The GEM Blog
Rob’s highlights of May
Posted on June 5th, 2013, by motoringassist, in Motoring News
Sad but not entirely unsurprising news kick-started May, with reports that the Trader Media Group (TMG) would cease printing its Auto Trader magazine, almost forty years after it was launched. The final edition is mooted to hit the newsstands on the 28th June, ready to fill the cupboards of automobilia collectors throughout the UK. While Autotrader and its associated publications will continue their online presence, the culling of 150 jobs … read more
A matter of motorway safety
Posted on June 4th, 2013, by motoringassist, in Press Releases
With more than 30% of UK motorists believing that drivers are generally more aggressive when on motorways, GEM Motoring Assist has prepared a useful guide to safe motorway driving. The advice from the award-winning breakdown cover company and road safety charity covers aspects such as lane discipline, blind spots, speed and distance. David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist, comments: “Bad driving habits on motorways can severely affect the … read more
Young drivers need more preparation, say UK motorists
Posted on May 29th, 2013, by motoringassist, in Press Releases
A revealing survey by GEM Motoring Assist, breakdown cover company and road safety charity, shows high levels of concern for the lack of learning requirements for new drivers. GEM’s latest poll reveals that 89% of UK motorists believe that there should be a minimum learning period ahead of people taking the driving test, with the majority agreeing that at least six months should be required. Yet, currently the law doesn’t … read more
A new road crossing for the Thames?
Posted on May 29th, 2013, by James Luckhurst, in Motoring News
If you’ve wasted hours queueing on the M25 to cross the River Thames in recent times, then a government announcement of a consultation for a possible new crossing may come as welcome news. The government has published the first of its strategies for the UK’s roads in a bid to ensure more robust long-term investment planning and is also consulting on the location for a new crossing of the Thames. … read more
STAR90: Gone but not forgotten
Posted on May 24th, 2013, by Rob Marshall, in Motoring News
One would have thought that a car manufacturer, which closed down almost 30 years ago would be long forgotten by now, let alone another famous name that has not featured upon a British made vehicle for almost half a century. Yet, classic car fans could not get enough of the relics, as they flocked to STAR90 (Standard-Triumph Anniversary Rally), which was held last weekend, between the 17 and 19th May. … read more
Guess the car
Posted on May 21st, 2013, by Rob Marshall, in Competitions
Introduced to the UK several months ago, the latest-generation Renault Clio was the subject of the previous Guess The Car competition. The latest contest features a technically-fascinating model that hailed from Japan. Can you tell what it is? Place your answers either in the comments box on the GEM website or on our Facebook or Twitter page. If you need a closer look, click on the picture and a bigger … read more
University finds that motoring gadgets help boost driver safety
Posted on May 16th, 2013, by James Luckhurst, in Motoring News
Research by Loughborough University has shown that motoring gadgets, such as satellite navigation systems, bring positive changes to drivers’ behaviour, making them feel safer and be more fuel efficient. The €15 million international TeleFOT – Field Operational Tests of Aftermarket and Nomadic Devices in Vehicles – study was one of the biggest traffic ICT projects in Europe. Driver support services tested included static and dynamic navigation systems, green driving support, … read more
Stars and their Cars – Tom O’Connor
Posted on May 15th, 2013, by David Motton, in Stars and their Cars
Tom O’Connor has been a household name for decades through his stand-up comedy and television presenting. As well as hosting his own entertainment shows, including ‘The Tom O’Connor Show ’, ‘Wednesday at Eight’, ‘Night Out at the London Casino’ and ‘London Night Out’, Tom is well known for his quizzes and game shows, such as ‘Name That Tune’, ‘Gambit’ and ‘Cross Wits’. Good Motoring asked him about his 50 years … read more
Jail for 122mph motorcyclist
Posted on May 14th, 2013, by James Luckhurst, in Motoring News
A speeding motorcyclist who persistently lied to the police and admitted his deception on an internet forum has today been jailed for eight months. York Crown Court heard how Andrew John Kelly finally admitted two counts of perverting the course of justice and one charge of speeding after being caught riding at 122mph on the A63 at Newthorpe, Selby on 20 June 2012. Kelly looked to the internet motoring forum, Pepipoo, … read more
Guess the car
Posted on May 8th, 2013, by Rob Marshall, in Competitions
The taillight of the recently-launched MINI Cooper S Paceman featured in the previous ‘Guess The Car’. We are still keeping relatively current, with another model that was introduced within the last twelve months – but what is it? Click on the picture for a larger image and post your answers either on the blog comments box below or on GEM’s Facebook page.