £100 driveway parking fines
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, has urged drivers to be wary over where they park BE AWARE Urgent warning to Scots drivers as major crackdown sees £100 driveway parking fines Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MOTORISTS have been warned they could face a £100 fine amid a new crackdown. Drivers can be penalised if they block someone's driveway with their vehicle. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Drivers have been warned over parking in front of driveways Credit: Getty Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, has urged drivers to be wary over where they park. In particular, larger vehicles like trucks and vans used by tradespeople are often at fault. He said: "Ever stepped outside only to find a van blocking your driveway? "Frustrating doesn't even begin to cover it, especially when you're trying to get to work, do the school run, or take a vulnerable family member to an appointment. "What seems like a quick parking job to a tradesperson can turn into a major disruption to your day. "The law is often on the side of the homeowners and there are simple steps you can take to avoid it ruining your day." In Scotland, there is a national level fine of £100 issued to offending road users. Local authorities often reduce this to £50 if the penalty is paid within the first 14 days. In January, Glasgow City Council introduced a ban on pavement parking. Those breaking the rule will be hit with a £100 fine, lowered to £50 if paid within a fortnight. I restored a classic car I found at a scrapyard – now it's award-winning The local authority has enforced the policy to protect pedestrians, in particular preventing wheelchair users and people with prams from having to go onto the road. Edinburgh was the first city north of the border to ban pavement parking in January last year. The parking curbs were passed under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.
Daily Record
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Red light myth that can cost drivers £100 and penalty points
A motoring expert said that many motorists misunderstand the rules around temporary traffic lights. Drivers have been warned they face a steep fine and penalty points on their licence for ignoring red lights on temporary traffic lights. Those driving through a red signal could be hit with a £100 fine and have three penalty points added to their licence. The advice comes as motoring experts said that some drivers look at temporary traffic lights, erected by construction companies during road works as merely a 'suggestion'. They said that motorists don't treat these lights as they would permanent ones. It is not the case that you can 'proceed with caution' at a red light in an area that's subject to work simply because the road ahead looks clear. An alarming number of drivers will risk it, especially late at night or when the lights seem to be faulty or slow at changing. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said both the Road Traffic Act and the Traffic Signs Regulations treat portable temporary lights at road developments, as well as temporary road traffic control systems, on par with lasting lights and signs under law. That means disregarding any red light, whether temporary or permanent, may result in a fine of £100 and three points on your licence. He said: "I think we've all probably been in a situation where we've approached a temporary roadworks late at night and seen a traffic light seemingly 'stuck' on red. If you can see the end of the roadworks ahead, and there's no other traffic on the road, you might even be tempted to sneak through before the lights change to green. "There's also a widely held belief that portable red lights at roadworks are somehow 'advisory', and that you can choose to ignore them if you proceed with caution. "It's all untrue. So long as they conform to industry rules, traffic lights at roadworks are no different to permanent traffic lights in the eyes of the law. If there's a 'STOP' sign there, stop until the lights go green.", reported Devon Live. He also cautioned against jumping the red light because you think it's too slow to change. He added: "And don't take the risk even if you suspect that a red light signal is broken - what if it's just slow to change because it's dealing with multiple road junctions? "Running any red light can put you and others in harm's way. And while there might not be an enforcement camera to catch offenders at temporary roadworks, you'll still be prosecuted if witnessed by the police." Instead, if you believe lights at roadworks - which detects approaching vehicles using a sensor - isn't working right, check for an information board near the works with an emergency phone number. If that doesn't help, consider calling the police on the 101 non-emergency number. Mr Conway advised: "If you're stuck at a red light you believe to be faulty, your best bet - if you can - is to simply find another route around the roadworks." The Highway Code clearly states that all traffic light signals must be followed. It says: "You MUST obey all traffic light signals and traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals and signs."
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Parking mistake could cost drivers £2,500 and points on their licence
Experts have warned drivers that they could be hit with a hefty fine and points on their licence for making a simple parking mistake - here's everything you need to know Experts have issued a stark caution to drivers, highlighting a common parking mistake that could leave them with hefty fines and jeopardize the safety of their car. Select Car Leasing has stressed that vehicles should never be left unattended without the handbrake being applied, even if they're parked in gear. Managing director Graham Conway implored motorists to engage the parking brake whenever leaving their vehicle. His advice was uncompromising: "The law is clear - you must use your vehicle's parking brake each and every time you leave it unattended." READ MORE: Kickers' 'durable' Back to School shoe range that 'last all year' He added a stern warning stating, "Simply leaving it in gear - even if you're on a completely flat road - to prevent movement simply isn't enough, and you're liable for a major fine and points on your licence." Under the rules set out by the Highway Code, it is mandated that drivers must shut off the engine and put the handbrake on before exiting an unattended vehicle, reports the Express. Although some may regard it as common sense, adhering to this guideline can avoid the potential for a vehicle to roll away, potentially colliding with other cars or endangering people nearby. Offences stemming from a disengaged handbrake leading to an accident can incur fines as steep as £2,500 and add penalty points to a driver's record, which can subsequently drive up insurance costs. Conway recognised that though opting for the gearbox rather than the handbrake could reduce wear on certain parts, it's still not worth the gamble of facing the fine. He explained: "Some drivers might argue that leaving their car in gear prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the handbrake, meaning lower maintenance costs further down the line. "But that view ignores crucial safety implications and is also a false economy when you consider how steep the fines are."
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Everyday summer item could cause £200 damage to your car
Everyday summer item could cause £200 damage to your car The oily substance is notorious for leaving nasty stains on vehicle upholstery It's the nemesis of car seats (Image: Getty Images/Car Culture ) Motorists who make this hot weather mistake could face a £200 repair bill, it was been warned. As Wales is currently experiencing a heatwave, don't get caught out by this costly error. Drivers have been warned to avoid contaminating car seats with sunscreen or sun cream - as the oily substance is notorious for leaving nasty stains on vehicle upholstery that can be a nightmare to remove. Motorists might ultimately have to pay for their vehicle's cabin to be professionally cleaned, an expense which can cost £200. Managing director at Select Car Leasing, Graham Conway, said the water-resistant nature of sun cream is what makes it "the nemesis of car seats". He explained: 'When the temperature rises, sun cream is a must, particularly if you're out and about in the car, as harmful UV rays can penetrate both windscreens and side windows. 'But sun cream and car seats are also a recipe for stains that can be near-impossible to remove. Article continues below 'Sun cream is, by its very nature, water resistant so that it doesn't disappear from your skin at the first sign of sweat or moisture. 'But because it's resistant to water, sun cream also repels common interior car cleaning products. If it's left too long on vehicle upholstery, you might struggle to get rid of the stain at all.' According to experts at the British Skin Foundation, there are two main types of sunscreen in the UK; chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens often appear much whiter on the skin and contain the chemicals titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. And it's these oxides that can leave a stubborn white residue on car seats, particularly leather or artificial leather. Mr Conway added: 'Prevention here is better than cure - if you accidentally slap sun cream on your car seats, try and remove it with a cleaning wipe as soon as you can." For more stubborn sun cream car stains, the advice differs between experts, with some recommending using a mild degreaser or applying white wine vinegar to the stain. Other advice is simply to use baby wipes - with a pack of wipes costing just £1. American YouTuber and dermatologist Dr. Scott Walter's advice has been viewed more than 35,000 times. In the video, he says: 'I love sunscreen but one thing I hate about it, it gets all over my car. I finally found something to clean it without doing any damage - baby wipes. Baby wipes do a fantastic job of removing it without hurting the leather or other parts of the car.' Mr Conway said that when the sun is out people should use at least SPF 15 sunscreen with UVA protection when in their car. But he added: 'You should avoid leaving a bottle of sunscreen in your car's glovebox. 'While it might be convenient when it comes to applying protection before you set off on a journey, some of the active ingredients in sunscreen actually break down when exposed to high heat from sitting in your car, rendering it less effective.' Article continues below
