This week on Friday Drivetime we are going to be looking at those songs that when you hear you think “CHEESE!” I know you can already think of some when you hear that word associated with music, but the reason I am doing “CHEESE” this week is because no matter how dreadful the song is, no matter how annoyed you become because it has been stuck in your head for the last three hours, no matter how many therapy sessions you’ve had trying to forget, you will find yourself not only knowing the lyrics, but singing along to them too. So this week we are going to list those songs.

Your Ultimate ‘Cheesy’ Driving Songs:

1. Chesney Hawkes – One and Only
2. MC Hammer – Can’t Touch This
3. The Village People – Macho Man
4. Rednex – Cotton Eyed Joe
5. Jason Donovan – Too Many Broken Hearts
6. Cartoons – Witch Doctor
7. Boney M – Rasputin
8. Gina G – Ooh Ahh… Just a Little Bit
9. Tom Jones – It’s Not Unusual
10. Cliff Richard – Summer Holiday

I must admit when searching for the ultimate cheese, I rather enjoyed listening to these. But the problem is I now have them all stuck in my head! What cheesy songs have I missed off? Let us know and have a lovely weekend!

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Well, you soon may have to, according to the Daily Telegraph today the country’s first “workplace parking levy” will come into force in Nottingham in 2012 and is very likely to be adopted by other councils.

Under this new scheme, any firm which needs 11 or more parking spaces for staff will be charged £250 a year for each space. The cost of these spaces would rise to £350 within two years! The worst part being that employers would be free to pass on this charge to employees. In Nottingham an estimated 40,000 people commute to work by car but some businesses have threatened to leave the area if this is introduced. In the entire country about 10million people commute to work every day. Councils in Milton Keynes, Exeter, Cambridge, Oxford as well as the Core Cities Group which represents Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Sheffield have also expressed their interest in the new scheme.

The Government have been exploring new ways to try and cut urban traffic, pollution and emissions as it was forced to back away from the pay-as-you-drive scheme due to public opposition but are now hoping to persuade cities to adopt a local scheme such as congestion charging.

The AA have described this latest “scheme” as a “Tax on jobs. It is very unfair – discriminating against those employers who have parking spaces, which gets vehicles off the street. These tariffs apply around the clock, which is especially unfair on shift workers who rely on their cars because public transport is not available.”

Nottingham believed it would raise £100 million over the next decade due to this levy, just under a fifth of the cost of a new urban tram scheme.

The Tory transport spokesman, Theresa Villiers, has accused the Government of hitting businesses with new tax, “At a time when jobs are under threat and businesses are under huge pressure, it is wrong to hit enterprise in Nottingham with a workplace parking levy,” she said. “These new charges will be a real blow to the city and we oppose them.”

No surprise that the move was welcomed by the environmental groups.

The Campaigner for Better Transport has said, “It has the added benefit of tackling unnecessary commuter journeys, one of the main causes of congestion,” he said. “Failing to deal with the causes of congestion is simply not an option. We put forward the idea of workplace parking levies as a fairer way to raise money to invest in the future of local transport services. We are pleased that the people of Nottingham will be the first to benefit.”

We all know my personal opinion on charging anything more for our vehicles as we already pay the highest tax duty in the world on petrol (currently 54p a litre), as well as road tax, so how do you feel about this new way to charge us? Do you think it is fair? Let us know your thoughts.

(Thank you to imuttoo on Flickr for the use of this photo)

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Despite the scattering of sunny days in June, those early predictions of a ‘barbeque summer’ to compensate the millions of Brits holidaying at home this year appear to be completely wrong. It’s little wonder then that many of us are abandoning the staycation plans in favour of a last minute break somewhere hot, where we can spend our money on sangria and sun cream instead of indoor entertainments. After a few soggy days with the family in Torquay, I’m certainly tempted…

In previous posts we’ve highlighted the risks of last-minute car hire booking, as some of the most popular destinations (such as Spain, Croatia and more recently Portugal in early August) are witnessing limited availability as a result of reduced fleets and increased demand. However, if you’re thinking of escaping the rain with a late holiday bargain, it’s still possible to find some great car rental rates to match, especially if you’re willing to be flexible with your choice of destination.

