Parking Fines Hit 100 Million

The number of Penalty Charge Notices handed out by local authoprities rose by nearly 20% to a massive 3.4 million in 2005, according to the latest report by the National Parking Adjudication Service.

The increase earned the 139 issuing councils more than £100 million in fines-based on figures assuming each owner paid at the dicounted on-time rate of £30. That works out at at around £15 million more revenue than in 2004, when nearly 2.9 million tickets were issued.

An NPAS spokesperson said the hike was due to "a significant increase in the number of councils taking over enforcement from the police". In 2004, there were 117 local authorities in control. This rose to 139 in 2005, but the NPAS spokesman added that a further 21 had joined since then. car company Is spearheading the campaign against Harlow Council in Essex who recorded the biggest hike in parking fines, with 47 per cent more tickets being issued in 2005, compared with the previous year. (more...)

Cats Eye Cameras

It sounds like the speeder's nightmare. A speed camera accurate up to 150mph which can be concealed in a road stud as small as a cat's eye.

The camera is just 130mm in diameter, and can protrude from the surface by just 5mm; and it is linked to a computer that can read and decode number plates written in both italic and cursive scripts.

The idea is that you would use it in the approach to somewhere with a lower speed limit. The camera will look at each oncoming vehicle and measure its speed. Then you'll have illuminated road studs that will light up on the approach to a pedestrian crossing, say, and a sign that could light up with the number plate telling people to slow down. (more...)

Road pricing a blank cheque which no chancellor could resist

ON THE face of it, I should "win" through road charging because I never have to travel at peak times and I live rurally, so most of the roads I use are low-density and uncongested. However, I distrust road charging for three main reasons. It will have a huge setting-up cost, and the government says that it will be revenue neutral, that is, the same income to government, rather than cost neutral - the same cost to drivers as a group.

I don't trust the government to maintain the initial level of tax - it is a blank cheque and what Chancellor could resist that?

Thirdly, the system is capable of determining the position of all vehicles at any time, so it could automatically identify any excess over the posted speed limit or any stop on double yellow lines. (more...)

Used Car Gifts

There are moments in the lives of each and every parent that they will never forget. Their child’s first steps, her first day of school, and of course her last. With the possible exception of her wedding day, there is no single event that parents look forward to more.

But what gift do you give? For parents who can afford it, probably the most popular and appreciated graduation gift is a car. Why? Well, a car is more than just a machine that gets you from here to there, it is symbol. It represents faith, trust and independence.

Of course, before they wrap anything in a big red bow, parents must first decide whether they want to buy a used cars or a new one. While a new car is always preferable, second hand cars are safer and more affordable than they have ever been. (more...)

How to Buy Second Hand Cars

In the scenario where more and more are choosing to buy used cars over brand new cars, here are some important steps that one should follow. It is entirely possible to get an excellent used vehicle within your budget if you keep in mind the following steps.

The first step is to decide your budget. Once at the car lot, all the shiny beauties are likely to sway your heart. So best decide how much money you want to spend on the car before hand and stick to it. Knowing what it is you need the car for can be helpful while deciding the budget.

The second step, once you have found local dealers and sellers, is to shortlist a few cars based on your pre-decided budget. These few cars will now undergo perusal by the mechanic you will hire. (more...)

Secondhand Cars and the Dealerships

With the economy still struggling to free itself from recession, many UK residents have been forced to make sacrifices. From clipping coupons to organising car pools, saving money is a top priority. But what do you do when your car breaks down and you have to find a replacement?

Really, there are only two choices: buy a new one or find a used one. As the data has shown, many people are opting for the latter. In fact, used cars have been steadily rising as people look for cost effective solutions to common problems.

But another, often overlooked reason the number are rising is due to the fact that buying a used car is safer than it has ever been. While the horror stories about tin lizzies and lemons have not completely vanished, they are less common these days. (more...)

Prestige Audi vehicles for Sale

Audi is one of the newest and most respected companies to enter the luxury car market in recent years. The German car maker began by producing competitive racing cars in 1921. They also offered a line of less popular luxury car that resulted in several engineering innovations. For instance, Audi was the first European car maker to offer a model with an advanced six-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive.

It took years for Audi to fully recover after World War Two and the company changed hands several times. In fact, it wasn’t until the late sixties that the car maker finally started producing new and original designs again. For the next few decades, Audi concentrated on sports sedans like the S4 and S6 and on rally racing cars.

But whatever success the car had on the track or in the showroom, they were always overshadowed by German luxury car giants like Mercedes Benz and BMW. The watershed moment for Audi came in 1996 when they introduced the Audi A4. The car was a smashing success both in Europe and abroad. The unique combination of sportiness and luxury in one attractive package was just too much for consumers to pass up. (more...)

Luxury Lexus Cars – You Can Afford Style and Comfort

There is no amount of luxury cars on the market, whether you are looking to buy completely new or a quality second hand vehicle. Many of us still think that the word “luxury” means that it is beyond our budget. But with so many makes and models of cars on the market nowadays, luxury no longer has to cost a fortune.

