The global economic downturn has had a major effect upon the car market and indeed, buying habits.

Anyone listening to the news for the last few months would know the effect that the recession is having upon the car industry. General Motors nearly went under and some of the world’s major brand names are looking for handouts.

When the recession hit the world, people stopped buying cars. It was that simple.

But for anyone who wants to compare car breakdown cover between the AA, RAC and Green Flag, it’s doubtful whether the already competitive plans on offer will be reduced anymore, for the simple fact that people are now keeping their cars longer.

Whereas two years might be a quite usual time to swap a car for a new, or newer model (pretty straightforward when there was plenty of cheap credit around), people are now thinking of keeping their car an extra year, if not two years.

The has been necessitated by not only a drop in people’s disposable income, but also by fear of job losses, salary reductions and fewer personal loans.

So, people have opted to keep their cars that bit longer and make sure that there car breakdown service is kept up to date.

So, ironically, although the new car market has effectively collapsed, the second hand car market has strengthened.

Those still with jobs and money can achieve some amazing new car deals – such as a reported 40% reduction on new Vauxhalls – which makes the Government scrappage scheme look a little flaky of course, but most people are looking for good second hand cars.

Those around two years old, with a full service history and in good condition, are attracting good prices. It is these that drivers hope that will mean less problems when it comes to car insurance breakdown cover.

Also in demand are cars that are meagre in fuel consumption terms and ones that have low emissions. It would appear that in Europe, and increasingly across the pond in the U.S., that ‘gas guzzlers’ are going to become a thing of the past.

And another beneficiary of this decision to turn away from the new car market is the parts business. Tyre fitters for example are doing a roaring trade as people who keep their cars longer, are forced to keep their tyres in good condition.

Tags: AA, AA - Automobile Association, Car Breakdowns, Car Market, Green Flag, RAC

When it comes to comparing rescue and recovery services, there is very little in substance to what the major brands – such as the AA, RAC and Green Flag – offer a consumer in terms of service and price.

Actually one of the main differences between the AA and the RAC, and Green Flag for example, is that the later do not own and operate their own fleet of breakdown vehicles; they rely on vehicles from garage operators, although most are branded with their logo.

Each of the companies are sophisticated operations which are able to keep the majority of the British driving public on the roads with few problems.

Most people tend to opt for one of the two big names, the AA, or the RAC, because they have been around really since the start of motoring and because they have the best known brands. But the likes of Green Flag are a significant prescence in the market.

Also, some of the smaller operators are better known in the market as offering a contract service to their major customers, such as car manufacturers and insurance companies, so they can in turn offer their customers a comprehensive service.

But when it comes to car breakdown cover UK, there’s not a lot of difference. You should still expect a wide range of schemes that offer value for money car breakdown assistance. You should also expect the breakdown van to be with you in an hour and try their best to get you going from the roadside.

The schemes on offer should be varied and cover all the eventualities you might encounter and this is where you need to have a think about your exact needs.

If you just do the school run and back every day, you might just need the basic cover that means that if you break down, a recovery vehicle will come out to you and tow you to a safe place. You can then add the options until you get the desired level of cover that matches your driving routines. You might think Home Start is a good idea, especially if your car can be a little tricky to get going. If you travel greater distances, the full recovery service might seem a necessary option and if you travel abroad, then car breakdown cover in France and other mainland countries would be vital.

Their pricing structure is also very competitive and allows you to commit to only what you need.

The large breakdown service companies are all very open when it comes to comparing rescue and recovery services, so ensure that you check their websites and literature, and get a feel as to what each offers and how it would suit you.

So remember, when you compare car breakdown cover, play the options game and get the service that matches your lifestyle and driving habits.

Tags: AA, Breakdowns, Car Breakdown, Car Breakdowns, Green Flag, RAC

The internet is changing fast – and not always for the better – because for children the dangers it presents are just as real as the opportunities to learn and make friendships.

And unless we take the chance we have now to make the internet safer, we will fall even further behind the criminals who are taking advantage of the industry’s slowness to act.

As you read this there are millions of illegal images of child abuse in circulation online. Children are visiting social networking sites that have no effective control over their content. And with more and more public WiFi zones plus web-enabled mobile phones, access to dangerous content has never been easier.

But together we can make the net safer – please sign our Safety.Net petition now.

The new UK Council for Child Internet Safety is deciding how to make the internet and mobile phones safer for children – and we have the chance to influence it by petitioning the Prime Minister directly on six key issues.

Stop the use of software for private sharing of child abuse images

Block children’s mobile phone access to adult content

Ensure social networking sites protect young users by proactively reviewing and removing offensive/illegal content

Pre-install child safety software on all computer and mobile web devices

Make therapeutic services available for children who have been abused and had pictures and films of the abuse appear on the internet

Provide specialist training for professionals who deal with online offenders The NSPCC has influenced policy in the past with your help and we can, and must, do so again today.

