Auto Conspiracy

[EvadingGrid]

Motorway speed limit should be raised to 80 mph
https://www.petrolprices.com/news/motorway-speed-limit-should-be-raised-to-80-mph/



I’ve been in the automotive business for over thirty years, and when it comes to ‘positive’ news for motorists, that 30+ years of experience leads me to be very cynical; we’re so used to being downtrodden, taxed and made public enemy number one, that when a minister or government body announces something that could actually be of benefit, or even something that isn’t just another stealth tax, my first question is always: “Is there a General Election this year?”

Cynical.

The Department for Transport (DfT) have been conducting a study focusing on traffic speed and movements, the statistics released aren’t really a shock to anyone – over 50% of motorists exceed the 30mph speed limit for example, but the outcome of that study is somewhat of a surprise result.


The speeding statistics

The DfT have been using automatic traffic counters (ATCs) across 102 different sites, that have registered 655 million vehicles since they’ve been installed. The ATCs measure the number of axles, axle spacing and the length of the vehicle to identify the category of vehicle, and all statistics are taken from these counters – there’s no bias from those driver’s that don’t self-identify.

These counters tell us that 53% of UK motorists speed in 30mph zones, that’s for all categories including buses (the assumption is made that ‘speeding’ consists of anything above the posted limit), but only 47% of drivers speed on a motorway (with another assumption that road works or congestion have been factored in to the results).

While the motorway stats may be somewhat of a surprise, with many motoring groups expecting that number to be higher, that still isn’t the good surprise.


The good surprise

In 2015, goods vehicles weighing over 7.5 tons were allowed to increase their speed limits – from 40 to 50mph on single carriageways, and from 50 – 60mph on dual carriageways. The new report from the DfT shows that typically, speeds rose by 1.5mph on single carriageways, and increased by 0.4% on dual carriageways, and despite being slight, that increase has helped companies save time and money, with the report stating that for every 1mph increase, 650,000 drivers hours could be saved, which equates to around £10million per year.

Not only that, but there was a ‘statistically significant’ improvement in road safety, which is thought to be as a result of drivers making less risky overtaking manoeuvres of the slower vehicles, and it’s that statistic that has led to calls for an increase for motorway speed limits, from 70 – 80mph.

Jim O’Sullivan, Highways Agency CEO said that the speed limit on some motorways could safely be raised to 80mph, AA president Edmund King has stated “Driving at 80mph at an appropriate distance form the vehicle in front, in a modern car in good weather on a decent motorway is probably safe. Driving at 50mph tailgating the car in front is never safe”, and Liz Truss MP, potential cabinet member under Boris Johnson’s govt has said that an 80mph limit on motorways would boost productivity.

However, the news isn’t all positive – head of roads policy for the RAC, Nicholas Lyes has said that raising the speed limit to 80mph would ‘send out the wrong message’, and that it’s too risky as a great many drivers already exceed the 70mph limit.


70mph motorways

It could be argued that a speed limit set all the way back in 1965 has no bearing on today’s vehicles – handling, suspension, brakes and driver aids have all improved significantly since the 60s; let’s be honest, the majority of cars and trucks back then were almost reaching their top speeds, but conversely, motorway traffic has increased significantly since the 60s – in 2013, there were 76,700 vehicles for each mile of motorway per day.

Between 2003 – 2013, the volume of traffic on motorways alone grew by nearly 10%, there are no statistics for 1965, although overall vehicle miles for the country are available – approximately 100 billion vehicle miles for the UK in 1965, compared to 303 billion in 2013. Not only are there more vehicles on the roads, but we’re using the roads more.

While raising the speed limit to 80mph would bring us inline with many EU states, and Howard Cox from campaign group FairFuelUK believes it the right thing to do – “It’s high time that limits are increased to match those in all EU states, where it’s safe to do so. The positive benefits to the economy, travel times and driver stress will be substantial”, it must be noted that any official increase could potentially cost billions as new signage, processes and education would be needed.

A common-sense approach could be as simple as keeping the 70mph limit, but without fear of prosecution for those motorists travelling at 80mph.

What do you think to raising the speed limit? Should we stay at 70? Is there a better way (fairer?) to offer alternatives? Let us know in the comments.



