Analysis of official government data by leading driving experience provider – DrivingExperience.com – reveals two weather related issues that motorists need to be particularly aware of at this time of year.

While drivers should never use a mobile device or drive a defective vehicle, collisions caused by these factors are dwarfed when compared to collisions that were on a road surface which was slippery due to the weather.

The Department for Transport (DfT) road safety factor figures show there were 2,161 collisions on this type of road surface compared to 340 collisions when a mobile device was involved and 1,249 including vehicles with defects such as defective tyres or lights.

Further analysis for the last full year that figures are available also shows there were 1,069 collisions when the driver or rider vision was affected by adverse weather or dazzling sun, more than three times the mobile device figure.

Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at DrivingExperience.com, said: “Judging driving conditions in April can be tricky with heavy downpours often followed by bright sunshine that is still quite low in the sky.

“Motorists should be vigilant at all times so they can drive safely, including maintaining a sensible speed, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front and avoiding heavy braking, as well as not using a mobile device and keeping their vehicle in a road worthy condition.”

Fines for defective windscreen wipers can be as much as £2,500, while driving with illegal tyres can see £2,500 fines and three penalty points for each faulty tyre.

Motorists can also hone their driving skills to help cope with wet weather, such as with Skid Pan Experiences as provided by DrivingExperience.com.

Imran added: “Each season presents its own driving challenges, and spring is no different. The harsh winter climate has been replaced by highly changeable and unpredictable weather, which motorists need to give due respect to.”

For more information about DrivingExperience.com, including its skid pan experiences, visit www.drivingexperience.com.

The auction, the first Buxton classic car sale that H&H Classics is holding this year, takes place on Wednesday 29^th April with some of the early entries paying homage to a golden era of motoring a century ago.

This includes a 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Windovers Tourer, estimated at £30,000-£35,000 which has coachwork supplied new to Hari Singh, the last ruling Maharaja of Kashmir until the monarchy was abolished in 1952.

The car, which would be a highly rewarding and potentially valuable restoration project, is a combination of the chassis and engine, and coachwork, from two different Phantoms. It is entered from a significant private collection in which it has been for some four decades.

Another significant Rolls-Royce taking centre stage at the Buxton auction, and also in need of restoration, is a 1924 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost that was first owned by Otto Oppenheimer of the De Beers diamond empire.

Estimated at £12,000-£15,000, it still has its original engine, while it was initially supplied with Pullman Cabriolet coachwork by the renowned H. J. Mulliner, and is now described as ‘a true diamond in the rough’.

James McWilliam, sales manager at H&H Classics, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton in 2026 as it’s always been a popular venue where we’ve seen some fantastic auctions over the years.

“It looks like we’re going to have another incredible sale, not least with an interesting assortment from the 1920s which are joined by modern classics and other highly desirable models from decades past.”

Indeed, another car more than one hundred years old and going under the hammer is a 1925 Sunbeam 14/40 Tourer, which has previously featured in the 90s television series, Lady Chatterley’s Lover.

Estimated at £28,000-£34,000, it is a more usable Colonial model, has been well used in recent years and still presents excellently.

Meanwhile, from the following decade is a rare 1939 Triumph Dolomite 14/60 ‘Foursome Coupe’, one of just three surviving examples and believed to be the only one on UK roads.

This Art Deco-inspired model with considerable restoration investment is estimated at £34,000-£38,000, and has particular historical significance as one of the final cars manufactured prior to the outbreak of the Second World War.

James added: “This will be our third auction so far this year, following a successful classic car sale in Nottinghamshire and an amazing classic motorcycle auction in the West Midlands, and presents a great opportunity for classic car enthusiasts and collectors to acquire the car they’ve always dreamt of.”

All lots will be available to view in person at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, from midday on Tuesday 28^th April and from 9am on Wednesday 29^th April, while the sale then commences at 12pm.

Anyone looking to bid on one of the lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid, while for more details about any of the cars or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.

The auction saw total sales of £1.8 million, some £700,000 more than the combined lower estimates of all the lots, making it the largest grossing motorcycle auction that H&H Classics has ever held.

The highly anticipated sale of 274 classic motorbikes and 27 vintage scooters took place on Wednesday 25^th March and also achieved a very impressive 86 per cent sales rate.

This included all 43 entries from the ‘Road and Race Collection’, all owned by a collector of rare and important historic motorcycles, which were successfully hammered away, not least a 1963 Moto Morini Bialbero 250 Grand Prix Racer, which fetched £61,525, more than £13,500 above its lower estimate, and also the highest price achieved on the day.

The bike is one of the greatest 250 racers of all time and was restored prior to 2017 with many original parts retained.

A packed auction hall also saw plenty of fierce bidding for other motorcycles, including for a highly desirable 1969 Egli Vincent Black Shadow entered from the Keith Mason Collection, which fetched £58,075, more than £25,000 above its lower estimate.

Mike Davis, senior motorcycle specialist at H&H Classics, said: “Our first classic motorcycle auction of 2026, also the biggest of its type in the UK, well and truly exceeded expectations, not least by being our biggest grossing two-wheel sale to date.

“Not only was there a strong sales rate, but also some incredible individual results. It was definitely a case of quality and quantity.”

Other stand out sales included a 1990 Harley Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy, which found a new home for £13,800, more than £8,000 above its lower estimate, and a 1974 Ducati 750 Sport, considered one of the 1970s’ most beautiful bikes, which was hammered away for £29,325, more than £7,300 above its lower estimate.

Further highlights from the auction saw a 1999 Ducati 996 SPS/F, number 75 of just 150 examples, fetch £24,150, more than £6,000 above its lower estimate, while a 1950 Vincent Series C Comet, another motorcycle from the Keith Mason Collection, was hammered away for £12,938, almost £5,000 above its lower estimate.

Mike added: “We’ve set an incredibly high bar, which we’ll enjoy trying to exceed at our next auction of classic motorcycles and vintage scooters which takes place in July back at the National Motorcycle Museum. As space is limited we’d encourage anyone considering an entry to contact us at their earliest convenience.”

Meanwhile, notable results among the vintage scooters included a 1961 Velocette Viceroy, one of only c.700 produced, which was sold for £4,600, more than £1,000 above its lower estimate.

For a full list of the results from H&H’s auction, visit www.handh.co.uk.

In the meantime, owners of classic motorcycles and vintage scooters looking to benefit from the high levels of interest in H&H’s auction by selling with them can contact the team to discuss their entry on 01925 210035 or email sales@handh.co.uk.

Analysis of Department for Transport (DfT) figures by DrivingExperience.com found that, across four recent years, overall collisions fell by 2.4% in the week after the clocks changed. But collisions taking place at night – between 7pm and 6am – rose by 10% compared with the week before.

The analysis looked at matched Sunday-to-Saturday windows around the clock change – the seven days before and the seven days after, including the changeover Sunday – using pooled data from 2021 to 2024 to smooth year-to-year volatility.

While overall collision numbers did not increase, the figures suggest the March clock change may alter when risk is greatest, with incidents shifting more heavily into night-time hours.

Imran Malek, spokesperson at DrivingExperience.com, said: “Many drivers welcome the clocks going forward, with longer evenings and the sense that spring has arrived. But the change can also bring added risks, particularly in the days immediately afterwards.

“Our analysis of official figures shows a clear increase in night-time collisions in the week after the March clock change, so motorists should take extra care when driving during this period.”

Imran is advising motorists to follow a few simple steps to stay safer when driving in the dark:

• Keep windows clean – being able to see clearly is key to reducing glare, so drivers should also remember to top up washer fluid and check wiper blades.
• Use lights correctly – make sure all lights, front and rear, are working properly. Use full beam headlights on unlit roads, but dip them immediately for oncoming traffic or when following another vehicle. In built-up or well-lit areas, use dipped headlights.
• Beware of oncoming lights – drivers can be dazzled by approaching headlights, so it can help to look towards the left-hand side of the road to maintain a safe position in the lane.
• Reduce speed and increase stopping distances – darkness can make hazards harder to spot, so drive at a safe speed for the conditions and leave a greater distance from the vehicle in front.
• Don’t drive tired – maintain alertness behind the wheel by taking regular breaks where it is safe to do so, and avoid driving if you feel too tired to continue safely.

