Author Archives: Kerry Smith

Warning Small Chip Could Cost You £2,500

Something as simple as a small chip or crack in your windscreen could cause you to be fined.

Warnings have been issued to drivers that driving with a chipped or cracked windscreen could land motorists with a £2,500 fine or points on their license! Green Flag has since revealed that after research 4/5 drivers where unaware of this.

Such issues with windscreens are a frequent occurrence that car owners experience,The cost-of-living crisis appears to be impacting drivers’ repair habits. Only 47% of drivers had their windscreen repaired immediately, with more than a quarter saying they would delay repairs to save money.

Over a quarter of drivers said they would only get the issue repaired if it stopped them from seeing.

On average, a chipped windscreen costs between £40 and £118 to repair, depending on the vehicle.

As well as the safety implications, chips and cracks can also lead to a failed MOT.

According to the DVSA, 405,595 cars had visibility issues when checked during an MOT between October and December 2022.

Different types of Chips and Cracks:

Katie Lomas, Head of Green Flag Breakdown, commented: “Windscreen chips should be repaired almost as soon as they appear to prevent further damage spreading as these can easily turn into a crack and a much larger and more expensive problem. It’s also important to keep in mind that repairs are especially important when obscuring visibility for the driver.

“Seven in ten drivers said chips were caused by stones and debris flying up from the road. To put this into perspective, on a 30 mile per hour road, a small stone could have an impact speed with the glass at the equivalent of 40 to 50 miles per hour. It’s not surprising that there’s a chance it’ll take a toll on your windscreen if it hits.

By checking your windscreen often, you can save yourself a job of having to replace a whole windscreen by catching a small crack quickly.

“To avoid chips and cracks, it’s important to drive carefully and leave a greater distance between the vehicle in front of you on rough and busy roads where there may be loose debris. If you do get a crack, it’s key that you replace the windscreen as soon as possible. Repairing early on is a straightforward process that improves vehicle safety, visibility and saves money in the long run.”

Kerry at Britannia says:

By checking your windscreen over regularly you can avoid large repair jobs, if you spot a small crack in your windscreen and act upon it quickly you could save yourself having to replace a whole windscreen.

4 Vital Changes Regarding Your Driving Test

Last week it was announced the DVSA will be making some important changes to government policies regarding Driving Test bookings.

They ran a consultation between 25 January and 8 March 2022 about changing some policies that affect learning to drive and driving tests.

  • encourage learner drivers to be better prepared when they take their car driving test
  • reduce the number of car driving test appointments that are wasted
  • update when and how we carry out the eyesight check at the start of the driving test

They currently have very high demand for driving tests. There are 3 main reasons for this:

  • fewer tests than usual have taken place because of restrictions and other factors related to the pandemic
  • learner drivers who are not yet ready to take their test have heard that waiting times are high, causing them to book earlier than they normally would
  • the pass rate for driving tests – for many years, less than half of people pass on their first attempt, meaning they’ll need to take at least one more test

Many driving instructors have said that some learner drivers want to pass their driving test as quickly and cheaply as possible. They say they are unable to stop their pupils from booking a test before they are ready.

They put forward some of these proposals because they think they’ll:

  • encourage learner drivers to be better prepared for their driving test
  • help to reduce the number of driving test appointments that are wasted
  • give us more flexibility in how and when we can carry out driving tests

Other proposals were to help them to:

  • find out more about what information learner drivers and their families want to know when choosing a driving instructor – which in the longer term will help learner drivers to find the best driving instructor for them
  • move to replace paper pass certificates with digital versions, saving millions of sheets of paper each year

1. Encourage learner drivers to be better prepared when they take their car driving test:

What’s been decided

Ministers have decided to extend the period a candidate can take another car driving test from 10 working days to 28 working days.

They have decided this because:

  • the period gives candidates time to take extra training
  • it will have a positive impact on car driving test waiting times
  • gaining more knowledge, skills and experience will help keep new drivers safe at the crucial point that they drive on their own for the first time
  • better prepared drivers should have a positive effect on road safety
  • one-third of learner drivers admit this will encourage them to only book their test when they are ready while waiting times remain the same – this increases to 42.8% if waiting times reduce

What will happen next

This change can be made by ‘secondary legislation’. This is law created by ministers under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament (primary legislation).