Last Edit by Gladstone

[Equal Opportunities Customer.]

You need to go anti-grav; as it's the only way out of 'a tight-spot'.






Last Edit by Gladstone

[EvadingGrid]

The Daily Mail

Driverless cars 'pose a significant safety risk because complacent humans are too busy on their phones, reading or SLEEPING to take over in an emergency', trial suggests
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-7247855/Using-driverless-car-make-worse-driver-study-suggests.html





'Using a driverless car may make you less competent behind the wheel and ill-prepared to take over the wheel in an emergency, new research suggests.

A study was carried out at the University of Nottingham earlier this year into 'conditional automation' cars capable of self-driving on motorways and in traffic jams, which are expected to be available on the UK market in the next few years.

The research involved 49 drivers of different ages and genders driving a simulator for half an hour every day for five days.

Participants began by driving manually but when the simulation reached a stretch of dual carriageway they were given the chance to hand over control to the car itself. After around 20 minutes, they were told they needed to manually drive the car again and would get a 60-second 'prepare to drive' notification.

Researchers Gary Burnett, David Large and Davide Salanitri found that the driving after the participants took back control of the car was poor, swerving across lanes and varying their speed during the 10 seconds following the handover.

On the first day of the study, drivers went off course by an average of two metres.

The researchers added that, while the driving performance improved throughout the week, the drivers became more complacent.

Even at the end of the week, nearly half of drivers had to look at the floor to make sure their feet were on the right pedals when asked to take control of the car.

'A major concern is that drivers are likely to have become 'out of the loop', i.e. they have not been required to actively monitor, make decisions about or provide physical inputs to the driving task', the authors said.

'This reduces their perception and comprehension of elements and events in their environment, and their ability to project the future status of these things — their so-called situational awareness.'

Another issue the researchers identified was drivers not being prepared to take back control in emergencies.

More than 80 per cent of drivers used their mobile phone while on the simulated dual carriageway, while others read, applied make-up or slept.

'Participants appeared quite comfortable, even from day one, to engage with these tasks – soon after the opportunity presented itself — despite their ongoing responsibilities towards the vehicle operating,' the authors said.'



Read More : Driverless cars 'pose a significant safety risk because complacent humans are too busy on their phones, reading or SLEEPING to take over in an emergency', trial suggests


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[EvadingGrid]

Young drivers will be banned from the roads at night and have the number of passengers they can carry limited under new motoring safety plans

* The Department for Transport is considering introducing a 'graduated licence'

* Young motorists would be placed under overnight curfew or under supervision

* The new measures are reportedly backed by both the AA and RAC Foundation

By Henry Goodwin For The Daily Mail
Published: 02:00, 18 July 2019
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7259123/Young-drivers-banned-roads-night.html



Last Edit by Gladstone

[EvadingGrid]

The Activist Post

Hacked Highways? Connected Cars Could Gridlock Entire Cities, Study Warns
http://www.activistpost.com/2019/07/hacked-highways-connected-cars-could-gridlock-entire-cities-study-warns.html





'Cybersecurity has quickly become a priority for large corporations, businesses, and individuals alike in recent years. It seems like another major data breach is being reported every other week, and personal online accounts are often compromised by malicious actors. Now, a new study out of the Georgia Institute of Technology has found that hackers may soon be able to cause major traffic problems in the real world by hacking and stranding internet-connected cars.

The study’s authors theorize that hackers would only have to shut down a portion of cars on the road in a busy city like Manhattan during rush hour to completely shut down traffic and gridlock the city. Researchers hope that their findings will spark a more detailed analysis of automotive cybersecurity, especially moving forward as cars become more and more high tech.

“Unlike most of the data breaches we hear about, hacked cars have physical consequences,” says co-author Peter Yunker in a release.

Yunker and his team say that right now the automotive cybersecurity sector is focusing too much on hacks that target one car, and they need to consider the possibility that a higher number of cars being hacked at the same time could lead to mayhem.

“With cars, one of the worrying things is that currently there is effectively one central computing system, and a lot runs through it. You don’t necessarily have separate systems to run your car and run your satellite radio. If you can get into one, you may be able to get into the other,” explains co-author Jesse Silverberg.'