Auto Europe currently has an excellent choice of vehicles available for hire in the USA, to fit all budgets. Perfect for families and with a mind-blowing selection of sun-soaked locations, America is definitely worth considering this year, especially as there are some substantially reduced offers around.

Having memories of several blissful holidays in Greece, I’d thoroughly recommend both Corfu and Zante for anyone who enjoys the simple pleasures in life, like peaceful seaside settings, good food and friendly tavernas. A quick Google search throws up hundreds of August and September deals to most Greek resorts and there is no shortage of hire cars to complete the package if you’re thinking of booking soon. Thomson has some excellent prices, as does greececancellations.com and takemetogreece.co.uk.

Cyprus also has plenty of rental vehicles still available at the moment at very competitive rates. Take a look at Thomas Cook, First Choice and cypruscancellations.co.uk for inspiration.

If you’re undeterred by the weather and plan to stay in the UK, there are still plenty of good car hire rates here too. Just make sure you pack a rain coat (and a stiff upper lip of course…)

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For the second week running Paul is our winner. As you rightly said in answer to last Tuesday’s question, the two micro-states within Italy are San Marino and Vatican City. Here’s another brainteaser to test your knowlege of all things Italian…

Visit any UK town and you’re bound to find at least one pizza restaurant or takeaway. Brits and Americans can’t get enough of this dough-based dish that was considered to be a peasant’s meal in Italy for centuries.

The invention of the modern pizza as we know it has been attributed to baker Raffaele Esposito of Naples. In 1889, when he owned a restaurant called the Pizzeria di Pietro, Esposito baked a pizza especially for the Italian King Umberto I and Queen Margharita – starting a food phenomenon that would last for centuries.

However, the origins of pizza go back to far more ancient times. Do you know which nation is said to have first come up with the idea? If you think you have the answer, do pop it into the comments box below…

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Following last week’s examination of what car hire prices are made of, here is part three in our sizzling serialisation of the: Car Rental Roadmap.

This week we have prepared a quick review of what information you can find on your Auto Europe booking voucher. Please read on to discover why the most important thing to remember about your Auto Europe voucher is to TAKE IT WITH YOU!

Your voucher is not only proof of payment, it also features important information that will enable you to find your car hire supplier and ensure you are supplied with the correct vehicle as per your reservation. Read your voucher as follows:

1. Voucher Number: This is your Auto Europe booking number, you’ll need this number whenever you speak to us about any aspect of your car hire
2. Blue Boxes: Details of the vehicle hired and payment made and/or required
3. Name and Passengers: Check your name is displayed as it is on your driving licence and the number of passengers is correct (mainly with regard to the fact your chosen vehicle will be large enough).
4. Comments: This is where you will find details of any extras reserved such as child seats and/or any other special requests pertaining to your booking
5. Pick-Up Location: It is vital you check the information in this box is correct. This is where you can see who your car is hired from – e.g. Avis, Hertz or Europcar – so you know which desk to collect it from on arrival. Instructions for locating the collection point can also be found here.
6. Drop-Off Location: Again you must check the information in this box is correct. This is where you can find the details of where and when to return your hire car.
7. Terms & Conditions: Please read them – they are not as long as you think! Keep a lookout for what your rental payment does and does not include especially with regards to insurance. This section also includes:
   • a: One-way rental information
   • b: Information on the fuel policy for the vehicle
   • c: Deposit required and payment method, a credit card is required – cash or debit cards are not usually accepted
   • d: Details regarding the age of the driver
   • e: Insurance cover information

Log on next week, same time and same place, for part four of this informative serialisation which suggests what needs to be done when you collect your hire car. If you can’t wait seven days, or would like to read more, then simply click here now.

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According to the Daily Telegraph this morning, David Cameron is being forced to consider a road toll as public borrowing is forecast to reach more than £1trillion.

He has openly said that he “cannot rule out tax increases” if he wins the next general election. It is obvious that this new road toll is likely to be very unpopular with motorists who are already paying the highest fuel duty in the world at 54p per litre plus VAT.