The Department for Transport will draft a document called a Statutory Instrument (SI) to make changes to the law. This will be published with an explanatory memorandum, which outlines the purpose of the SI and why the change is necessary.

When the change will happen

The dates the SI will be made and come into effect as law have not yet been confirmed.

2. Reduce the number of car driving test appointments that are wasted:

What’s been decided

Ministers have decided to extend the notice period a candidate must give to change or cancel a car driving test from 3 full working days to 10 full working days.

They have decided this because:

  • it is currently difficult for DVSA to make tests cancelled with 3 working days’ notice available to another candidate, which means that a test slot is wasted
  • it will free up wasted test slots, which means these slots can be offered to other candidates to make tests available more quickly

What will happen next

This change can be made by ‘secondary legislation’. This is law created by ministers under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament (primary legislation).

The Department for Transport will draft a document called a Statutory Instrument (SI) to make changes to the law. This will be published with an explanatory memorandum, which outlines the purpose of the SI and why the change is necessary.

When the change will happen

The dates the SI will be made and come into effect as law have not yet been confirmed.

3. Update when and how we check someone’s eyesight at the start of the driving test

 

What’s been decided

Ministers would like to introduce the proposals to:

  • do the eyesight check in the driving test in any level of light – not just good daylight
  • use more methods of checking people’s eyesight when they take the driving test

We will look at options available to introduce an alternative means to conduct an eyesight test that is not dependent on good daylight or reading a car number plate, but that will continue to ensure a driver’s eyesight is assessed consistently with the current test.

What will happen next

We are exploring alternative means of assessing eyesight. This is being done with DVLA’s Medical Panel. This is necessary because DVLA is the driving agency responsible for licensing drivers and it is important for any new procedures to meet the standards that currently apply. It will be necessary to ensure that any alternative is thoroughly tested and assessed to ensure it replicates the requirements of the current test and is sufficiently rigorous.

In the consultation, a majority of respondents supported the proposal for DVSA having the flexibility to conduct the eyesight test by means other than reading the number plate attached to the vehicle. This will enable us to provide driving tests at more times, in different levels of light, and will give us the flexibility to test eyesight if there are few vehicles parked nearby.

4. Replace paper pass certificates with digital pass certificates

What’s been decided

Ministers would like to modernise the administrative process of notifying candidates that they have passed their test by replacing the current paper pass certificates with digital test pass certificates.

What will happen next

It will be necessary to update legislation to do this. This will require both primary and secondary legislation. We plan to make provision which requires primary legislation when an opportunity is available.

We will need to make sure that the electronic record, when provided without a paper version, will be available to successful candidates as soon as a test is passed.

 

 

 

 

Are Automatic Cars Better For Nervous Drivers?

Taking lessons can be a very overwhelming experience for first time learners, it can be a daunting for more experienced learners too. The thought of having to control the pedals, gears and maneuvering a vehicle, especially in traffic can be anxiety inducing. Leading some learners to ponder if automatic cars could cater to their needs and help calm the over thinking of having to control everything at once.

Here are some advantages to driving an Automatic car :

  • Simpler To Learn :

One of the biggest advantages of automatic cars is that they are more simple to learn. With an automatic transmission, pupils do not need to worry about operating the clutch or shifting gears, making the learning process less complicated.

  • Less To Think About :

Driving an automatic car is less stressful than a manual car. With an automatic car, drivers can focus on other aspects of driving, such as traffic conditions and road safety, without the added stress of having to shift gears or operate a clutch pedal.

  • Convenient :

Automatic cars are more convenient than manual cars. With an automatic car, drivers do not need to worry about stalling in traffic, and can easily switch between driving and parking modes with the push of a button.

  • A Feeling Of Safety :

Automatic cars can be safer for nervous drivers. With an automatic car, drivers can keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times, reducing the risk of distraction and increasing their ability to react to sudden changes in road conditions.

Here are some disadvantages of driving an Automatic car :

  • Greater Costs :

Something to think about is the cost, so once you’ve passed your test it would be more expensive to purchase a automatic than a manual. Automatic cars require more complex technology and parts, which can add to the cost of purchasing and maintaining the vehicle.

