Three London districts have topped a poll that names and shames the worst areas in the country for car crime.

The highest percentage of car crime was recorded in Hackney, followed by fellow London districts Clapham and Leyton, according to insurers Admiral. Highbury also scraped into the top ten.

Car crime rates were lowest in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, followed by Worthing in Sussex, Irvine and Ayr in Ayrshire.

"We expect car crime to be higher in inner city areas, but it's surprising to see that 40 per cent of the top ten are in one city, even if it is London", said an Admiral spokesperson.

Overall, however, vehicle theft has fallen 2% this year, according to Home Office figures, and car crime insurance claims have also fallen.

The top ten areas with the highest percentage of car crime are:


1. E9 Hackney, London
2. SW4 Clapham, London
3. E10 Leyton, London
4. BS8 Clifton, Bristol
5. LS6 Headingley, Leeds
6. EH8 Southside, Edinburgh
7. NE2 Jesmond, Newcastle
8. L9 Walton, Liverpool
9. M24 Middleton, Manchester
10. N5 Highbury, London

The safest ten areas are:

1. AB43 Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire
2. BN13 Worthing, Sussex
3. KA11 Irvine, Ayrshire
4. KA8 Ayr, Ayrshire
5. PO8 Waterlooville, Hampshire
6. AB51 Inverurie, Aberdeenshire
7. IV2 Inverness
8. CB11 Saffron Walden, Essex
9. SP10 Andover, Hampshire
10. SN25 Swindon, Wiltshire

Tags: Car And GPS Cars

London is car crime capital originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 12:17:50 +0000

The motor industry looks to have secured a reprieve from tough measures designed to rapidly reduce CO2 emissions.

EU politicians have proposed a reduction to 125g/km by 2015. The European Commission is now set to be forced to water down its plan to introduce rules demanding CO2 cuts to 120g/km by 2012. Draft legislation is expected in December.

In 2006, hybrid sales in the world’s largest markets rose by 20 per cent and with a huge increase in greener vehicles – electric, hydrogen, hybrid and cleaner diesels – predicted in the next 2 years it’s becoming more likely the motor industry will be able to cope with compliance.

Currently, Honda, Toyota and BMW are leading the way in exploring methods of tackling CO2 emissions.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars

Motor industry may get emissions reprieve originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:24:48 +0000

At any one time, one in 15 motorists on the road is uninsured, according to new Government figures.

Two million vehicles in Britain do not carry insurance so new measures are being introduced to curb repeat offenders. From the start of 2008, insurance companies must register customers’ details on the Motor Insurance Database (MID) within seven days, rather than the current requirement of 14.

The theory is that those drivers that don’t renew their cover before expiry of their existing policy, for whatever reason, could be stopped by police on suspicion of being uninsured. Police use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology which instantly cross-checks registration numbers against the MID. If a checked vehicle is not on the database the equipment alerts police who can then stop it. If the driver can’t prove they are covered, the car could be confiscated.

Drivers that allow their cover to expire before attempting to renew will find their insurer has no choice but to immediately update the expiry to the MID to ensure they comply with the new rule.

It’s estimated that 5% of drivers deliberately avoid paying insurance.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars

Crackdown on uninsured drivers originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:08:03 +0000

The Volvo XC60 concept, a crossover SUV, will make its UK debut at the MPH motor shows in London and Birmingham in November.

Expected in UK showrooms early in 2009, the XC60 was first unveiled at the Detroit show in January. New design cues such as the sculptured tail lights, broad shoulders and an enlarged version of the classic iron mark on the front grille will mark the XC range of Cross Country Volvos for the next few years.

MPH visitors will also have the opportunity to view the new Volvo V70 and XC70 premium estates plus the funky C30 SportsCoupe and the Volvo S40 saloon in new R-Design Sport spec.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Volvo

XC60 set for UK debut at MPH show originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:42:28 +0000

West Ham has shot to the top of the premier league of personalised registration numbers when the licence plate WE57 HAM went for a record-breaking £57,000 at auction.

A fierce bidding war raged at the DVLA personalised registrations sale in Essex as dozens of die-hard fans of the club battled it out for the ultimate Hammers status symbol.