Imran added: “Driving at night can present extra challenges, but a few simple precautions can make a real difference. Clear visibility, proper use of lights, lower speeds and staying alert all help motorists stay safe.”

For more information about DrivingExperience.com, including its Young Driver Training and Skid Pan experiences, both designed to give practical driving skills, visit www.drivingexperience.com.

The figure, from the latest ALARM survey, reflects how often roads are fully renewed rather than simply patched, with the resurfacing cycle even worsening from around 93 years last year.

In England the average resurfacing cycle now stands at around 106 years, rising to 132 years in Wales. In London, by contrast, roads are resurfaced roughly once every 39 years.

The survey also discovered that one in every 10 miles of local roads in England and Wales – around 20,400 miles – is likely to require maintenance within the next 12 months. Despite councils filling 1.9 million potholes over the past year, the staggering repair backlog has climbed to a record £18.62 billion.

Highway engineers behind the report warn the local road network is becoming “increasingly fragile” and say recent funding increases have “yet to result in tangible improvements in conditions.”

Imran Malek, motoring expert at TrackDays.co.uk, said the findings highlight the deteriorating state of Britain’s roads and warned motorists to stay alert to avoid pothole damage.

“This latest report confirms the scale of the problem for drivers, who can feel the condition of the roads for themselves every day. Potholes, rough surfaces and sudden jolts have become an all-too-familiar part of everyday journeys.”

“One of the biggest mistakes drivers make is following too closely. If you leave a bigger gap to the vehicle in front, you give yourself more time to spot damaged road surfaces and react calmly rather than at the last second.

“Drivers should also treat standing water with caution, because puddles can easily hide a pothole underneath. On wet roads especially, it is worth easing off slightly and staying alert to uneven surfaces.

“If you cannot avoid a pothole safely, the key is to reduce speed in a controlled way before you reach it, keep the steering wheel steady and avoid a panicked swerve.

“It is also sensible to keep tyre pressures properly checked. Underinflated tyres are more vulnerable to pothole impacts, so that is one simple step drivers can take to help protect their car.”

According to the report, councils filled the equivalent of more than 5,200 potholes a day last year at a cost of £149.3 million. Yet over the past decade the cost of bringing roads up to a reasonable standard has risen by more than 50%, underlining the scale of the challenge facing local authorities.

For motorists, the result is a familiar one: more patched-up roads, more potholes and rougher journeys – with drivers often left footing the bill for the damage.

To find out more about TrackDays.co.uk, which runs driving experiences and driver training events across the UK including track days and educational driving courses, visit www.trackdays.co.uk.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by YourParkingSpace to councils across England found that, even with stretched budgets, disabled bay enforcement is still being taken seriously. Across the five-year period, councils recorded 19,660 investigations, leading to 14,154 penalty charge notices and 1,954 prosecutions.

That means 82 percent of investigations resulted in some form of enforcement – usually a fine, but in more severe cases the matter ended up in court. Averaged across the full dataset, that’s around 76 investigations, 54 fines and 8 prosecutions every week.

While prosecutions are less common, they are far from rare, with roughly 1-in-7 serious cases ending up before a magistrate.

Alongside that, the data highlights a wider trend: ‘bay enforcement’ – not just for Blue Badge bays but for EV chargers and parent-and-child spaces – is becoming a growing priority for car park owners, many of whom are turning to tech-based systems to prevent misuse.

The councils in the FOI cover a combined population of more than four million people, giving a clear and reliable picture of how disabled bay misuse is being handled in major urban areas.

Larne O’Donoghue, spokesperson for YourParkingSpace, said: “Even with tight resources, our research makes it very clear that councils are still cracking down on anyone misusing disabled bays. Taking a space that isn’t yours can ruin someone’s day – and the likelihood of being fined or prosecuted is much higher than most people think.

“We’re also hearing from car parks across the UK that misuse is becoming a growing problem – whether it’s disabled bays, EV chargers or other marked spaces. It leads to stress and complaints from customers, so many sites are now taking stronger action to stop it.”

Meanwhile, a YourParkingSpace survey of 2,000 motorists also revealed that more than two-thirds have witnessed drivers parking in a disabled bay without a valid badge.

Larne added: “While parking in a disabled bay without permission is never acceptable, we know that many drivers end up in the wrong space because they’re stressed, in a rush or simply can’t find anywhere else to park. Pre-booking a space removes that pressure and stops people making poor decisions in the moment.”

YourParkingSpace allows motorists to pre-book and guarantee a parking space online, reducing the temptation to rush into the wrong bay or take an unauthorised space when car parks are busy.To find out more, visit www.yourparkingspace.co.uk.

Figures from the Department for Transport (DfT), analysed by leading motoring website DrivingExperience.com, reveal that 84% of vehicles exceed 20-mph limits – and more than half (52%) go at least 10 mph over.

The findings suggest that five years on from the wider rollout of 20-mph zones, there’s been virtually no improvement in compliance – sparking fresh debate over whether the limits are working at all.

Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at DrivingExperience.com, said: “It’s shocking to see the level of speeding on 20-mph roads.

“While they have caused division in some areas and among some drivers, we would urge all motorists to drive sensibly and observe speed limits, keeping thrills to the track with a driving experience.”

Additional insight also shows that speeding in 20-mph zones is far higher than on other road types.

Less than half of vehicles have exceeded the 70-mph speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways, plus 60-mph single carriageways, and that a little over half have gone too fast on 30-mph roads – compared to the 84% on 20-mph roads.

Imran added: “There’s clearly a sizeable proportion of vehicles flouting the 20-mph speed limit, with some opposition arguing that there’s been a blanket approach when more targeted measures are required.

“Whatever the driving situation, it’s common courtesy to stay alert behind the wheel, ensuring all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, stay safe.”

For more information about DrivingExperience.com, including experiences to aid safer driving such as skid control, visit www.drivingexperience.com.

The advice comes from leading motoring website TrackDays.co.uk, which has analysed official Department for Transport (DfT) data showing a clear rise in collisions immediately following the autumn clock change.

Analysis of the past decade of figures shows that, on average, Britain sees a 3% increase in road collisions in November compared with October – equivalent to more than 300 additional crashes – coinciding with the switch to darker evenings.

In some years, the rise has exceeded 1,100 extra collisions from one month to the next, underlining the heightened risks drivers face immediately after the clocks go back. Across the past decade, the October-to-November shift has added more than 3,400 extra crashes to Britain’s roads in total.

Road-safety organisations have long called for an end to seasonal clock changes, arguing that darker evenings put pedestrians, cyclists and children at greater risk of injury.

Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at TrackDays.co.uk, said: “Every year we see the same pattern –  the nights draw in, visibility drops and accident numbers rise.

“Motorists need to take extra care: slow down, switch headlights on earlier and stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists and animals who are much harder to spot in the dark.”

TrackDays recommends that drivers take a few simple precautions as the nights close in:

1. Check all lights are working before setting off
2. Keep windscreens and mirrors clean to reduce glare
3. Leave extra distance between vehicles in poor visibility
4. Allow more time for journeys and avoid rushing, especially on unfamiliar routes

For those looking to boost their confidence, TrackDays also offers advanced safe-driving and skid-control courses designed to help motorists handle wet, icy or muddy conditions.

Imran added: “The clock change can catch drivers out every year. A few small adjustments behind the wheel can make a big difference as we head into winter.”

For more information, visit www.TrackDays.co.uk

According to motoring experience site DrivingExperience.com, DVLA figures show sales of personalised plates have more than doubled in the past decade, turning them into one of the UK’s most sought-after car accessories. 

