Drivers are being warned they could be hit with hefty fines if they fail to keep their cars in a clean and tidy condition.
Many of us are guilty of leaving rubbish like fast food packaging, coffee cups, 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.
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.
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.
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Well, what kind of fines are we talking then?
Drivers are being warned they could receive a fine of up £5,000 for having a messy car / Credit: Clean Me
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.
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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.
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.
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Experts say a build up of rubbish could cause of a catastrophic accident / Credit: EuroCarParts
“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.”
Featured Image – RAC
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McDonald’s announces 2024 Christmas menu with new Cheesy McCrispy, Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie, and more
Emily Sergeant
McDonald’s has unveiled its Christmas menu for 2024, and there’s lots of festive feasting to get stuck into.
It’s been a long time coming, but after several chains and fast food joints have already announced and launched their festive food and drink offerings for 2024 over the last few weeks, McDonald’s has finally joined the Christmas party, and there’s a bunch of new and returning fan favourites on the lineup to get those mouths watering.
We’re talking Cheese Melt Dippers, seasonal McFlurrys, limited-edition festive pies, and a cheesy twist on one of the chain’s most popular burgers.
New to the menu this year is the Cheesy McCrispy, which is a “levelled up” version of the McCripsy we all know and love, taking the classic crispy chicken fillet and all the trimmings, and combining it with two slices of cheese, and lashings of rich cheese sauce.
McDonald’s has unveiled is Christmas menu for 2024 / Credit: McDonalds UK
Other burgers on the lineup are the grand return of the Big Tasty and Big Tasty with Bacon, both made with a 100% beef patty, Emmental cheese, onions, juicy tomatoes, and topped off with a unique smoky-flavoured sauce nested in a freshly-toasted bun.
Also being thrown back into the mix this year are the Cheese Melt Dippers, which are the perfect festive feast accompaniment made with camembert and served with a rich tomato dip.
Happy Meals will also be taking on a special Grinch theme this year too.
Got yourself a bit of sweet tooth though? There’s two new tasty treats to choose from this year, alongside the return of the beloved Galaxy Caramel McFlurry.
There’s a bunch of new and returning fan favourites on the lineup / Credit: Visual Karsa (via Unsplash)
If Galaxy Caramel isn’t your thing, then perhaps chocolate orange will be instead, as 2024 brings the introduction of the Terry’s Chocolate Orange McFlurry, with Terry’s Chocolate Orange mini segments and chocolate orange sauce swirled into the ice cream, and then there’s the Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie.
This year, McDonald’s has combined its classic pie with everyone’s favourite zesty chocolate to create a crispy chocolate pastry filled with a Terry’s Chocolate Orange-flavoured ganache.
On the hot drinks front, you have a Galaxy Caramel Latte and a Galaxy Caramel Hot Chocolate to choose from.
The full McDonald’s 2024 Festive Menu will be available to tuck into from 20 November, and is expected to stick around until the new year.
Featured Image – McDonald’s UK
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Asda relaunches over 60s ‘winter warmer’ cafe deal with soup and unlimited hot drinks for £1
Emily Sergeant
Asda is bringing back its popular £1 ‘winter warmer’ cafe meal deal to support the over 60s during the colder months.
After it was sadly revealed that almost one in five elderly people claimed there were days when they didn’t speak to a single soul last Christmas, and that during the run up to the big day, 15% said they got used to not conversing with other people, Asda has decided to relaunch one of its most widely-praised cafe meal deals again this year.
To support those who need it most as the temperatures drop, the supermarket is, once again, offering all over 60s the chance to enjoy some hearty soup, a bread roll, and unlimited tea and coffees for just £1 in any of its cafes across the UK.
Back by popular demand, this year’s Winter Warmer initiative is bigger and better than ever, with three soup flavours to choose from.
With the offer now running until the end of 2024, Asda is aiming to transform its in store dining spaces into ‘Chatty Cafes’ – where senior citizens can come together under one roof, eat and drink, and make some new friends.
As well as its ‘Chatty Cafe’ offer, Asda colleagues will be also be donning ‘Happy to Chat’ badges throughout the festive season, checking in on older customers in store and when delivering home shopping orders, while the Asda Foundation will deliver £600k worth of grants to tackle loneliness amongst the elderly by boosting activities in the local communities, and funding Christmas celebrations.
Asda has relaunched its over 60s ‘winter warmer’ cafe deal with soup and unlimited hot drinks for £1 / Credit: Asda
“Christmas is a time to enjoy time with loved ones,” explained David Hills, who is the Chief Customer Officer at Asda, “and the fact one in 10 of our older generation is facing Christmas alone is genuinely sobering.
“That’s why we’re proud to invest almost £1 million through our in-store initiatives and grants to do what we can to tackle loneliness and isolation in the communities we serve.
“Our teams do incredible work to support communities all year round, and I’m so proud to be able to launch the Chatty Cafés initiative today, alongside our renowned Winter Warmers deal, which we know is a lifeline to many.”
Emily Sergeant -
7th July 2022 
