Experts are saying that drivers who fail to keep their cars in a clean and tidy condition could face hefty fines.
Many of us are guilty of leaving rubbish like coffee cups, fast food packaging or empty drinks bottles in our cars from time to time – but if it all starts to pile up, this is when you could find yourself in a bit of trouble.
Drivers across the country are being warned about the dangerous rubbish levels inside vehicles and experts are saying "it could spell disaster".
While it’s true that there’s no specific rule against having your car like a tip, and in some cases, it’s actually celebrated – especially with a woman from Manchester having been voted as having the “messiest car in the UK” last year – Brits are now being told to be aware that if your vehicle becomes too cluttered internally, it poses a potential risk to your ability to drive.
Image: EuroCarParts
If a piece of rubbish lodges itself under the pedals, for example, then experts are warning it could be the cause of a catastrophic accident.
Well, what kind of fines are we talking then?
Well, rule 237 of the Highway Code states that all motorists must drive with care and attention, and a failure to do this could turn into a hazard – which would result in the person behind the wheel not meeting the standard required of a competent driver, and therefore not showing due consideration for other road users.
If stopped by the roadside, a £100 fine and three points can be put on your licence.
Then for more serious offences, this could result in anywhere from three to nine penalty points, and a discretionary fine of up to £5,000 – all depending on the severity.
Image: RAC
In the worst case scenario, if there is a fatal accident due to the lack of care from the driver, then they could not only be handed an unlimited fine and a driving ban, but they could even be facing up to five years in prison.
“Few of us can honestly say we’ve never left a little rubbish in our vehicles,” admitted Andrew Jervis, co-founder of online car repair marketplace, ClickMechanic.
“However, it’s important to be aware of all of the potential hazards that could arise.
“Empty drinks containers are certainly one of the most common, as they can move around as we drive, and if one manages to roll its way into the pedal area, it could spell disaster if it becomes lodged underneath the brake or distracts the driver.
“So it’s much better to keep your vehicle free from mess, as not only does it create a better driving environment, it could help prevent a terrible crash or severe consequences.”
The beautiful spa town of Ilkley has been crowned the best place to live in the north of England by The Sunday Times.
The results are in, and our very own Ilkley has taken the top spot for the north and north-east category.
The list posted but the Sunday Times every year, features 72 locations across the UK that they deem are the best spots to settle down in.
Judges visited each location to take in the atmosphere, explore the history and chat to the locals to find out what made each place so special.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not the first time the wonderful spa town of Ilkley has been praised, having been the national winner back in 2022 it's no stranger to taking home the trophy.
The judging panel said about Ilkley: “It’s not just the fresh air, fantastic scenery, excellent schools and direct trains to Leeds that make Ilkley this year’s pick of the north and northeast. It’s the get-up and go of a community that tackles every challenge with gusto.”
"It's hard to imagine anywhere with more opportunities for youngsters."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Also getting a mention in the regional category was Horsforth, which was recommended for its transport links, brilliant local schools and thriving social scene.
The guide said: "The city is Yorkshire's economic powerhouse - but for something a bit greener, a bit more family friendly, it's hard to better Horsforth's streets of sandstone houses."
Elsewhere up north, Sheffield got a special shoutout where the judges said: "Burgeoning creative industries and judicious regeneration are igniting interest in previously overlooked postcodes ... Hipsters and happy families alike are celebrating, welcoming, embracing, loving this city-wide vibe."
So if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then why not hop on a train and visit the best place to live up north and see for yourselves what the fuss is all about.
The Queen’s Hotel in Leeds named one of the best places to stay in the UK
Danny Jones
One Leeds' pride and joys is getting some well-deserved recognition as The Queen's Hotel has been named of the best places to stay in the UK.
Located right in the heart of the city centre, The Queen's Hotel is about as beautiful a building as they come in Leeds, with its pristine white walls and art deco design making it one of the most stunning structures we have to our name.
It's as synonymous with the cityscape as the Town Hall, Corn Exchange, Kirkstall and Kirkgate, as well as the train station for which the flagship hotel was built.
We couldn't be prouder to call it our own the only thing we'll argue on is that it should be further up the rankings.
The Sunday Times’ '100 Best Places to Stay in the UK' is compiled by a team of experienced reviewers, who narrow down hundreds of stays into the definitive guide of the best accommodation around the UK.
Hotels are judged on several factors, including design, facilities, and value for money, plus dining and service.
Speaking on the Leeds icon, specifically, the Times wrote: "Big, bold and stately, the Queens holds court over the centre of Leeds like the grande dame she was intended to be when built in 1937.
"Back then, with her art deco lines, pearly-grey stone façade, polished wood and mirrored interiors, she was the place to stay. Fast-forward several decades and an expensive buff and shine has brought her zipping into the 21st century without losing an iota of old-world glamour.
"With sleek, airy bedrooms, a sophisticated cocktail bar and sultry circular restaurant, she’s an ideal base for hitting the city’s cultural hotspots, boutique shops and great places to eat."
You can read their full review of the Grade II-listed legend HERE.
There were a fair few other successes for Yorkshire and the North as a whole this year beyond just The Queen's Hotel's achievement on its own.
The Angel at Hetton and Saltmoore in North Yorkshire picked up 'North and northeast England hotel of the year' as well as 'Best beach hotel', respectively; plus, Jöro at Oughtibridge Mill in Sheffield received plaudits among many other Northern nods.
With the Times also naming Leeds in general as one of the coolest places to live, so much for that whole 'grim up North' nonsense, eh?
Clementine Hall -
7th July 2022 