And that sent the price rocketing and forced the winning bidder, who bid anonymously over the Internet, to smash the previous record for a football-related registration – the £36,000 paid for AR53 NAL in 2004.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars

WE57 HAM smashes registration plate record originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:26:44 +0000

Congestion charges and the recent tax increases on the most polluting vehicles have not deterred Londoners from investing in 4x4 vehicles.

Sales of this vehicle type, often large family vehicles, were strongest in Greater London (up 9.4% compared to the same period in 2006), according to the latest used car sales statistics for April, May and June this year from Experian, the global information services company.

Used SUV, MPV, luxury and super mini cars were the only types of vehicles that saw sales rise throughout the country during quarter two this year – and nowhere more so than in Greater London. This region also saw the biggest increase in the sale of used MPVs (up 12.4%) and the second highest increase in the sale of used luxury vehicles (up 5.6%).

Tags: Car And GPS Cars

Sales rise for most polluting cars originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:00:00 +0100

Honda has confirmed plans to put new green cars into production. The FCX hydrogen fuel cell concept car and a lightweight, hybrid sportscar will both be built – with a production version of the FCX making its debut as early as next month.

Speaking today, Honda boss Takeo Fukui announced plans to unveil a production version of the FCX Concept at the LA Show in November. The car will then go on sale in the US and Japan during 2008.

Honda also revealed that a car based on its CR-Z Concept – a sportscar powered by a hybrid powertrain – would also enter production. This coupe will join Honda’s forthcoming "global hybrid" family car, which is due to launch in 2009.

The announcements mark the beginning of a new generation of environmentally friendlier vehicles designed to appeal to a broader audience.

“Hybrids have always been seen as niche products, and hybrid car design has mostly been based around practicality and versatility”, said John Kingston, environment manager at Honda UK. “The CR-Z Concept looks stunning, and shows that green cars can be sexy and exciting – but also minimise environmental impact."

Honda says it will sell more than 250,000 hybrids a year by 2009.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Honda

Honda's hybrid crusade originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:00:00 +0100

Motorists could be allowed to drive on the hard shoulder of the M25 under a scheme being considered by the Government.

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said that the emergency land could be used as an extra channel on motorways, including the M25, during busy periods after the success of a trial on the M42 near Birmingham.

Under the scheme, when traffic gets heavy, gantry signs tell drivers to slow down and spread out. The speed limit is then cut to 50mph and the extra lane is open for use.

In the West Midlands, the trial showed travel time had been cut by a quarter, despite the lower speed limit. The M6 and M40 are expected to be the first roads to get the extra lane but other roads to be considered include the M25, M4, M1 and M20.

Motoring groups have raised concerns that the hard shoulders are regularly used by the emergency services to get to crashes but the Highways Agency says the lanes would be monitored and closed if there was an accident.

The M25 west of Heathrow was last week named by the RAC Foundation as the most congested road in England.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars

Motorists set to make use of hard shoulder originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:03:00 +0100

Not satisfied with having the only hybrid SUV, Lexus will debut a new one at the Tokyo motor show next week.

The LF-Xh has a V6 petrol engine and high-output electric motor hybrid system driving all four wheels. The chunky body with strong lines and defined corners contrasts with the small glass area to give it a powerful look. The interior gets a cool, refined almost austere and futuristic look.

Also on the Lexus stand will be the LF-A concept, a two-seater sports car with a 5.0-litre, V10 engine and carbon-fibre body.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Lexus Photos

Lexus shows possible RX replacement originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Sun, 21 Oct 2007 15:25:45 +0100

What’s big, French, and useless? Obviously that could apply to many things including the front row that faced England in the Rugby World Cup semi-final, but it’s usually a description reserved for large salons built by Citroën.

Longer and wider than the tired old duffer it replaces, the new C5 will be available early next year. Most obvious is its rather Germanic look, a big departure from the usual Gallic eccentricity.

It’s promised with a range of the usual trademark Citroën techno-wizardry, loads of comfort, a huge engine range and of course stone-drop depreciation will come no doubt as standard. Shame really because this one looks like it could be a winner, ghastly interior aside.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Citroen Photos

New C5 on the way originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:23:54 +0100

Following a bizarre darkened image of the new Subaru Impreza WRX STi, released last month, the car has now been shown in its entirety.

