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UK drivers urged to ignore sat nav diversion on rural roads

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The warning comes from road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, after its recent survey indicated that 54% of drivers have been diverted onto rural routes because of congestion on motorways, dual carriageways and other major A roads.

Rural roads accounted for 60% of road deaths in Britain in 2024, despite carrying just 45% of all traffic, according to Department for Transport figures.

UK drivers urged to ignore sat nav diversions onto rural roads

Nicholas Lyes, director of policy at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Every year, more people are killed on a rural road than any other road type, yet worryingly we’re seeing a high number of people taking unplanned diversions to use them.

“Congestion is inevitable, but we would encourage people to question if a diversion onto an unclassified or single-track route is worth saving a few minutes, considering the increased hazards they might face.

“Often, other people following sat navs will similarly divert and you end up with traffic volumes that exceed what the road is designed for.”

Mr Lyes also warned that without increasing capacity on the wider strategic network, more drivers could be pushed onto unsuitable routes with “potentially grave consequences.”

All future smart motorway projects were cancelled in April 2023 because of safety concerns.

All lane-running smart motorways were rolled out from 2014, which boosts capacity by converting the hard shoulder into a live lane.

Rural roads often feature hazards such as tractors, narrow lanes and restricted views from roadside foliage.

The survey involved 1,042 UK motorists and 114 IAM RoadSmart motorbike riders, and was carried out in February by research firm Online95.

When is it illegal to use a sat nav when driving?

Similar to a phone, it is illegal to hold a sat nav or any similar device that can send or receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle, the Government website explains.

You can use a device held in your hand if:

  • you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency, and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop
  • you’re safely parked
  • you’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example, at a drive-through restaurant
  • you’re using the device to park your vehicle remotely

You can use devices with hands-free access, such as a built-in sat nav, too.

It is important to note that the device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead.

The website adds: “You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times.

“The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted and you can be prosecuted.”


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You can get six penalty points and a £200 fine if you hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle.

If you have passed your driving test in the last two years, you will also lose your licence.

As well as this, three penalty points can be given if you do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle.

You can also be taken to court, where you can be banned from driving or get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus).

Do you use a sat nav when driving? Let us know in the comments.





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Oxford News

Amazon Fresh £11 World Cup pizza deal with £7.40 off and fast delivery

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Amazon has launched a new World Cup dine-in deal that could save football fans up to £7.40 on their match-day food and drinks.

The online retail giant might be best known for bigger purchases but it also does groceries too, and it is offering shoppers the chance to pick up two Franco Manca pizzas and a four-pack of drinks for £11 through Amazon Fresh throughout June.

The limited-time promotion runs here until June 30 and is available with same-day and next-day delivery, making it a handy option for last-minute World Cup watch parties.

What’s Included In Amazon’s £11 World Cup Deal?

Customers can mix and match from a selection of popular Franco Manca pizzas, including:

  • Salami, ‘Nduja & Hot Honey Pizza
  • Greek Inspired Chicken Gyros Pizza
  • Quattro Formaggi & Balsamic Glaze Pizza
  • Meatball Ragu Pizza

The bundle also includes a choice of selected four-packs of drinks.

Options include:

  • Coca-Cola Original Taste
  • Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
  • Birra Moretti
  • Birra Moretti Zero Alcohol-Free

According to Amazon, customers can save up to £7.40 compared with buying the items separately.

The deal is available through Amazon Fresh and can be delivered directly to customers’ doors, helping fans stock up before kick-off without leaving home.

Where is Amazon Fresh available?

Amazon Fresh is available across a growing number of towns and cities throughout the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester and other major locations.

Shoppers can check whether the service is available in their area by entering their postcode through the Amazon Fresh storefront. The service offers everything from fresh groceries and chilled food to cupboard essentials and household products.

Customers can then choose from same-day or next-day delivery slots seven days a week, subject to availability.

Some shoppers can get their order in just 30 minutes

For customers in selected London postcodes, Amazon now offers ultra-fast grocery delivery through Amazon Now, with orders arriving in as little as 30 minutes.

The retailer has also confirmed plans to expand the rapid delivery service to Birmingham and Manchester later this year, giving even more football fans access to last-minute match-night essentials.


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World Cup watch parties

With millions expected to tune into this summer’s biggest football matches, retailers are racing to tempt shoppers with food and drink deals.

