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Friday, December 30, 2011
The shortest double yellows
Usually, double yellow lines stretch quite a few metres, or down an entire road, stopping you from parking where you desperately want to be able to.
However, some new double yellow lines in Stafford Street in Norwich won’t be much of a hindrance to motorists, because they’re only 17 inches (43cm) in length.
Located opposite a pub, the lines are long enough to stop four toy cars from parking up, but are unlikely to make much of a difference for real-size vehicles and their drivers.
The pub landlord stated, “I thought the country was skint – but it appears that people can still spend money on daft things like this. There just doesn't seem any point in having such short lines.
“It has caused a bit of mirth in the pub. Everyone thinks it is hilarious and we are looking forward to seeing if a traffic warden comes down here to monitor it.”
A Norwich city councillor said, “They were put down to make things clearer for permit holders, but in hindsight perhaps they weren't needed.
“As a councillor you are expected to do many things for residents but getting into the Guinness Book of Records for the shortest set of double yellow lines isn't one I anticipated.'
Well, at least not too much paint was wasted, and I’m sure the tiny double yellow stretch will bring laughter to all who see it.
However, some new double yellow lines in Stafford Street in Norwich won’t be much of a hindrance to motorists, because they’re only 17 inches (43cm) in length.Located opposite a pub, the lines are long enough to stop four toy cars from parking up, but are unlikely to make much of a difference for real-size vehicles and their drivers.
The pub landlord stated, “I thought the country was skint – but it appears that people can still spend money on daft things like this. There just doesn't seem any point in having such short lines.
“It has caused a bit of mirth in the pub. Everyone thinks it is hilarious and we are looking forward to seeing if a traffic warden comes down here to monitor it.”
A Norwich city councillor said, “They were put down to make things clearer for permit holders, but in hindsight perhaps they weren't needed.
“As a councillor you are expected to do many things for residents but getting into the Guinness Book of Records for the shortest set of double yellow lines isn't one I anticipated.'
Well, at least not too much paint was wasted, and I’m sure the tiny double yellow stretch will bring laughter to all who see it.
Photo © cdsessums via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: double yellow line, Guinness Book of Records, motorist, Norwich, parking, pub, Stafford Street, toy car
Friday, December 23, 2011
Keeping cosy in the car
Getting into my car during the winter is tough. Yes, I’d much rather be in it than slipping and sliding down the pavement in the rain and slush, but when I first sit down it’s so cold!
At least when I walk I warm up pretty quickly, but when I’m sitting down, immobile, it takes me a good while longer to feel cosy.
One morning, recently, I sat in my car with the heater going for about ten minutes before my hands where warm enough to grip the steering wheel.
While I was sat there I wondered what I would feel like if my car broke down and couldn’t be reached by a breakdown service for a few hours. Without the heater on, how long would it be before I was suffering from hypothermia?
With that in mind, I have now got emergency supplies in my car, ready for such a situation. I have four of those heating pads that you click to begin a chemical reaction which produces heat, two blankets, a thermos flask which I fill with hot chocolate before any long journey, and Bun Bun (my toy rabbit don’t you dare laugh I love him).
All of these items, I feel, would help me through a long wait for rescue in relative comfort – although I’m hoping that I don’t ever have to find out.
I thoroughly recommend loading these sorts of emergency supplies in your car. Other useful things to have just in case are a torch, fully charged mobile phone, some ready-to-eat food, and water.
Good luck out there winter drivers.
At least when I walk I warm up pretty quickly, but when I’m sitting down, immobile, it takes me a good while longer to feel cosy. One morning, recently, I sat in my car with the heater going for about ten minutes before my hands where warm enough to grip the steering wheel.
While I was sat there I wondered what I would feel like if my car broke down and couldn’t be reached by a breakdown service for a few hours. Without the heater on, how long would it be before I was suffering from hypothermia?
With that in mind, I have now got emergency supplies in my car, ready for such a situation. I have four of those heating pads that you click to begin a chemical reaction which produces heat, two blankets, a thermos flask which I fill with hot chocolate before any long journey, and Bun Bun (my toy rabbit don’t you dare laugh I love him).
All of these items, I feel, would help me through a long wait for rescue in relative comfort – although I’m hoping that I don’t ever have to find out.
I thoroughly recommend loading these sorts of emergency supplies in your car. Other useful things to have just in case are a torch, fully charged mobile phone, some ready-to-eat food, and water.
Good luck out there winter drivers.
Photo © possan via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: breakdown, car, cold, driver, emergency supplies, heater, steering wheel, winter
Monday, December 19, 2011
Fake flock of sheep fool motorists into thinking they’re real
Whenever I’m driving and I see a dog which is not on a lead, or a child skipping along the pavement, I’m always concerned that they might suddenly run into the road in front of my car.
However, some model sheep on a West Sussex roundabout seem have been raising the same concerns in other drivers. The fake flock apparently look so realistic that many motorists have slammed on their brakes in the fear that they have escaped from a field.
