With thunderstorms and lightning breaking the Great British Heatwave, which saw the hottest day for seven years recorded - we take a look at how to stay safe during a such weather. The Met Office has issued a Yellow National Severe Weather Warning for thunderstorms and long spells of thundery rain across the UK today and tomorrow. The Chief Forecaster's statement describes thunderstorms continuing to move north across England and Scotland, with some very energetic storms producing frequent lightning.

The weather map on the left reveals where the rain has been falling across the UK this morning while the map on the right shows where the highest number of lightning strikes have been.

Where is the safest place to be during thunderstorms and lightning?

You guessed right - it's in your car.

Can you still be struck by lightning in a car?

Yes - you can still be struck by lightning in your car, but you're protected from it. Contrary to popular belief, the reason for this isn't because cars have rubber tyres which insulate you from the ground.

According to the USA's National Lightning Safety Institute, "Rubber tyres provide no safety from lightning. After all, lightning has traveled for miles through the sky: four or five inches of rubber is no insulation whatsoever. People should safely abandon this machinery and get into a safe shelter."

The reason you're protected in a car during a lightning storm is actually because the car acts like a faraday cage.

Are you completely safe from lightning in a car?

You can be - here's how to stay protected in your car during a lighting storm.

A complete metal shield is necessary for full protection - so if you're stranded during a lightning storm, take cover inside a car with the windows wound up.

• Convertibles do not afford sufficient protection, even with the roof closed. A cloth top will not form a complete Faraday cage either and won't be safe.
• Fibreglass bodied cars are not safe as the outside body needs to be conductive to form a Faraday cage and fibreglass is an insulator.
• The person in the car must not be touching any metal object in the car
• Door and window handles, radio dials, CB microphones, steering wheels, and other inside-to-outside metal objects should be left alone during close-in lightning events.
• Small riding mowers and golf buggies are examples of unsafe vehicles.

The USA's National Lightning Safety Institute also recommends pulling off to the side of the road in a safe manner, turning on the hazard lights, turning off the engine, putting your hands in your lap, and waiting out the storm.

However, the official UK Met Office line is that "Ninety per cent of lightning discharges go from cloud to cloud or between parts of the same cloud, never actually reaching the Earth", and "most of the discharges that do strike the ground cause little or no damage or harm."

What happens when struck by lightning in your car?

Recently the The Top Gear team created an experiment to find out what it would be like if you were struck by lightning while in your car. Richard Hammond was hit by 600,000 volts of nature’s finest whilst sitting in a Volkswagen Golf. Watch the video to see exactly what happened…

No sign of any storms near you? Still lucky enough to be enjoying a heatwave? Check our our 7 ways to stay cool in your car this summer instead.

Staff at Arnold Clark Linwood Vauxhall donned their ‘onesies’ recently in a bid to raise money for Real Radio Charities. The staff at the branch always take full advantage of any opportunities when it comes to raising money for charitable causes, and this time they slipped on their ‘all-in-ones’ suits for a day at work.

“We were excited to come to work in our pyjamas because we knew it was going to be such a fun day with a buzz around the branch.

The staff encouraged friends and family to donate generously throughout the day, and customers passing through the branch were more than happy to put their hands in their pockets. The team of staff members managed to raise £250 in a day’s work for the chosen charities.

Onesie styles varied from coloured spots, to garish patterns and animal prints but the Service Manager, Gemma Irons, sported a skeleton suit – proving her 100% dedication to the cause. With great buy-in from the staff, there was endless humor throughout the day – and all for good causes – the charities included CHAS, Childline, Children 1st, Kilbriyde Hospice, RNIB Scotland, Shelter Scotland, Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, Erskine, Calum's Cabin and Mary's Meals.

If you were lucky enough to be passing the branch and witnessed the team of staff dressed up in their onesies – you would have been in for a laugh!

General Manager David Eadie of Arnold Clark Vauxhall Linwood said, “Well done to all of the staff that took part in our onesie day. Not only did they raise money for the Real Radio Charities, they had fun whilst doing it. Thank you to those who came to the branch and donated on the day: the £250 couldn’t have been raised without your help.”

The iconic bowtie is synonymous with Chevrolet, and this year it celebrates its centenary in style by appearing on 25 new products being launched across the world.

Chevrolet founder William C. Durant was the one who introduced the famous Chevy bowtie, on the 1914 Chevrolet H-2 Royal Mail and H-4 Baby Grand, resplendent at the centre of both models.

