Miles ahead of the competition

AVIS Car Rental Australia has been awarded ‘Australian Leading Car Rental Company of 2018’ at the 25th Annual World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony. Avis achieved the recognition ahead of competition from the likes of Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar Rent A Car. 

In addition to this national accolade, Avis also celebrated several wins in the Pacific region, including the ‘Leading Car Rental Company 2018’ category in Fiji, French Polynesia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

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A new best friend in France

FRENCH self-drive tour company, France Just For You, has partnered up with Insidr and is now including a smartphone in their self-drive tour travel packs. Previously, travelers had reported high international roaming fees from their cellphone providers and no access to GPS on their phones, so these customized smartphones have provided the solution.

Travelers can pick up their Insidr smartphone from Charles de Gaulle international airport in Paris, or #France Just For You can ship it to the accommodation at the first stop on their travelers’ itinerary. At the end of their trip, travelers only need to place it in the pre-paid addressed envelope provided and post it back. As one traveler put it, having the Insidr smartphone was ‘like having a new best friend in France’.

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Flexible Driving at Melbourne and Canberra Airports

THE membership based car sharing service Flexicar has installed eight Flexicar pods at Melbourne Airport and two Flexicar pods at Canberra Airport, providing travellers with a convenient alternative to public transport and taxis. 

Members of Flexicar can easily book a vehicle for one hour up to five days, collecting it from the newly installed Flexicar pods (designated car parking spaces) at Melbourne and Canberra Airports. 

At the end of the booking, customers simply need to return the vehicle to the same pod. The service provides travellers with the use of a car for short periods of time inclusive of fuel, a generous kilometre allocation and damage cover*, with the added benefit of no waiting time when the vehicle is collected and returned.

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Social media campaigns target peak season international drivers

A targeted Facebook campaign is underway in the North Island to reach international visitors as they arrive in the country and a campaign using Chinese social media channels is targeting Chinese visitors arriving over the Chinese New Year holiday period.

The Tourism New Zealand North Island campaign complements the work of the #NewZealand Transport Agency (NZTA) whose road safety campaign is focused in the south island. The campaign is using billboards, posters, digital advertising and social media to spread road safety messages.

The China campaign encourages all Chinese visitors to think carefully before, and while, driving in New Zealand. The messaging says that driving in New Zealand is different from driving in China, it can be challenging and there can be tragic consequences if mistakes are made.

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Drive Safe Campaign launched in New Zealand

TOURISM New Zealand will again work with major agencies this summer to inform international visitors about the challenges of #driving in #NewZealand. 

A major road safety campaign to help visitors understand and prepare for driving in New Zealand is now underway. Launching the new campaign, Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss said: “Summer is on its way and so are many international visitors. New Zealand roads can be challenging, particularly in and around some of our most popular tourist spots.”

The new road safety campaign focuses on the Visiting Drivers Project areas of Otago, Southland and the West Coast, and uses billboards, posters, digital advertising and social media to spread road safety messages.

The messages emphasise that New Zealand’s roads are different from what overseas drivers are used to. The campaign encourages them to adjust their driving when necessary.

The messages are:

• NZ roads can be narrow, winding and steep. Allow extra time.
• Journeys may take longer than you think. Allow extra time.
• Save overtaking for long, clear, straight roads.
• Taking photos? Pull over somewhere safe.
• Remember to keep left.

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Watch out for hidden car hire costs

MORE than one-in-five people who have hired a car say they had found damage on the vehicle which was not highlighted on the check-out sheet, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by iCarhireinsurance.com.

Any damage to a hire car, even if it isn’t the fault of their hirer, can lead to the renter having to pay the first part of the cost of repair, up to the excess amount, which can be as much as £1,200.

The survey found that while half of hire car drivers always check their car for damage before they drive it, and almost a quarter have taken a picture of the hire car to prove it was damaged before they used it, only 38% check the condition of the wheels and tyres, despite the fact that these items can account for approximately one-in-five charges for minor damage made at the rental desk. Claims for damage to wheels and tyres, can cost from £120 to £400.

It isn’t just on pick-up that drivers need to be vigilant. A quarter have had to return their hire car without seeing a hire car representative. With 7% of renters believing they have been wrongly accused of damaging a rental car, not getting it signed off by a company representative is a risky move that could end up being costly.

Excess insurance can be bought to protect drivers from paying for damage, but the rental company policies cost up to £17 a day, five times more expensive than a policy from iCarhireinsurance.com (from £2.99 a day). Rental company policies also often exclude damage to windows, tyres, and undercarriages – areas that are most likely to be damaged. iCarhireinsurance.com policies automatically include these vulnerable areas as standard.

‘When you pick up a hire car always check it thoroughly,’ says Ernesto Suarez, founder and CEO of iCarhireinsurance.com. ‘Make sure that you note down every mark, no matter how insignificant on the check-out sheet, including damage and scuffs to the wheels. We hear of many people getting charged for minor damage, which they say was on the car when they picked it up, but which they didn’t mark on the paperwork. In the modern world of vehicle rental, this can be tantamount to writing a blank cheque to the rental desk.’

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Motorists in the dark on driving abroad

GOODYEAR TYRES has published an online guide for UK drivers planning to take to roads across the Channel this summer. It’s done so as research suggests that 50% of British drivers say they check driving rules and regulations before they leave, and one in ten believe – wrongly – that driving laws are the same in every European country. 

Kate Rock, PR & Corporate Communications manager at Goodyear Tyres, explains: ‘Several changes have been made to driving laws across Europe over the past few years, so it’s essential that motorists who are planning on driving abroad ensure they have all the compulsory or recommended equipment.

‘In France, for example, drivers are required to carry a self-test breathalyzer and it’s illegal to drive with a satnav that shows the whereabouts of speed cameras.

‘Before drivers head off, we advise they familiarize themselves with the rules of the road and ensure they have all the correct documents, including insurance and European breakdown cover.

For advice on driving in Europe, motorists can visit Goodyear’s blog at Hug the Roads: www.hugtheroads.com/road-ready-europe

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New Zealand group wants foreign drivers to display ‘T’ plates

TOURISTS driving in 
#NewZealand would be required to take a driving test and display “T Plates” in their car windows if it were up to a group that says the visitors are causing too many automobile wrecks in the country. 

The ‘T Plates for Tourist’ group says that people visiting New Zealand are unprepared for the country’s rough roads and should be tested to make sure they know how to drive on them. If they pass the test, they should display a “T plate” in the window of their cars to warn local drivers.

‘People who come to this country are given the right to drive despite many of them not knowing our driving rules or regulations -- hence the number of crashes that occur on our roads,’ says the group’s spokesman.

The worst month for crashes in the country is February, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency. In an average February between 2006 and 2013, the agency said foreign drivers were involved in 7 percent of accidents that ended in injury or death.

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A bridge too far for Malta & Gozo

A BRIDGE linking #Malta to its neighbouring island, #Gozo, has been ruled out by the country’s government, which thinks that a sub-seabed tunnel is the more economically and environmentally sensible option.

Geological studies are being planned.

It’s been estimated that a link would reduce the crossing time for cars from 25 minutes to eight. Earlier studies identified four potential tunnel alignments, ranging in length from 3.7 miles to 6.2 miles.

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11433049@N02/3383580818">Azure Window, Gozo</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)

Road toll guide to Europe

ACCORDING to research published by GreenFlag, 46 percent of the British population are more likely to go on a #drivingholiday in Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, or Germany than in any other European country. Ahead of the European short-break season which sees travellers visiting Europe for the likes of Oktoberfest and Christmas markets, Airport Parking and Hotels has created a guide highlighting the cost of some of the busiest toll routes in #Europe.

The research highlights some of the most popular motorways in Europe and the charges that drivers will face when driving through the busiest routes in each country. Routes include Calais to Paris in France, Lisbon to Porto, and Milan to Rome. It also highlights different payment options available and the stipulations each toll route might have.

Of the 18 countries researched, six were found to operate a Highway Vignette system, which is an anti-congestion measure put in place to promote off-peak travel. Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands use this road pricing, which is based on the period of time the driver will be travelling. The remaining 12 countries, including France, Greece, and Spain, operate a road toll method in which the price is calculated on the distance travelled.

Drivers are advised to carry cash when driving on Europe’s motorways, as only six out of the 18 countries researched offered drivers the option of paying via credit card, though may not accept all brands.

Drivers strapped for cash should be cautious when driving on toll roads in France and Italy: a return journey for a 2-axle vehicle from Paris to Marseille can cost up to £78, while a return journey from Rome to Milan can cost from £58 in toll road charges.

Motorists who wish to avoid toll roads all-together should head to Iceland, Luxembourg, or Monaco where there are currently no tolls fees on any motorway.

ww.aph.com/tollcosts

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Driving abroad? Know the rules!

BRITISH motorists made almost six million overseas trips by car last year, according to Sainsbury’s Bank, which is urging motorists to brush up on the driving laws of the countries in which they are plan to drive.

France was by far the most popular destination for those travelling by car last year with 3.4 million visits from UK residents. The Republic of Ireland and Belgium complete the top three.

Tom Thomson, of Sainsbury’s Bank Car Insurance said: ‘Driving abroad is an entirely different experience to driving in the UK in terms of both road regulations and road etiquette. Before leaving the country, it’s vital that drivers brush up on local motoring knowledge and check with their insurer that they are covered overseas.’

It is compulsory in France to carry a warning triangle and a breathalyser in the car at all times. In many European countries, a reflective jacket, first aid kit, and headlamp converters for driving at night are now required, and in Spain, motorists who wear glasses are advised to carry a spare pair with them if it is noted on their licence.