  • Limited Control :

Automatic cars provide limited control over the vehicle. With an automatic car, drivers do not have the ability to downshift to increase engine braking, which can be useful when descending steep hills or driving in slippery conditions.

  • Lower Fuel Efficiency :

Automatic cars are generally less fuel-efficient than manual cars. With an automatic car, the engine is not as responsive to changes in driving conditions, which can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency over time.

Conclusion :

For nervous drivers, automatic cars can be a great choice. They are easier to learn, less stressful, more convenient, and can be safer on the road. However, it is important to keep in mind that automatic cars can be more expensive, offer limited control, and have lower fuel efficiency than manual cars.

Ultimately, the choice between an automatic and manual car will depend on personal preferences and needs. Nervous drivers should consider their comfort level with driving and their budget before making a decision.

DVSA Issued warning to anyone who has a test booked in March

Civil servants from the PCS union are staging 11 days of strikes this month which could impact driving tests.

The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued a warning to learners who have driving tests booked this month.

It comes as civil servants begin their next round of strikes in March, which will affect some driving examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS). It is part of national industrial action by the PCS union over pay, pensions, jobs and redundancy terms.

Ten days of regional strikes and one day of national strikes will be held in March. The DVSA has advised learners on what to do if their driving test is scheduled for a strike day.

The DVSA’s official Twitter account said: “If you’ve got an appointment on a strike day, please attend as planned, unless you have been contacted directly to say it has been cancelled. If you turn up for your test and it is cancelled because of strike action we will automatically reschedule it for the first available date and you will be able to claim out of pocket expenses.

“If you want to rearrange your car, motorcycle, vocational or instructor test, you can do this through our change your driving test service. Keep checking emails, texts and GOV.UK for updates and confirmed strike dates.”

 

When do civil servants go on strike?

Civil servants strike for 11 days in total, with 10 taking place regionally and one nationally. The dates include:

  • Monday March 6 and Tuesday March 7 – London and south east England
  • Thursday March 9 and Friday March 10 – South west England and Wales
  • Wednesday March 15 – All areas of Greater Britain
  • Monday March 20 and Tuesday March 21 – East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands and parts of London
  • Thursday March 23 and 24 – North west England and Yorkshire and the Humber
  • Monday March 27 and Tuesday March 28 – North east England and Scotland

 

Which driving tests will be affected?

The strikes could impact car driving tests, motorcycle tests and vocational tests for lorry, bus, coach and minibus. Tractor or specialist vehicle driving tests, approved driving instructor (ADI) tests and ADI standard checks and moped and motorcycle compulsory basic training might also be affected.

 

Kerry from Britannia Driving School said:

Please keep an eye on your emails and any texts you receive from the DVSA regarding your test bookings, for any cancellations or rescheduled test dates.

 

Issued Warning From The DVLA

The DVLA issued a warning to every driver who passed there test before 2014 that they must renew their licence before its 10-year expiration date arrives or face a heavy fine.Driving licenses are only valid for 10 years from date of issue, anyone who doesn’t renew their licence risks a £1,000 fine or having there vehicle seized.

A recent tweet from the DVLA reads: “You must renew your driving licence every 10 years. You can do this via the this renewal link or by post or via the post office.You will need to hold a valid UK passport, be resident in Great Britain (Northern Ireland has its own system), not to have been disqualified from driving and be able to show your current licence, or explain why not if you do not have it, as well as your National Insurance number and last three addresses.

Sourcing all the correct information and sending it off correctly will help avoid any delays in receiving your new licence.

You will also be asked to pay a £14 processing fee by debit or credit card online or £17 if submitting by post. Over-70s or those with a short-term medical driving licence are exempt from paying.

 

Once your application has been received, you should receive your new licence within a week, the DVLA advises.

The renewal process is slightly different for drivers aged over 70, lorry and bus drivers and those with a short-term medical driving licence. You will find all the information you need on the links provided.

Rebecca at Britannia said:

I would advise everyone to just have a quick check of when their licence expires and keep a note of the date, don’t leave it too late to apply as you could be caught out and landed with a hefty fine! Keeping all your important documents together can help you to be able to apply quickly and easily.