Read More : Hacked Highways? Connected Cars Could Gridlock Entire Cities, Study Warns










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Last Edit by Gladstone

[EvadingGrid]

These are the people running 'Smart' (STUPID) Motorways - you have been caught on camera, but what are you and were you there?





http://











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Last Edit by Gladstone

[EvadingGrid]

Whistleblowers Report New Cars Are Vulnerable To Hacking And Thousands Could Die Because Of It






'The world would undoubtedly be a better place if there was never ever another impaired driver on the road.  But what about when vehicles are impaired due to hacking?

Older vehicles weren’t able to be hacked, and studies continue to warn about the potential for new vehicles to be hacked and how this could lead to massive traffic gridlocks as well as people dying.

From Consumer Watchdog:

A consumer advocacy group has warned that automakers are rolling out new vehicles increasingly vulnerable to hackers, which could result in thousands of deaths in the event of a mass cyberattack.

In a new report entitled “Kill Switch: Why Connected Cars Can Be Killing Machines And How To Turn Them Off,” Los Angeles-based Consumer Watchdog said cars connected to the internet are quickly becoming the norm but constitute a national security threat.

“The troubling issue for industry technologies is that these vehicles’ safety-critical systems are being linked to the internet without adequate security and with no way to disconnect them in the event of a fleet-wide hack,” the report said.
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It said industry executives were aware of the risk but were nonetheless pushing ahead in deploying the technology in new vehicles, putting corporate profit ahead of safety.

The report was based on a five-month study with the help of more than 20 whistleblowers from within the car industry.

The group of car industry technologists and experts speculated that a fleet-wide hack at rush hour could leave about 3,000 people dead.

“You can control all sorts of aspects of your car from your smartphone, including starting the engine, starting the air conditioning, checking on its location,” said one of the whistleblowers, who were not identified.

“Well, if you can do it with your smartphone anybody else can over the internet.”

The report recommends all connected vehicles be equipped with an internet kill switch and that all new designs should completely isolate safety-critical systems from internet-connected infotainment systems or other networks.

“Connecting safety-critical systems to the internet is inherently dangerous design,” said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog.'

Read ore: Whistleblowers Report New Cars Are Vulnerable To Hacking And Thousands Could Die Because Of It


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Last Edit by Gladstone

[EvadingGrid]

ITV Meridian Exclusive: 'Smart' Motorways - how reliable are they? THEY'RE NOT!






'ITV Meridian can reveal safety warning signs on the new M3 smart motorway in Hampshire and Surrey have suffered thousands of faults since the scheme was finished two years ago.

They range from screens not working to red and amber flashing lights failing and warning messages not displaying.

Highways England insists the scheme is safe and many faults are only for a few seconds, but motoring groups say it raises serious safety concerns.

With the hard shoulder removed, drivers rely on these warning signs on smart motorways to tell them if there's a hazard or breakdown ahead.

However on the M3, the signs have suffered some form of failure on thousands of occasions in just two years.

The data for every single fault was analysed by the Head of Roads Policy as the AA. He discovered one failure took 139 days to repair.

This gantry that bleeds from the M3 onto the M25 is one of the most affected.'

Read more: ITV Meridian Exclusive: 'Smart' Motorways - how reliable are they? THEY'RE NOT!


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[EvadingGrid]

Four people die on 'smart motorways': Deadly record of carriageways without a hard shoulder is exposed as legal action puts their future in doubt






'Plans to roll out smart motorways across the country were dealt a fresh blow last night after a widow announced she plans to sue Highways England for corporate manslaughter.

A spate of deaths in the last year have raised concerns about the safety of the road - which use technologies and strategies to reduce congestion and increase capacity.

These methods include using the hard shoulder as a running lane and using to control the flow of traffic.


Four people have been killed on the M1 in just 10 months after being hit by traffic in a live lane that used to be the hard shoulder, The Sunday Telegraph reports.

In each case, the victim died after failing to reach a safe lay-by - also known as an emergency refuge area - on the same 16-mile stretch of the motorway, according to the paper.