Since then, 215 million Chevrolet vehicles have proudly worn the badge – including 60 million that are still on the road. According to their press office, a Chevrolet car, crossover or truck is sold every 6.39 seconds across the word. The 140 countries that sell Chevrolets have helped the brand to achieve a sales record this year of 2.5 million units in the first six months.

It has mysterious origins – it may have come from a wallpaper design that Durant saw in a hotel in Paris, a newspaper advert spotted in Hot Springs, or a sketch drawn at the dinner table. His widow remembers Durant spotting a design that would be a good logo in 1912 – but there’s no actual record of what motif he saw.

Regardless of where it came from, the bowtie emblem has endured and will now be seen on the new Chevrolet Trax SUV amongst other new launches.

Chevrolet Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney claims, "The Chevrolet bowtie is recognized around the world and has become synonymous with American ingenuity. Whether you're pulling thousands of pounds through rocky terrain in a Silverado pickup or commuting in a Spark EV, Chevrolet's bowtie will always be at the very front of your travels."

The first recorded use of the bowtie by Chevrolet was in October 2nd, 1913, in an edition of the Washington Post: “Look for this nameplate” appeared above the symbol.

Find out more about the new Chevrolet Trax here, or search our full range of new and used Chevrolet cars below.

Second in line to the throne Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, was a cool, calm and collected daddy outside St Mary’s Hospital in West London last night.

Fans gathered to catch a first glimpse of the baby prince, who has yet to be named, but is now third in line to the throne. Supporters and journalists have professed themselves very impressed with William’s ‘dad skills’, after he swung the newborn’s car seat in the back of the Range Rover in a matter of seconds.

Unlike most new parents, who struggle for minutes with belts and buckles, William managed to install his precious cargo in double-quick time thanks largely to the equipment – a Britax Baby-Safe Infant Carrier. This seat comes with an ISOFIX base so it can be plugged into existing points in the back of compatible cars. (Anyone else think it’s weird that they didn’t opt for the King Plus model?!)

The seat has won numerous accolades, including Mother & Baby’s Best Buy in the infant car seat category in 2012.

We were pleased to see Wills driving himself and his family back home in the Range Rover – and, as Jaguar Land Rover have a warrant from the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales, it’s hardly surprising that this was their vehicle of choice.

But if they decide to look into replacing their family car, they should look at our suggestions for a family car fit for a [future] king, or search our range of cars with ISOFIX.

1. Crystal Mercedes-Benz SL600

This Mercedes-Benz SL600 studded with 300,000 Swarovski crystals is undeniably one of the world’s flashiest cars. Only two SL600’s received the glittery studded treatment by Swarovski, one in silver and one in gold. Rumour has it that one was sold to a Saudi Arabian Prince for $4.8 million.

2. Velvet Porsche Panamera

The Porsche has been given a paint job that makes it look deceptively like real velvet. Vehicle exterior experts Racoon are responsible for this weird and wonderful creation. The car has been spotted in London and has faced much criticism for the bespoke design. No doubt this velvet-look car is a conversation starter, whether you love it or hate it.

3. Chrome Mercedes SLR McLaren

German company Brabus has jazzed up the luxurious sports car in chrome. The body, the windows and the 20” wheels are all chrome, giving the car a far from subtle look. The exclusive car has been seen in the supercar haven of Dubai.

We may not have a crystal-studded or chrome-plated Mercedes-Benz in stock, but you can browse the great Mercedes-Benz range at Arnold Clark (and maybe think about customising your car yourself!.

ŠKODA are to unveil their quirky new advert on Thursday 25th July, showcasing the Octavia vRS as well as a neighbourhood full of souped-up everyday items.

The advert features the new car driving down streets, passing larger-than-life men using a lawn mower with several exhausts and go-faster stripes; children with huge ice creams and a little boy riding a tricycle that looks like a monster truck. The idea is – these are the vRS versions of everyday objects.

But – and here’s the twist – even these muscly, superhuman residents stop and stare when the Octavia vRS cruises past. THAT’S how good it is.

Head of Marketing for ŠKODA UK, Heidi Cartledge, said: ‘The third generation Octavia vRS is the fastest production model to date so we wanted an advert that would bring to life the idea of enhancing the performance of everyday objects. The specially-made props give a tongue-in-cheek taste of what you could experience if you vRS’d your life.’

The advert, shot in June by ad agency Fallon, was previewed at Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend, and visitors were encouraged to star in the commercial themselves (by having their photographs taken and then cleverly overlaid onto the ad.) It looked like they were the ones driving the vRS! They were shared on social media, which will have helped to create a buzz around the video. It will appear on YouTube from tomorrow, Thursday 25th, and on TV at the end of August.

The Octavia vRS is on sale in the UK from 1st August 2013. Click below to find out more, or search our full range of new and used ŠKODA Octavia cars.

Edited 25th July: View the new advert now!

The Ford Fiesta one-litre EcoBoost has scooped Women’s World Car of the Year and Women’s World Car of the Year Economy Car titles – beating the Porsche Boxter S, Audi All-Road and Range Rover.

"It was clear from the outset that the new Fiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost had struck a chord with our panel of female motoring experts from around the world," said Women's World Car of the Year chief judge, Sandy Myhre of New Zealand.

The winner was picked based on the judging criteria below:

• Safety
• Value-for-money
• Aesthetic appearance
• Storage space
• Child-friendliness
• Ease-of-driving
• Colour
• Sex appeal
• Environmental footprint

One of the judges, Victoria MacMillan Bell, commented on the winning car: “The Fiesta has a real high-end look and feel to it.

One of the reasons for the award will be the fact that the Fiesta received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, further adding to its desirability as a car fit for the whole family.

The Fiesta was also victorious in recent International Engine awards – winning it consecutively in 2012 and 2013. The car also delivers impressive performance statistics despite having a one-litre engine, delivering 125PS and producing only 99g/km CO2 – making it attractive to those who are environmentally conscious.

The Fiesta is loaded with technology, such as Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance. This allows the driver to make hands-free telephone calls, control music and make voice commands. Further, Ford SYNC connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators in the event of an accident – triggered by the activation of an airbag in the car.

Barb Samardzich, Vice President Product Development, Ford of Europe, said, “The new Fiesta has raised the bar to offer a sharper-looking, better-connected car that is even more fuel efficient and fun-to-drive. By tuning into the needs of all our customers, we are ensuring this small car with the big history has a very bright future.”

With the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost, you really are getting the whole package - and it appeals especially to women, it would seem.

Interested in this award-winning vehicle? Search our range of Ford Fiesta Ecoboost cars.

Just days before the official debut, full images of the production-ready version of BMW's i3 electric super-mini - free of any 'camo' - have leaked on to a Dutch website Autoblog.nl, sparking global interest. This coincides with news that their foray in to the provision of electric vehicle charging points has been confirmed, with their investment in a UK electric car charging firm. This has sparked rumours that BMW may be planning to increase their share in the electric vehicle market more voraciously than previously speculated.

The BMW i3 as we previously reported, is rear-wheel drive, powered by a 168bhp electric motor, and is expected to weigh less than 1,200kg thanks to a carbon fibre and aluminium construction. Battery life will last for 80-100 miles and it has a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds – delivering a top speed of 93mph.

UK Car Charging Points Network

Electric car charging points in the UK are broken in to three categories - slow (6-8 hours for a full charge), fast (3-4 hours) and rapid (30 mins for an 80% charge).

OpenChargeMap is the best source of information on charging points, providing a global public registry of electric vehicle charging locations. There are a number of charging point providers in the UK - the most prominent is Charge Your Car - a national pay-as-you-go network, with a target of 10,000 charge points.

Incentives such as free parking for electric cars and government subsidy (grants) are leading to increased uptake of electric vehicles in the UK and across Europe – making it a perfect time for manufacturers to enter this market.

Contact your local BMW dealership for more information on the launch of the BMW i3 – or, for a great deal on a new or used electric vehicle, search below.

Andy Greenberg from Forbes magazine drove a car that could be controlled by the 'hackers'.

It was today revealed that two computer experts in the US – Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek – were able to take control of a Ford Escape and a Toyota Prius while someone else was driving them. From their old Macbooks and a Nintendo handset, they were able to disable the brakes, steer the car and start the ignition, as well as change dashboard readings and sound the horn.

Funded by Darpa at the Pentagon, the pair are keen to highlight the potential security issues around new computer technology in many cars.

Miller's colleague Chris Valasek is a director of security intelligence at IOActive, and was previously at the NSA (subject to much criticism due to it's recently exposed PRISM programme).

