10 of the Worst Roads to Drive in the UK

In the running theme of the Good Garage Scheme's 10th Anniversary Year, we look at the Top 10 worst roads in the UK for driving as reported by the Road Safety Foundation, a UK charity advocating road casualty reduction.

With hundreds of scenic views, advanced safety measures and regular maintenance, many of the UK’s roads offer a brilliant driving experience. And with a comprehensive network of criss-crossed roads small and large, there are a variety of options to take us comfortably from A to B.

However, a recent report from the Road Safety Foundation confirms that some roads are much safer for motorists than others. The charity states that in the past 10 years, more than 375,000 people have been killed or seriously injured on Britain’s road network.

We take a look at the most dangerous, higher risk roads in the UK – if you’ll be driving through any of these routes, it’s even more vital to check that your car is running properly and that you’re driving safely!

1. A18: Laceby - Ludborough

This 16km route has been reported as having the highest risk for UK drivers. Single carriageway ‘A’ roads have 8 times the risk of motorways, and the A18 forms part of the area with some of the highest average risk of death or serious injury.

2. A36: Totton

The most dangerous ‘A’ roads and motorways lie in the South East of England, with the lowest risk roads in the West Midlands. The A36 and A3090 connection in Totton, in the South East, is the second worst road for UK drivers.

3. A588: Blackpool - Lancaster

The North West route by the A585, has the third highest risk rating from the report. From 2011-2013, there were 26 fatal or serious crashes from this route.

4. A44: Llangurig - Aberystwyth

This A44 route runs for 39km in Wales, with 50% of its total crashes between 2011 and 2013 involving a motorcyclist.

5. A532: Crewe

Another road in the North West region of the UK, the A532, running between the A530 and A534, is the fifth most dangerous driving route according to statistics.

6. A291: Canterbury - Herne Bay

The A291 is in the South East, the 6th ‘A’ road and route in the highest risk roads to drive on. The single roads, particularly rural routes with sharp bends, are more likely to have unforeseen hazards and place less restrictions on speed limits.

7. M6 J33: - Lancaster

This junction makes for the highest risk part of a motorway in Britain. The route is 9km long and saw 23 fatal and serious crashes between 2011 and 2013.

8. A361: Chipping Norton - Banbury

The A361 is another road in the South East, in 8th place. 46% of crashes on this route resulted from a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist in the reporting period.

9. A40: High Wycombe

This South East road, at the M40 J5, has a high risk for UK drivers, with 20% of crashes caused by road run-offs and rear end shunts.

10. A643: Brighouse – Morley

Finally, this ‘A’ road in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, is the 10th highest risk road in the UK. The 12km route lies in one of the highest risk regions for fatal or serious injuries, alongside the East Midlands and South East regions.



Motorists driving on these higher risk roads need to ensure that they have taken the proper measures to maintain their vehicle. A badly serviced or unattended vehicle could further increase the risk of serious accident or injury on some of Britain’s worst roads.

If your vehicle is in need of servicing or if you just need some advice, contact your local Good Garage Scheme member garage.

It's like having a friend in know!

G

M

T

Detect languageAfrikaansAlbanianArabicArmenianAzerbaijaniBasqueBelarusianBengaliBosnianBulgarianCatalanCebuanoChichewaChinese (Simplified)Chinese (Traditional)CroatianCzechDanishDutchEnglishEsperantoEstonianFilipinoFinnishFrenchGalicianGeorgianGermanGreekGujaratiHaitian CreoleHausaHebrewHindiHmongHungarianIcelandicIgboIndonesianIrishItalianJapaneseJavaneseKannadaKazakhKhmerKoreanLaoLatinLatvianLithuanianMacedonianMalagasyMalayMalayalamMalteseMaoriMarathiMongolianMyanmar (Burmese)NepaliNorwegianPersianPolishPortuguesePunjabiRomanianRussianSerbianSesothoSinhalaSlovakSlovenianSomaliSpanishSundaneseSwahiliSwedishTajikTamilTeluguThaiTurkishUkrainianUrduUzbekVietnameseWelshYiddishYorubaZulu