A shadowy image showing the barely visible top of the car was greeted by derision, with many assuming the final version would perhaps be a bit of a minger.

As these pics show, while that's not quite true the new WRX isn't exactly a looker. But, then again, the old one was even worse - and everyone loves a Scooby, don't they?

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Subaru Photos

Impreza comes out of the shadows originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:27:20 +0100

New regulations on driving and smoking are not fully understood by the public and little effort is being made to comply with them, claims a new report.

The law, in operation since July, requires that vehicles should be smoke free at all times if they are used to transport members of the public or are used in the course of paid or voluntary work by more than one person – regardless of whether they are in the vehicle at the same time. The vehicles must also display no smoking signs.

A spokesman from GEM Motoring Assist, formerly the Guild of Experienced Motorists, said: "Employers and even voluntary organisations have a duty to ensure that anyone using a vehicle understands the regulations and that the vehicles are properly signed".

“It is the legal responsibility of anyone who drives, manages or is responsible for order and safety on vehicles to prevent people from smoking. If they do not apply this law they could be liable for a court awarded fine of up to £2500.”

Research by GEM reveals an increasing mood among the public to ban smoking when driving. It has carried out a poll on its web site www.motoringassist.com to test opinions, and a considerable majority (72%) have voted to ban smoking totally when driving.

The new version of The Highway Code includes, for the first time, a warning that smoking while driving can cause a dangerous distraction.

Related links:

• Link - GEM

Tags: Car And GPS Cars

Driving and smoking law confusion originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:10:36 +0100

The new Aston Martin DBS has been voted the car with the sexiest bottom.

A crass survey to publicise the upcoming MPH '07 motor show has named James Bond's latest motor as the automotive rear of the year. Combined, more men and women plumped for the peachy Aston Martin DBS. Behind it were the Bugatti Veyron, the Alfa Romeo’s 8C Competizione and the Fiat 500.

More than a thousand people took part in the survey.

MPH ’07 runs at Earls Court from 1-4 November and then at Birmingham’s NEC from 8-11 November. Tickets are priced from £23.

Related links:

• Link - MPH '07

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Aston Martin Photos

Aston DBS is rear of the year originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 22:47:40 +0100

Nissan is set to introduce the world’s first ever system offering the driver a bird’s eye real-time view of the vehicle and its surroundings.

Debuting in the new Elgrand, scheduled for introduction at the end of this month, the cool kit will also be offered in the US on the all new Infiniti EX35 models on sale from December.

The Around View Monitor system sythesises a bird’s eye image of the vehicle using four ultrawide-angle, high-resolution cameras mounted on the front, sides and rear of the car.

Designed to assit parking, the screen displays the view from above on the left, and a front or rear view on the right. The front and rear views alternate according to the gear shift, allowing a comprehensive view from all angles.

Sensors mounted on all four corners depict the distance to an obstacle in coloured graphics, and help warn the driver via a beeping alert the closer the vehicle approaches a fixed obstacle.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Nissan

Camera system "to revolutionise" parking originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 22:32:10 +0100

This cute little number is the Pivo 2, an advanced electric concept car that will debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Powered by advanced compact lithium-ion batteries and featuring a unique rotating cabin, Pivo 2 has no reverse gear and employs "drive by-wire" technology for braking and steering.

Each of the four wheels are powered by Nissan’s advanced electric in-wheel 3D motor and can turn through 90 degrees to allow Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forward.

Oh, and it talks. With conversations possible in Japanese and English, a unique interface allows the driver to communicate directly with the car on everything from basic vehicle functions through to the nearest available parking.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Nissan Photos

Pivo 2 surfaces originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 21:34:58 +0100

Hot on the heels of the arrival of a new M3, BMW has announced details of the four-door M3 Saloon.

While four generations of M3 have been built, this is only the second time an M3 Saloon has been offered. So what you get is scintillating performance for the junior executive with kids.

Like the Coupé, the engine in the new M3 Saloon develops a whopping 420bhp at an even more whopping 8,300rpm. The 4-litre V8 can propel the saloon to 62mph in 4.9 seconds and provides 22.8mpg on the combined cycle.

Related links:

• Link - BMW

Tags: Car And GPS Cars BMW Photos

Saloon M3 announced originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 21:16:04 +0100

The Fabia Scout may not look like a concept but, unfortunately, it is.

