Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Sutton Courtenay Landfill site on Appleford Road near Didcot at 10.26pm yesterday evening (Tuesday, April 21).

It sent pumps from Didcot, Abingdon and Wallingford fire stations, and a water carrier from Wheatley fire station to extinguish the waste fire using hose reels.

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The fire service advised residents to close their windows and doors at around 12.50am on Wednesday, April 22, due to the developing smoke plume and its associated smell.

Damping down is still ongoing, with a fire engine remaining on the scene to support this.

It is unknown how long the engine will remain at the site and whether the site is open.

The 290.5ha landfill site opened in 1980 and takes in 350,000 tonnes of waste per annum as well as 60,000 tonnes per annum in quarry back fill, plus soils.

Some parts of the country are set to hit highs of 19°C and 20°C this week, hotter than Athens, as a spell of warm weather arrives.

With sunshine on the horizon, Brits are expected to flock to the roads, but drivers have been given an “urgent warning” over common warm-weather habits which could land them with a hefty fine, or even points on their licence.

Mel Savage, Head of Underwriting Operations at Ripe Motorhome Insurance, has highlighted the everyday summer driving habits that could see motorists hit with penalties.

Driving in flip-flops or barefoot

Heading to the beach in flip-flops might seem harmless, but drivers could land a £100 fine and three penalty points.

While it’s not illegal to drive in flip-flops, sandals or even barefoot, it is strongly discouraged as it can affect your ability to stay in proper control of the vehicle, something that’s even more important when driving larger vehicles like a motorhome.

In more serious cases, motorists could face fines of up to £5,000 if inappropriate footwear is found to have contributed to an incident.

As this is assessed on a case-by-case basis, best practice is to keep a suitable pair of shoes in the car to change into before setting off.

Eating ice cream or food while driving

Much to many drivers’ surprise, eating behind the wheel isn’t actually illegal. However, problems arise if tucking into summer treats, like ice cream, doughnuts from the pier, or even sipping a drink, distracts you from the road.

In these cases, you could be charged with careless driving, resulting in a £100 fine and three penalty points.

In more serious cases, the penalties can be far steeper, with fines of up to £5,000, nine points on your licence, or even a driving ban.

Wearing sunglasses that restrict vision

While it’s not illegal to wear sunglasses behind the wheel, in fact, they’re recommended in bright conditions, drivers should be careful about the type they choose. Heavily tinted lenses, such as those that let in very little light, can impair vision and are not suitable for driving.

Under the Highway Code, drivers must ensure they have a clear view of the road at all times.

Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000, or £2,500 for commercial drivers, and three penalty points.

In more serious cases, such as if poor visibility contributes to a collision, motorists could face harsher penalties, including disqualification or even imprisonment.

Driving with pets unrestrained

Heading to or from a dog walk in the sunny weather could land you with a £1,000 fine if your four-legged friend isn’t properly restrained, as outlined in Highway Code Rule 57.

Drivers are required to ensure pets are secured so they can’t distract or injure anyone in the vehicle.

In more serious cases, fines can rise to £5,000, along with penalty points on your licence. If an incident occurs, you could also risk invalidating your insurance.

Overloading your car or motorhome

Overloading your vehicle can also land you with a hefty fine, with penalties varying depending on the severity of the offence.

Drivers can face fines ranging from £100 to £300, based on how much the vehicle exceeds its legal weight limit.

In more serious cases, motorists could be taken to court, where penalties may be far more severe under the Road Traffic Act 1988, including larger fines and even a prison sentence.

Driving with the music too loud

Driving with music too loud is one of the lesser-known Highway Code rules that could land motorists with a fine, which could reach up to £5,000 in the most severe cases.

The Highway Code advises drivers to avoid distractions, and loud music can interfere with concentration, potentially leading to careless driving charges.

The claim has been made in response to proposals by Oxfordshire County Council to reduce the speed limit of Steventon Hill and the A4130 to the Milton Interchange at the A34 from 40mph to 30mph.

Responding to a consultation, Thames Valley Police said that installing just road signs of the new speed limit is “unlikely” to achieve compliance from motorists who have been driving at 40mph for years there.

In documents published online ahead of a formal decision being made, police also suggested there was potential for speed cameras to be installed on the two stretches of road.

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The documents said: “Thames Valley Police note that if a speed limit is perceived as unrealistically low and widely ignored, it can reduce overall safety, undermine respect for speed limits, and disproportionately criminalise drivers.

The A4130 from the Milton Interchange (Image: Google Maps)

“They also emphasise that police enforcement resources are limited and that there should be no expectation of routine enforcement where limits are set without supportive road design measures.

“Furthermore, there is extensive concern from other residents about the proposed reduction to 30mph, with many respondents also considering it excessively low for the character and function of the A4130 and Steventon Hill.

“Concerns include the rural or non‑residential nature of the road, the absence of frontage development, and the historic operation of the route at higher speeds.

“Some have highlighted that 40mph has historically worked well and that lowering limits will unnecessarily slow traffic, increase frustration and undermine respect for speed limits generally.”

A file image of a speed camera

Other proposals being put forward include a new bus lane on the A4130 eastbound between its junctions with the Steventon Hill and the A34 Milton Interchange near Didcot.

The plans also include new restrictions blocking westbound drivers from making a U-turn on the A413 at the Milton Interchange at its signalised junctions with Trenchard Avenue and the Steventon Hill.

Despite the concerns from the police, a consultation carried out by the council found that, of the 70 respondents, more people supported the speed limit reductions than opposed.

Oxfordshire Liveable Streets, supporting the proposals, said in a statement: “Given there is no cycling infrastructure here, and this is the main cycle route between Steventon and Didcot, this should also be reduced to 30mph.

“The carriageway here is wide and in places has central hatching, which encourages higher speeds.

“Consideration should be given to removing the centre line and putting in a southbound (uphill) cycle lane – or even a bus lane where width allows.”