The next issue of Forbes magazine features more information on how the technology works and what effects it has on cars – and Forbes journalist Andy Greenberg got to experience what the hackers can achieve first-hand. A video on their site shows the digital experts demonstrating their new attacks – changing the reading on the fuel gauge and the speedometer, turning the car off and on, adjusting the steering and sounding the horn without the driver doing anything.

Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek had a good laugh interfering with Andy's driving.

However, car manufacturers have been quick to deny that there are security issues in their vehicles. The Ford Escape used - similar to a Ford Kuga - is from 2010, and not a recent model.

The full research – due to be released at hacker conference Defcon in Las Vegas in just over a week – should give car manufacturers pause for thought about what could theoretically happen if the technology was developed further by those with malicious intentions. It would be very difficult and very expensive for someone to develop the technology to remotely access computer technologies in your car and then create software to alter things while you drove. No crimes have yet been committed.

But what Miller and Valasek hope to show is that while car technology is constantly at the cutting edge, the security surrounding that technology will have to get better and better as hacking gets more sophisticated.

A joint survey by What Car? and Warranty Direct has revealed that Honda makes the most reliable used cars – while the German premium brands prove to be the least reliable.

It is the 8th time in a row Honda has topped the list, proving yet again just how reliable their cars are once the warranty runs out. It was a win for car manufacturers from the far east overall, as they featured in eight of the top ten slots, with only Chevrolet (7) and Ford (10) mixing up the geographical distribution of the top 10.

In total, 38 manufacturers were included in the research, covering over 50,000 cars between three and eight years old. The results were calculated with each manufacturer receiving a reliability index based on the number of breakdowns, average repair costs and repair time.

The average reliability score across the 38 manufacturers was 152 while the average repair cost was £373.05– the cheapest was Hyundai, with an average repair cost of just £252.95.

Despite premium German manufacturers often being known for their rugged build quality and reliability, the results showed Volkswagen (19), BMW (26), Mercedes-Benz (30), Audi (31) and Porsche (36) all performing below expectations.

Luxury car-maker Bentley came in last place, perhaps surprisingly, with 86% of their cars expected to run into problems each year. With a score of 482, they were a full 157 points behind of the second least reliable manufacturer, Land Rover!

View the full results of the survey below.

Luckily, Arnold Clark has great deals on used Honda, Hyundai and Toyota vehicles - and those of you who run into bother can visit your local Service Department for a quality, great value repair job. Fingers crossed you don't need it.

Toyota is set to begin trials of its new personal mobility scooter, ‘the Winglet’, which it hopes will revolutionise the way city commuters get around.

The Winglet is a ‘personal transport assistance robot’ which is ridden in a standing position, similar to a Segway. According to Toyota, the Winglet promotes mobility that is ‘safe, freely accessible and fun.’

The device can travel up to 10 km on a single charge and its top speed is walking pace – 6km/h. Charging only takes and hour and it’s fully portable, as it can be folded up and carried when not in use.

If you’re already sold, you’ll be glad to know there is also a selection of models to choose from - Toyota has even designed a sporty ‘S’ Type which allows users to ride it hands-free (brave!) and is controlled by shifting your body weight.

The trials will take place until March 2016 and prices for one are expected to start at around $3822.

For the less adventurous but equally savvy shopper, we have some unbeatable deals across our Toyota range.

A Freedom of Information requested by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has revealed that 226,803 drivers in the UK have points on their license for driving without insurance.

The request submitted to the DVLA revealed that 194,997 full license holders and 31,806 provisional license holders had been caught driving without the required level of insurance.

The figures also revealed that it is men who are far more likely to commit this offence, with males in the 17-34 age category four times more likely to drive without insurance than women.

IAM Chief Executive Simon Best commented: “The most concerning fact is that this could just be the tip of the iceberg, as these numbers only represent those who have been caught and penalised. Insurance fraud and uninsured driving are also growing problems that need to be tackled through a coordinated approach from enforcement authorities.

In the UK, the government operates a policy called ‘continuous insurance enforcement’, meaning that the registered keeper of the car must insure the vehicle or declare it off the road (SORN).

You can check if your vehicle is insured at askMID.

Peter Harrison, car insurance expert at MoneySupermarket, added:

Uninsured drivers cost the insurance industry £500 million each year. Furthermore, insurance fraud adds £39 to the cost of every motor premium and uninsured driving an extra £30 - this is not fair on law-abiding motorists.