Yes, concepts are supposed to be sexy but some actually get made – and this is one you can guarantee won’t look much different when it rolls off the production line.

Debuted this week in the Czech Republic, the Scout is a standard estate with visual off-road features. Which basically means it’s an estate that’s pretending not to be scared of light drizzle.

It’s hideous and ever so slightly pointless but you can bet it’ll be cheap, practical and have a stack of equipment as standard.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Skoda Photos

Fabia gets the mock 4x4 treatment originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 21:07:57 +0100

Mazda's latest aerodynamic concept car has been unveiled and, blimey, it’s amazing.

The Taiki, shown in Yokohama, Japan ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show, it’s another one of Mazda’s concepts designed around some concept called "flow" which doesn’t mean much but sounds kinda clever. Taiki in Japanese means atmosphere, with the design inspired by the flowing robes of the legendary celestial maiden Hagoromo. Apparently.

The futuristic two-seater sports coupe features a next-generation rotary engine, in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive format. Mazda also launched it's latest hydrogen-powered car, the Premacy Hydrogen RE hybrid, which produces only water in exhaust.

Both vehicles are aimed at improving Mazda's environmental credentials, without sacrificing performance.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Mazda Photos

Mazda wows with Taiki originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:28:37 +0100

Drivers who fill their cars with expensive "superfuels" and expect to see big economy gains should think again, according to a report by What Car? magazine.

Real-world tests were carried out for What Car? by the AA’s former senior research engineer, Peter de Nayer. In these tests, high-octane premium fuels including BP Ultimate, Shell V-Power, Esso Supreme and Total Excellium performed little or no better than their cheaper equivalents, in spite of costing around 7% more per litre.

“Our tests show that premium fuels are an unnecessary expense with no major fuel economy benefit”, said What Car? editor Steve Fowler.

“The verdict is still out on whether superfuels prolong engine life, as fuel manufacturers claim. Nonetheless, even using the fuel companies’ own figures, you’re unlikely to travel 7% further on a tank of fuel for a 7% increase in your fuel bill.”

The top-performing fuel in What Car?’s tests was Sainsbury’s 97-octane fuel, which delivered 0.5mpg more than its 95-octane fuel ­ in real terms that means just 6 miles more per tank.

“Unless the prices of these superfuels come down, there are far easier and cheaper ways of reducing your fuel consumption and your car’s emissions”, added Fowler. “By changing your driving style, anticipating the road ahead and sticking to the speed limit, you can make fuel savings for free.”

Tags: Car And GPS Cars

Superfuels "don't equal super savings" originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Sat, 29 Sep 2007 08:00:00 +0100

Following in the footsteps of the awesome Clio II 172 Cup and the even awesomer 182 Cup, the Clio Renaultsport 197 Cup will be launched next month.

Offering the same chassis set-up as the limited-edition 197 F1 Team R27 with its reduced ride height and stiffer springs and dampers, the 197 Cup is making Renaultsport fans salivate.

Colour-wise, white is available as an option for the first time. Renaultsport wheels in anthracite are standard and satin black Speedline rims are available as an option.

Inside, air conditioning is moved to the options list for those who want to reduce the car’s weight as much as is possible for the track. Lightweight Recaro seats are also available as an option.

Further details and pricing will be announced soon.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Renault Photos

Clio 197 Cup is on the way originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Sat, 29 Sep 2007 08:00:00 +0100

Continuing the trend of car manufacturers attempting to garner credibility with affluent coolandthirtysomethings by partnering with clothing brands, Jeep has announced it’s teamed up with Snow+Rock.

A new special edition Grand Cherokee, available for a limited time at Chrysler dealerships, is available in both Limited and Overland styles. Extras include chrome tail lamp guards, black running boards, rear splash guards, a moulded cargo tray, multi-purpose roof crossbars (Limited models only) and a choice of ski carrier, roof box or bike rack.

There’s even £2000 off the price of the standard Limited and Overland models, and customers get a £250 Snow+Rock voucher so they can get sailing jackets, fleeces and thermal undies or whatever it is that outdoors-y types wear.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Snow+Rock range starts at £28,590.