Amazon says the promotion is designed to help customers get match-ready, whether they’re hosting a watch party, planning a family night in or simply looking for an easy dinner before the game.

Alongside the pizza bundle, shoppers can also browse Amazon Fresh’s range of snacks, party food and international dishes inspired by teams competing in the tournament.

The £11 World Cup dine-in deal is available now until June 30, while stocks last.

Will you try out this deal? Let us know in the comments.





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Price of diesel to drop further for Oxfordshire drivers

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It comes as the US and Iran sign a deal to end the war and lay the foundations for the crucial Strait of Hormuz crude oil shipping lane to be reopened after months of blockages.

According to analysis by the RAC, the average price of petrol has fallen by nearly 5p since its conflict high of 159.53p on May 28, to 154.72p on Thursday.

Tesco in Cowley remains the lowest price for petrol in the city at 151.9p, according to the online tracker Petrol Prices, with the BP garage in Marston at 155.9p.

READ MORE: Major update given after Jeremy Clarkson’s cancer diagnosis

Head of policy Simon Williams said: “The diesel drop has been even more dramatic having come down by 17p a litre from 191.54p on 15 April to 174.3p which means drivers are saving £9.50 every time they fill up. The last time the UK average price of diesel was under 175p was on 24 March.

“Even more positively, the rate of reduction ought to accelerate as the price of a barrel of oil has been under $80 for the last two days – something we haven’t seen since the start of March. Drivers can now expect to see the average pump price of petrol drop below 150p in the next week or so, while diesel should drop back under 170p.”





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Inspector Morse actor Kevin Whately reveals memories of John Thaw

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Whately played Robbie Lewis in the Oxford-based crime drama Inspector Morse, alongside John Thaw, between 1987 and 2000.

He reprised the role of Robbie Lewis in the ITV drama Lewis, alongside Laurence Fox, and the series ran from 2006 to 2015.

READ MORE: Busy A34 slip roads to have temporary traffic lights

John Thaw, who will forever be remembered for his portrayal of Colin Dexter’s creation Endeavour Morse, died from throat cancer in 2002, and Whately, who was awarded the OBE last year, said he still missed him “terribly”.

“He was like a brother to me,” he added.

Whately, who lives in Buckinghamshire, is appearing in The Importance of Being Earnest at Garsington Opera from July 10. He said he had realised something was wrong in the run-up to John Thaw’s death.

He told the Telegraph: “While we were shooting the last film (a special, broadcast in 2000) he kept saying, ‘I don’t feel good, I don’t feel right.’

“And then we both did a charity event on the South Bank, in which he had to sing, and he was struggling with his voice. That was the beginning of it.

“He was diagnosed right after that. He went sort of underground a bit to lick his wounds, and didn’t come out much, but I saw him a couple of times before he died.”

John Thaw in Inspector Morse (Image: ITV)

Over the years, Whately shared a trailer with Thaw, and spent many hours with him on set.

He recalled: “Those glowering eyebrows could be very intimidating.

“But once you got to know him, which could take a couple of years, you realised what a wonderful raconteur he could be.”

The cast of Lewis (Image: ITV)

From 2006 to 2015, Whately starred in the Inspector Morse sequel, Lewis, alongside Laurence Fox, and they were in touch recently.

“I spoke to him on the phone last year when he was getting married. I haven’t seen him for a couple of years though. I’m not a fan of his politics.”

The actors discussed politics from time to time.

Laurence Fox with Kevin Whately (Image: ITV)

Whately added: “We did, and because he knew that I was a bit of a Lefty I thought he just said things to wind me up. I loved Laurence.

“He was good fun to work with and he was a very, very good actor. But his life took over. It’s a great shame for the acting industry.”

For many years, Kevin Whately was a familiar face during filming on Oxford streets and would stop and chat to fans and passers-by.

The actor first made his name playing Neville in the 1980s comedy Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

When he was awarded the OBE in January last year, Christopher Sullivan, who runs a website dedicated to the Morse, Lewis and Endeavour TV series, said: “It’s wonderful to know that Kevin is not just being recognised for his charity work with organisations such as Action for Children and The Alzheimers Society, but also for the joy he has brought to many people through his varied acting roles.

“In particular, his role as Robbie Lewis in the Morse and Lewis series. Those series were watched by millions and Kevin, and his portrayal of Lewis, is loved by millions. This is a well-deserved honour.”





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