The Motoring News for December 2008
December 2008
Even though the price of petrol has come down, the cost of filling the tank still has a significant impact the pockets of less well-off drivers. the full story
The people of Greater Manchester delivered their verdict on proposals to introduce a congestion charge in their city. the full story
SDR Sportscars has just released news that development is well under way of a new variant of its existing V-Storm component car which will use turbocharged Subaru power!For those not already familiar with the SDR V-Storm, this car is the brainchild of Simon Dickens, proprietor of SDR Sportscars. the full story
British motorways turned 50 in style today as Transport Minister Andrew Adonis looked to the future by opening the newest stretch of motorway - bridging the 'missing link' between London and Glasgow. Half a century to the day after the nation's first motorway standard road - the Preston Bypass - was opened by then Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, the Highways Agency's £174 million M6 Extension from north of Carlisle to the Scottish Border was today being officially opened to motorists. Andrew Adonis said: "I am delighted to mark the 50th birthday of motorways in the UK by opening this vital section of new motorway which completes the motorway link between London and Glasgow. "In half a century motorways have become the backbone of the UK's road network. the full story
The Chancellor's plans to promote hard shoulder running is not an adequate answer to managing future growth in road traffic, according to the Royal Automobile Club Foundation, who are publishing a review of the Motorway network to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the first Motorway. Concentrating all road improvements on existing motorways through measures such as Motorway widening and hard shoulder running is problematic because existing junctions and access roads are unlikely to be able to cope with increased traffic volumes. the full story
In its very first year, the Toyota Sprint Series (TSS), which is backed by Toyota themselves, exceeded all expectations and has proved to be a thrilling and dramatic championship at an affordable level. The 2008 championship consisted of five rounds and the battles that took place have been both entertaining and rewarding for the drivers and spectators alike. TSS event organiser, Barry Cross said "We have structured the series to provide everyone with the chance to compete to win and to give them the opportunity to move forward in the magical world of motorsport. " The competing cars in the series included the venerable classics: MR2, Celica, Supra, Lexus, Corolla and Starlet, and the newer models: Toyota Auris and Sera; proving that the TSS was the place to be in 2008. Along with Toyota, turbocharger specialists Turbo Dynamics (TD) backed the series during its opening year. the full story
Protyre, the UK's leading independent tyre dealer network, is offering some practical advice to caravan owners who are laying up their trailer for the winter months. the full story
A tyre at incorrect pressure may have less grip, be more likely to puncture and can increase fuel consumption. the full story
Drivers are being warned that a festive tipple could see them end up behind bars this Christmas as a new hard-hitting £1. 6 million THINK! campaign is launched today by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick. the full story
London has been rated as one of the most 'electric vehicle friendly' cities in Europe ahead of the introduction of the world's only crash-tested and highway-certified electric car, the TH!NK city. Initial distribution of the TH!NK city electric vehicle in 2009 will be targeted to the most `EV friendly' cities in Europe. the full story











