Pro Installer January 2021 - Issue 94 | Page 29

Motoring
JANUARY 2021 | 29
Read online at www . proinstaller . co . uk

Motoring

DRIVING IN EUROPE AFTER BREXIT : WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

From buying an international driving permit and a green card , to checking their insurance , British drivers will now need to understand changes that will affect them .
Driving experts from a car and van hire comparison site have revealed what to look out for when driving in continental Europe in 2021 , as life for British motorists will be very different . A spokesperson for Stress- FreeCarRental . com said : “ With a deal still being negotiated , there is a lot up in the air with Brexit and what changes we may , or may not have to adhere to in 2021 .
“ If Brits are planning to drive around Europe for work or holidays next year , then they need to be prepared , as Brexit is likely to affect their plans .
“ But , as the saying goes ‘ fail to prepare , prepare to fail ’, so we have listed the bare minimum considerations to make to ensure that with a deal or no
deal , you can drive abroad next year .”
Here is StressFreeCarRental ’ s list of key questions and answers for UK drivers hoping to drive to and within the European Union after the 31st December 2020 :
Do I need an International Driving Permit ?
From 1st January 2021 , Brits might need what is called an International Driving Permit ( IDP ) to drive in some European countries . The UK Government is currently involved with negotiations with the EU about this and has promised more details later this month .
In the meantime , if Brits have overseas travel booked , then we ’ d recommend buying an IDP from Post Offices for £ 5.50 .
Will my current license be accepted ?
EU and EEA licences will continue to be accepted in the UK for visitors and residents . The EEA is the European Economic Area , which is the EU member states plus Iceland , Liechtenstein , Norway , and Switzerland
Do I need a green card when driving abroad ?
British driver ’ s UK insurance is still valid for visiting the EEA during the transition period . But after this period , Brits may also need a green card . This is a document from your insurer to prove your car is covered if you are driving in Europe . The government ’ s official advice is : “ You should plan to carry one for the vehicle you ’ re driving in the EU and EEA , including in Ireland , from 1 January 2021 .”
Please note that separate green cards are needed for trailers and caravans .
Do you need extra car and motor insurance ?
Under the European Union 2009 motor insurance directive , any vehicle legally insured in one EU country can be driven between other European nations on the same policy . So Brits will still be insured under their current providers , but if Brit ’ s drive in Europe without a Green Card , then they might face a fine or get their vehicle seized .
What about a GB sticker on vehicles ?
The UK government is recommending that Brits have a GB sticker on the car , even if there ’ s already a GB symbol on the number plate .
Anything else I need to know ?
British drivers need to remember to carry their V5C logbook with them if they own the car . If it is a hire car , then Brits will need to get a VE103 form to show they have permission to take it out of the UK .

VAN DRIVERS GIVEN GREEN TIPS

Van drivers have been given advice on how to reduce emissions and their impact on the environment . A spokesperson for LeaseVan . co . uk said : “ Reducing emissions is important , particularly for van drivers who can clock up thousands of miles over a year , but simply switching to an electric vehicle isn ’ t financially viable . Instead there are other changes you can make to reduce fuel consumption and emissions so your vehicle is as green as it can be .

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These are changes anyone can make

’

“ These are changes anyone can make like keeping an eye on your speed , planning your trips so you don ’ t need to drive as often , watching how much weight you carry in the back of your van and keeping it well maintained .”
Drive less
Driving less means less harmful emissions . Think about the journeys you have to make and plan them so you ’ re not doing the same route time and time again . Once the engine is warm it will operate at its most efficient . It may mean some serious organisational skills but it will be worth it .
Drive slowly
Driving too quickly means using a lot of fuel . Keep acceleration gentle and drive in the highest possible gear for your vehicle . This will keep fuel consumption – and emissions – down .
Maintain your vehicle
A well-maintained vehicle will mean less fuel consumption . Make sure you carry out the basic checks regularly .

‘ Once the engine is warm it will operate at its most efficient ’

Watch your weight
The more you transport in your van , the heavier it is and the more fuel it uses . If you don ’ t need a heavy item , store it somewhere safe and avoid taking it when you don ’ t need to . Carrying items on the roof will increase fuel consumption too due to wind resistance .
Check emissions
Smaller engines generally produce less CO2 but always compare if you ’ re leasing or buying a petrol can as they can vary .
Go electric
If you can afford the initial outlay , thing about swapping your van to an electric one . In the long term it could save you a few pounds and its better for the environment . Check out any grant or discount available for buying an electric vehicle .
LeaseVan . co . uk