From football clubs and job titles to hometown pride, drivers are using private plates to shout about who they are every time they hit the road. 

With prices starting from just £250 on the DVLA registrations website, and with access to over 60 million registrations, it’s clear to see why they are so appealing to countless drivers. 

Celebrities are not shy about flaunting their plates – not least boxers. Heavyweight superstar Tyson Fury struts his stuff with 88 GK – a nod to his 1988 birth year and his “Gypsy King” nickname – while fellow fighter Amir Khan landed a knock-out blow with BOX 111G. 

Football royalty are just as bold. David Beckham has long been linked with the coveted DB 1, while Wayne Rooney cheekily put his “Wazza” nickname on the bumper with WAZ 8.

And it’s not just the football pitch or the ring. Lewis Hamilton has nailed pole position with LEW 1S, TV mogul Simon Cowell keeps it simple with the slick S1 MON, and magician Paul Daniels pulled a trick from his hat with MAG 1C. 

Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at DrivingExperience.com, said: “The arrival of the new ’75’ number plate puts car registrations in the news at this time of year, and also hopefully gives the UK automotive industry a welcome boost. 

“However, many car owners don’t want to wait until September to have a new number plate and are opting for a private plate to reflect their own interests, putting them in the same bracket as mega-rich individuals and famous faces.” 

Some of the highest prices for private number plates reach six-figure sums, and just recently the UK record was broken when JB 1 was sold for more than £600,000. 

Imran added: “It’s incredible to think that the UK’s most expensive number plate is worth more than double that of the average UK house price. 

“Such a noteworthy number plate would look great on a supercar, such as a Ferrari, Lamborghini or McLaren, all of which are available to enjoy with DrivingExperience.com. 

“Indeed, jumping behind the wheel of the top of a range model on a Supercar Experience day is another way to get a motoring thrill, and nearly always much more affordable than buying a personalised number plate.” 

For more information about DrivingExperience.com, visit www.drivingexperience.com.  

Estimated at £650,000-£750,000, the car will be one of the highlights among an estimated 100 or so classic, collector and performance motorcars and motorcycles being offered for sale on Wednesday 10^th September.

Highly desirable, it is one of just 209 alloy block, Dunlop four-wheel disc brake 300SL Roadsters ever produced. It is now fitted with an earlier cast-iron cylinder block, as a large proportion of the alloy block equipped cars tended to warp when overheated, due to it being a relatively new technology. It is described by the vendor as being matching numbers in all other aspects.

Lucas Gomersall, motor car specialist at H&H Classics, said: “What better way to mark our debut Kelham Hall sale than by having the pleasure of auctioning this splendid 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster.

“It has formed the centrepiece of a private collection that once totalled more than 100 cars and which included an earlier 300SL Gullwing which was previously sold by H&H, so we’ll be looking for similar success with this Roadster.”

An iconic classic, this notably late example was supplied new to America but has been resident in Europe and UK since 1995.

It was subjected to an extensive ‘bare metal’ bodywork restoration in 1996 – 1997, and was subsequently reconfigured as a ‘rallywagen’ during 2003 before being campaigned on numerous historic rallies and tours.

Wearing a pleasant careworn patina, meaning it can be developed ‘as is’ or restored to showroom condition once more, the Roadster is understood to retain its original chassis, body and gearbox, plus the original differential is supplied separately to the car having been previously exchanged for a limited-slip type, more suitable for competition work.

Lucas added: “The beautiful surroundings of Kelham Hall provide the perfect setting for the auction of a celebrated automotive work of art. It’s sure to be a special event which will have other desirable classic, collectable and performance motorcars going under the hammer.”

Collectors, enthusiasts and potential owners will be able to inspect the car ahead of the sale when it is available for viewing on Tuesday 9^th September at the sale venue. It will also be on display at H&H’s final free-to-attend, ‘Classics & Coffee’ event of the summer at Kelham Hall on Wednesday 13^th August.

For more information about H&H Classics, the 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster and all of the other cars appearing in the Kelham Hall Sale, visit www.handh.co.uk.