The definition of luxury will depend on your own personal lifestyle, background and tastes. It used to be the case that only luxury cars came with wood-grain dashboards and real leather seats. They would have the best performance and allow the passengers to travel in utmost comfort.

It is safe to say that many ordinary cars now include these features as standard; thus they can not really be considered as luxury anymore. This means that luxury car manufacturers have to offer more bang for the consumer’s buck. Even though you get more features, the high-end luxury cars are still out of most consumers reach. (more...)

A Second Hand Audi For You

The used car market is flooded with many types of brands and models, and it can be very hard to distinguish the good models from the bad ones. Many used cars are often prepped to look in good condition so the buyer will buy it, when in reality it is on its last legs. second hand audis are one type of vehicle that you can ensure will be a safe pick from any used car lot. They are crafted with quality and precision and are an ideal fit for anyone.

Audis are built in Germany and have been around for over 100 years. The Audi brand is built with longevity and quality in mind, which is why second hand Audis are one of the most sought after used cars on the market today.

The used car business is very big, and in some places bigger than new car sales. When buying a second hand car it is very important to know the brand because some brands last longer than others. Audis are one brand that you can ensure will last a very long time. (more...)

How to Find a Quality Used Car

When looking at quality used cars , there are several things that need to be taken into consideration before you decide to buy. The most important thing to consider is the brand of the car. Some brands are notorious for rusting and having a short life cycle, while others are known for longevity.

Some of the most popular brands of cars are Fiat, Mitsubishi, Alfa Romeo and Mercedes. These brands are known for their performance and excellence, and if you are able to find one of their models in good condition than you should not hesitate to buy.

It is important to walk around a vehicle before you buy it. Sometimes there can be small details that a used car sales person will overlook when you walk around the car or take it for a test drive. It is equally important to make sure you take the car to a licensed, non-biased mechanic who will look the car over and give you their honest opinion on it. (more...)

Know Where to Find the Best Car Sales

Regardless of what city you live in, car dealerships are usually very plentiful. As society’s need for automobiles continues to grow, so does the car market. car sales are a billion pounds business. In some countries they are the most vital economical source there is.

The automobile business has needed a massive influx of cars in order to keep up with the demand on the market. There are new car sales and used car sales, both offering the buyer special deals in order for them to purchase a car.

New car sales are naturally more expensive as the cars have not been driven before, therefore they are not in poor condition. Used car sales are exactly as advertised, they sell cars that have already been driven. Used cars are less expensive, but that is because they have been driven and will not last as long as a new car. (more...)

Try Before You Buy

Buying a car today is a big commitment and a huge financial expenditure. Given the slightly unfavourable economic climate, we all need to be very careful before making such decisions and it is absolutely essential that the right decision is made.

Many firms offer a good test drive period in which you can evaluate the car and ensure it's the right one for you. You could drive a Ford today , or roll off in an Aston just to make sure that it is the right motor for you. This is also a free service so you should bite their arm off, so to speak.

If you take the dealer up on their offer then you will be much more able to make a better choice. It would be a complete disaster if you were to spend a huge amount of money on a car that you find impractical upon further thought. (more...)

Prestige Lexus Saloons Success in the UK

For decades Toyota was known solely as the manufacturer of small, fuel-efficient economy cars. That was until they introduced Lexus in 1989. The brand quickly established itself as one of the biggest sellers in the coveted North American market.

But in spite of this early success, the company was apprehensive about its future expansion into the European market, which is home to some of the most sought after and respected luxury vehicles on Earth. As it turns out, the company was right to be cautious about its chances on the continent where names like Mercedes Benz, BMW, Rolls Royce, and Bentley dominate the luxury car market.

And while the early sales were inauspicious, Lexus was not about to give up on Europe without a fight. In the coming years the company added more European specific cars to their lineup, such as coupes and hybrid vehicles. In time, the company grew sales to a respectable level. This is especially true with regard to prestige lexus saloons , which are among the most popular luxury cars in their class. (more...)

Advantages of Used Audi Saloons

Though they have been around for over a century, Audi has long been overshadowed by fellow German carmakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz. But the company finally got its foot in the door when they introduced a new line of saloon cars called the A4 in the mid nineteen-nineties.

In the coming years the company made aggressive moves and began to compete directly with its countrymen in the crowded luxury car market. This would prove to be a prudent strategy as the Audi slowly gained ground, especially in the North American market where the A4 remains a bestseller.

What should you look for in used audi saloons ? The Audi A4 competes directly with the BMW 3 series, which is one of BMW’s most popular cars. For consumers who are looking for a quality luxury saloon car, it is incredible how often the choice comes down to either the A4 or the 3 series. Which is better? There is no doubt that the BMW name still carries more weight and has more cache. But the truth is that you end up paying for it. (more...)

Buying a Used Lexus

Toyota is the world’s number one carmaker. They are famous for their affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles that are sold over the globe. But for some strange, unknown reason the company wandered into uncharted waters when they introduced the Lexus LS.

