Website:
Google Profile:

Author Archives: James Luckhurst

Road collisions: How reliable are witnesses?

posted on October 18th, 2012

Posted in Motoring News

The bedrock of our judicial process is the honesty of witnesses. Our recent attendance at a road crash investigation event – where we were able to witness a number of ‘real’ collisions’ – led to some interesting conversations with police crash investigators about the reliability of witnesses. These experts, trained and equipped with precision scanning equipment, frequently reach conclusions that are far removed from the accounts provided for them by … read more →

It’s official: saving money comes before saving lives

posted on October 9th, 2012

Posted in Motoring News

Driving home from London late last night (Monday), I tuned into ‘Today in Parliament’ on Radio 4. I was flabbergasted by the comments made in the House of Lords by Government transport spokesman Earl Attlee. Lowering the drink drive limit was on the House’s agenda, yet Attlee used the opportunity to snub every piece of sensible (and correct) information put to him. First, he was challenged by Liberal Democrat Lord … read more →

Dartford Crossing cash toll charges rise

posted on October 5th, 2012

Posted in Motoring News

An increase in road toll charges at the river crossing between Kent and Essex will take effect from Sunday (7 October). Unless you’re up with the lark and can be through (or over) by 0600, then expect to pay – a rise of 50p – or another £1.30 if you’re driving a truck. Motorcyclists will still get free use of the Crossing, as will anyone using it between 2200 and … read more →

Pair jailed for motor insurance scam

posted on September 10th, 2012

Posted in Motoring News

AT GEM, we like to do our bit to expose wrongdoing related to motoring. Here’s an example we are happy to share with you, relating to a sophisticated and complex motor insurance fraud scam that has put two men in jail for 12 years. Masi Naqshbandi, 27, was sentenced to seven years and three months for conspiracy to defraud, at Croydon Crown Court in August. He had initially denied the … read more →

Concerned about private car park signs? Now’s the time to act

posted on September 10th, 2012

Posted in Motoring News

We’re doubtless aware that many private car parking signs frequently use unclear wording and bad layout, meaning they are likely to mislead motorists. The signs are sometimes so bad they breach the British Parking Association’s notorious code of practice for approved operators. However, the BPA seems to discipline very few companies for bad signage. Time to act. Martin Cutts of the Plain Language Commission is gathering evidence of good and … read more →

Car seat safety

posted on August 30th, 2012

Posted in Motoring Advice Articles, Motoring News

Would you buy a second-hand child car seat without knowing its history? New research  from Sainsbury’s Car Insurance reveals that more than half a million drivers (2% of those who drive with children in the car) have bought a second-hand car seat in the last 12 months. GEM joins them in urging parents not to buy second-hand child car seats, simply because it is impossible to know if they are … read more →

Peugeot 208: Car Review

posted on August 23rd, 2012

Posted in Car Reviews

A supermini with plenty of appeal What’s it like? The 1.2 feels peppy and enjoyable to drive. What are its stand-out safety features? ESP is available on every model except the basic Access. Who should buy it and how much does it cost? Anyone looking for a lighter, smaller version of the 207. Our review: Good Motoring, Autumn 2012 Peugeot expects a lot from its new 208 supermini. Firstly, it … read more →

BMW 3 Series: Car Review

posted on August 22nd, 2012

Posted in Car Reviews

It’s the best in its class, bar none. What’s it like? The BMW 3 Series is great to drive, with a choice of powerful but economical engines and superb ride and handling. It is also impressively refined. In our book, it’s the best compact executive saloon on sale. Would it help me stay safe? The 3 Series has earned a five-star overall rating from Euro NCAP, and comes with a … read more →

Volkswagen up!: Car Review

posted on August 22nd, 2012

Posted in Car Reviews

Just about everything you will need from a city car. What’s it like? The Volkswagen up! is good value, safe, practical, efficient and very well built. Would it help me stay safe? Every up! comes with anti-lock brakes, driver’s and front passenger’s airbags, side head and side thorax airbags. Who should buy it and how much does it cost? The up! would suit the town dweller whose motoring habits have … read more →

Kia Cee’d: Car Review

posted on August 22nd, 2012

Posted in Car Reviews

There’s more polish and it’s still great value What’s it like? The Kia Cee’d is sharper looking, more economical and better made than the car it replaces. In fact, this small hatchback is good enough to make the likes of Ford and Volkswagen sit up and pay close attention. Would it help me stay safe? All models come with Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management. Six airbags are standard. … read more →

Page 6 of 12« First...45678...Last »