In June, Jason Mercer, 44, and Alexandru Murgeanu, 22, were killed when a lorry ploughed into them after they pulled over to exchange contact details.

Mr Mercer's widow, Claire, claims Highways England is responsible as it failed to provide her husband with a safe zone.'

Read more: Four people die on 'smart motorways': Deadly record of carriageways without a hard shoulder is exposed as legal action puts their future in doubt


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Last Edit by Gladstone

[EvadingGrid]

Keystone Cop Highways England: Almost 100 drivers fined after 20mph motorway limit set by mistake






'Almost 100 drivers were fined for speeding on a motorway despite highways officials admitting the 20mph speed limit was set by mistake - and the convictions still stand.

The temporary speed restriction was put in place on the M5 just outside Bristol on September 16 2017 following a crash between a horsebox and two cars in which five people died.

The collision happened at 2.30pm but Highways England left the 20mph limit active until 7.30am the following day.

The 20mph limit was only supposed to remain in place whilst traffic officers set up diversions and closed off a section of the motorway. But Highways England has admitted it made a mistake, and rather than setting the limit at 40mph or 50mph when a diversion and traffic cones were in place, it wrongly displayed the 20mph until 17 hours after the incident.

During this time thousands of drivers drove past the restriction and 439 were caught by a speed camera, 97 of who were prosecuted for speeding offences.

The agency has apologised and say steps have been taken to avoid this happening again.'

Read more: Keystone Cop Highways England: Almost 100 drivers fined after 20mph motorway limit set by mistake


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Last Edit by Gladstone

[EvadingGrid]

Highways England reveals the logic (THERE IS NONE) behind smart motorways after another nightmare crash on the M1






'After a terrifying crash on the smart motorway <a href="https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/all-about/m1" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-content-type="section-topic" data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link">section of the M1,[/url] Highways England has defended their use.

On September 17, a lorry crashed into a Volvo that had broken down on the inside lane, which would've been the hard shoulder had the road not been 'all-lane running'.

The set-up of the section of the M1 near Chesterfield where the collision took place is the same as the new section in Leicestershire, near Castle Donington, where there is no hard shoulder in favour of active lane management.

Fortunately no-one was hurt in the incident, but it did evoke criticism from drivers on social media.

Replying to a tweet from Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit after the incident, people called smart motorways an "absolute death trap" and "the most stupid initiative ever".

In response to the criticism <a href="https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/smart-motorways-3385824" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link">DerbyshireLive asked Highways England for an interview[/url] about the subject but it said it was unable to provide someone. Instead, a spokesman agreed to answer a series of questions by email:

What is the point of smart motorways and why were they brought about?

"Some motorways use technology to manage the flow of traffic, controlled from Highways England regional control centres.

"They monitor traffic and set signs to help keep the traffic flowing safely and freely. By opening the hard shoulder to traffic, either temporarily or permanently, this increases the capacity of the road without the expense and disruption of widening it.'

Read more: <span style="font-size: large;">Highways England reveals the logic (THERE IS NONE) behind smart motorways after another nightmare crash on the M1</span>


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Last Edit by Larry

[EvadingGrid]

The Daily Mail

Roads chief BLAMES drivers for smart motorway crashes rather than lack of hard shoulder - as fears grow over new road designs after nine deaths in 2018
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7591005/Roads-chief-blames-smart-motorway-crashes-reckless-drivers.html





'Motorists stopping in the middle of the motorway without good reason is a main cause of crashes instead of the design of the roads, highway officials have revealed.

Drivers stopping to exchange phone numbers or checking directions are two of the main causes on smart motorways.

Britain's roads are among the 'safest in the world' and crashes are the fault of those behind the wheel, according to Jim O'Sullivan, chief executive of Highways England.

There were 77 deaths on traditional roads with a hard shoulder compared to nine on the smart network in 2018.

And the Department for Transport confirmed there has been no meaningful reduction in fatalities on Britain's road for the seventh consecutive year, in September.

Mr O'Sullivan told The Times how the focus on the smart roads is 'disproportionate'.

The smart motorways are in force in parts of the M42, M1, M4 and M6 and were created to reduce congestion. They use traffic management techniques to change speed limits and improve the flow of cars.

