Motoring news in brief
Ford works on voice texting
FORD MOTOR Company has said it is researching a voice-to-text system for use by motorists, after endorsing a proposed US ban on texting while driving.
"Voice-recognition technology is better than bringing in a piece of paper and unfolding a map or looking down at a mobile device," said Jim Buczkowski, Ford's director of electronics, about the proposed system.
"We're looking at various combinations of accomplishing that task because it's being asked for by consumers."
The firm already offers a message system in the US that links with some current mobile phones and reads messages to drivers.
In Ireland, text messaging while driving is a penalty point offence.
Peugeot’s talking about an evolution
PEUGEOT’S NEW 408 – the replacement for the current 407 – will be more conservatively styled and less of a visual leap forward than its predecessor. It is understood, however, that the design will have eye-catching detailing and “hard-edged” looks to help it stand out from other mid-sized saloons. “The car will be an evolution, not revolution,” said a company source. “For the overall effect, think Insignia.”
The new 408 will feature a hybrid powertrain in the line- up, most likely with a diesel engine rather than petrol.
Peugeot has been pioneering the diesel hybrid in cars like the 3008 and will extend the technology to its next generation of saloons.
A hybrid 408 should be capable of class-leading economy and CO2 of less than 100g/km. It is expected to be officially revealed and go on sale in 2010.
Illegal fines for driving in bus lanes refunded
THOUSANDS OF British motorists caught driving in bus lanes will be refunded the fines they paid after council bosses admitted they were illegal.
Manchester City Council faces a bill of more than £544,000 (€601,000) after issuing 18,145 tickets using cameras that had not been endorsed for bus lane use.
Officials thought the cameras could be retrospectively approved, but lawyers have ruled it out.
The illegal fines, discovered during a council review, are down to a “deeply regrettable administrative oversight”, said Vicky Rosin, assistant chief executive of the council.
“We have taken steps to notify the public. . . We apologise for the mix-up.”
All bus lane cameras in the city were approved by the department for transport by December 24th, 2008.
But these drivers were caught before that date and issued with a fine. Ms Rosin said officials “remain determined to ensure that bus lanes stay free-flowing for the benefit of public transport users and to help prevent congestion”.
– PA
First-time car owners younger than ever – UK
BRITISH MOTORISTS are getting their first car at a younger age than ever before, according to a new survey by the AA.
A study of more than 21,000 AA members in the UK found that of those now aged between 18 and 24, more than 68 per cent had acquired their first car while still in their teens, compared with only 28 per cent of drivers now aged 65 or over.
Regardless of age, half (50 per cent) of all men had become car owners by age 20, compared with only 38 per cent of women.
Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: “Although the number of drivers of each sex who have passed their test before age 20 is similar (38 per cent of men and 35 per cent of women), owning a car seems to be a ‘rite of passage’ for young men.
“Unfortunately, one out of every five will also experience a serious crash within their first year of driving.
“Young men are twice as likely to be killed or seriously injured in a collision than young women.”