Memorable Journeys Through the Alps by Electric Cars and Bicycles
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Good motoringThe magazine for members of GEM Motoring Assist Summer 2018 Swiss tour made e asy Memorable journeys through the Alps by electric cars and bicycles The MOT is changing: GEM member survey: COMPETITION: we have all you need to know your thoughts on smart win a two-night break at a about the revised test motorways and better driving fabulous Somerset hotel How you rated the GEM breakdown service... We care a great deal about the quality of service you receive when you need us for breakdown recovery. We thought you might like to see some of the many five-star reviews about GEM Motoring Assist recently submitted to the independent review site reviewcentre.com... Friendly and fast A real comfort Outstanding service, waited 15 minutes at most. Helpful I like this company. From the ease with which you join - and friendly call handler followed by a helpful and friendly covering you for you and whatever car you are driving at recovery driver. Perfect! the time you need them rather than just your car - to the 19 April friendly service. They pick up the phone quickly, ask you the right questions, call to check you are OK whilst you High praise are waiting to be recovered and then check to make sure you are home safely and all is well. A real comfort when you are stranded on the side of a motorway with children I cannot praise the system highly enough. From the initial in the car! Well done GEM. phone call to being dropped off at home it was a painless 21 March experience. The phone handler was efficient and courteous. The rescue truck arrived in no time at all and we were Blowout on M6 quickly on our way to get the car sorted out. Thanks. 17 April After having a blowout on the M6, GEM were super 300 miles from home helpful, friendly and most importantly, fast. I was back on the road in roughly an hour. I was always informed of what was going on and after about 25 minutes, had a call Flat battery in a London car park at night. GEM excellent just to check I was OK. I was very impressed, although, I on the phone, kept to time as promised. Very polite, hope to never have to use them again! efficient mechanic, helpful and reassuring. 17 December 17 April Back on the road Very pleasant to deal with Quick service with a smile. Good manners and friendly I have the reclaim service. Absolutely no problems. I chap. Car back on the road within 10 minutes. Would received the money back quickly. recommend over AA or Green Flag. 27 March 1 March CONTENTS SUMMER 2018 FEATURES On the cover 16 The 2018 GEM member survey Your response to our questions on On the cover smart motorways, road safety and driver behaviour was phenomenal. Here we present part of the survey’s findings. 20 Making smart motorways safer We listened to your concerns about smart motorways, and recently paid a visit to a Highways England control room. Check out our safety advice for this type of road. WIN A BREAK IN BEAUTIFUL SOMERSET Ston Easton’s original artwork, contemporary touches 22 Why has casualty reduction stalled? and a passion for self-sufficiency in the kitchen For a long time we saw healthy year-on- 12 promise a truly memorable stay for you and a guest. year reductions in road deaths. Peter Rodger looks at why the brakes went on in 2010... and what we need to do next. On the cover 24 Charity steps into virtual reality GOING WITH THE CURRENT Neil Worth was on hand to witness the Carlton Boyce charges his way across the creation of an exciting ‘VR’ project in Sussex Swiss Alps in an electric car: plus some great that’s designed to engage the interest of 28 tips for exploring the country by ebike. vulnerable young adult road users. 66 Gonna buy a classic... If you ever wondered about the investment potential of a classic car, then Dominique Drayson has some excellent tips. ADVENTURES 28 Electric tour of Switzerland: Carlton Boyce joins an extraordinary Alpine Pic: Jeanine Hug On the cover expedition, by car and by bike. 32 Are you ready to pâté? David Williams recalls a little of his REGULARS schoolboy French as he explores the 7 Feedback Ardennes region. A selection of your letters relating to items in the Spring edition, and on other general 36 Discovering the Dukeries motoring themes. Alan Wakely strikes out to explore the country houses of north Nottinghamshire. 10 Your GEM News of our forthcoming off-road driving 39 Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way day, plus discounts on holiday car hire, Spectacular scenery, a warm welcome... parking and hotels. and 12 of the tastiest oysters help ensure Maxine Ashford has a memorable visit. 