And by April, the smart network will cover 488 miles and an additional 300 is planned by 2025.'



Read More : Roads chief BLAMES drivers for smart motorway crashes rather than lack of hard shoulder - as fears grow over new road designs after nine deaths in 2018


















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Last Edit by Gladstone

[EvadingGrid]

Electric car drivers could be given green number plates to allow them to use bus lanes and park for free

* The new scheme is part of a £1.5 billion drive to boost the sale of electric cars
* Green plates on the vehicles could be introduced within 12 to 18 months
* Plan based on a trial in Canada where green drivers were given free road access

By Tom Payne Transport Correspondent For The Daily Mail
Published: 00:00 BST, 22
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7597827/Electric-car-drivers-given-green-number-plates-allow-use-bus-lanes.html?login#readerCommentsCommand-message-field



Last Edit by Gladstone

[EvadingGrid]

Driverless cars to carry human passengers on UK roads for first time






'Driverless cars are set to carry human passengers on Britain’s roads for the first time, a government-backed consortium has announced.

Trials starting today will see cars driving through the London boroughs of Croydon and Bromley in a bid to prove the technology can operate safely on the UK’s cramped roads.

The cars, designed by UK company FiveAI, will be carrying one of 130 volunteers everyday on a circuit through the busy London roads.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps hailed the Bromley trials as a “major step” towards driverless cars becoming a common sight in Britain.

He said: "The untapped potential of self-driving vehicle technology is huge — it could enhance road safety, tackle isolation, and create economic opportunities.

“The Government’s Future of Mobility: Urban Strategy sets out how it is planning for the introduction of self-driving vehicles, and Street​Wise’s successful trial ​will be a major step to rolling out the next phase of the UK’s transport revolution."

The routes will test how the cars react to real life situations and deal with unpredictable human drivers. The cars will also have a driver in them ready to take control should anything go awry.

Stan Boland, co-founder and CEO of FiveAI, said the most driverless trials so far had been conducted in the West Coast of America where, roads tended to be wider and on a grid system.

However, the Bromley trials would allow the company to see how its cars fare on Britain’s narrower roads and less clement weather conditions'

Read more: Driverless cars to carry human passengers on UK roads for first time


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[EvadingGrid]

msn.com
http://www.msn.com/



Britain faces 'waste battery mountain' as electric car use surges
http://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/britain-faces-waste-battery-mountain-as-electric-car-use-surges/ar-BBWtR7g?ocid=se





'Britain faces a new waste crisis from a “ battery mountain” caused by the growing use of electric cars, according to an academic study.

Researchers have calculated that the one million electric cars sold in 2017 alone will produce 250,000 metric tons, or half a million cubic metres, of unprocessed battery pack waste when they reach the end of their lives in seven to ten years’ time, enough to fill 67 Olympic swimming pools.

At present, the one million cars account for just 1.3 per cent of annual worldwide sales but it is projected that electric cars could make up more than half of all new sales by 2040 as part of efforts to combat climate change.

The researchers say landfill is not an option for waste lithium batteries which are flammable and could release toxic chemicals such as cobalt, nickel and magnesium into the environment.

Professor Andrew Abbott, of Leicester University and co-author of the paper, said it was vital to find ways of recycling the batteries to safeguard the environment and extra precious metals and materials that could be reused.

"Electrification of just two per cent of the current global car fleet would represent a line of cars that could stretch around the circumference of the Earth - some 140 million vehicles. Landfill is clearly not an option for this amount of waste,” he said.'



Read More : Britain faces 'waste battery mountain' as electric car use surge


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[EvadingGrid]

New test reveals electric cars are practically unusable in winter
https://www.disclose.tv/new-test-reveals-electric-cars-are-practically-unusable-in-winter-383233

[EvadingGrid]

Nine in ten drivers said they do not feel safe on smart motorways - Before it was revealed 38 people had died on them in five years






'Hardly any drivers feel safe on smart motorways, the result of a huge motorist poll has highlighted today.

A survey of 17,171 drivers by the AA found that just 9 per cent feel relaxed or safe using the motorways without hard shoulders, either permanently or as part of temporary measures when there's a lot of traffic.

The findings from the poll have been published on the day BBC Panorama will air its investigation into the dangers of smart motorways, which reveals that 38 people have been killed on them in the last five years.

It suggests the Government was misled about their safety credentials a decade ago before they were introduced across the country.

The huge survey of drivers was conducted between 14 and 21 January this year after the AA announced it had instructed its breakdown crews not to stop to help stranded motorists on them over safety concerns.

The poll found that many motorists not only don't trust them but are also unaware of how to use different types of smart motorway.

As well as fewer than one in 10 feeling safe and relaxed using them, just 12 per cent of drivers quizzed think smart motorways are as safe as traditional motorways and that more should be built.

Two in five (42 per cent) said they think no more smart motorways should be introduced in the UK while a further 15 per cent think all existing smart routes should be scrapped with immediate effect.'

Read more: Nine in ten drivers said they do not feel safe on smart motorways - BEFORE it was revealed 38 people had died on them in five years


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Last Edit by Gladstone

[EvadingGrid]

MP Sarah Champion calls for end of 'smart motorways'






'An MP has called for smart motorways to be halted after a spate of deaths on the M1 close to her constituency.

Five people have died in 10 months on a 16 mile-stretch of the M1 in South Yorkshire operating "all lanes running" (ALR) - when there is no hard shoulder.

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion said "it is totally unacceptable to risk lives in the name of cost savings".

Transport minister George Freeman said a package of measures would be announced "imminently".

Ms Champion asked the government to "take the opportunity of a recently announced review into smart motorways to change course and prevent further loss of life".

She told a debate in Westminster: "The safety of motorists must always be paramount… it is totally unacceptable to risk lives in the name of cost savings.

"There is no evidence that shows me ALR can ever be delivered safely. I therefore strongly believe the government must stop the rollout with immediate effect."

Read more: MP Sarah Champion calls for end of 'smart motorways'

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[EvadingGrid]

Shades of Detroit? Germany's auto heartlands in peril as 'golden age' fades






'When Kristin and Thomas Schmitt took out a mortgage and bought a house last summer, the German couple's dream looked as if it was coming true. Two months later, they learned that the tire factory where both work would be shut down early next year.

A malaise in Germany's mighty automobile industry, caused by weaker demand from abroad, stricter emission rules and electrification, is starting to leave a wider mark on Europe's largest economy by pushing up unemployment, eroding job security and hitting pay.

"It's a nightmare. This is pulling the rug out from under our feet," said Kristin Schmitt, 40, of the plant closure in the Bavarian region of Bamberg, one of Germany's auto supplier hubs.

The couple, who have three children, still hopes managers at their Michelin tire factory change their mind, but the risk of unemployment looms large - and not only for the Schmitts.

The German auto sector is expected to cut nearly a tenth of its 830,000 jobs in the next decade, according to the VDA industry association.

Some think-tanks and government officials fear that the toll will be higher as electric cars provide less assembly work than combustion engine vehicles, simple work steps are replaced by automation and companies relocate production.'

Read more: Shades of Detroit? Germany's auto heartlands in peril as 'golden age' fades


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[EvadingGrid]

Government plans to bring forward ban on fossil fuel vehicles from 2040 to 2030 to speed up electric car rollout as sales of eco-friendly motors overtake diesel for first time

* MPs had urged Prime Minister to bring forward ban on new petrol and diesel cars
* Plans expected to be announced later this year alongside clean energy polices
* Ban on fossil fuel vehicles would accelerate UK's transition to zero-emission cars

By Faith Ridler For Mailonline
Published: 09:33, 21 September 2020
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8754911/Government-plans-bring-forward-ban-fossil-fuel-vehicles-2040-2030.html#comments



The Government is expected to bring forward its ban on new fossil fuel vehicles by ten years in order to accelerate the rollout of electric cars in the UK. MPs last week urged the Prime Minister to move the sales ban to 2030 in order to help the Government achieve its target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The plans, which would dramatically accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles, are expected to be announced later this year alongside a series of new clean energy policies.