On top of our huge range of new and used car offers, Arnold Clark can also provide insurance for your new car, with access to over 20 leading insurance companies, allowing us to offer highly competitive prices. Speak to our insurance team on 0845 121 0424, 7 days a week or visit our insurance section for more information.

The overall rate of untaxed vehicles in Great Britain last year was estimated to be 0.7 per cent - roughly 249,000 vehicles. Vehicles used or kept on the public road are required to display a tax disc – a law first imposed in 1921.

According to fresh information released by the DVLA today, motorists caught for not having a tax disc last year used a bizarre range of excuses.

The 10 silliest excuses:

1. My accountant told me I’m due a tax rebate so I didn’t think I needed to pay again this year.
2. I was on my way to the Post Office to tax the car and called into the betting shop - there was a horse running at Doncaster called ‘Don’t Do It’ so I bet on that with my car tax money instead – it lost.
3. My mate said that if the cost of the tax is more than what the car is worth you haven’t got to pay it – it’s not, so I didn’t.
4. I fell out of a tree picking plums and broke both my arms.
5. I took too much Viagra and couldn’t leave the house.
6. I’d forgotten the motorbike was in my garage – it was hidden behind the BBQ so it’s not my fault.
7. I had man flu and couldn’t go to the Post Office.
8. I’ve been out of the country for four months and I forgot where I parked my car.
9. My dog ate the reminder.
10. My reminder on my phone didn’t work so it’s not my fault.

Two of the Qatari royal family's matching turquoise supercars were clamped outside Harrods (which they own).

The DVLA uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras at strategic positions across the UK network to detect untaxed vehicles and prosecute the drivers. Untaxed vehicles are clamped, and the fees to release a vehicle are high. If you don't pay for a vehicle to be de-clamped within 24 hours, the DVLA will impound the vehicle and, if it's not claimed, it could be disposed of after seven days. You can report untaxed vehicles through the new GOV.UK website. The DVLA have also made it easier to purchase a new tax disc online.

Cars with very low CO2 emissions have a road tax value of zero, as part of a Government environmental incentive. Cars with free road tax still have to display a valid tax disc, but will save you a lot of money. View our range and keep your motoring costs low.

BMW have officially revealed the BMW i3, which is the world’s first premium car – designed from the ground up – to be powered by an electric drive system. Sienna Miller and James Franco were amongst a host of celebrities celebrating the BMW i3's unveiling in London yesterday, while New York and Beijing hosted their own launch events at the same time.

Further to speculation about the i3, the car is expected to hit showrooms on 16 November 2014 and is the first vehicle from BMW’s new ‘i’ sub-brand. Two models will initially be offered – the BMW i3 and the BMW i3 Range Extender. Both have the same electric power train, but the Range Extender version has a 650cc 34bhp two-cylinder petrol engine that acts as a generator to extend the car’s range.

What range can I expect?

The standard BMW i3 model has a range of between 80 and 100 miles, and the ‘Range Extender’ version has a range of between 160 and 186 miles (on one tank of fuel). For drivers who are worried about running out of charge mid-commute, we reported previously that BMW is supporting the rollout of a UK electric car charging network in order to help meet the UK target of installing 122,000 charging points by 2020. This suggests electric vehicle owners will see a vast improvement in the number of charge points over the next few years.

The BMW i3 is packed with high-tech features, such as BMW ConnectedDrive.

Pricing

Considering the i3 carries the premium ‘BMW’ badge, the cost is actually quite affordable. Prices for the standard BMW i3 model start at £25,680 and prices for the BMW i3 range Extender start at £28,830.

Will the i3 actually save me money?

The BMW i3 qualifies for a range of government-backed grants and tax breaks due to the fact that it is a zero-emissions vehicle. You’ll receive a ‘Plug-in’ grant that reduces the overall cost of the vehicle by £5,000. The i3 also benefits from a zero road-fund license charge and is exempt from the London Congestion charge.

Charging

The BMW i3 comes with ‘AC Fast Charging’, which will charge the car from 0 to 80 per cent within three hours. For charging at home, the Government is offering a 75% grant across the UK, which will bring the cost of installing an electric charge point down to just £315. For public charging, BMW will offer its customers access to ‘BMW ChargeNow’, which gives you access to the nationwide network of public charging stations using a ‘BMW iChargeNow’ card. You can the pay for your electric charging on a pay-as-you-go basis.

The car has been equipped to make it easy to find a place to charge. You can find the nearest charging stations and their availability on your car’s display unit. This can also be cleverly integrated with your smartphone using the BMW i3 app, which lets you search for nearby charging stations.

Is this a milestone for the electric car industry?

It’s been reported that BMW have invested a LOT of money into this (over £2.7 billion), so there is no doubt that the company will do everything it can to drive its success. This is the most desirable and hi-tech electric car yet, so it’s completely possible that this could improve public confidence enough to dramatically increase electric car sales across the industry.

The BMW i3 is made of carbon-fibre and many fittings are made from renewable materials.

The list of dealers who will stock the BMW i3 has already been announced, and includes the Harry Fairbairn BMW dealership in Giffnock.

Search our full range of electric vehicles below, or find out more about BMW at Arnold Clark.

The Nice Way Code campaign from Transport Scotland launches on Monday 5th August, aiming to encourage mutual respect between all types of road users, from car and van drivers to cyclists and pedestrians. But some groups and individuals have hit out at the plans, saying that they don’t adequately address the real issues faced by road users – particularly cyclists.

Transport Minister for Scotland Keith Brown announced the initiative yesterday at the National Transport Museum in Glasgow, supported by members of the Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM) and Cycling Scotland. The campaign, due to be rolled out in full next week, are also backed by groups such as Sustrans, Paths for All and the AA. Posters and TV advertising, delivering serious messages in a humorous and upbeat way, will encourage people to “Follow the Nice Way Code.”

The Nice Way Code blog states:

“We’re here to encourage people to think a little bit more about how they behave on the roads... We think that if everyone just thought a little bit more about how they behaved on the roads, our roads would end up being a nicer, safer place for everyone.”

Keith Brown, Transport Minister, said:

“One death on Scotland’s roads is one too many and our focus is on working with key safety partners to reduce the numbers further. I believe this campaign will play its part in making Scotland’s roads safer for all users in the future and raise awareness that road safety really is everyone’s responsibility.”

However, not everyone feels the campaign will tackle road safety in a meaningful way.

"We need infrastructure, not just safety messages."

But there has been some controversy over the new campaign, including the creation (and subsequent suspension) of a parody Twitter account. @NiceWayCodeGB was removed by Twitter but @NiceWayCode are claiming that they didn't report the account and aren't trying to subdue debate.

Those on social networking sites have been vocal in condemning the Nice Way Code – despite the fact it hasn’t even fully launched yet – for various reasons:

• The tone used is too light-hearted for such a serious matter (life and death on the roads)
• The research Transport Scotland are working from is flawed
• Not enough grass-roots organisations are involved with the campaign
• It is "punishing" to cyclists, who have been active on Twitter pointing out that fault rarely lies with them
• The taxpayer-funded campaign is too limited in scope and ability - it ought to focus on improving the infrastructure, policing, enforcement and lower speed limits
• It has been called "myopic" and "patronising" by opponents.

Pedal on Parliament (POP) have been particularly vocal in their criticism of the campaign, stating that proposed measures will not be enough to tackle road deaths – education is needed, they say, but must be backed up by visible enforcement and in addition to improved roads and lower speed limits.

Sally Hinchcliffe, one of the organisers of POP, commented:

“While we don’t disagree that behaviour needs to improve between road users, simply asking us all to be nice to one another without backing it up with real changes and enforcement is a waste of taxpayers’ money. Most drivers don’t set out to harm anyone, whether they’re cyclists or not. It’s the way our roads are designed and policed that put drivers and people on bikes into conflict. We’d rather see that money spent on cutting speeds, or improving known accident black spots. It’s a drop in the ocean, but it would be a start.”

However, the Nice Way Code has used its blog as a vehicle for responding to these criticisms, posting updates in retaliation to claims that the campaign is useless.

"Intended as the start of a conversation"

The Nice Way Code blog has responded to these criticisms as follows:

“The campaign is designed to make the roads a more tolerant and harmonious place. We’re not under the impression the Nice Way Code is going to make the roads a wonderful place free of accidents or road rage overnight of course. It’s intended as the start of a conversation about how we treat our fellow roads users. It is there to support infrastructure and enforcement measures.”

The research they conducted pointed clearly towards keeping the tone light and addressing all road users rather than one group, they argue. Furthermore, in terms of shifting the focus to one group of road users: “It was clear that although there are people who hold strong, (often vocal) and diametrically opposed views, the vast majority occupy the middle ground – a place where they witness good and bad road behaviour from all quarters on a daily basis.” The Nice Way Code blog address the fact that most bad behaviour on the roads isn’t wilful and that an accusatory campaign would alienate people. “So we developed ideas that would promote best practice… and create discussion, debate and self-reflection.”

“We know that it wont be an overnight love-in, but if we help to break down the barriers, and deliver an even-handed campaign, then we can help to ferment a culture of acceptance, and in time empathy, between all road users.”

Ian Aitken, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, said:

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and it is important we move away from the ‘us and them’ mentality of some drivers, cyclists and pedestrians when in fact almost everybody falls into at least two of those categories.”

And Edmung King, President of the AA, followed a similar line:

“We have been campaigning for years to break down the tribalism which exists on our roads between some drivers and some cyclists. Road users, being individuals, are all different, so sometimes they don’t conform, make mistakes or fail to show respect for others.”

The Nice Way Code may be attracting a lot of negative attention but, as they say themselves, “If the Nice Way Code can inform, remind or nudge people to be more aware of each other and share the road, then that’s got to be good for everyone.”

With a ladder, bell, six water hoses and the motto "You've not been put out until we put you out", John Ward's converted Reliant Robin receives plenty of attention when he takes it out for a spin, says today's Metro.

Mr Ward, a 70-something-year-old from Spalding, Lincolnshire, is a self-taught engineer who renovated the car with bits and pieces from car boot sales, following announcements of cuts to the fire services.

It took Mr Ward four months and a few hundred quid to turn the three-wheeler car, made famous by Only Fools and Horses, into an operational fire truck. With red and blue lights, a 50-litre water tank, water cannons and fire extinguishers, the little fire engine is capable of tackling small fires and blazes. The six water cannons can all be activated from the dashboard.

The classic car can reach 60 mph, is fully street legal and seats two people. It will be used to raise money for the Firefighters' Benevolent Fund.

For more 2-seater beauties, check out our range of convertible cars. And for little cars that won't cost a bomb, search our small cars under £6000.

The Toyota Aygo, which launched 8 years ago, has a new selection of models with varying levels of specification but the same core standards – as with the original Aygo, this is a trendy city car that puts style and safety at the heart of the driving experience.

Starting at a price of £8595, the new 2013 model line-up comprises the Active, Active Plus, Mode and Move specification levels. With new grades and additional safety features, new colours and roof decals, the Toyota Aygo is not only fashionable and individual, it is incredibly cheap to run.

Safety

Adding to the existing features of ABS, EBD and driver & passenger front and rear airbags, all new versions have the following safety features:

• VSC stability control
• Curtain airbags
• ISOFX child seat mounts
• Seatbelt buckle-up reminders for driver and front passenger

Specification

The entry-level Active specification features 50:50 split-folding rear seatback with detachable headrests. Air conditioning is an option in the Active Plus and Mode models, and standard in the Move specification.

Aygo Mode

• 14” 8-spoke Ragno alloy wheels
• Front fog lights
• Rear privacy glass
• LED daytime running lights
• Tachometer
• Electric front windows
• Remote central locking
• Body-coloured door handles and mirrors

Aygo Move

• Portable TomTom navigation system with Bluetooth, a USB port and iPod connection
• Tachometer
• Leather steering wheel/gear knob trim

Aygo Move with Style

• 6-spoke alloys
• Privacy glass
• LED daytime running lights

Options

Protection pack

• Available for the 5-door Aygo Mode and Move
• Rear parking sensors
• Front & rear mud flaps
• Carpet mats
• Side protection mouldings

Design pack

• Available for all versions of Mode and Move
• Front scuff plates
• Chrome trim at the rear
• Chrome finisher on the tailpipe

Two new colours in the range:

• Nero Rosso - deep red body work with black roof and black gloss trim around cabin)
• Napoli Blue metallic (exclusive to Move model) – matching trim on door panels, air vent and tachometer surrounds

New Roof Decals

• Union jack design – red, blue and white
• Union jack design – monochrome
• Racing chequer design
• White gloss
• Black – gloss or matt

Driving

• 1.0 L 3-cylinder petrol engine
• CO2 emissions – 99 g/km (no road tax to pay)
• Combined fuel cycle consumption – 65.7 MPG
• 3-door and 5-door styles available across the range

Full range details and prices are available here.

For more information about getting your hands on a brand new Toyota Aygo, contact your local Arnold Clark Toyota dealer.

