Weekly Motor News Round-Up

Mini celebrated its 50th birthday last week, and to celebrate, a couple of thousand of the iconic automobiles were driven from London to Brighton.

However, hopefully they did it without using their mobile phones while driving. The Department of Transport has just revealed findings that show nearly 500,000 motorists today use a hand-held mobile while driving, with truck and van drivers commiting the crime most frequently.

Anyone causing a fatal crash while on a mobile faces up to five years in jail. But if they don't cause a fatal crash, motorists who phone and drive risk a £60 fine and three penalty points. Do you think this is a strong enough deterrent? Obviously it doesn't concern too many motorists, given the statistics of people still using mobiles on the road.

So what do you think should be done - do you have any better penalty suggestions?

Speaking of road-related statistics, insurance company Direct Line and road safety charity Brake have just revealed that a lot of motorists have no idea what common road signs mean. Around 67 per cent could not correctly identify the sign that warns of a zebra crossing ahead, and 30 per cent were unable to identify the minimum speed limit sign!

Do you think that if you had to take a Highway Code test today you'd pass? It's surprising how much information fades from your brain after years on the road. Should there be a refresher test every 10 years or so?

Also in the news, it's half term. Insurance company elephant.co.uk found that because of the lack of school traffic, Londoners driving to work should have reduced journeys by an average of 16 minutes (though sadly, if you're in the South West or South East, you'll have had an average reduction of 9 and 1/2 minutes. Sorry about that). So have you noticed clearer roads this week?

Finally, did you see Mike Brewer's blog about how to get a car for free?

If you were one of the spectators or even took part in the 50th anniversary Mini rally on 18 May, let us know your stories!