Hi guys I don't usually post in this part of the forum because i try and keep to the road laws but...... Today i received a letter from the council saying that i was caught by a cctv operative driving in a bus lane and that i could view the proof by visiting a link they had given in the letter. I quickly jumped on the computer to see the evidence as i was sure i hadn't driven in any bus lane but to my surprise there was 3 pictures and a video. As i couldn't believe that i would have mistakenly done this as there is usually a load of signs and the lane i usually red with big white letters saying “Bus Lane”, I took a drive back to the road to see how i could have missed it. When i got there i could see that there's no red road and the big white letters say “Bus Stop” not “Bus Lane”. I copied this image from google earth to show you the exact situation: Bigger picture here: http://tinypic.com/r/2reprpd/8 The red lines show where i was and the direction i was going, the green X is about where there is a sign with a picture of a bus/bike/taxi on it and a time zone(i pulled in the lane after the sign and is why i missed it). Do i have any grounds to appeal it?

Driving licences will go paperless from June as the government continues to press ahead with plans to take more service online. For the past 17 years drivers have had to keep two parts of a driving licence: one a sheet of paper detailing their penalty points and endorsements, and the other a plastic ID card. The government has decided to phase out the paper element of the licence. "The reason for abolishing the counterpart is to reduce the burden on motorists,” a government spokesperson explained. "For most drivers there simply isn’t a need to have this information on a piece of paper when it is now freely and easily available online. It also saves drivers from paying £20 to replace a lost or damaged counterpart," they told the Plymouth Herald. When are the changes coming into effect? Earlier this year minister announced that all paper counterparts to licences would no longer be valid after 8th June this year. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are also advising all drivers to destroy their paper counterparts. If my licence was issued before 1998 do I need to get a new licence? No. Your licence will still be valid and does not need to be replaced, until it is due for renewal. "The next time you need to update your name, address or renew your licence, you will be issued with a photocard only," a DVLA spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph. How will I check my driving record? All of your details – and the details of Britain’s approximately 30 million motorists – will be compiled on an online database that you will be able to access. The decision is part of the government’s “Red Tape Challenge”. The site, launched last year, is available here but those who wish can still request their records either by telephone or post. I’m a business owner and employer. How will these changes affect me? A similar site for employers, allowing them to check the driving details of possible employees, is planned for launch at some point in spring this year. A date for the launch has not yet been released.

I am a resident of UK. I came to UK from India 2 years ago in April 2012 on work Visa. I work for a car manufacturing company in UK. On 14th Dec 2014 I was driving my company car and caught speeding by a speed camera for exceeding 40MPH speed limit(Recorded Speed:51MPH). The police contacted my company to get the driver details as the car was registered on my company and they got my address from my company and sent me the “Notice of Intended Prosecution” I have my Indian Driving License; I got the International Driving Permit during my last visit to India in March 2014 which is Valid for a year from March 2014 to March 2015. I have a UK provisional license issued on 11th Nov 2014. Hence during the offence I have the UK provisional license and the international driving permit. I read from DVLA website that the Indian Driving license or the International Driving Permit is valid only for 1 year from the initial entry into UK. I have crossed 2 years as a resident in UK so I don’t know whether my International Driving Permit which I have validity till March 2015 is valid to drive in UK after I crossed my 1 year of stay. I drove the car without learners “L” plate (I believe the speed camera would have caught the picture of my car which is an evidence of not having “L” during driving) which I feel as another offense, also I came to know that the UK provisional license will overrule my International Driving Permit or Indian Driving License. In the NIP I was asked to provide my UK driving license details such as driver number and current number of points. I have given to choose from below options Part 1. If eligible I wish to be considered for a driver awareness course at a cost of £110 Part 1a. I wish to be considered for the fixed penalty procedure OR Part 1b. I would like the matter to be dealt with by way of a court hearing. Now I wanted to know the below queries please in filling and sending back the NIP, 1. Whether I can provide my International Driving Permit only and opt for a course if eligible or fixed penalty. I don’t want to give my UK provisional because they will raise another question whether I drove the car with an L plate on it which will be another offense. 2. If I am not giving the UK provisional then, a. I need to know whether they will enquire and find out my date of first entry in UK. b. I need to know whether there are chances that they may find out I have a UK provisional 3. If I give the UK provisional license along with the International Driving Permit (though it is overruled by UK provisional) and claim guilty then are there chances to punish me for speeding offense as well as driving without “L” plate offense. 4. On top of all the above, If I give the UK provisional then I need to know whether the police will contact my company and inform them that I was driving the company car with a provisional license which is an offense and got a speed fine as well. This may affect my job as my company may take action against me since I did something against law. I am bit nervous and worried as I am confused to take a right decision. I kindly request your opinions and suggestions on my above queries please which will be really helpful for me to take a decision and respond to the NIP. Thanks in advance.

Increase in older drivers losing their licence on health grounds 3 hours ago An increasing number of people over the age of 70 are being stopped from driving for medical reasons. In the last year, the figure rose by a third to nearly 13,000. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31617865

Hi Guys, my partner has received a notice for her details from the police for an alleged "action" in a car park used by mums picking up kids from pre-school. it states the Application is for the drivers details for alledged driving dangerously, carelessly or without consideration for other persons, contrary to sections 2 and 3 of the road traffic act 1988. They want the details of the driver on the date of the incident before they say anything else about the alleged offence. Their form is leading as if you fill it out it confirms you were driving (2 months ago) but either of us rarely drive as we live within a 3 minute walk. even if my partner did, which she cant remember - what does this mean, what are our rights? Many Thanks in advance TSF Will this form

@VodafoneUK are taking the absolute mickey. I have been promised a large refund and into my bank account on 24th of November. I spoke with Menna, and she confirmed this would "100% be into your bank on the 24th Miss smith, you don't need to worry I promise" I spoke with her on the 20th of Novemeber after a manager called Temms raised a refund, to confirm this would happen. She assured me not to worry this money would be in there. It has not arrived, and I have been waiting since August 2014! I have visited my local Vodafone store and seen the notes for myself there is a form raised for this refund, but it has not arrived. I will be submitting Vodafone with a Subject Access Request if this is not paid to me today and approaching the Financial Ombudman. I have made numerous calls on this, and been told Menna would call me back after I complained this refund hasn't arrived, and since neither has her call. This is unacceptable, and I pay you in good time every month! I tried to PM Lee Vodafone customer rep, but it wouldn't go through so public forum it is. A very fed up Customer

I was driving into London and entered a bus lane and received a penalty. I have checked the area using google maps and street view and would like to know if I can contest it. It happened at the end of London Bridge, going north. There are two lanes going north. At the point of trouble, both lanes have white road arrows indicating "straight ahead". However the left lane then veers left and the straight ahead portion becomes a bus lane. In my case I was misled by the straight arrow thinking it is safe to go straight, and then entered the bus lane and it was too late to brake. There are no other indications that the road ahead is for busses only, the only signs are placed past the entry into the bus lane. I attach two photos so you can see the situation. Can I contest this ticket in any way? Many thanks.

Hi There, Two friends came to pick me up from the airport. My friend driving is on a provisional license, so the other was the licensed driver. Too be honest, I have no idea whether the plates were on the car when they arived atthe airport (it had been an awful journey). We dropped off the other person and I became the licensed driver. We were stopped near to their home, well outside in fact. Told we were being stopped as a car matching the description had been seen with regard to stolen scrap metal. It seemed like they made the reason up on the spot. Next thing I knew was that they were arresting my friend for not having L plates. In the process the other had lifted the boot without asking permission. As I looked over I saw another car arrive and a female officer get out. I went in to panic thinking I was going to be arrested due to this, a female officer?? She had come to search me, I wasn't arrested?? They contined to search the car.... where you would hide scrap metal after the boot I have no idea. The boot was full of painting and decorating tools, my mate still in his overalls. I would have thought this would have put a rest to the situation. they seemed to realise in the process that we were what we said we were. I didnt like the exercise in fear that was given to us. They then wrote a ticket for him and said he would need to appeal or accept it. Unfortunateley he came off a ladder and has only just got out of hospital. The paperwork arrived the other day and said he was not only driving without a license and plates but also without someone with a license. The statement that follows on another page does mention me. However I feel that as the initial charges are wrong and I dont feel they followed procedure. I think we can do something about getting it dropped? I know notices have to be exactly correct. I dont think the later statement covers this. The actual charges should be correct? I need to help him fill out a response and want some help with the best way to go about it. can anyone help on this? thanks in advance

brought a corsa cat c repaired (was damaged in 2013 passed vic test) form a dealer who advertised the car as a cat c repaired car obviously price reflected the fact the car was a cat c fully repaired and had an mot in feb and on the road before this dealer got it .. i paid cash for the car garage gave me an invoice on the invoice he wrote no warranty dealer delivered the car to me no issues. car had to be parked up for 2 weeks as i didn't want to lose a month when i taxed it . the day came when i taxed it j umped in car driving around after about 50 miles there was a terrible noise coming from gearbox. took car to be checked the next day at an independent place who gave me the bad news the gearbox was shot worn bearing. called the dealer to explain this and to get this sorted straight away he said no warranty car sold as it is was not prepared to do a thing after numerios calls they finally said they would pay half towards the repairs . . obviously i have looked for advice . and the advice i have been given is the dealer has to either repair the car as its not fit for purpose due to the sale of goods act. and if he refuses then i can reject the car for a full refund , i have said this to the dealer who has said that's not the case as they knocked 500 off the screen price when we was haggling ??? bear in mind this car has only done 70 miles since it left the dealership thats including delivery . HELP any help and info with this would be appreciated

Damn!!!! Went through the exact same lane an hour earlier....Anyone has any update? There is no indication or signs that straight ahead is bus lane only. The signs are well past the start of lane and like OP, it was too late once realised.

Hi. I have applied for first Provisional Driving licence as I wanted to get 125cc scooter, all I wanted was A1 category and than I was about to do CBT. Today I found it in my letter box and it was issued for category A and B (I take it that has happened because I`m over 30 years old?) Does it means that I can drive any bike right now without supervision? Also do I have to do CBT? I have never done one as this is my first licence, I`m about to get 125cc anyway to learn how to drive and that do an upgrade. If anyone could explain this to me please. Thanks

Sitting in traffic after multi car crash on the Forth Road Bridge, old lady driver opposite stuffing her face with crisps and cakes, after 45 minutes she nods off, slumps forward and bumps her head on the steering wheel sounding the horn. Thought she was going to have a heart attack

Does a vehicle have to be insured to drive it to a MOT station on a pre-arranged appointment? I have comprehensive cover on my own vehicle and third party cover if driving another vehicle.

Hello, Three years ago I changed my polish driving licence to UK one. I was wondering if it's now possible to change it back to polish? For example if I would be moving back to Poland.

The cost of renewing or applying for a driving licence is set to fall under proposals announced by the government. Fees would fall by a third for digital applications and 15% for paper. Drivers who apply for their first licence online would see a saving of £16, with the cost dropping from £50 to £34. Drivers who renew their licence after 10 years would benefit from a fee reduction from £20 to £14. And all driver tachograph cards would reduce to £32 from £38. The proposals are part of a public consultation on driver licensing fees - the changes would save drivers nearly £18 million and the industry around £2 million every year. Subject to the consultation and parliamentary process the new fees are planned to come into force by 31 October 2014. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driving-licence-fees-to-fall