West Sussex County Council has already painted the sheep pale green in the hope that motorists will realise that they are fake, however, this has apparently not helped, and the next step has been to imprison the sheep with temporary road works barriers.
While the council work out a more permanent solution to the problem, drivers can feel reassured that the sheep will not be able to escape from their bright yellow compounds.
Hmm... Maybe they should consider painting them hot pink next time, or at least accessorise them with some bling so that they are obviously not real!
However, some model sheep on a West Sussex roundabout seem have been raising the same concerns in other drivers. The fake flock apparently look so realistic that many motorists have slammed on their brakes in the fear that they have escaped from a field.West Sussex County Council has already painted the sheep pale green in the hope that motorists will realise that they are fake, however, this has apparently not helped, and the next step has been to imprison the sheep with temporary road works barriers.
While the council work out a more permanent solution to the problem, drivers can feel reassured that the sheep will not be able to escape from their bright yellow compounds.
Hmm... Maybe they should consider painting them hot pink next time, or at least accessorise them with some bling so that they are obviously not real!
Photo © Martyn Hutchby via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: brakes, drivers, driving, motorists, road works, roundabout, West Sussex
Friday, December 16, 2011
Woman fails driving test after taking the plunge in Chile
Everyone remembers their driving test. Whether you passed first time, or took a few more attempts to get your full driving licence, driving tests are distinctly memorable for anyone who has had the pleasure of undertaking one.
When I took my driving test, I was shaking with nerves. I desperately wanted to have free reign of the roads without the company with my driving instructor or my dad, but I was terrified that I would let myself down by doing something erratically stupid.
Fortunately, all went well and I received my pink driving licence in time for Christmas.
However, there is one woman in Chile who I don’t think will be able to celebrate becoming a fully qualified driver over the festive season.
The 35-year-old woman was taking her own nerve-wracking driving test when she misjudged a bend and landed the car in the Pacific Ocean. According to a report, the learner made the error of pushing the accelerator pedal instead of the break – consequently crashing through safety barriers and plunging into the sea.
With the help of a heroic passer-by, both the examiner and the woman managed to escape the submerged vehicle, reportedly only suffering a few minor injuries.
Well, my driving test was pretty uneventful compared to this!
When I took my driving test, I was shaking with nerves. I desperately wanted to have free reign of the roads without the company with my driving instructor or my dad, but I was terrified that I would let myself down by doing something erratically stupid. Fortunately, all went well and I received my pink driving licence in time for Christmas.
However, there is one woman in Chile who I don’t think will be able to celebrate becoming a fully qualified driver over the festive season.
The 35-year-old woman was taking her own nerve-wracking driving test when she misjudged a bend and landed the car in the Pacific Ocean. According to a report, the learner made the error of pushing the accelerator pedal instead of the break – consequently crashing through safety barriers and plunging into the sea.
With the help of a heroic passer-by, both the examiner and the woman managed to escape the submerged vehicle, reportedly only suffering a few minor injuries.
Well, my driving test was pretty uneventful compared to this!
Photo © Carlos Varela via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: Chile, driving licence, driving test, examiner, learner, nerves, Pacific Ocean
Monday, December 12, 2011
An Italian hotel for thrill seekers
On a cold wintery day I often take refuge by curling up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate and watching a classic film such as The Italian Job. I love watching the minis performing gravity defying stunts and imagine myself one day having a starring role with my car in a blockbuster.
Mind you, that infamous ending scene where the bus hangs precariously on a mountain side always sends shivers down my spine. So when I heard that there is a hotel in Italy which boasts the same position, I couldn’t imagine that anyone would be gutsy enough to sleep in such a terrifying spot.
However, it would appear that this cabin is actually much safer than the original bus, and although it doesn’t contain tons of gold, it did cost the Italian Alpine Club £214,000 to develop. Adventurous climbers can now stay in the dwellings and look out at the astonishing surrounding views.
Needless to say, I’m not planning to visit the ambitious cabin anytime in the near future – I’m perfectly happy to watch the film version from the comfort of my very secure living room.
Mind you, that infamous ending scene where the bus hangs precariously on a mountain side always sends shivers down my spine. So when I heard that there is a hotel in Italy which boasts the same position, I couldn’t imagine that anyone would be gutsy enough to sleep in such a terrifying spot.However, it would appear that this cabin is actually much safer than the original bus, and although it doesn’t contain tons of gold, it did cost the Italian Alpine Club £214,000 to develop. Adventurous climbers can now stay in the dwellings and look out at the astonishing surrounding views.
Needless to say, I’m not planning to visit the ambitious cabin anytime in the near future – I’m perfectly happy to watch the film version from the comfort of my very secure living room.
Photo © Gregory Moine via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: bus, car, classic, hot chocolate, minis, The Italian Job, wintery
Friday, December 9, 2011
Concept cars really do hold the key to the future
I like looking at the newest concept car offerings which are often show-cased at, I believe, very overstated events. The incredible specifications, such as self drive settings and exteriors which can change colour, never cease to amaze me.