26 Ask the experts Topics in this edition include the value of extended warranties and convertibles that Cover pic: electric bike on the Swiss tour, by can also be warm in winter. Carlton Boyce. Article on p28. 43 On the Road New and used car tests, plus buying advice. www.motoringassist.com 3 Chief Executive’s letter • WATER, OIL AND STAIN WATER RESISTANT We have all shown our commitment RESISTANT • QUICK to making the roads safer UP TO DRYING I’m most impressed by ”48” the quality and fit! WAIST Wyatt, Rhyl Welcome to the summer edition of Good Motoring, which we have packed with tips, ACTION TROUSERS ideas and suggestions to inspire and entertain you – and to help to keep you safe on 4 LENGTHS ‘‘£38 £19 SAVE £19 the roads, as well. ’’ • Easy care and quick In our previous edition we invited you to take part in our driver survey, and I was CORK drying fabric thrilled to see that more than 2,500 people took the time to share their thoughts on a • Side elasticated waist variety of motoring-related matters. Your comments are vital in helping us formulate • Multiple pockets for our road safety advocacy, and the communications we publish on topics connected HALF added security with reducing death and injury on our roads. More details starting on page 16. Machine Washable We were able to share your feedback on the subject of smart motorways during 65% Polyester 35% Cotton PRICE Sizes 32-48 a mid-April visit to a Highways England control centre. The response we saw to now Cork Mercury Dark Navy incidents was reassuringly swift and professional, but we do still know that the lack 27” (68.5cm) inside leg AC14598 ZZC of a hard shoulder on any stretch of motorway will be of great concern if you are 29” (74cm) inside leg AC14599 ZZC unfortunate enough to break down. Our report is on page 20. 31” (79cm) inside leg AC14600 ZZC £19 33” (84cm) inside leg AC14601 ZZC I was fortunate enough to complete a short visit to the Ardennes region of France recently. Not only did the trip introduce us to some really lovely towns and LACE-UP TRAVEL SHOES villages that lie off the beaten track, it also brought us to the graveside of Augustin £38 £19 SAVE £19 Trebuchon, the very last French soldier of the First World War to be killed in action... just 15 minutes before the guns fell silent on 11 November 1918. A poingnant • Cushioning underfoot The response moment during a lovely journey, which I would recommend to anyone looking for a • Padded ankle collar and “we saw to new region to explore. You can read all about our trip starting on page 32. SAND tongue for support incidents was • Sturdy soles for everyday Finally, I know David Motton and the road test team have worked hard to tighten up wear reassuringly the scores they provide when reviewing new cars, so do take a good look at the line- swift and up of models in this edition. All the reviews can be found online, and you can work Upper Other/Textile Lining Textile your way back to see our verdicts on models we have appraised in recent years. It’s a Sock Leather Sole Other professional... Sizes 7-12 E Fit great resource, and easily accessible on the GEM website. Sand AQ11590 ZZC Enjoy this edition, and have a great summer! Plus only £3.99 delivery POST TO: Cotton Traders, Cotton Hub, Merlin Court, Atlantic Street, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 5NL 1ST COLOUR 2ND COLOUR ” ORDER CODE SIZE CHOICE CHOICE QTY TOTAL Paula Williams, Chief Executive WATER, OIL & STAIN RESISTANT Please send me item(s) indicated (BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE) OPTIONAL (TICK) † INSURANCE 48p I enclose my Cheque/PO made payable UK STANDARD £3.99 to Cotton Traders Limited for £ DELIVERY TOTAL Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms Initial Surname Address GOOD MOTORING is the magazine for Good Motoring is the property of GEM Motoring accept no responsibility for problems arising MERCURY DARK NAVY CORK members of GEM Motoring Assist. Assist. All rights reserved. The views expressed in from advertisements with Good Motoring. In the Postcode Editor: James Luckhurst this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views first instance, complaints and correspondence Telephone Signature Road Test Editor: David Motton of GEM Motoring Assist. GEM does not accept any relating to advertisements should be directed to Please debit my MasterCard/Visa/Maestro Proofreader: Roger Rushton responsibility for errors or omissions. the advertiser concerned. Should you not reach a order today, PLEASE USE THIS PROMOTIONAL CODE ([email protected]) Good Motoring is distributed quarterly via satisfactory conclusion within a reasonable period TO CLAIM YOUR OFFER Advertising enquiries: David Breary, Royal Mail to members of GEM Motoring Assist of time, please contact us by post or email.