AfrikaansAlbanianArabicArmenianAzerbaijaniBasqueBelarusianBengaliBosnianBulgarianCatalanCebuanoChichewaChinese (Simplified)Chinese (Traditional)CroatianCzechDanishDutchEnglishEsperantoEstonianFilipinoFinnishFrenchGalicianGeorgianGermanGreekGujaratiHaitian CreoleHausaHebrewHindiHmongHungarianIcelandicIgboIndonesianIrishItalianJapaneseJavaneseKannadaKazakhKhmerKoreanLaoLatinLatvianLithuanianMacedonianMalagasyMalayMalayalamMalteseMaoriMarathiMongolianMyanmar (Burmese)NepaliNorwegianPersianPolishPortuguesePunjabiRomanianRussianSerbianSesothoSinhalaSlovakSlovenianSomaliSpanishSundaneseSwahiliSwedishTajikTamilTeluguThaiTurkishUkrainianUrduUzbekVietnameseWelshYiddishYorubaZulu

Text-to-speech function is limited to 100 characters

Options : History : Help : FeedbackClose

Spread the Costs of your Car Maintenance

We all know that prevention is better than cure, but we don't always prepare for the cost of an annual car service.

No matter what the age, mileage and condition of your vehicle, it will require repairs at some point as a result of everyday wear and tear. Regular servicing can alleviate the long-term impact of this wear and tear by identifying any potential issues and correcting them before they escalate to a costly item to repair.

Monthly payments via direct debit are the most common method to keep up with the demands of most household bills, enabling people to spread the burden of large costs.

However, how many people can say they budget monthly for their car servicing?

Whilst many of us know that planning in advance and putting aside money for car servicing and repairs is the sensible option, budgeting for this important item is not always straightforward unless you are following a plan.

Thanks to a new service from the Good Garage Scheme, motorists can now budget for their car servicing and take some of that worry away.

The Good Garage Scheme Service Plan is now available to help motorists keep their cars on the road and in good condition.

Participating Good Garage Scheme member garages will offer their customers the option to pay a small monthly amount into a Service Plan so that when their annual car service is due, the money is ready and the service can take place.

Not only does this allow motorists to budget for their car maintenance, but it can also save them money in the future as a regularly-serviced vehicle is less likely to require repairs than one which has not been serviced for some time.  Another bonus of a well-maintained vehicle is that when you come to sell the car, it will maintain more of the value with a fully stamped service book.

For more information, visit the website.

Good Garage Scheme Celebrates 10 Years in 2016

The Good Garage Scheme starts off 2016 with celebrations of its 10th year anniversary.

We are so proud of our members and what we have achieved together...

• Over 754,000 customer feedbacks
• Over 3500 jobs booked online in 2015
• Over 1.5 million web page views in 2015
• National TV advertising on SKY, DAVE and ITV
• Over 400 members celebrating 10 year membership
• Top App as voted by the Sunday Times

New for 2016 are the Good Garage Scheme Service Plans, a budgeting tool for motorists to spread the cost of car servicing and MOT payments.

Have a look online for more information.

Happy 10th Birthday Good Garage Scheme - 10 years of having a friend in the know!

Good Garage Scheme's Miles Better on DAVE TV

The Good Garage Scheme's television advert will appear on DAVE TV from Monday, 9th November alongside popular programmes such as Mock the Week, Top Gear and Blackadder.

The national television campaign aims to increase awareness of the Good Garage Scheme and how easy it is to find a local garage to trust for car servicing, car repair or MOTs.

The Good Garage Scheme's animated TV star, Miles Better, will appear once again to help spread the message about the Good Garage Scheme...

"It's like having a friend in the know!"

To view the ad, simply visit the website.

Good Garage Scheme Puts Customers First

THE Good Garage Scheme has launched an improved version of its website that could help motorists save money and the environment.

