Blog Archives

New research to shorten waiting times

20/11/2021

It's a bumpy road ahead. The average waiting time for a practical test is 14 weeks, not 7 (the target). Click the image to read about two strands of investigation to maximise the chance of students passing their test first time, so they don't delay others by taking a resit. I support that.

0 Comments

"Cycle Savvy" initiative

18/11/2021

0 Comments

DVSA aim to heighten awareness by motorised road users of non-motorised road users.

In other words, drivers need to be more aware of cyclists (who are by their nature more vulnerable to risk and injury).

Click the image for full details.

0 Comments

Engine-idling, air-pollution, and wording traffic-signs

18/11/2021

0 Comments

Ever wondered how much thought goes into phrasing in traffic signs? Me neither, much. But "lots".

And a Swiss researcher has found significant differences between 3 ways of encouraging motor-vehicle users to switch off their engines when queuing for some time. Neat results!

0 Comments

"Money For Nothing and the Chicks for Free"

14/11/2021

0 Comments

So sang Mark Knopfler, of Dire Straits, in 1985. (The song and groundbreaking video launched the first music-only television channel, MTV, in the USA).

But "travel for nothing cos the sparks are free" sums up driving in an electric car. No more costly liquid fuel (about 14p/mile), as a home-charging costs about 1p/mile if you do it overnight.

Better than that, some supermarkets allow free charging (to lure you into their shop, but you can just use the café or toilet, simply browse their shelves, or instead do work/fun on your phone for a while).

Maybe the novelty will wear off, but I quite like calling in for a few miles' charge while I'm out with some minutes to spare. I can get 50 miles "in the tank" in about 10 minutes.

0 Comments

The ease of driving electric

4/11/2021

0 Comments