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The Italian Job Comes To Yorkshire – Be Part Of It!
I am a great fan of the Italian Job and was excited to find out about an exciting event coming to Yorkshire later this year. Inspired by the 1969 Michael Caine film of the same name, the Italian Job motoring holiday has been (for the last 30 years) a road trip…
Next Stage Of North Lincolnshire Port Route Upgrade Begins
Work on a series of upgrades that will create safer roads in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire is moving to a new phase. Highways England is carrying out improvements along the M180, M181, A180 and A160 over the next 12 months to provide smoother journeys for drivers. This will create better links…
3:14 PM 3rd July 2020
Hard Top Name Returns For Commercial Land Rover Defender
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
Land Rover has confirmed the new commercial Defender 90 and 110 models will restore the Hard Top name to its rugged 4x4 family. The versatile and durable Defender Hard Top will be launched later this year, combining unstoppable all-terrain capability with 21st-century connectivity to give professionals a unique combination of…
1:00 AM 30th June 2020
Drivers Advised To Plan Journeys Around A628 Weekend Closure In South Yorkshire
Drivers traveling on the A628 this weekend are being advised that the route will be closed for essential maintenance work near to Longside Moss. The A628 is fully closed from 8pm on Friday 3 July until 6am on Monday 6 July between Flouch roundabout and the Gun Inn. This is to…
7:47 PM 1st July 2020
£3.95 Million Funding For Major Highway Routes In Hull
Almost £4 million will be spent on three major highways routes in Hull, the Department for Transport has announced. The £3.95 million funding will see major repairs to three sections of the city’s key route network. Work will be carried out at the A165 Holderness Road from Witham to Southcoates Lane, the…
9:54 PM 30th June 2020
From Canoes And Beds To Metal Sheds - The Shed-loads Of Items Found On Our Busiest Roads
Camera footage warns of the dangers posed by unsecured loads Shed-loads of items found on busiest roads - from bicycles and roof boxes to a four-poster bed Highways England urges drivers to make sure loads are safely secured A four-poster bed, a canoe and a bike…
1:00 AM 30th June 2020
Drivers Advised To Plan Journeys Around Key Yorkshire Interchange Closure
Road users are advised to plan their journeys ahead of vital maintenance work on a key Yorkshire interchange at the centre of the M1 and M62 motorway network. Lofthouse Interchange (M1 junction 42 / M62 junction 29) near Leeds requires an eight-week closure to allow engineers to carry out a £3.6…
9:25 AM 26th June 2020
M180 Closures For Urgent Repairs Start This Weekend
Drivers making journeys on the M180 are being advised that starting this weekend the westbound carriageway will be closed overnight for three weeks so urgent repair work can be carried out. Resurfacing work between junctions 3 and 1 will start on Saturday (27 June). So the work can be carried out…
9:22 AM 26th June 2020
M1 Junction Upgrade To Start Near Leeds
Work will begin next week to create more room and improve a key junction on the M1 in Yorkshire. Highways England is installing an extra lane on the northbound exit slip road at junction 47 near Garforth to improve safety and congestion for drivers. Highways England project manager Steve Bishop said: “This project…
7:38 PM 23rd June 2020
Farewell Mercedes X-Class. It Has Been A Pleasure
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
As lockdown eased in England, I was lucky enough to spend a week with the Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup. It came at a useful time, with plenty of runs to the tip and assorted errands to catch up with. What is it? Mercedes decided to enter the pickup market just a few years…
4:21 AM 22nd June 2020
Major Upgrade That Will Reshape Hull Gets Started
Artist impression of the A63 Castle Street Scheme
A major road upgrade that promises to completely transform one of the North’s major cities is now officially under way. Work started today to improve the A63 Castle Street, which will create a much better connection between the city centre and the retail and docks area. This major Highways England project will…
7:34 AM 19th June 2020
Major Yorkshire Interchange Closed For Extensive Eight-week Maintenance Work ​
Diagram shows extent of the work taking place
A key Yorkshire interchange at the centre of the M1 and M62 motorway network will undergo essential maintenance work later this month. Lofthouse Interchange (M1 junction 42 / M62 junction 29) near Leeds requires an eight-week closure to allow engineers to carry out a £3.6 million project on the roundabout’s four…
3:10 PM 17th June 2020
50 Years Of Range Rover - A Celebratory Model
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
On 17th June 1970, we witnessed the arrival of the Range Rover. The story however begins in the mid-1960s when Rover’s new projects engineering chief, Charles Spencer ‘Spen’ King hatched a plan to combine the comfort and on-road ability of a Rover saloon with the off-road ability of a Land…
7:51 AM 17th June 2020
The Yorkshire SME Using Ancient Materials To Transform The UK's Roads
Annual repair bill of potholes in UK costs £4bn Introduction of Roman materials to innovative road repairs will provide for permanent pothole repair Easier and quicker to deploy materials mean that potholes are filled 5x quicker A return of Roman roads? The state of British roads is a…
7:39 PM 10th June 2020
Milestone For Major M621 Project
The first phase of a major project to improve journeys on an important commuter route in Yorkshire has been completed. Drivers can look forward to shorter and more reliable journeys into and around Leeds after Highways England finished work to widen the M621 Middleton (junction 7). Highways England project manager Sujad Hussain…
2:42 PM 10th June 2020
Sizzling Summer Offers From Suzuki
Suzuki is keen to see buyers return to its showrooms and so have announced a range of tempting offers. 0% PCP offers across the range (excluding Jimny) 7-day return offer until September 30th New hybrid models now on sale Suzuki dealers in England are now open for business and hopefully other regions of…
1:31 PM 8th June 2020
Empty Roads Leads To Councils Delight!
Councils have been taking advantage of empty roads for wide-scale pothole repair. Quieter roads have allowed for whole-scale works on British roads, as Councils have seen an opportunity to fill as many potholes as possible. In Shropshire for example, the number of potholes have almost halved, while Derbyshire County Council have…
2:59 PM 5th June 2020
Road Users Urged To Plan Journeys Ahead Of A628 Weekend Closure
Drivers who need to travel on the A628 this weekend are being advised that the route will be closed for essential maintenance work near to Longside Moss. The A628 is fully closed from 8pm tomorrow (Friday 5 June) until 6am on Monday 8 June between Flouch roundabout and the Gun Inn.…
10:13 AM 5th June 2020
Complex Work On Iconic Yorkshire Structure Finishes A Year In Advance
The work has been carried out under the bridge, out of sight of drivers
Engineers have defied the odds to complete complex work on an iconic Yorkshire structure one year ahead of schedule. All 208 bearings have been replaced by contractors working diligently underneath Ouse Bridge, which sits on the M62 and spans River Ouse between Goole and Howden. Suspended 25 metres above the ground,…
2:18 PM 20th May 2020
Estate Car Excellence From Peugeot – 508 SW On Test
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
Once the default family conveyance, the estate car has faded from prominence over the last decade or so as buyers increasing turn to SUVs to cater for their needs. Keener drivers may have been missing out as most wagons will comfortably outhandle their loftier cousins. Peugeot has never abandoned the estate…
1:57 PM 19th May 2020
Audi’s Supersize Q8 On Test
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The march of the SUV seems endless as all manufacturers battle it out for a share of the growing market. A raised driving position, looks and practicality seem to be the driving factor. Time then, for another test! What is it? The Q8 is Audi’s range-topping SUV and one which puts stylish…
12:18 PM 18th May 2020
Mazda’s First Fully Electric Car Available To Order – Behold The MX-30
In a year that sees Mazda celebrate its centenary, Mazda UK is also looking to the future with the announcement of pricing for the Mazda MX-30 First Edition – the debut model in the MX-30 range. Limited to 500 examples, the Mazda MX-30 First Edition is available to pre-order now…
7:06 AM 15th May 2020
Traffic Bulletin: M57 Link Road Repairs Near Huyton
A link road which connects two Merseyside motorways will be closed for maintenance work from tomorrow night (Friday 8 May). The road which links the westbound M62 to the northbound M57 at Tarbock Island near Huyton will be closed for resurfacing and inspection work while traffic levels are around two thirds…
2:57 PM 8th May 2020
Czech Out The New Octavia – From SKODA Of Course
Fourth-generation Octavia launches with two First Edition models SE Tech trim created to appeal to business users New design, plus a raft of new safety and assistance systems Hatch and estate versions available Three engine options from launch SE First Edition trim starts from £22,390 OTR Additional derivatives and powertrains join later this year, including entry…
2:16 PM 4th May 2020
A1(M) To Get New Lease Of Life Near Doncaster
A five-mile stretch of the A1(M) near Doncaster is getting a new lease of life thanks to a project to improve safety along the route. Highways England is replacing the steel barrier in the central reservation with a new concrete barrier to provide better protection for drivers. The new barrier will prevent…
1:38 PM 27th April 2020
The New Vantage – An Astonishing Car!
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
There are not many things that would get me up at 5.30am on a cold, dark autumnal morning. However, the prospect of a day with Aston Martin and the opportunity to drive the then new Vantage was not to be missed. Although used to driving myself to car events, the lovely…
11:36 AM 17th April 2020
Waving Goodbye To Potholes Forever?
Elastomac patching
Could you be waving goodbye to potholes forever? Introducing the road repair technologies that could save UK motorists £4bn per year row[]Potholes cause despair and anger for motorists up and down the land. These unavoidable menaces cost British car owners £4bn in insurance claims annually, and such is the gravity of people…
1:43 PM 16th April 2020
Essential Work On M18 In South Yorkshire
Drivers who have to make essential journeys on the M18 in South Yorkshire are being advised of work which may affect them. Highways England is replacing 1,355 metres of vital safety barrier on the link road between the M1 and M18. It is also putting in place new traffic signs and…
1:30 PM 5th April 2020
Coronavirus - A Motorists' Guide
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
We live in unprecedented times. Nothing is as it used to be, and it is hard to see the situation returning to normal any time soon. Our personal freedom has been curtailed, but for many the car still remains a lifeline. A trip to the shops, a means of getting…
1:51 AM 25th March 2020
Improving Safety On A64 As Part Of Continued £22 Million Investment
Further safety improvements to provide better and safer journeys on a major coastal route get underway this week, bringing the total schemes currently on the ground to six. Highways England is starting work between Crambeck and Welburn as part of its ongoing £22 million investment along the A64. The four-month project…
9:00 PM 20th March 2020
Technology Improvements On Key M62 Junction
Work to improve safety by installing new technology at a busy junction in Leeds will start next week. On Monday Highways England will upgrade the existing traffic signal operating system at Tingley roundabout at junction 28 of the M62. The project will add to the benefits of the widening scheme which was…
11:31 AM 20th March 2020
D-Max XTR - Isuzu's Popular Pickup On Test
Pickup sales in the UK remain strong and buyers tend to fall into two distinct camps. There are those involved in construction or agricultural industries and then there are the lifestyle buyers. Isuzu’s D-Max has found favour with the former group, drawn to the marque’s reputation for reliability and toughness. In…
3:40 PM 4th March 2020
Bonjour Mon Ami – Urban Mobility From Citroen
This year will see a whole new generation of electric cars hit the streets and for the urban motorist, this is undoubtedly a good thing. Councils are working hard to improve air quality in the inner cities, which means slowly rolling out ever more draconian measures to persuade us to…
12:19 PM 1st March 2020
Winter Driving Tips - Stay Safe
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
With snow forecast, there can be no doubt that winter is upon us. To help you keep moving whatever the weather, I have compiled a guide full of timely reminders and helpful tips! Winter Tyres Winter tyres have much to commend them and have great benefits when temperatures drop below 7…
2:00 PM 26th February 2020
It’s Geneva Motor Show Time
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
My love of motor shows goes back to my youth. I can still recall the excitement of my annual trip to the Earl’s Court extravaganza and would leave laden with brochures which would keep me in bedtime reading for weeks. I am still as enthusiastic as ever but now must journey…
10:20 AM 24th February 2020
Major Safety Improvements To Start On The A1
A1 - photo by David Howard
Drivers will benefit from major safety improvements along the A1 between Redhouse and Barnsdale Bar near Doncaster, as work gets underway this week. Highways England will start work to install a new safety barrier along sections of the roadside to improve safety for drivers travelling along the route. Highways England project manager…
3:00 PM 18th February 2020
Driving Safely In Wet And Stormy Conditions
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
photo State Farm
As the UK continues to be battered by severe weather and with no respite in sight, we take a look at how to keep safe on the roads. FLOODING In cases of severe flooding, the question to ask is if you really need to make your journey at all. Modern cars are…
10:00 AM 15th February 2020
Drivers Urged To Take Extra Care In High Winds And Heavy Rain
Highways England is advising drivers to take care and be prepared as Storm Dennis brings very strong winds and heavy rain across large parts of England this weekend. Gusts of 40-50mph will be widespread across Highways England’s road network with some areas experiencing up to 60-70mph around coasts and routes in…
6:00 PM 14th February 2020
Barrier To Improve Noise And Safety For Major Leeds Commuter Route
Work to install a new barrier designed to improve safety and reduce noise for residents alongside a busy Leeds commuter route will start next month. The work to install the barrier between junctions 6 and 7 of the M621 is one of a raft of improvements being carried out by Highways…
4:50 AM 13th February 2020
Traffic Bulletin: Drivers Urged To Take Extra Care In High Winds
Highways England has extended its warning to drivers across England to take care and be prepared for strong gales on Sunday 9 February that have the potential to disrupt journeys across all regions. The Met Office has issued amber warnings for the South East, East, North East, North West, South…
1:00 PM 9th February 2020
Peugeot 208 – UK Media Launch
Peugeot has undergone a transformation in recent years and now produces some excellent cars. Not only do they look good, but surveys prove that they are reliable too. Sales were slightly up in 2019 against a gloomy backdrop, with many manufactures experiencing a marked decline in cars sold in the…
3:48 PM 7th February 2020
Not So ‘Smart’ Motorways Under Review
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The idea of the ‘smart’ motorway sounds good in principle. Use the hard shoulder as an extra running lane to ease congestion at peak times. Cameras monitor the sections and the speed limit can be adjusted to ensure that the traffic keeps flowing. The problem arises in the event of a…
2:00 PM 31st January 2020
Volvo XC60 T8 Design Pro On Test
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The second generation of Volvo’s premium mid-size SUV has been on sale for a couple of years now and despite an array of talented opposition, it still competes for class honours. The Germans lead the charge with the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, whilst home grown offerings from Jaguar…
6:37 PM 25th January 2020
Sizzling Spanish SUV - Cupra Ateca On Test
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The UK car market is now flooded with SUVs and Crossovers. The choice is quite bewildering with all the mainstream manufacturers keen to ensure they grab a share of what is now a very large pie. The SEAT Ateca is one of the very best. It does all the things…
6:20 PM 20th January 2020
Bentley Motors – A Factory Tour
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
‘The new Flying Spur’
A visit to the Bentley factory in Crewe is definitely something to look forward to. Home to the British car maker since 1946, the company employs 4,200 people, all charged with producing some of the finest cars in the world. Keen to promote their green credentials, I learnt that the factory…
12:48 PM 17th January 2020
Jaguar XK120 To Take Centre Stage At Electric Vehicle Showcase Day At Rudding Park
A classic Jaguar race car from the 1950s which has been given a modern “green” twist will be taking centre stage at a special business event in Harrogate this month. (January 24) Known as the “gentleman’s racer”, this 1953 Jaguar XK120 has been fully restored with one exception - its old…
12:46 PM 17th January 2020
Traffic Bulletin: Lancashire M6 Weekend Closure Confirmed
Highways England has confirmed the M6 in Lancashire will be closed this weekend to allow a footbridge over the motorway to be demolished. The demolition work was confirmed at noon today (Thursday 9 January) after a final check on the weekend's weather forecast. The motorway will be closed in both directions between…
2:00 AM 9th January 2020
Rolls-Royce Leeds Unveil The Cullinan Black Badge Edition
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has delivered an historic annual sales record in 2019, with 5,152 cars delivered to customers in over 50 countries around the world. This is an increase of 25% on the previous high set in 2018. Much of this success lies with the new Cullinan, which has succeeded even…
1:53 PM 8th January 2020
Renault’s Fifth Generation Clio - UK Launch Review
The year was 1994 and my wife and I decided we wanted to change our Renault 5 for something a bit more up to date. We lived close to a Renault dealer and so popped in to see our car salesman friend Peter. On offer was a new Renault Clio, a…
9:59 AM 7th January 2020
Lamborghini Life - Living The Dream
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The chance to drive a Lamborghini had never presented itself, so my excitement at an invitation was immeasurable. Pop over to Leeds, view their new dealership, drive thorough the Yorkshire Dales, an overnight stay and back the next day. The reality was even better than I could possibly have hoped for.…
4:15 AM 6th January 2020
Driving Home For Christmas: Motorists Warned To Watch Out For 'Crash For Cash' Fraudsters
With riskier road conditions over the holiday period, the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is warning motorists to be extra vigilant of ‘Crash for Cash’ fraudsters attempting to cause deliberate collisions and profit from bogus insurance claims. The IFB has helped to shut down hundreds of ‘Crash for Cash’ scam networks and…
12:00 PM 19th December 2019
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