The website, www.goodgaragescheme.com, has been given a major makeover, making it much easier for motorists to find their nearest independent garage or workshop.

Have a read of the full story about the Good Garage Scheme in this online Motoring Article

Add reviews on FreeIndex

FreeIndex link http://www.freeindex.co.uk/profile(good-garage-scheme)_49094.htm

How to sell a used car - advice from The Good Garage Scheme

Top Ten Tips from The Good Garage Scheme for selling your used car

1. Make your used car look great, sounds obvious but cleaning your car inside and out can make it easier to sell and get you a better price.
2. Have your documents ready. Buyers will want to see your log book (V5) and MOT as well as any receipts, service records and handbooks.
3. Price your car sensibly; an overpriced used car will put potential buyers off. Check online or use a car price guide to gauge the market.
4. Decide where to advertise, whether in local classifieds and/or reach a wider market online. List any faults or extras in your advert and answer any questions honestly.
5. Get your paperwork in order. Your used car will sell easier if it has a recent MOT and has been serviced. Make sure it is taxed so the buyer can drive away. Get any minor faults fixed before advertising your car.
6. Expect to haggle on price but don't accept a price lower than you are happy with. If you're not confident seeing buyers alone, ask a friend to join you.
7. Provide a receipt stating your second hand car is "sold as seen" and keep a signed copy for yourself.
8. Post the paperwork once the car is sold and make sure the new owner has provided their details and signed the V5 owner's document.
9. Always accompany prospective buyers on a test drive when selling a used car. Ask if their insurance covers them to drive other cars and ask to see a copy of their insurance.
10. Once you've agreed a deal never hand over your car until you have received payment. Check that any cash payment is genuine and wait for a cheque payment to clear before you part with your keys.

Smarter Driving Tips and Advice

Through the Good Garage Scheme website, we support the ACT ON CO2 campaign by communicating smarter driving tips to remind drivers how they can continue to reduce their carbon footprint after their engine has been cleaned.
http://www.goodgaragescheme.com/

Dashboard Warning Lights

Brake system and ABS warning lights

If both warning lights illuminate at the same time when driving, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

Reduce vehicle speed gradually and immediately move the vehicle to a safe location. Use the brakes with great care. Do not step on the brake pedal abruptly. Seek assistance.

Vehicle maintenance tips

1. Carrying spare bulbs for your car is always very handy. In fact, on mainland Europe it's compulsory to carry an emergency bulb kit. Just put them in your boot and make sure your owner's manual is handy so you know how to fit them.



2. Try to avoid hitting your tyres against kerbs, especially when parking. It can cause the tyre to weaken without showing any damage on the outside.



3. Check your spare tyre from time to time you never know when you might need it. And it's an offence to fit a spare that's not roadworthy.



4. We recommend you change your wiper blades every six months, even if they haven't been used very often. This is because the rubber deteriorates over time when exposed to the atmosphere.
   

We'll leave you to decide whether these tips work for you or not. However, please let common sense prevail at all times.

How to avoid a breakdown

Car drivers may be able to avoid an unnecessary breakdown if they familiarise themselves with their owner's handbook and have their vehicle serviced regularly.
The most common faults the RAC find when attending a breakdown are caused by a lack of maintenance or understanding of the car's systems. For example, a simple routine like checking your tyres for damage and the correct pressure, as recommended by the manufacturer, may prevent you from returning to your vehicle to find a flat tyre or - even worse - experiencing a blow out on the motorway.