 

 

 

Miss Her Call Don’t Let Her Miss You

With Valentines day coming up it is important to remember to follow the rules. Compare market’s motor insurance experts have laid out driving offenses which loved-up motorists might unwittingly commit.

Motorists who leave their car engines running when picking up their love could be slapped with an £80 fine for “stationary idling”, under rule 123 of the Highway Code. If you are wanting to shower your valentine in lavish gifts such as big heart balloons risk getting a £1000.00 fine if anything blocks the view.

The same £1,000 fine could be handed out to couples who wear clothes affecting their ability to drive, under rule 97 of the Highway Code.This includes high heels, flowing dresses or blindfolds, all of which can interfere with reaction times on the road. Also if you can’t walk properly in those 6 inch heels then you have to consider if you can drive in them, but beware if you need to take them off maybe carry a spare pair of shoes in your boot as driving barefoot could also land you in trouble.

Whilst driving resist the urge to take a selfie or you could risk a £1,000 fine! Another temptation whilst driving could be the temptation to hold hands whilst driving, Rule 160 of the Highway Code states that drivers should drive with both hands on the wheel and avoid all distractions.

Even if frisky drivers avoid a prison sentence, they could be given an unlimited fine, a driving disqualification or anywhere between 3 and 11 points.

Needless to say, couples should also steer clear of drink-driving this Valentine’s Day.

Julie Daniels, a motor insurance expert at comparison site Compare The Market, told the Daily Record: “With all the extra excitement and anticipation of the most romantic day of the year, some drivers might find themselves getting distracted behind the wheel.

“However, it’s incredibly important that they are following the rules of the road and practicing safe driving not only avoid fines, but to keep themselves and their date safe.

“Make sure any gifts or balloons do not impact your view of the road, that your outfit or shoes won’t hinder your ability to control the vehicle, and that you either choose the romantic music before you set off, or let your date play DJ.

“And above all else, keep your eyes on the road and don’t get distracted by trying to impress your date.”

Driving Test Backlog

If you are currently trying to book a driving practical test and struggling you are not alone! There is a backlog with the DVSA which has been on going since Covid Lockdowns restrictions eased.

At the moment even driving schools are struggling to secure tests and the DVSA have spoken out about a 6 month wait, which means June/July is what is becoming available on the booking site.

This situation is very frustrating not only for learners waiting for take their test but also driving schools and instructors who are trying to book tests for their pupils! Cancellations do pop up every now and then but its all about being on the test booking site at the right time.

What we would like to discourage is pupils becoming desperate and paying over the odds for tests, when giving out your driving license details to unauthorized operators they can then use your details to their own advantage.

Some desperate to pass learners have even booked tests in unknown areas to them in hopes to pass, but the disadvantage to this is not having a good knowledge of an area especially the test routes could go against you on the day of the test. Its always a good idea to have a good few lessons on the routes the test center you plan on taking your test at use. Our instructors who are taking you to test will always take you on those test routes to get you familiar with them in preparation for the test, which not only helps calm nerves as you feel prepared and know the routes but also gives you a head start on practicing on the roundabouts etc.

If a cancellation does pop up and you manage to secure it, please be mindful that you also need to make sure your instructor can do the test date/time and goes to the test center. Also if its too short notice this could also be a problem, a new instructor would need to arrange some assessment lessons before committing to take you to test. An instructor has the right to refuse to take you to test if they don’t feel you are ready.

Below is a breakdown of how the estimated backlog works;

2022Estimated demand for testsMax number of tests that can be carried outExcess tests rolled over to following month
Jan244377130622113755
Feb332689130622202067
March427539130622296917
April476619130622345997
May520581130622389959
June502589130622371967
July482797130622352175
Aug463005130622332383
Sep443213130622312591
Oct423421130622292799
Nov403629130622273007
Dec383837130622253215
Jan ’23364045130622233423
Feb ’23344253130622213631
March ’23324461130622193839
April ’23304669130622174047
May ’23284877130622154255
June ’23265085130622134463
July ’23245293130622114671
Aug ’2322550113062294879
Sep ’2320570913062275087
Oct ’2318591713062255295
Nov ’2316612513062235503
Dec ’2314633313062215711
Jan ’24126541130622

Rebecca at Britannia said:

Everyday i log onto the Business Account to look for tests for pupils, it did ease up a little in Novemeber/Decemeber but now in January 23 it is at what feels like a standstill, i think the DVSA strikes are now adding to the problem. We hope it will ease up ASAP.