The Government is expected to bring forward its ban on new fossil fuel vehicles by ten years in order to accelerate the rollout of electric cars in the UK. MPs last week urged the Prime Minister to move the sales ban to 2030 in order to help the Government achieve its target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The plans, which would dramatically accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles, are expected to be announced later this year alongside a series of new clean energy policies. Downing Street had intended to unveil the blueprints as early as this week, but the announcement will now be pushed back as ministers focus on soaring numbers of coronavirus cases, energy and transport insiders told the Guardian.  The ban, backed by the Committee on Climate Change, is likely to be set out by the Government in autumn alongside plans for Britain to become a carbon-neutral economy by the middle of the century.

It comes as sales of eco-friendly cars overtook diesels for the first time in the UK, with 33,000 pure electric and hybrid cars registered between April and June, compared with 29,900 diesels. The most popular zero-emission purchases were the Tesla Model 3, the BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid, the Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid. Four years ago, diesel cars outsold hybrids and electrics by almost 14 to one. But almost a fifth of the 168,100 cars registered between April and June were capable of zero emissions, reflecting the decline of the fossil-fuel vehicle. Measures such as the ultra-low emission zone in London, as well as a general drop in sales during lockdown as showrooms closed, are thought to be partly responsible.

Steve Gooding of the RAC Foundation told The Times: 'It seems likely we will look back on these numbers as signalling the death throes of diesel and the ascendance of electric and alternatively fuelled cars.'  Banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the next decade would put the UK in line with policies adopted by Ireland, Holland, Denmark and Sweden. The Government had previously considered a 2035 deadline, but has now reportedly been assured that the UK's infrastructure will be ready for the change five years earlier.  More than 100 Tory MPs were last week said to be urging Downing Street to adopt a 2030 target, with Labour and the Committee on Climate Change also backing the move. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who owns an electric Tesla, has previously suggested a 2032 date.

Shadow climate change minister Matthew Pennycook said last week: '2030 is an ambitious but achievable date by which to phase out the sale of new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles, one that would give a new lease of life to the UK car industry, whilst combating climate breakdown and cleaning up the air that dangerously pollutes so many of our towns and cities.

'But as well as accelerating the phase-out, the Government must also set out a credible plan to get there - one that backs the low-carbon jobs and industries of the future and ensures that workers and communities are properly supported in the transition to a fairer and cleaner economy.' A Department for Transport spokesperson said: 'We want to build a greener transport system, reduce carbon emissions and boost economic growth in the UK which is why we're supporting the transition to zero emission vehicles.

'Our £2.5 billion programme to support grants for plug in vehicles and funding for chargepoint infrastructure at homes, workplaces, on residential streets and across the wider roads network, are all part of our world-leading package to encourage electric vehicle uptake.' The Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) had previously warned £17billion of investment would be needed to get a charging network ready for the mass electric vehicle market.

The industry body had calculated that more than 500 new charge points will need to be built every day to meet a 2035 target. Motoring groups had also cautioned that mass uptake of electric cars would require millions of pounds in grants to help drivers make the switch. Although electric vehicle ownership is increasing, they accounted for just 4.7 per cent of all car sales in the first seven months of this year.

It comes as Kwasi Kwarteng, Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, last week confirmed the Government's energy white paper will be published in November after several delays.



Last Edit by Gladstone

[poseidonlost]

They're pushing a criminal version of this now in the city of Houston, TX. I'll start with this, a report from today, the twentieth of December in the year of our Lord, two-thousand and twenty.

Vehicles hit by bullets in Katy Freeway road rage gunfight

By Mycah Hatfield

https://abc13.com/vehicles-hit-by-bullets-in-katy-freeway-road-rage-gunfight/8922014/

Several vehicles were hit by gunfire Sunday morning in what police are calling a road rage shooting that went on for miles.

It began with someone in a car shooting at another vehicle along the Katy Freeway near Fry Road around 1 a.m.

An off-duty Houston police officer was headed home and saw the shooting, according to HPD. The officer followed the suspected shooter when they took the Mason Road exit, police said.

That's when the suspect began shooting at the off-duty officer's vehicle, according to police.