Lexus is a luxury car that was introduced by Toyota in 1989. The car was sold exclusively in the United States, where it became an instant success alongside the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. This was an especially impressive debut, seeing as how a Japanese carmaker had never released a well-received luxury automobile. Not to mention the fact that the company’s lineup had previously consisted of affordable compact cars that got superior fuel efficiency.

In later years the Lexus line expanded to include coupes, convertibles and SUVs. But growth in the European market has been nothing to write home about. This is not all that astonishing since the company customarilly has to go head to head with other luxury car makers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Even so, finding a used Lexus on the internet can help shoppers save hundreds of pounds. (more...)

Used BMW 1 Series Are Still Exceptional

Anyone who is searching for a used car knows that some brands are better than others. If you are looking for a car that personifies precision and excellence, you can look no further than BMW.

BMWs are in a class all of their own when it comes to performance and quality. Even used BMWs are better than most new cars on the market today. If you can find a quality second hand BMW for a good price, consider it a steal.

BMW has many different series to choose from, but one of their most popular is series 1. The used BMW 1 series is one of the most sought after used car types on the market today. This line has been in production since 2004 and is the successor to the ever popular BMW line of compact cars. (more...)

Buying a Used or Second Hand Car is Ethical

It can be overwhelming when you search for used and secondhand cars . There are so many different options to choose from that finding the right one can take you a long time if you are unsure about where to look.

Thankfully there is a great resource called the internet that can assist you in your car search. The first thing you need to do is decide on a price range for your car, after you have done that you need to decide on what type of car you want.

After you have the price and brand figured out, you need to begin your actual search. Be patient when you are searching for used cars because there is a lot of them, take your time and be thorough with your search. (more...)

Secondhand Car Deals on the Internet

Though the UK has finally emerged from a deep recession, the numbers are far from encouraging. In fact, the economy expanded by a paltry 0.3 percent in the last quarter of 2009. Not to mention the fact that unemployment is high and other indicators like housing and auto sales remain stagnant.

But one market that has actually experienced some growth is the used car market. The reason for this is simple: people cannot put of purchases any longer, and the folks that need a car are now buying them secondhand.

This has led to a bump in sales and a slight increase in prices. In the end, it seems most consumers cannot see the sense in buying a new car that will lose half its value in the first five years of ownership. It is also a fact that secondhand car deals have never been easier to find online. (more...)

Your First Car

You are now old enough to drive a car. Congratulations! So what next? If you can afford it, you will be considering buying your first car. Unless you have money to burn, it is likely that your first purchase will be from the used cars category. Apart from the cost, there is always that chance of scrapes and bumps while you are learning.

You are also then faced with the decisions of make and model, and between manual or automatic. Insurance costs play a huge factor in choice of model for a young driver. That huge old second hand American car might seem like a bargain, but insurance costs would be exorbitant, assuming they will insure you at all for it. Make sure you have more than one insurance quote on the various cars you are interested in.

You must also make a choice between manual or automatic. It is always preferable to start with manual, so that at least you learn the basics. You can then move to automatic in the future if you prefer, but it is not so easy the other way around. (more...)

Used or New: That is the Question?

When you have finally made the decision that the old banger outside has breathed its last and has to go, you will then be faced with the decision of whether to buy a new or second hand car . There are pros and cons to both, so let's have a closer look.

First up is the cost. Yes, a new car is usually going to be more expensive, but not necessarily so, as it depends on the make. Some brands, such as minis, hold their value extremely well, and many second hand Minis will not have lost much value on their original price.

Other makes depreciate much more quickly, and for no visible reason. It all depends also on the quality and age of the car. You need to shop around, but generally speaking, you have the choice between a second hand, but well featured car at roughly the same price as a cheaper specification new car. (more...)

The Appeal of Fast Cars

NASCAR is one of the most popular sports in North America. And though it is certainly not the sport of choice in Europe, auto racing actually began in France in the late 19th century. In fact, the first race was held shortly after the advent of petrol-fuelled vehicles in 1894.

A few years later the sport made the leap to the United States where it became an almost instant success, especially in the Midwest. But if you ask five different racing fans why they follow the sports, you are likely to get five different answers.

Some folks appreciate the skills, while others long for twisted metal and terrible accidents. But one thing has always been a part of the appeal— fast cars . Why do people like fast cars? Well, probably for the same reason they like roller coasters, at least for the first time. They are fast, scary and unpredictable. (more...)

Car Sales in the UK and the Scrappage Programme

As debt and unemployment numbers continue to rise, politicians in the UK are desperate for some positive signs of growth. One area that has been a definite bright spot is the auto industry. In March, sales were up by more than a quarter compared with last year's numbers.

Does this signal an economic recovery? We'd love to say yes. But the fact is the numbers are a bit misleading. You see, they do not take into account the government's huge scrappage programme. This scrappage programme, sometimes called a scheme by critics, pays car buyers as much as two-thousand pounds when they turn in an old vehicle and purchase a new one.

The programme has been a big success and is clearly responsible for the increase in car sales in the UK . The only problem is that the scrappage scheme expired at the end of March. (more...)