Top 10 Causes For Failing The Practical Driving Test

In this blog we will explain the top 10 reasons people fail the practical driving test in Great Britain, below are some examples of the types of mistakes people make.

41.7% was the pass rate between January and March 2022

The driving test pass rate was 47.1% between January and March 2022. Many people who failed their test made at least one of the mistakes:

1.Not making effective observations at junctions:

  • You must make effective observations before moving into a new road
  • Make sure it is safe before proceeding

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Junctions – Observations’ fault on your driving test result.

2. Not using mirrors correctly when changing directions:

  • Make full and effective use of mirrors
  • Check the mirrors carefully before signalling, changing direction or changing speed
  • Use the mirror – signal- manoeuvre routine effectively

some examples:

  • Not using mirrors when exiting a roundabout
  • Not checking mirrors when on a dual carriageway

Any mistakes you make in this area when changing direction will be counted under the ‘Mirrors – Change direction’ fault on your driving test result.

3. Not having proper control of the steering:

  • You must be able to steer the car as smoothly as possible and at the right time.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Control – Steering’ fault on your driving test result.

4.Incorrect positioning when turning right at a junction:

  • You must be able to position the car as close to the center of the road as is safe.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Junctions – Turning right’ fault on your driving test result.

5. Not moving off safely:

You must be able to move off safely while making the correct observations:

  • On a slope or hill (gradient)
  • From the side of the road
  • From behind a parked vehicle, so you have to move off at an angle

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Moving off – Safety’ fault on your driving test result.

 

 

6. Not responding appropriately to traffic lights correctly:

  • You must take notice and respond correctly to traffic lights

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Response to signs – Traffic lights’ fault on your driving test result.

7. Poor positioning on the road during normal driving:

  • position the car correctly for your intended route
  • position the car in the middle of marked lanes
  • only change lanes when necessary

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Positioning – Normal driving’ fault on your driving test result.

8. Not corresponding correctly to traffic signs:

  • You must be able to understand and be able to react to all traffic signs

Any mistakes you make in this area will show as ‘Response to signals – Traffic signs’ in your result.

9. Not having control of the vehicle when moving off:

  • You must be able to move off under control, including on a slope or hill (gradient), from behind a parked vehicle and at junctions.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Move off – Control’ fault on your driving test result.

10. Not keeping control of the vehicle during reverse parking:

  • You must be able to parallel park at the side of the road
  • You must be able reverse to park in a parking bay

 

 

 

 

‘UK’s Most Confusing Bus Lane’

 

Whilst driving avoiding bus lanes is always top priority for motorists to avoid being given a fine, but motorists have been caught of guard by a confusing bus lane in Clapham Common in South West London.

The bus lane has been the talk of the town, having been the cause of more than 15,000 penalty charge notices (PCNs) since october 2021, totaling up to an outstanding £1.9 million in fines! Since being made permanent in 2000, Clapham Park Road bus lane is thought to of brought in an estimated £6million in fines.

Richard Newell, appealed his fine and won, after he was caught turning into the bus lane. Local drivers have stated that the signs warning drivers not to use the bus lane to turn left are unclear. Motorists have claimed there is an arrow marked on the road that urges them to use it.

The fine being issued for early payment is £65 rising to £130.00, It means Lambeth Council has pocketed between £985,075 and in excess of £1.9 million, a Freedom of Information request shows. With March 2022 being the highest issuing for fines.

An AA spokesperson said these kind of lanes are “scary” as they’re expected to be rolled out across the UK.

“It is beggars belief that, after all these years of driver protests and traffic penalty tribunal adjudicators allowing appeals because the junction layout and signage is flawed, this bus lane continues to trap so many drivers,” they added.

“When is the local authority going to accept that motorists don’t throw themselves like lemmings into bus lanes for the ‘joy’ of getting a fine in a cost of living crisis?

“Probably never, because it’s such a nice big earner for the council.