In 2011-12, local councils in England made £1.4 billion from parking tickets and permits, of which £565 million was surplus – i.e. more than was needed to maintain transport-related services. This is £54 million, or 10% more, than 2010-11 figures.
The news comes in the same month that the Transport Secretary, Norman Baker, suggested that parking charges were not high enough to deter motorists from parking illegally.

Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, commented on the findings: “For many local authorities, parking charges are a nice little earner, especially in the Capital.

The Government claims that the profit from parking fines goes towards improving transport services such as potholes and street lighting.

The research showed that London councils are making the largest profits, with 8 out of the top-earning 10 councils from the Capital. Brighton and Hove and Cornwall make up the rest of the top 10, earning £14.4 million and £7.9 million respectively. The council with the largest surplus was Westminster, with a surplus of £41.6 million. Only 52 of England’s 359 councils reported a loss from parking charges.

Defending the high surplus, Peter Box, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Economy and Transport Board, said: “Parking revenue is spent on paying for parking services.

The 1984 Road Traffic Regulation Act prevents councils from subsidising any of the other services they offer with money from parking fines, stating that they must directly reinvest the money they make into the transport system.

But estimates for 2013-14 would suggest the situation is unlikely to improve, with Community Secretary Eric Pickles claiming profits will reach £635 million. He commented: “Councils aren’t listening, and local shops and hard-working families are suffering as a result. The law is clear that parking is not a tax or cash cow for town hall officers.”

Whether you’re trying to find a space or looking for loose change to feed the meter, parking is often a hassle. Manufacturers and new companies like Parkatmyhouse know this and are keen to help out – even leading to the development of cars that can park themselves.

Stuff Magazine recently ran a report suggesting that the The Department for Transport may be gearing up to ban drivers from using Google Glass even before it’s launched to the public.

A spokesperson for the DfT told Stuff Magazine that they are “aware of the impending rollout of Google Glass and are in discussion with the Police to ensure that individuals do not use this technology while driving.”

The spokesperson continued: “It is important that drivers give their full attention to the road when they are behind the wheel and do not behave in a way that stops them from observing what is happening on the road."

The DfT did, however, affirm that a range of offences and penalties already exist to tackle those drivers who do not pay proper attention to the road - including careless driving, which will become a fixed penalty offence later this year.

Is the DfT wrong?

Some commentators have already criticised the DfT, stating that it should be looking to work constructively with Google. This might include adaptations to the hardware and software mean that a ‘car mode’ which adapts its behaviour and functionality for use on the road. This is similar to flight mode, or airplane mode – a feature included in most mobile phones and electronic devices which suspends many of the device's signal transmitting functions.

The use of flight mode means that a mobile device, which is generally prohibited due to the potential for interference with avionics systems, can still be used whilst in the air.

Until Google Glass arrives, you’ll need to stick to using your smartphone to improve your driving experience. Check out our 6 iphone apps that will change how you drive, and click below to search for cars that will allow you to use your smartphone while driving.

Reports suggest that Mercedes-Benz is going to use the media exposure of the Frankfurt Motor Show to unveil two new Smart concept cars, giving car enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to view the cars before anyone else.

The new Smart cars, the third generation Smart Fortwo and the second generation Smart Forfour, are being developed with partners Renault-Nissan to produce a new rear engine and rear wheel drive structure, and share the platform with the new Renault Twizy model.

The two seat Smart Fortwo features include:

• Option of Fixed Roof Coupe or Fabric Roof Cabriolet
• 900cc three-cylinder petrol engine
• 65bhp (105bhp when turbocharged)
• Standard six-speed manual gearbox
• No diesel model available
• Option of a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic version

Smart are also bring out a Fortwo e-drive model that will include a 90bhp electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.

The Smart Forfour, which is the second-generation four-seat model, is an extended version of the Fortwo’s platform and has a 2470mm wheelbase (820mm beyond the Fortwo model) and stands at 1701mm high. The model is expected to have an engine that will be more powerful than that of the 900cc Fortwo model.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz UK, says: “The Smart is an iconic car and has a large fan base,” so we are sure these concept cars will be well received by Smart car lovers across the country. Both these new Smart models are due to go into production in 2014, so they should begin to appear on forecourts around the country in early 2015.

View our new and used Smart cars in stock by clicking below, or check out our Smart section for details on how you could win a trip to Vegas simply by taking a test drive.