However, although I daydream about owning a car with such advanced features, it seems that these concept cars might be a truer indication of what the future hold than I first thought!
A 1969 concept car, which goes by the name of Holden’s Hurricane, has been put back on display at an event held in Melbourne. The flashy vehicle was originally unveiled 42 years ago in the same city when its features would have been seen as revolutionary.
The vehicle boasts a rear-view camera, digital displays and a primitive magnetic GPS system. Mind you, the car might be pretty difficult to find a car insurance quote for as it has been fitted with a 4.2 litre engine and a roof which lifts off entirely.
Finally, my dreams of a car which doubles as a dressing room might actually come true! Only time will tell.
However, although I daydream about owning a car with such advanced features, it seems that these concept cars might be a truer indication of what the future hold than I first thought!
A 1969 concept car, which goes by the name of Holden’s Hurricane, has been put back on display at an event held in Melbourne. The flashy vehicle was originally unveiled 42 years ago in the same city when its features would have been seen as revolutionary.
The vehicle boasts a rear-view camera, digital displays and a primitive magnetic GPS system. Mind you, the car might be pretty difficult to find a car insurance quote for as it has been fitted with a 4.2 litre engine and a roof which lifts off entirely.
Finally, my dreams of a car which doubles as a dressing room might actually come true! Only time will tell.
Photo © ricardodiaz11 via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: camera, car, car insurance quote, concept, dreams, engine, GPS
Monday, December 5, 2011
Oily criminals thieving fuel
Some people desperate to lower the costs of motoring have been thieving from takeaways and restaurants.
How could that save money car-wise, you may wonder.
Well, these thieves have converted their cars so that they run on cooking oil – and where else would you find cooking oil but in various hard-working premises which sell deep-fried foods?
Erm – the supermarket maybe?
It seems like a lot of bother to break or sneak into a building and risk a prison or community service sentence when you could just buy oil honestly in the local shops. It’s still much cheaper than buying petrol or diesel!
Apparently these types of crimes have been going on in America and Canada for a while, but now the illegal money-saving idea has crossed the pond and arrived in the UK.
I’m guessing that these motorists are the ones that are least likely to have bothered getting their vehicles insured too…
How could that save money car-wise, you may wonder.Well, these thieves have converted their cars so that they run on cooking oil – and where else would you find cooking oil but in various hard-working premises which sell deep-fried foods?
Erm – the supermarket maybe?
It seems like a lot of bother to break or sneak into a building and risk a prison or community service sentence when you could just buy oil honestly in the local shops. It’s still much cheaper than buying petrol or diesel!
Apparently these types of crimes have been going on in America and Canada for a while, but now the illegal money-saving idea has crossed the pond and arrived in the UK.
I’m guessing that these motorists are the ones that are least likely to have bothered getting their vehicles insured too…
Photo © sashafatcat via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car, converted, cooking oil, crime, insured, motoring, restaurant, takeaway, thieves
Friday, December 2, 2011
Using your loaf in a crash
A few weeks ago we told you how you could save money on lunch by making an appetising toast sandwich (which we’re sure you all tried to great success).
This week we bring you the latest in car crash injury prevention technology – a loaf of bread.
One woman driver was lucky enough to have just been shopping when she suffered an accident after aquaplaning into a telegraph pole which flipped her car upside down.
Yes, we know this doesn’t sound very lucky at the moment.
The lucky part is that a loaf of bread she had in a shopping bag in the back seat flew forward and landed between her head and the roof of the car, so that her head was supported and cushioned until emergency crews managed to get her out.
She states, “For some reason, the airbags didn’t inflate so the loaf was the only cushion I had. It saved my life.
“I was trapped for almost an hour. During that time the loaf remained as a cushion and support for my head as I was upside-down.”
We think it’s important to add though, that although this woman was saved by her shopping, you should really put loose objects in the car boot or securely fix them down before beginning a journey. If you don’t, then an item could hit you if you brake sharply for any reason.
This week we bring you the latest in car crash injury prevention technology – a loaf of bread.One woman driver was lucky enough to have just been shopping when she suffered an accident after aquaplaning into a telegraph pole which flipped her car upside down.
Yes, we know this doesn’t sound very lucky at the moment.
The lucky part is that a loaf of bread she had in a shopping bag in the back seat flew forward and landed between her head and the roof of the car, so that her head was supported and cushioned until emergency crews managed to get her out.
She states, “For some reason, the airbags didn’t inflate so the loaf was the only cushion I had. It saved my life.
“I was trapped for almost an hour. During that time the loaf remained as a cushion and support for my head as I was upside-down.”
We think it’s important to add though, that although this woman was saved by her shopping, you should really put loose objects in the car boot or securely fix them down before beginning a journey. If you don’t, then an item could hit you if you brake sharply for any reason.
Photo © sk8geek via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: accident, aquaplaning, bread, car crash, emergency crews, injury prevention, loaf, shopping, telegraph pole, woman driver