Consumer news

31 of the first Audi e-trons in the UK are thought to be affected, but no fires have been reported by SUV’s early adopters

Kia has recalled 5,020 hybrid and plug-in hybrid examples of the Niro in the UK due to an overheating issue in an electrical relay

Data shows a third of all breath tests and nearly 18 per cent of drink-driving convictions are for drivers stopped between 7am and 1pm

‘Electric Vehicle Approved’ dealers will offer expert EV advice to buyers; Government-backed scheme aims to improve consumer confidence

Fourth fire-related recall sees Zafira B models previously thought to be fixed recalled again; 234,938 UK cars affected

Councils told to remove unnecessary road signs following concerns they waste money, are unattractive to look at and confuse drivers

Several Jaguar Land Rover models to be recalled after it emerged they emit more CO2 than recorded in original certification tests

Public Health England calls for strict controls on cars around schools and more congestion charge zones around the country

Average delay on motorways and dual carriageways in England rose by 3.9 per cent to 9.4 seconds per vehicle per mile last year

BMW waiting for hundreds of thousands of EGR valve parts to arrive in the UK before essential recall work can take place

Busy traffic period between 4pm and 6pm accounts for nearly a fifth of accidents, with a spike between 5pm and 5:10pm

Engineers and computer experts say attack is likely within the year; in-car wi-fi, telematics and self-driving functions most likely targets

Government plans to allow autonomous cars with no driver onto public roads; seeks to put UK at forefront of £52bn industry

The Ford Fiesta topped the sales charts in 2018, selling almost 100,000 units, although UK new car sales figures fell by 6.8%

Ford announces voluntary redundancy scheme at its engine plant in South Wales with 400 job losses

Fresh take on EV charging sees hydrogen fuel cell used to replenish EV batteries; tech allows for off-grid charging

DVSA plans to work with Department for Transport “to determine how the MoT system can be adjusted to cover outstanding safety recalls”

A summer crackdown by 38 police forces in England and Wales saw 1,962 drivers screened for drugs, of which 1,108 tested positive

Volkswagen was criticised by consumer group Which? for failing to offer a permanent solution after first offering an “informal recall”

Government announces 50 new proposals to combat road rage and encourage “mutual respect” between drivers, cyclists and pedestrians

Motoring organisations call for £75 million of Government investment to prevent 1,100 deaths over the next two decades

DfT figures show average new-car CO2 emissions reached 128.3g/km in September; WLTP and diesel slump likely culprits

Which manufacturers are making the most reliable cars on UK roads, and which ones should you be wary of?

Southwark Council is installing 50 char.gy points in lamp posts around Bankside and Dulwich

Previous-gen Prius and Auris recalled over potential stalling issued triggered when cars go into limp mode; 55,000 UK cars are affected

Drivers risking lives, as well as three penalty points, by jumping level crossing lights. New campaign and video highlight dangers

The move is estimated to save regular users £1,400 a year, and boost the local economy by £100m a year

Scottish energy manager says electric vehicle charging could cause blackouts if network investment is held back

Government’s contingency planning flags insurance issue; motoring body warns of “restrictions that go straight back to the 1960s”

German car maker and insurance company Swiss Re devise algorithm that takes advanced safety features into account

Experts sidestep the gridlocked Capital in their countdown of the 10 most traffic-clogged cities in the UK

32,393 UK cars are affected, but the majority of the recalled cars are located in Japan and America

Academic study reveals attention and driving abilities were impaired during a hangover, even after alcohol has left the system

Chief constable says 10 per cent plus 2mph buffer zone guideline gives the impression “it is OK to speed”

Norton Canes on the M6 toll gets the best rating, but M25’s Thurrock services most heavily criticised by customers

Ofgem says 60 per cent more electric cars could be charged up if owners plug in during off-peak periods