Please sign the Safety.Net petition now and make the net a safer place for children.

Thank you.

Christine Wood
Relationship Manager

Tags: Charities, Child Abuse, child protection, Child Safety, Home Electricals and Computers, Internet Crime, Internet Security, NSPCC

If we forget the recession a minute, there still is that awkward problem about global warming and this is where green driving comes in.

In fact, the greener driver you are, will most probably also mean you will see less of your car breakdown service.

The idea is to drive non-aggressively and therefore increase your cars’ miles per gallon, and its lifespan.

Hard driving has a negative effect upon your car’s performance in so many ways and could mean that when you compare car breakdown cover, you might not be able to get the best deal.

Nowadays drivers are encouraged to have a degree of empathy with their car. Jumping in, switching it on and immediately screaming off in a blaze of exhaust fumes, tyres squealing, burnt rubber and red-lining each gear change, is now no longer the accepted method of starting off from the kerb.

A car engine needs a few seconds of life before it is asked to reach maximum working load. It will do it of course, but think of all the pressure on the inner workings. Cam belts, water pumps, valves and all the rest of the thousands of components that make-up a modern engine, need carefully handling. Undue stress and they will fail on a more regular basis. And it means you will see the likes of the AA, RAC and Green Flag on a more regular basis.

And you don’t want to be paying over the odds when it comes to car insurance breakdown cover.

So, we now all have to remember to treat our cars kindly. When starting off, give it just a little chance to get warmed up; allow all that oil that has dropped to the sump during the night to get back into those nooks and crannies in the engine block. This doesn’t mean of course leaving it outside running for 15 minutes whilst you have that final cup of coffee. That does nothing for your fuel consumption, or the environment.

Once ready to go, use the throttle as though it has an egg underneath. Apply pressure gradually and thoughtfully. Do not have a ‘heavy’ right boot which means you kick at the pedal like Cristiano Ronaldo shooting from outside the box. And then make each successive gear change way before the red line on the rev counter. What’s a rev counter? For those that need to ask, it’s a dial, hopefully in the middle of your instrument panel, that helps you avoid blowing-up the engine with excessive revving (although your ears should also tell you that). But nowadays, it’s also a great way of keeping your fuel consumption down.

Use your rev counter to make sure you change gear at just the right time – so as not to let the engine struggle and stall, but also to avoid unnecessary revs and therefore wasted fuel.

Also, try not to ever go over 2,500/3,000 rpm (revolutions per minute), depending on your type of car of course. Most engines red-line (danger rev levels) at around 6,500/7,000 rpm, so keeping your car always at half that, will make a significant and beneficial difference to your fuel consumption and therefore your pocket.

It helps in this to also drive by anticipating what’s going to happen next. If you see for example stationery traffic ahead, slow down in plenty of time. Don’t leave it to the last minute, slap on the brakes, then accelerate hard again to pick-up speed.

Watch your revs and you could save yourself a packet. Green driving is not just for those who drive Volvos and live in Sweden.

Tags: Car Breakdowns, Car Insurance, Car Maintenance, Cars, Green Driving

The art of defensive driving is all about keeping you safe on the road, which should also mean you’ll see less of your car breakdown service.

And good defensive driving comes with practice. It is not something that can be picked up overnight and it requires patience, and some concentration.

It’s based on the premise than everyone around you is a bad driver. And it’s all those other guys and gals out there that need to be comparing rescue and recovery services, because they’re going to need them, and not you, because your the best driver in the world!

So, have a go at driving with the attitude that everyone is a bad driver and that rather than you’re going to show how it should be done, you’re going to move quietly along. You are going to anticipate trouble and when you’re proved right, you’re going to steer around the situation and get away. Believe me, you will eventually find this works because you will hopefully avoid a trip to casualty, or the local jailhouse. And it will save you a lot of time when its come to compare breakdown cover.

Most of us feel that when driving, not only are we the best driver in the world, but that we also have an inalienable right to do as we see fit. Therefore, when we see what we regard as poor driving, the overwhelmingly urges comes across most of us to teach that miscreant a lesson.

So, for the slow driver, the favoured tactic is tail-gating at the fattest speed possible to prove that despite there being speed limits, we know the best speed for that road, even if we’ve never driven along it before. And for the driver that might accidentally pull out in front of us and cause us to decelerate from the safe speed of 100 mph in a built up area, we favour flashing lights, complex hand signals and an open window so that we can hurl obscenities in order to enforce our firm views. And this of course whilst overtaking the offender with inches to spare, outside a school and with a juggernaut coming the other way.

And who says men can’t multi-task? Many seem able to change gear, make one-fingered gestures, light a cigarette, text, shout at another driver and find the right track on the stereo, all at the same time, whilst not slowing down. Brilliant; except that there will be one result, premature aging.

So, try something new. Look for trouble and when it happens, act accordingly. Take evasive action and once the situation has passed, get on with your driving. Leave the police to enforce driving standards. And stay calm. Do not think your manhood, or femininity, has been threatened when someone does’t let you pass in the fast lane. Stay cool and keep out of trouble.

Drive looking ahead; thinking about what might happen, if. That way, I am sure, your will see less of your car breakdown service.

Tags: Car Breakdowns, Car Crashes, Cars, Defensive Driving, Driving Standards Agency

Okay, lets not try to get into too many national stereotypes when talking about overseas driving.

Well, we can try, but we may not be able to avoid it and for anyone thinking about driving abroad on holiday, or for business for that matter, it’s worth having a quick think about the differences between a few of our European neighbours.

If nothing else, it might help show that car breakdown cover in France, Germany, or Spain for example, is essential.

Lets take the British first. Thanks to successive government initiatives and campaigns, the drivers on this island do appear to be behaving a little better than they have done in the past. So much so, that when comparing rescue and recovery services, it looks like we’re getting some good deals.

The Brits have generally come to terms with drink driving. It has reduced over the years and the police, and many road organisations, believe that despite the Christmas time madness, its now under control.

Now the emphasis is on speed and although many drivers see the blossoming of cameras on every high street a mere tax raising measure, the problems of drivers going too fast has also improved. In many ways, speed is now seen as the new drink driving and for those travelling too fast along the country’s byways, they get the same looks once reserved for the drunks.

Right, so how does driving in say France differ from that of the U.K? And how should this influence someone who is comparing rescue and recovery services, and is keen to add an overseas clause?

Once you’ve been driving in France a little while you’ll soon appreciate that although they have got a grip on drink driving (once the curse of the countryside), speed still remains an issue. Speed cameras are not so widespread and although the Gendarmes still love roadside speed checks (and charge foreigners cash for their misdemeanours), the French still appear to be in love with speed. Travel down any A road in France and you will bear witness to any number of hair-raising attempts to get past, seemingly ignoring what’s on the other side of the road. Don’t join in: just grin and bear it, and be ready to take avoiding action.

Also, when you compare breakdown cover UK with the rest of Europe, remember that there are different systems in place. Take French motorways for example. In the U.K. the motorways, apart from the link road around Birmingham, are state owned. In France, they are owned and operated by private companies.

Breakdown on one of these and you will be rescued not by an affiliate of the AA, RAC, or Green Flag, but by a private operator and you can end up facing a hefty bill. Depending on the time of day, it can cost well over 100 euros to get you towed to a garage where you can then contact your breakdown company for advice on repairs, or car repatriation. This money will of course be reimbursed by your breakdown company, but bear it in mind when
speeding down the motorway.

So, always remember that driving overseas is a different proposition and that the things you take for granted with car breakdown cover UK, is not necessarily the same aboard.

Tags: AA, Car Breakdown, Car Breakdowns, Green Flag, Overseas Driving, RAC

One way to ensure you get the best deal from a provider of car breakdown cover UK, is to have the most up-to-date car possible and that’s why for many, the Scrappage scheme seemed such a good idea.

Th idea is simple. There are too many old cars on the roads today. Old cars can be more dangerous and are mostly less efficient than modern cars. They use more fuel, don’t return the best mileage figures and require more servicing, and maintaining. And often, they attract higher car insurance breakdown cover premiums.

In short, it is best for drivers across Europe to drive the most modern and efficient cars possible. Very laudable and the UK has now followed the likes of Germany in offering a viable scrappage scheme. And the likes of the AA, RAC and Green Flag seem generally in favour.

Despite some hiccups at the start, when certain manufacturers threatened not to participate because of VAT worries, the scheme has got off to a good start, with an estimated 60,000 old cars being taken off the UK roads.

But of course, everyone is not happy. Certain commentators think that the scrappage scheme is a hyped-up initiative which is not as good as it first appears. Some have gone as far as calling it ill-considered and lacking in effectiveness.

First, the scheme itself. The car has to be old (over ten years), be taxed, insured and MOT. In other words, fishing out that old banger from the village pond is not going to work either. Nor can you buy your mates old banger and exchange that. You have to have owned the car for a good 12 months.

So, given that you pass all the criteria (and that must rule out a good load of people) you can run along to the Government and get a £2,000 pay-out. And with that wedge in your hand, you can go along to the dealer and get a further £2,000 discount, because, afterall, times are tough.

So, you’d be looked at getting say a £12,000 motor for around £8,000. Not bad. The trouble is, that when you read the fine print (and fine print it is, get your glasses ready), you will see that the Government only gives you £1,000 of the £2,000 on offer, and the car manufacturer is meant to give you the other £1,000 off the list price. Now anyone knows that in tough times, manufacturers will haggle more than a carpet salesmen, so a £1,000 off the ticket price is not that big a deal. Motoring magazines have been highlighting regular deals which have seen up to £5,000 knocked off some new cars. So £1,000 is a little paltry.

Furthermore, people might swap their ten-year-old car for a £1,000 handout, realising that it might be worth far more. Indeed, it might be worth many thousands more.

Old does not necessarily mean worthless and commentators are worried that people are so brainwashed by the Government’s apparent largesse, that they fail to understand that they can easily get bigger dealer discounts and that they might be selling their own car too cheaply.

In other words, before you start comparing rescue and recovery services for your new car funded partly by the government, make you sure you’re not being undersold.

Tags: AA, AA - Automobile Association, Breakdowns, Car Breakdown, Green Flag, RAC, Scrappage Scheme

Cancer Research UK’s have launched their Run 10k events for 2009 and this year promises to be the biggest and best series yet.

By bringing together 60,000 men and women across the country this autumn they aim to raise £6 million pounds to help fund life-saving work and research into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer.

These events are happening all around the country at a wide variety of locations in the autumn and are open to men and women of all running abilities. All that matters is you have fun, get fit and help raise money for this incredible cause.

Why not see if you can rope family and friends into entering too and make a pact to train together? It’s so much easier when you have others to spur you on.

Click here to visit their website (  www.run10k.org ) and find your nearest event and enter.

Sign up, get sponsored, and you will help save lives.

Tags: Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK, Charities

Valid on ALL holidays departing for travel between 1st November ‘09 and 30 April ‘11

Book early for some of our best prices!

This offer will end at 10pm on Tuesday 23rd June 2009.

Some of our great deals include:

7 Nights in St Lucia from £799pp – Save £250pp

Escape for 7 nights in St Lucia with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic. 7 nights accommodation at the 4V Coconut Bay Resort and Spa on anAll Inclusive basis including transfers, starts from just £799pp! Flights are on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from London Gatwick and are based on departures between 01 Sept – 30 Sept 2009…so hurry and book online now!

7 Nights in Barbados from £539pp – Save £110pp

Escape for 7 nights in Barbados with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic. 7 nights accommodation at the 3V Silver Sands on a Room Only basis including transfers, starts from just £539pp! Flights are daily from London Gatwick and are based ondepartures between 01 Sept – 09 Oct 2009…so hurry and book online now!

3 Nights in Boston from £459pp – Save £96pp

Escape for 3 nights in Boston with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic. 3 nights accommodation at the 3V Boston Midtown on a Room Only basis, starts from just £459pp! Flights are daily from London Heathrow and are based on departures between 25 Aug – 31 Aug 2009…so hurry and book online now!

5 Nights in Dubai from £555pp

Escape for 5 nights in Dubai with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic. 5 nights accommodation at the 5V Hilton Dubai Jumeirah on a B&B basis including transfers, starts from just £555pp! Flights are from London Heathrow and are based on departures between 15 June – 06 July 2009…so hurry and book online now!

For full details of all our great offers visit:

http://www.virginholidays.co.uk

Terms & Conditions:
Book online at www.virginholidays.co.uk  between 6pm Thursday 18th June and 10pm Tuesday 23rd June 2009. Offer applies to new direct bookings only for travel between 1st November 2009 and 30th April 2011 only. The discount cannot be used against accommodation only bookings, car hire bookings or in conjunction with any other special offer, promotion or discount including the Frequent Virgin Club discount. The discount will be automatically applied to the booking and excludes APD and fuel surcharge supplements. This offer is not applicable on holidays that require booking via telephone. All holidays are subject to availability and Virgin Holidays full standard terms and conditions apply please see www.virginholidays.com  for full details.

Tags: Holiday, Holiday Transportation, Holidays, Package Holidays, Travel, Virgin, Virgin Holidays

Aea invited you to “Paintballing between June and September!” on Friday, June 12 at 9:00am.

Event: Paintballing between June and September!
“Just a £50 donation between 8 people!”
What: Daytrip
Host: Action on Elder Abuse
Start Time: Friday, June 12 at 9:00am
End Time: Monday, August 31 at 5:00pm
Where: Anywhere in the UK

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=89829581838&mid=9e19feG22262e7fG1dbcb7bG7

Host: Action on Elder Abuse
Type: Trips – Day Trip
Network: Global
Start Time: 12 June 2009 at 09:00
End Time: 31 August 2009 at 17:00
Location: Anywhere in the UK
Street: Anywhere
Phone: 02087657000
Email: enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk

Tags: Charities, Charity Event, Elder Abuse, paint ball