Out-of-date satnav directions to be discussed at Government summit

The issue of out-of-date satnav directions for UK motorists is set to be discussed at a Government summit. The discussion, pencilled in for early March, will be hosted by Local Transport Minister Norman Baker.

The figurehead is very keen to bring a halt to the frustration and misery caused when motorists follow out-of-date satnav directions that result in confusion and potential accidents.

Baker is also set to call upon highway authorities, mapping providers and satnav manufacturers to work closely together to do everything possible to ensure the right vehicles are on the right roads. This has particularly been a logistic nightmare for lorry drivers who are often led down an incorrect route due to out-of-date directions.

The Department for Transport revealed this week that it can take a number of months for satnav maps to be updated.

Local Transport Minister Norman Baker is keen to rid towns and cities of misdirected traffic, what he called the "scourge of local communities".

"It is vital highway authorities, mapping companies and satnav manufacturers work more closely together to provide drivers with accurate, up-to-date information on traffic restrictions such as narrow roads or low bridges," he said.

"This will help prevent huge lorries from being sent down inappropriate roads and ensure motorists are given the best possible directions."

It is an unfortunate fact that some car accidents result from driver confusion and at ASM Auto Recycling we regularly receive and retrieve salvage vehicles to our depots in Thame (Oxford) and Aylesbury.

Our vehicle transport service allows us to collect salvage vehicles from your home or place of work – whichever is most convenient. We are capable of meeting our collections across much of the Home Counties and Western England thanks to our modern fleet of 10 multi-vehicle car transporters.

Whether your car has been damaged as a result of a road accident or it has simply come to the end of its life at ASM we are responding to an increasing number of drivers who contacts as asking "can I scrap my car for cash?" Fortunately we have the capacity to store thousands of vehicles ready to be dismantled and recycled for used car parts.

Government to pledge £100 million for pothole aid

The Department for Transport (DfT) has moved to pledge £100 million to local authorities in a bid to tackle the nation’s growing pothole problem.

Transport secretary Philip Hammond revealed the funding will be distributed in addition to the £831 million already divvied out to councils for road maintenance in 2011.

Mr Hammond said: “Millions of motorists across the country have their daily drives ruined by potholes. And the awful winter weather we had this year is only going to make that problem worse.

“That is why, despite the tough financial position we are in, we are going to give councils over £100 million extra to help carry out much needed repairs to England’s roads.”

Despite fresh funding, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) believes it will cost the Government a total of £8.3 billion to restore every single road. Potholes have the potential to cause major damage to vehicles even at low speeds.

Instead of footing the bill for brand new car parts you may choose to purchase and fit recycled used car parts available at a fraction of the price and have been tested and restored to legal roadworthy standards.

At ASM Auto Recycling we aim to supply motorists with used car parts for almost any vehicle. We store over 2,000 damaged-repairable and salvage cars in our ‘Christmas Tree’ racking system, enabling easy identification and reducing the likelihood of any damage to on-site vehicles.

With such a wide selection of makes and models stocked, ranging from vintage VW Polos to contemporary Porsches, we are confident you will find a solution to your motoring problem. Our breakers yard deals with dismantling end-of-life vehicles for recycling parts. Each part is covered by a 90-day guarantee giving motorists peace of mind.

New Car Sales in UK Rose in 2010 Despite End of Government Scrappage Scheme

Sales of UK cars rose 1.8% despite the Government ending the scrappage scheme in March 2010. The 2010 market rose by 35,847 units to 2,030,846 units, ending 1.8% up on 2009 figures.

The Government Scrappage Scheme was set up in early 2009 and was designed to boost sales in the recession, providing motorists with a £2,000 discount on new vehicles bought when they trade in cars that are over 10 years old. In 2010 alone, over 100 000 cars were registered through the scheme representing around 5% of the total market.

Volume of sales in the first half of 2010 rose by 19.9%, however fell in the second half by 13.8%. This large change reflects upon the removal of the car scrappage scheme in March, with the worst hit month being October when new car sales saw its biggest fall in 17 months down 22%. In tough economic conditions, Paul Everitt, The Chief Executive of The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) stated that “2010 was a year of recovery for the motor industry”.

The early growth helped to overcome the slowdown in the second half of the year, while the forecast for the early part of 2011 is not encouraging as the market is set to fall by 5% as difficult market conditions continue. However Everitt is positive that sales will rise in 2011, “UK motor manufacturing recovered particularly well in 2010 and the outlook is for further steady growth this year.”

ASM Auto Recycling is contracted by the UK's leading insurers and vehicle manufacturers to provide a first class vehicle and salvage recovery collection service, in association with its car salvage auction service. ASM offers a full collection and salvage service for traded in vehicles throughout the Aylesbury, Thame and Oxford areas.