RAC top ten breakdowns
The top ten faults and % of total callouts

1. Battery (flat or non-serviceable) - 17.51%
2. Tyre(s) - 9.20%
3. Engine - 4.63%
4. Lockouts - 3.32%
5. Alternator - 2.76%
6. Fuel - 2.71%
7. Starter motor - 2.28%
8. Cylinder head gasket - 1.94%
9. Clutch - 1.66%
10. ECU - Engine Management System - 1.43%

A self help tip for the number one problem
Flat battery
If your vehicle will not start, it may well be due to a faulty battery. If your engine tries to turn over it may not be completely dead. Check to see if any interior or exterior lights, mobile phone or your entertainment system are left on. If they are, turn them off. Leave the car standing for 20 minutes. Do not try to restart your car during that period because 20 minutes is usually the minimum time to allow the battery to regain enough power to start up the engine. Do get into the habit of turning off all controls - including lights, the heated rear window, and radio - before turning off the engine once parked up for the night. This will extend the life of your battery and reduce the chance of a flat battery.

Check Your Engine Oil Regularly

Checking your engine oil is simple and essential, to find out how go to Check Your Oil on the Good Garage Scheme website.

If you find you need to top up your engine oil every 1,000 miles, we strongly advise you visit a Good Garage Scheme member to prevent having to do this on such a regular basis.

Your engine oil needs to be changed regularly. When oil becomes too old and dirty, you're no longer getting the full benefit of the additives it contains. The oil becomes less effective at cooling and lubricating your engine. What's worse, the increased friction and chemical build-up in used oil can deteriorate your engine's moving parts.

Fill up for less

Prices may be going up but there can be significant differences between retailers. To find the best prices in your area visit http://www.petrolprices.com/. Once registered, this site provides information on the cheapest fuel in your area. You can also get regular price updates.

The MOT test for your vehicle

Everyone who uses a vehicle on the road must keep it in a roadworthy condition. The MOT test checks that vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards. The first MOT test for a vehicle is required when it’s three years old.

Components to be inspected

Safety Campaign Launched

Good Garage Scheme members are being encouraged to issue reminder cards to customers to help prevent them forgetting about MOTs and essential services for their vehicles.

Customers can then fill in their next MOT and / or Service due dates on www.goodgaragescheme.co.uk/reminder/ and will receive free text and e-mail reminders from the Good Garage Scheme.

MOTs and Services are essential to ensure safe motoring. Not having an MOT can also invalidate a motorist's insurance and forgetting to have one done is not seen as an excuse in the eyes of the law.

Free Prize Draw

Simply complete and return a Good Garage Scheme feedback card with your additional comments to gain entry into a Free Prize Draw. You can win one of the following, Wii, Tom Tom, Ipod nano or a digital camera.



Entries must be received by August 31st. Terms and conditions can be obtained from all Good Garage Scheme members.

Chalking up major success with women motorists

Women motorists are flocking to Good Garage Scheme member Chalky Whites, http://www.chalkywhites.co.uk/ , to avoid becoming the victims of unscrupulous workshops and service centres.

June Srivalsan, who bought the business five years ago after receiving poor treatment from other service centres, said it has built up a first-class reputation in the area, with women now accounting for 70 per cent of its client base.

She said her experiences of taking her own car into a garage in the past had left a lasting impression on her. June was recommended to use Chalky Whites and found the experience completely different and felt comfortable knowing her car was going to be looked after properly.
June said: “They showed me exactly what was going on with a car I took in and that’s why I eventually decided to buy the garage.

“70 per cent of our customers are women because we are so up front about what we do. I always encourage the guys to take the customers into the workshop to show them what’s happening if we find something wrong with their vehicle. People just love it because it’s different.” June even runs monthly classes on basic motor vehicle maintenance of a motor vehicle, to help customers prevent their vehicles failing MOTs on easily avoidable problems. Advice is also given on what to look out for when buying a new car.

Chalky Whites has now been trading for 25 years, offering a complete car care service from tyres and exhausts to servicing and MOTs. It has put its success down to skilled workmanship, fast turnaround and a focus on customer care. It is a fast fit station for tyres and exhausts and also carries out MOT's, servicing, brakes, clutches and anything else your car may require. Its fully trained mechanics provide all services from major repairs to routine maintenance and replacement parts such as tyres, brakes, exhausts, shock absorbers and batteries.