"I know that he (the officer) fired some rounds," HPD Assistant Chief Heather Morris said. "As far as whether they struck the vehicle or not, I couldn't say, but we do believe that's probably the case."

The ordeal went on for several miles, and investigators were tracing the areas where it happened to look for evidence related to the shooting.

At least four vehicles were hit by bullets during the shootings, including the off-duty officer's vehicle. No one was hurt, police said.

[continues...]

This is getting worse by the day. I don't blame half of the shooters at times. Depends on the situation. People are driving like raging maniacs and those types need to be put in their place. It escalates and then guns get pulled. But no one seems to face any real repercussions for their actions any more it seems. Multiple felons with pending cases still get easy bond on new charges thanks to the Soros backed Harris County DA. Hence, I get some jackass yesterday who decides it's ok to tailgate me by inches. He learned his lesson, I hope. (I didn't shoot at him lol) It's dangerous as fuck driving around these days if you don't cower to those who think they own the road and drive as they please. Let alone the everyday normal danger of driving through an intersection. (P.S. if you want to drive fast or even "get-away" you don't ever need or want to tailgate other cars  k? )

So! The city of Houston has gone full nazi in response. The criminal HPD cheif, decides to call in the State Troopers and state AIRPLANES to more fully police drivers to fight road rage (with the full blessings of Governor Grabbit [Abbott]) Makes no sense at all for those unaware of what this is all really about... Needles in a haystack to find an active road rage situation no matter how many coppers you put on the roads or choppers in the air. With the same action, the HPD chief and the Soros DA said they'll pursue more civil asset forfeiture for crimes involving road rage. And there it is everyone. That's your answer. They need money, they see a crisis, and they see an opportunity not to waste. The criminals in government want your car. Maybe to keep, eh, maybe just to auction off for funding. No trial or arrest required.

https://click2houston.com/news/local/2020/12/08/hpd-chief-art-acevedo-to-address-increase-in-violent-road-rage-incidents/

Oh it gets better. In steps the criminal Houston mayor, Sylvester "gay friends swim to Spain" Turner. He has a plan to end ALL traffic deaths by 2030. The plan involves the full spectrum of communist criminality. Racial "equity," bicycles, walking, and drivers in certain parts of town will all be allowed to live together peacefully forever (after city contracted companies are chosen to redesign these poor victims' neighborhoods on the city's dime chosen by none other than your favorite criminal mayor who just happened to be the first one with longer term limits.)

https://click2houston.com/news/local/2020/12/16/live-mayor-turner-to-announce-citys-plan-to-end-traffic-deaths/

See where this is all going? All while, YOU will submit to that piece of shit driving next to you, who does not give one fuck about the law, is endangering your life. FUCK THE POLICE



Last Edit by Gladstone

[poseidonlost]

And now I'm off to the Katy Freeway and Fry Road area 

Had some incidents in that vicinity already in my life. Copper traitors involved at times too

LMAO wish me luck...



Last Edit by Gladstone

[poseidonlost]

Sitting in the back of a pig SUV in handcuffs (again) Monday night, I got to thinking... I really hate cops 

The fucking dogs. Twice they've 'signaled' for drugs on my property for no good reason at all. And these fucks wonder why people shoot at them.

[EvadingGrid]

Sitting in the back of a pig SUV in handcuffs (again) Monday night, I got to thinking... I really hate cops 

The fucking dogs. Twice they've 'signaled' for drugs on my property for no good reason at all. And these fucks wonder why people shoot at them.

There is a person in our housing who I have been warned likes to make bogus anonymous allegations to the local govt, police, etc...
Reported of our neighbours as a drug dealer, just because they smelt someone smoking pot.
I wonder why these people think it is a risk free thing to do . . .
Its all a mystery to me.



Last Edit by Palmerston

[poseidonlost]

There is a person in our housing who I have been warned likes to make bogus anonymous allegations to the local govt, police, etc...
Reported of our neighbours as a drug dealer, just because they smelt someone smoking pot.
I wonder why these people think it is a risk free thing to do . . .
Its all a mystery to me.

It's sick. Nazis man. And I mean, is it not risk free if no one does anything about it? No respect, no honor, no freedom anymore.



Last Edit by Gladstone