Hi, My driving license was cancelled because I didn't send driving license to DVLA. I've never received any communication from them regarding this problem. I was sentenced in my absence (L530) and paying fines like a good, law abiding citizen. I assumed that they simply applied points to the driving license and that's the end of the story. But now I've received communication saying that I have to APPLY for a driving license. Is there any way around it? What if the postman dropped letter into the wrong hole and I'm being punished for it? I need my driving license for work. Thanks in advance, JJ

We kept getting calls from this crowd asking for Mrs B's dad. He passed away almost two years ago. I have told them countless times that he has passed away, and that every time they phone, Mrs B gets dreadfully upset. I have asked them not to call, and to remove all details have also done a Section 11 request, with which I received the following reply: Further to your email dated 2 July 2013, regarding the telephone canvassing calls you have been receiving from Zenith. I sincerely regret that it has been necessary to make a complaint of this nature. I can confirm that your telephone number has now been suppressed on our Database to ensure that you receive no further telephone canvassing calls from this Company. This will now take approximately one week to become effective. Furthermore, the Sales Branches in your area have been issued an instruction not to contact you further. Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. Yours sincerely ******** ************** Sales Office Administrator This e mail was received on the 4th of July this year. Today at 12-55, Mrs B picked up a call. Once again it was from Zenith Windows. After I dealt with the guy on the phone, I then had to comfort her. She was crying her eyes out and asking why this crowd keep doing this to her. She watched her dad die a very slow and painful death. I have told this crowd that on countless occasions. I have been repeatedly told that our details are being removed from their system, yet today we received another call from them. I have had the number registered with the TPS from before her dad passed away, as he too was getting the calls. And even then, they were told not to call, and why they were not to call. I have had enough. Where do I go now? I want recompense for the stress, emotional upset, and distress that this company are causing Mrs B. I want them to pay for this. I have to pick up the pieces every time they call. It is not nice watching your loved one break down like this, especially after I have had assurance after assurance that the number has been removed from their database. I am a gnats hair away from contacting my solicitor, who is a bit of a rottweiller, but I thought I'd come on here first to see what you guys suggest, as you have been fantastic in the past with previous issues Mrs B has had. Any suggestions guys? Would a SAR be of any use, just to see how many times they have called, and when they have called?? Sorry for this being a bit of a rant, I am just so bloody angry with this company. Buncrana

Hi I got caught driving without isurance and received a letter a few weeks ltr advising I have to pay a fine of £300 in full and have a 6 point endorsement. I have 2 weeks to pay the fine in full, if I dont pay within the 2 weeks the letter claims I will be summoned to court which will result in a higher fine amount. Although the letter claims I have to pay the fine in 1 single payment as there is no installment option is there anyway round this? Im unemployed and have no chance of meeting the 2 week deadline, has anyone had any sucess pleading their poverty case with the court which resulted in monthly installs being granted? Any help please

Could somebody please advise me on buying car insurance after a driving ban has ended . On 13/05/2009 i was banned from driving for five years, Obviously the ban has nearly served its time and i am due to get licence back on 13/05/2014 . What i don't understand is that i have looked online at different insurance companies to try get a rough idea of how much it would cost me to insure a car from that date . Each time i have done this it asks me whether i have had any claims or convictions in the last 5 years , Well the honest answer to that is No, because i haven't had a licence during that time period . How do i answer them so that i would be legally covered if i happened to have any claim in the future ?