Being up front and honest is central to Chalky Whites’ success.

Air con warning for motorists

Motorists are being urged to ensure their vehicle air conditioning systems are properly maintained to avoid a potential major health hazard. It is vital that air conditioning should be kept healthy to avoid causing flu-like symptoms for vehicle users.

Harmful mould and bacteria can grow in the air conditioning ducts while it is not in use and many drivers can be blissfully unaware of the dangers it can pose when switched back on.

The warning from the Good Garage Scheme has come after a study by German scientists revealed properly maintained systems can cut out more than 80 per cent of germs, fungal spores and particles from outside air, helping people with respiratory problems or allergies.
A Hannover Medical School team monitored air quality in three cars between five and ten years old that had been fitted with air conditioning. It revealed the microbiological quality of air showed "an enormous improvement," ranging from 80.5 to 88.7 per cent, when the air conditioners were on. But researchers stressed the study was carried out on cars whose air conditioners had been properly maintained and whose air filters had been changed regularly.

Fungi & Bacterial Growth

Angelo Chillari, Good Garage Scheme Administrator, said: “The latest research underpins what we have been saying for many years. A properly maintained air conditioning system will ensure that motorists can drive throughout the warmer months, safe in the knowledge they will be able to stay comfortable without potentially putting their health at risk.

“Indeed, the research from Germany suggests that well maintained air conditioning systems can actually improve the air quality in the passenger cabin of vehicles. This will no doubt be a huge benefit for motorists, particularly those with respiratory conditions, which can only be a good thing.”

“Our network of garages and workshops are committed to providing the highest standards of work to their customers. The motorists’ best interests are their priority and by using an air conditioning treatment as routine, their customers will be given peace of mind that their health is not being compromised.”

Good Garage Scheme stars on the small screen

The Good Garage Scheme will star in a new national TV advertising campaign, with the catchphrase ' It's like having a friend in the know', the two-week campaign on ITV1 and ITV2 will kick-off on September 28th. The advert will promote our membership of high quality and trustworthy garages and workshops, giving customer assurance and peace of mind that their vehicles are in safe hands.
Launched nearly three years ago, our 2,756 members comprise of independent establishments where customers are assured of service excellence.

Now widely accepted as a mark of quality for independent garages across the UK, Good Garage Scheme garages are recognised as providing exceptional service to their customers based on a rigorously monitored mandatory code of practice. Customers looking for their nearest Good Garage can quickly locate one using the easy to use facility on the Good Garage Scheme website - http://www.goodgaragescheme.com/

We have done trial regional TV campaigns before but this is the first time we have run one nationally and we are looking forward to seeing how it is received by consumers.

Good Garage Scheme launches campaign to prevent ‘holiday horrors’

We have launched a campaign to help motorists avoid a 'holiday horror show' as they gear up for a summer getaway.

A 21 point Summer Holiday Check has been created for our 2,764 members to help keep their customer's vehicles' free from trouble during the holiday season.

You can find details of the Holiday Check on the Good Garage Scheme website goodgaragescheme.com it covers checking engine oil, brakes, coolant system, tyres and tyre pressure, windscreens, wipers and lights with a further critical check of air conditioning systems.

With more people looking to stay in the UK for a holiday this year, more often than not their vehicles become a vital part of their break. All too often though, motorists run into trouble because they have failed to carry out simple checks on their vehicles. For example, if you are towing a caravan or have a boot full of luggage it is essential to look at tyre pressure to make sure you are driving safely. It is also very important to check lights are working properly, including tail lights.

Power steering fluid and brake fluid is also another area to look at, especially when you consider how much more work the brakes need to do with the additional weight on board. Statistics have shown that one in three vehicles needs brake fluid changing while around 3.5 million motorists in the UK are driving on illegal tyres.

By checking for problems before the holiday season starts Good Garage Scheme members will make sure motorists and their families enjoy a trouble free summer holiday.