He describes the challenge of repairing the country’s finances as “daunting” and after ruling out new charges for the NHS services, Mr Cameron said “We’ve said we’re happy to look at road tolls. I don’t think that the eye in the sky big government scheme they [Labour] were planning was going to work, but separate road tolls…”

Critics of the M6 toll road say that it has not been an unqualified success. This roads first proposal by the Conservatives in the 1980′s saw the road eventually open in 2003 in the hope that it would carry 74,000 vehicles a day. The number of drivers have fallen since the day it opened to approximately 39,000 vehicles a day in 2008. In addition to this, the local roads around the M6 have not seen a reduction in congestion either. Many hauliers decide against using the toll road as the price is too expensive. Cars are charged £4.70 for the 27 mile journey and lorries are charged £9.

Labour have also recently been forced to abandon the plan of pay as you drive road pricing as more then 1.8 million people signed a petition for Downing Street against the scheme.

Many motoring organisations have said that the Tories were making a mistake by considering tolls for the roads. Edmund King president of the AA has said “ All the evidence suggests the public aren’t ready for it and don’t trust politicians to deliver a fair system.”

How do you feel about this proposed road toll system? Frankly, I think I pay enough for my car as it is and would not like to see more money being taking from motorists yet again. I really think that politicians need to start being honest with us as the country seems to be losing faith in the system. Mr Brown has accused Mr Cameron of failing to disclose how the Conservatives will cut public spending without reducing the quality of public services which are struggling to meet expectations as it is.

Let us know your thoughts.

(Thank you to imuttoo on Flickr for the use of this photo)

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This week on Friday Drivetime we are going to be looking at your ultimate driving songs about driving. There are hundreds of songs out there about cars, driving, highways and so forth, but this week I have picked my personal favourites about driving or metaphorically talking about driving.

Ultimate Driving Songs about Driving:

1. Madness – Driving in my Car
2. Jimi Hedrix – Crosstown Traffic
3. Billy Ocean – Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car
4. Kenny Loggins – Danger Zone
5. Wilson Pickett – Mustang Sally
6. John Prine – Automobile
7. ZZ Top – She Loves My Automobile
8. Chuck Berry – Riding Along in My Automobile
9. The Beatles – Drive My Car
10. AC/DC – Highway to Hell

I think this list is fantastic as it is very eclectic and also very upbeat! What songs do you know that are about driving that you would also drive along to?

(Thank you to stevoarnold on Flickr for the use of this photo)

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Swine flu panic seems to have doubled overnight. Without meaning to sound too cynical, it’s possible that the closure of parliament and the start of what’s usually a quiet news time have contributed to a sudden re-surge of media interest in the pandemic. Nonetheless, it’s a serious issue that’s likely to affect most of us at some point over this busy holiday season.

Since we first wrote about the virus, the basic recommendations of how to prevent the spread of infection have remained the same, but according to Travel Weekly, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are now monitoring passengers and turning them away if they appear to be ill, with other airline and cruise companies likely to follow.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said that travelling against official advice would often nullify any policy and insurers would not pay out in the event of illness while abroad, but most insurers should be flexible when it came to dealing with claims relating to swine flu, especially as often the sufferer is not officially diagnosed. Here’s the most sensible basic travel advice I’ve found from official sources:

• If you are travelling to Europe, make sure you have your free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to any necessary medical treatment, including for swine flu, during a visit to another European Economic Area country.

• Before setting off, check to see if your destination is reporting cases of swine flu. You can look on the NaTHNaC website for up-to-date case totals. You may need to get a flu jab if the area is badly affected and you come under one of the high risk groups.

• Make sure you get insurance that will cover the costs if you have to cancel your trip (not all of them do). If you do get swine flu, the government’s advice is to avoid travel completely until all symptoms are gone.

• During your trip, try to avoid crowded or mass gatherings. Wash your hands or use antibacterial gels regularly in public places.

• Travellers who have visited affected areas should monitor their health for seven days after the visit. If you develop a flu-like illness with cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache or muscle aches, within seven days you should check your symptoms via the NHS direct website and contact your GP if you’re worried.

Here are the best websites to monitor for the latest advice:

http://www.fco.gov.uk
http://www.nathnac.org/travel/swineflu.htm
http://www.direct.gov.uk
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
http://www.flusurvey.org.uk

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Well done Paul, you are the winner of last week’s quiz, correctly stating that the popular Venician tourist destination depicted was St Mark’s Piazza. Now see if you can answer this question…

Italy is so much more than popes, painters and pasta. It’s a lively, colourful and breathtakingly beautiful country, with a rich culture, friendly locals, fabulous cuisine and fascinating remnants of a dramatic and powerful past around every corner.

Travellers can enjoy the popular resorts of Tuscany, Rome, Florence, Milan or Sorrento, before crossing the border to Austria, France, Slovenia or Switzerland. But there are also two micro-states within Italy that are popular with tourists. Can you name them?

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Following last week’s quick overview of how to choose the best hire car for your holiday or business trip, here is part two in our sizzling serialisation of the: Car Rental Roadmap.

This week we have prepared an informative expose of how car hire prices are constructed. This topic is of interest to anyone looking for a good deal because the anatomy of a car hire price is more complex than many people expect. After all it’s reasonable to expect the price you’re quoted is the price you will pay. Sadly suppliers differ and this is not always the case. So we thought if you know what should be included then you’ll be better prepared to properly compare quotes from different companies. After all we endeavour to make our prices as all-inclusive as possible so have nothing to hide!

What car hire prices are made of:

• The Type and Size of Car you choose
• Length of Rental: Do remember that cars are generally rented out in 24 hour periods
• Customer Service: How easy will it be to get hold of someone if you need assistance? Do you have a 24 hour phone number to use in an emergency or just an email address?
• Destination: Are you planning to collect and drop off your vehicle at different destinations? If so there is likely to be a ‘one-way fee’ levied on your booking
• Extras: If you need to hire extras like child seats, luggage racks or snow chains you should expect to pay for them arrival in addition to the hire of the vehicle. Budget for these costs by asking for a quote prior to travel.
• Flexibility: What will happen if you need to cancel or change your travel plans? Some car hire companies levy cancellation and amendment fees and the amount is variable. Auto Europe prices include free cancellation or amendment with no administration charges up until 48 hours prior to your designated vehicle collection time.
• Fuel: Check the fuel policy as some car hire contracts will charge you for a full tank of fuel regardless of whether you use it or not. What’s more this charge is often made at the collection desk so is not included in your initial quote. Look out for contracts which allow you to buy your own fuel, i.e. you return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you collected it, just check whether you are on ‘full-to-full’ or ‘empty-to-empty’. Prices vary on what fuel is included, please read the terms & conditions of your booking to confirm.
• Insurance: ‘Insurance included’ generally refers to basic collision damage, theft protection, fire and liability for injuries or damages to persons or things outside of the vehicle, only. Please remember to check the approximate excess amount you’ll be liable to pay on any claim as it can vary widely from hundreds to even a thousand pounds or more. Remember you can protect yourself against excess payments and excess waiver policies purchased prior to departure are usually significantly cheaper than those on offer at the collection desk
• Mileage: Most car hire quotes include unlimited mileage, double check this is the case.
• Surcharges: Possible surcharges include: a late collection fee if you need to collect a hire car outside of normal working hours, (hours vary between suppliers and locations), naming more than one driver for the duration of your rental, extra insurance.
• Taxes: UK taxes are normally included in car hire quotes but it’s worth checking if the ‘local’ taxes for your destination are included.

Members of staff on the car hire collection desk are very likely to try and sell you extras such as excess insurance and fuel but you do not have to buy anything you don’t want to. Try to understand what your booking does and does not include prior to travel so you can make an informed choice.

REMEMBER the best possible Auto Europe prices are available via our weekly newsletter, click here to subscribe.

Log on next week, same time and same place, for an overview of how to read your Auto Europe booking voucher. If you can’t wait seven days, or would like to read more, then simply click here now.

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