“This year, adjudicators have again condemned this bus lane and, clearly, enforcement with poor signage isn’t fair or doing its job in keeping the lane free for buses – simply because it is issuing so many fines.

“I suspect the locals are very aware of what they should do at this junction but, for anyone coming from outside the area and unfamiliar with the road, it’s a potential nightmare.

 

“The adjudicator’s concern about how well the warning signs show up at night is a problem the AA has seen with other London bus lanes that have turned into fines’ magnets.

“What really scares the AA and drivers is that this type and quality of enforcement is now being rolled out to councils across England.”

The lane is signposted with filter lights for buses, cabs and bikes – which some could find confusing.

However, a spokesperson for Lambeth Council said: “Our bus lanes are clearly marked and comply with all regulations and standards.

“People who illegally drive in bus lanes cause delays to bus passengers and other commuters.

“We regularly check our signs and road markings where we enforce using CCTV to ensure we are compliant, and the vast majority of motorists who use Lambeth roads every day do so without receiving a Penalty Charge Notice.

“The bus lane in Clapham Park Road is clearly marked and complies with all regulations and standards.

“However, if a motorist feels that he or she has been issued with a ticket unfairly they are able to challenge it and we have an independent appeal process.”

 

Beccy at Briannia says:

This Bus lane sounds very confusing and causing lots of problems for not only local residents but visitor mainly.

 

 

 

NYE Drink Driving

 

New Years Eve is a fun time of the year with many celebrating the new year by having a few drinks, but with taxi prices being at a all time high on new years eve some people can be tempted to drink drive! An estimated 7,800 people were killed or injured in drink driving accidents in the UK in 2019, those figures alone should be enough to deter you from even thinking about picking up your car keys after having a drink!

Drink driving kills drinking alcohol slows down your reaction and impairs your judgement making your driving unsafe and putting you and others at risk essentially at greater risk of an accident. The safest and best advice is to avoid alcohol completely if you have to drive. And remember, if you do drink, there could still be enough alcohol in your system the next morning to mean you’re over the limit, and not safe to drive.

Many of the functions that we depend on to drive safely are affected when we drink alcohol:

  • The brain takes longer to receive messages from the eye
  • Processing information becomes more difficult
  • Instructions to the body’s muscles are delayed resulting in slower reaction times

Drinking affects your reaction times, your vision and your ability to concentrate, which means you can’t control the car as well. And you’re more likely to engage in risk taking behavior after drinking,3 which can mean your driving is more dangerous.

There are strict alcohol limits for drivers in all parts of the UK – and they are different in Scotland than England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The limits are based on the amount of alcohol detected in someone’s breath, blood or urine.

It isn’t possible to work out how many units of alcohol will put you over the limit. That’s because it varies from person to person, depending on:

  • Your weight, age, sex and metabolism (the rate your body uses energy)
  • The type and amount of alcohol you’re drinking
  • What you’ve eaten recently
  • Your stress levels at the time

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the drink driving alcohol limit for drivers is:

  • 80 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (the ‘blood limit’)
  • 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath (the ‘breath limit’)
  • 107 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine (the ‘urine limit’)

Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your ability to drive and there is no reliable way to drink and stay within the limit. The advice from the police is clear: avoid alcohol altogether if you plan to drive. If you need to have transport, try these top tips to enjoy an alcohol-free night out.

The police are allowed to stop any vehicle at their discretion and can breathalyze you if they have reason to suspect you have been drinking. They often set up drink driving check points over periods such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

You could also be required to take a breathalyzer test if you’ve committed a moving traffic offense (such as a banned turn or going through a red light) or been involved in an accident.

To investigate whether you are over the drink drive limit, police will carry out a screening breath test at the roadside, using a breathalyzer.

If you fail this test, or if they have other grounds to believe that your driving was impaired due to alcohol, you’ll be taken to a police station and given a final breath test. At the station you will need to provide two more breath specimens into a complex breathalyzer.

The lower of the two readings is used to decide whether you are above the drink driving limit.

If it is needed, the police also have the power to require a sample of urine, or for a blood test to be carried out by a medical professional. Failure to provide a sample is a criminal offense.

 

From everyone at Britannia we would all like to wish you a Happy New Year all the best for 2023.