Those planning to hire a car should also be aware that driving licence paper counterparts have now been replaced with a code that can be generated by the DVLA website, at https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

Sainsbury’s Bank car insurance tips for driving overseas: 

• Local laws: Find out exactly what equipment you will need to carry with you in order to comply with local motoring laws. This might include anything from a first aid kit to a warning triangle and will differ from country to country. 
• Documentation: Check what documentation you will need – some countries such as Turkey and Morocco require you to carry a Green Card/International Motor Insurance Certificate. It’s always advisable to carry basic licence and insurance documents, plus the V5 registration document, in your vehicle with you. 
• Car hire: Anyone planning to hire a car will need a DVLA-generated code. 
• Maintenance: Do some basic checks on your car to help minimise the risk of breakdowns or accidents, e.g. check tyre pressures, oil, brake fluid and water levels. 
• Insurance: Call your insurer before you leave to check whether you have comprehensive cover abroad and, if required, upgrade your policy to include this. 
• Route: Plan your route in advance and carry a map and/or satnav. 
• Take your time: Set a realistic timescale and take plenty of breaks. Driving on busy and unfamiliar roads abroad can be stressful, so consider planning your route to avoid the centre of major cities if this is a concern. 
• Footwear: Avoid driving in flip-flops or open-backed sandals. Not only is this dangerous, but police have been known to fine people for this, especially in holiday areas. 

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124439915@N01/383672561">As Darkness Fills the Sky</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)

Tips for safe driving … in France

#FRANCE is a beautiful country in which to drive but, says Swinton Insurance, be sure to remember these six tips:

1. Foot off the gas – The French take speeding very seriously and speed limits are implemented rigorously. Carrying speed detecting devices is illegal, too, so switch off your SAT NAV alerts or you could lose your licence and your car. 
2. Cruise, don’t booze – Forget having a drink if you’re intending to get behind the wheel. French laws are much stricter than those in Britain … so much so that you will be expected to carry your own breathalyzer. 
3. Be smart – Obey the rules of the road and enjoy your break in peace, but commit a traffic violation and, be warned, you could face an on-the-spot of fine of up to €375 (£268). If you are fined, make sure you get an official receipt. 
4. Calling for help – Use the bright orange telephone boxes that are dotted along the motorway and toll roads (roughly every 2KM/1.2 miles) to contact the local breakdown recovery service. 
5. Carry a hi-vis jacket – Most UK drivers will find this odd, but when in France you must carry a high visibility jacket in the car – and not in the boot – in case you need to leave your vehicle at any point. Also make sure you have a warning triangle. 
6. Right is right – It seems obvious, but remember that people drive on the right-hand side of the road in France, as they do in rest of continental Europe. Keep your eyes peeled for where traffic is coming from, and approach junctions with caution. 

What if things go wrong? Here are some phrases that might come in handy in an emergency:

• Do you speak English? – Parlez-vous Anglais? 
• I am lost! – Je suis perdu! 
• Can you send me a mechanic / breakdown van? – Pouvez-vous m’envoyez quelqu’un / une dépanneuse? 
• My engine has overheated – Le moteur a surchauffé. 
• I have lost my car keys - J’ai perdu mes clés de voiture 
• My engine doesn’t sound right – Mon moteur fait un drôle de bruit 
• I have a flat battery – Ma batterie est à plat 
• Car – voiture 
• I’m out of fuel – J’ai plus d’essence 
• My brakes aren’t working properly – J’ai un problème de freins 
• I have a flat tyre – J’ai un pneu à plat/ J’ai un pneu crevé 
• I’ve put the wrong fuel in my car – Je me suis trompé de carburant/ d’essence 

For more about the rules and regs of driving in France – and to download a guide to take with you – go to http://www.swinton.co.uk/car-insurance/guides/driving-abroad/france/

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Car hire complication as code requirement set to be enforced

BRITISH holidaymakers renting cars abroad face having to take a special code with them to show convictions for offences such as speeding.

The paper counterpart of British driving licences – which records endorsements and fines – is being computerized from June 8. As a consequence, anyone wanting to hire a car abroad will need to get a code by logging on to the DVLA website in advance. To complicate matters, the code is valid only for 72 hours, so anyone wanting to hire a car more than three days into their trip will need to generate a new code while they are abroad.

For those who do not have internet access, a phone number will also be made available, the BBC reported.

But the code is not an official requirement; it will depend on the individual hire company's terms whether or not it is required.

The RAC said many drivers were unaware of the changes. ‘Our research shows that with just over a month to go before the paper counterpart to the photo-card licence disappears, 55% of drivers are not aware of the planned change,’ RAC spokesman Simon Williams said.

The AA said some car rental companies were unaware of the new arrangements. ‘Not all car rental companies, or indeed traffic police abroad, will be aware of the changes, so a belt and braces approach of also taking the counterpart might help,’ said AA president Edmund King.

But the AA also said that hiring a car abroad without a paper counterpart is not always a problem. Just as some car hire companies do not currently ask for a counterpart, not all will ask for a code after June 8.

The old-style paper licences issued before the photo card was introduced in 1998 will remain valid, but holders will still need a code to fully validate them.

To view a record of their convictions, motorists can log on to the View My Driving licence page of the government website. They will need their driving licence number, their national insurance number, and their postcode.

The changes do not apply to driving licences issued in Northern Ireland.


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Picture Credit: Car Hire Centre At Luton Airport - geograph.org.uk by Mary and Angus Hogg. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons