This weeks motoring news in brief
Measuring up
A NEW class of speed cameras that combine satellite technology and number plate recognition are being tested in the UK. The SpeedSpike system uses number plate recognition and GPS to capture the positions of cars and calculate an average speed over a distance.
A record is made of cars found to be breaking speed limits. PIPS Technology, which devised the system, said it could be used in a number of areas including motorways and to enforce speed restrictions around schools. (PA)
New NCT tyre rule fails drivers
A NEW NCT requirement for all tyres to carry an “E” mark in order to pass the test means that people may be replacing perfectly good tyres with those of inferior quality, according to an importer of Japanese used cars.
David Golding described as “a ridiculous scenario” the situation where “perfectly good tyres” were being thrown away and replaced “with the cheapest E marked tyres. I am seeing Japanese import cars with perfectly good top-brand tyres in almost new condition failing their NCT because there is no requirement for E marks in Japan. However all these tyres are carrying a DOT mark which shows that they meet US standards approval,” Mr Golding said.
Conor Faughnan of AA Roadwatch said they have received a large number of enquiries about the new legal requirements but noted that if a vehicle has failed its NCT as a result of not displaying e-marking on its tyres, the retest is free.
Listen Up!
THIS WEEK on The Irish Times Motors Podcast, in association with Bridgestone Tyres, Irish Times reader Kevin Byrne test- drives BMW’s new 5-Series, Paddy Comyn tests Peugeot’s RCZ coupé in Spain and we report on Toyota’s troubles.
Listen in at irishtimes.com/motors/podcast
“The Bugatti Veyron is a complete piece of junk. I believe I can look at a range of women and I can see beauty in most of them, but I can look at a Bugatti and I think it is pig ugly."
McLaren boss Ron Dennis offers his opinion of the Veyron. Coincidentally his own firm has just launched its own rival to the Bugatti, MP4-12C supercar.