Related links:

• Link - Snow+Rock

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Jeep Photos

Grand Cherokee gets special edition treatment originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 21:53:54 +0100

Commuters face a £350 tax on workplace parking spaces in an attempt to encourage them out of their cars and on to public transport.

The tax is being planned as an alternative to congestion charging because it is thought to be much cheaper and easier to collect, according to The Times. Nottingham City Council is the first local authority planning to introduce the tax. Eight other councils, including Devon County Council, are understood to be considering similar schemes.
Under the Nottingham initiative, employers with more than ten parking spaces will have to pay the tax and most are expected to pass the cost on to staff.

The scheme is widely thought to be more politically acceptable. Unlike the Central London congestion charge, shoppers and other drivers who are not travelling to work will not have to pay.

The Government gave local authorities the power to introduce the tax under the Transport Act 2000 but none has yet done so because it was believed that congestion charging was the best way to control rising traffic levels.

However, the 1.8 million-signature petition against congestion charging on the Downing Street website this year has prompted many authorities to reconsider.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars

Parking tax set to bite commuters originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 21:50:55 +0100

Drivers who fail to disclose who was behind the wheel when caught speeding will now face stiffer penalties.

Motorists convicted of failing to give information about the identity of a speeding driver will receive six penalty points instead of the previous three after changes brought in by the Driving Standards Agency on Monday.

Reuters reports that the government is concerned that drivers are using the loophole of claiming they do not know who was driving a vehicle when clocked speeding to avoid fines and points on their licence.

Former Conservative MP Neil Hamilton and his wife Christine avoided a speeding fine four years ago after they said neither of them could remember who was behind the wheel when they were flashed by a speed camera.

Most speeding offences are detected by speed cameras, which cannot always identify the driver.

But critics say the change will unfairly penalise those who genuinely do not know who was driving a car when a speeding offence was committed and further devalue the points system.

Paul Smith, founder of anti-speed camera campaign group SafeSpeed.org.uk, said: "This change has absolutely nothing to do with road safety - it's just spiteful".

“The authorities have forgotten that driving licence points were supposed to help identify risky drivers. Giving extra points to people who simply fumble the paperwork will further devalue the licence points system.”

Motorists whose cars are stolen will escape the penalty as long as they can prove that the vehicle had been taken without their permission.

Today also saw the jailing of the fastest driver ever caught by a speed camera in the UK. Tim Brady, 33, was clocked doing 172mph in a Porsche 911 Turbo on a rural A-road in January, Oxford Crown Court heard. He was sentenced to 10 weeks in prison and banned from driving for three years.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars

Stiffer penalties for "forgetful" drivers originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:38:44 +0100

Subaru has issued a teaser shot of its eagerly anticipated Impreza WRX STI.

Debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show a month from now, the car looks substantially different from the current WRX even in the dimly lit shot.

Technical details are still under wraps but the turbocharged range-topper looks set to satisfy Subaru’s loyal fan-club. At the other end of the new Impreza’s model range, first deliveries are due at the end of this month.

Prices start at only £12,495 for the 1.5R despite high equipment levels which include driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, alloy wheels, climate-control air-conditioning and a radio/CD player.

Related links:

• Link - Subaru

Tags: Car And GPS Cars Subaru Photos

Subaru's sneak peek at new WRX originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:05:54 +0100

Around 70% of road signs in rural areas are unnecessary, according to a new report.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) claims that a limited test on a 10-mile stretch of road in Hampshire proves that seven in ten road signs should be removed or incorporated into others. It says the A32 between West Meon and Wickham is typical of other rural roads and that evidence suggests that removing road signs forces motorists to pay more attention, making roads safer.

It cited the town of Drachten in the Netherlands, where half the road signs were removed with no detrimental effect on road safety.

A CPRE spokesman said: "Most of our rural roads are a mess of unnecessary and standardised signage that looks bland and encourages irresponsible motoring. By getting rid of this clutter, local councils, highway engineers and communities can make our countryside a safer and more attractive place to be".

The organisation is now pushing for the introduction of guidelines for Highway Agency authorities. The RAC Foundation has backed the initiative and is campaigning for a national review of road sign placement and design.

Tags: Car And GPS Cars

Seven out of ten rural road signs "unnecessary" originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 21:07:21 +0100