Hi everyone I took a job last year in the North, meaning i relocated from the south. I was told I would be overseeing and working in the North at various location (7 to be precise) over 2 weeks, which were not too far apart. I was also told one of the locations was around 1.5 hours drive away but that i would only be there occasionally. Since starting the job, i have been at this location twice a week, taking me 2 hours to drive there and 2 hours to drive back from where i live and apparently its goping to be like that permanently. The other locations are a lot nearer, the furthest being 40 mins drive away. I have also been sent to the Midlands to cover locations with staff shortages etc and this has been at least once per week. I am having to finish my work of an evening, drive to the Midlands which is about 3-4 hours, stay in a hotel, work a full day then drive 3-4 hours to get home again. I am finding all this driving far too much and its not what I want from a job. My contract says i may be required to cover other locations in the country and i am happy to do so, occasionally, but this is getting too much. i do not want to be away from my family overnight on a regular basis. I have tried discussing it with my manager but he tells me that its part of my job. As far as i was aware the area i was supposed to be working is the North and that is what my job title states,(North Area), not the midlands, london or anywhere else. I am being asked more regularly to go to locations not in the North and feel like I am living out of a suitcase. My company give me a car and pay for the fuel so that isnt a problem, but I am so worn out and stressed with all the driving, Im no longer enjoying this job. So my question is.. . how much driving is too much? even though my contract states I can be sent to other locations in the country, what is reasonable? I do love the work, but all this time spent driving is ruining it. Thanks

my friend who is a driving instructor paid £99 to a national driving school who had a 'try us and see' offer.. .where you pay them £99 and they promise to give you '5 pupils' to show how good they (the company are).. .you then decide if you want to take a franchise out with the company. my friend paid £99 to this driving school she was given the details of a pupil in another town. ..she called the pupil and explained she was unable to take this pupil for her test and she should contact the driving school to arrange her test or ask the driving school to send one of their own instructors, she also explained this to the driving school who told her 'this will not be classed as one of your 5 pupils' and the driving school would find her other pupils (a total of 5 for the £99 she paid them) To cut a long story short my friend has not been provided with any pupils since this incident, the driving school are ignoring her calls. My friend wants the £99 she paid back. ..she feels ripped off because the school promised ' 5 pupils for £99 try us and see' - she was not provided with one pupil. Shall my friend send them a letter by recorded delivery, in it state that they have not supplied the pupils as agreed. As a result she holds them to be on breach of contract and demand a refund of the full fee of £95 within 14 days. Can anyone please help my friend feels ripped off she has spoken to another driving instructor who has said contact trading standards but my friend has never been in such a situation before ...any of the experiened caggers able to help my friend get her money back? My friend has the leaflet with the offer she took

One of the site team has received an email from their Neighbourhood Watch scheme regarding the following:- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/motorists-warned-about-driving-licence-reminders-received-by-text-or-email So please do be aware of this.

In May 2012 the DVLA revoked my license following my advice to them, on my Consultants Neurologists recommendation, that I have a congenital Hemianopia which does not affect my eyesight but does have an effect when undergoing the Goldmann's /Esterman peripheral vision tests (flashing white lights in an enclosed dome where one presses a button when lights are seen) My Consultant has written to the DVLA on several occasions and stated that there is nothing wrong with my sight and suggests they put me on a driving assessment to establish the fact. The DVLA resolutely maintain it is their decision whether I am allowed to undertake an assessment and to date have not allowed me to do so. I have involved my M.P. to no avail and am now considering submitting my case to the Parliamentary Ombudsman but wondered if anyone has experienced the DVLA's total lack of consideration even when a case is supported by a Nationally recognised Consultant Neurologist specialising in the field of Optomatory. Despite the fact that it is some 21 months since I lost my license I can assure anyone who may be interested that I have continued in my endeavours throughout that time despite the sluggardly nature of the DVLA's response time, to get a review of the decision. I am astonished that if I had one eye I would be allowed to drive but I am not with my supposed condition. I believe it is a case of Bureaucracy gone mad. Any adice would be appreciated. Kevin P PS 42 years of driving cars and powerful motorcycles with a totally clean license in all that time.

VERY GRAPHIC, BE WARNED With the holiday season upon us, i am posting this commercial on Anti Drink Driving from Australia. Do you think we need such commercials instead of pussy footing around on the subject. Say post 9pm watershed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embe dded&v=cFb0nLCKypg