Half way through the month now – And we here at Britannia are sure it would be very interesting to hear who has kept up with their New Years Resolutions so far?

Not that we mind if you’ve succumbed to the odd chocolate bar or not been to the gym as much as you had planned – But if your Resolution for 2016 was to learn to drive, we know we can help!

If you’re looking to start driving this year then why wait? Book your first driving lesson today and we can help you along the road to becoming a fully qualified driver in 2016!

Safe driving from Britannia!

MPs are to examine all-lane running on motorways prior to expansion of the scheme.

All-lane running was introduced in 2014 and operates on sections of the M1, M4, M5, M6, M42, and M62 either as part of a managed motorway or with the hard shoulder used as a full time running lane.

With use of the all-lane running looks set to expand, the Transport Committee wants to evaluate the evidence generated to date and gather information on the experience of road users.

The inquiry hopes to discover how policy on all-lane running should evolve, whether application of the policy should be expanded, whether the policy is sustainable and the implications of the policy for future motorway widening schemes.

The committee said it also aimed to look at “the extent to which road users understand and comply with signs where all-lane running is in operation, and changes that are needed in driver education and behaviour.”

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below.

A survey from Direct Line Car Insurance found that 39% of drivers would rather go without seeing their family than without access to a car.

The survey also found that a quarter of motorists would feel anxious if they were without their vehicle, while feelings of depression (15%) anger (10%) and panic (10%) were also anticipated.

A third of motorist questioned said they would incur a loss of earnings if they didn’t have access to a vehicle, averaging £77 per week; however this rises to £104 for those living in London. Those paying for taxis would expect to spend £27 a week while other costs associated with not having a car such as getting kids to school or cancelling social plans cost an average of £31 per week.

Simon Bush of Britannia Instructor Training said: “A vehicle is a very important part of many peoples’ work and social lives, which is why being without it can be so costly. Being without a car leaves many people feeling stranded hence the feeling of such anxiety.”

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below.

Christmas may well be truly over now that we are over a third of the way through January – But that doesn’t mean we can start looking forward to driving in sunny summer conditions just yet.

Warnings of snow and ice are more prevalent in January and even February now than they were in December, so if anything we need to be more alert for the treacherous conditions presented by the colder climate.

Remember to always allow more time for journeys in the snow so that you can drive at reduced speeds, giving you more time to react to unexpected events on the road and to ensure the maximum safety for you and the people in your vehicle.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Many of us may be feeling the familiar blues associated with a New Year – Christmas is officially over now for another twelve months, and we’re by now mostly returning to work again – So it’s time to start looking forward to Summer, right?

Wrong – We’re not out of the woods yet. Whilst Christmas may be over, remember we are still in the midst of winter, and as much as you will be longing for sunny weather again, we have to make sure to always drive to the current conditions.

So whether that means snow and ice on the road in January, or driving through a wet and windy February, make sure as all year round, you drive safely!

Safe driving from Britannia!

Motorists who use a mobile phone while driving could face tougher penalties if government plans are approved.

The government is planning to increase fixed penalty fines from £100 to £150, as well as increasing the number of penalty points drivers receive. Points would rise from three to four – and from three to six for drivers of large vehicles such as HGVs.

The proposals are part of the government’s Road Safety Plan, which includes proposals to allow learners on the motorway, and are aimed at targeting those who repeatedly offend. A consultation will be held on the plans in 2016. Most first-time offenders will still be offered an educational course to help them change their behaviour. The larger increase in the penalty points proposed for HGV drivers reflects the fact that accidents involving large vehicles can be much more severe, a government spokesman said.

The proposals follow a previous increase in the fixed penalty for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, from £60 in 2013 to £100.

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below:

Some of us may think we’re the best drivers out of our respective groups, be it your friends, families or work colleagues – Whether it’s due to more experience on the road, or paying more attention when behind the wheel than our peers, there’s nothing wrong with a little confidence in our own driving ability.

However others of us may not be as sure of ourselves, and may wish to become better at driving. If that sounds like you, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Most drivers, when asked honestly, wish that they could improve their driving skills, and when better to start than a brand new year!

Whether you’re a newly qualified driver looking to improve your skills further with a Pass Plus course, or have been driving for years and want to brush up on the latest techniques with a Refresher course, let us know and we can help you fulfil your New Years Resolutions!

Safe driving from Britannia!

Motorists checking Facebook and updating Twitter are seen as a bigger menace than drink-drivers, according to new research.

Distracted drivers using social media services like Facebook and Twitter are now seen as a great threat to road safety than drink-driving. This is according to startling research published by the Institute of Advanced Motorists in its new Safety Culture Index report. They found that motorists now regard other drivers’ smartphone use, particularly for text messaging and checking social media accounts, as the biggest factor threatening their personal safety.

Checking or updating social media was cited by 69% of respondents as a ‘very serious threat’ to their safety. However, just 66% said driving under the influence of alcohol was a similarly serious threat.

The report shows that concern over smartphone use is growing: 77% of the motorists questioned said that driver distraction was now a bigger problem than compared with three years ago. Drink-driving, on the other hand, is not seen as an issue of increasing concern: 54% of motorists say this is about the same level of a problem as three years ago, while there is an even 23%-23% split among those who say it has improved.

A report by RAC found that most motorists do not support increased penalties for using a phone whilst four in every five wanted to see traffic police enforce existing laws more effectively.

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below: