Road charging rebels 'in minority' Jun 9 2005

Only a small minority of motorists would refuse to have tracking devices fitted in their cars to allow the introduction of road-charging, according to a survey.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling last weekend floated controversial proposals to use hi-tech satellite systems to charge different rates for driving on different roads, ranging from 2p a mile for country lanes to 1.30 for the most congested inner-city streets.

He is expected to spell out further details of his thinking at a speech to the Social Market Foundation in London.

Mr Darling says that his proposals - which are unlikely to become reality earlier than 10-15 years from now - are not designed to drive people out of their cars, but to prevent Britain's roads reaching "gridlock".

Despite a furious response to Mr Darling's proposals from motorists' groups, the survey found just 16% of "refuseniks" insisting that nothing would make them have a tracking device in their cars in a road-charging scheme.

Others said they would be encouraged to install a "black box" if it would also help emergency services locate them after a crash (27%), give them discounts on road-user charges (24%), allow them to avoid repeated payments for road use (21%), help reduce their insurance premiums (20%), relay traffic information to their car (15%), provide proof of payment (13%) or provide directions and information about places of interest (9%).

The survey, carried out by Mori for IT consultancy Detica, suggests that Mr Darling may overcome public resistance if he ensures his scheme combines tracking technology with services attractive to motorists, said Detica's head of transport Grant Klein.

"Technology can be used to ensure charging is based on vehicle type, road type, time of day, even level of congestion - this creates the potential for a much fairer means of charging," he said.

"In addition, with such a scheme, there is greater scope for ensuring that the honest motorist no longer picks up the tab for insurance and road-tax evaders. By tracking those who fail to comply and pay their way, law-abiding motorists will see the benefit in their pockets and through improved safety.

"When presented with a list of potential benefits, 73% of vehicle owners we spoke to said they would consider having a device fitted. So the Government needs to push the benefits message home."

im on the case of the rampers, they really get on my t*ts, but trying to be more subtle than pt. Good luck to you both. Ive suffered with cyh so stopping out of this business for a while but will keep an eye on tfc.

still quiet?

Not in yet chaps. Don't like the look of the chart, still in a downtrend, although there are small indications that the tide may be turning. I'll wait for the 50MA to turn before I consider jumping in.

pth

how about buying your smartnav in ARGOS, bet you did not know you could buy it in argos ;-)http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=3151&langId=-1&searchTerms=smartnav

Centurian electronics (CUC) sell their products in argos (one was even on the bargains page for xmas) and look whats happened to them!!!!!!

It's bloody expensive, good product though I sold these at 85p still got them on my watch list.

599 is not expensive its only 100 more than a tomtom, and it bloody better than a tomtom

kat - some may have bought on your promises last week, anything to say those people to give them hope following your brave predictions.

Interesting chart though Kivver. I'll stick my neck out and would predict a bounce tomorrow off previous support. Possible Divergance on both the RSI and Slow Stochastic also. Bit of a falling knife, so I'll think I'll wait until the trend reversal.

pth

pth - they've lost the rover contract, that will need to be replaced, one thing charts never show is the fundamentals but good luck!

I think we will get told who the RDSTMC contracts are with tomorrow, going to top up this afternoon once I sold my mdy shares ;-)

Kivver,

It's all in the charts, even the fundamentals. Well, that's what they say!

Got my bounce, albeit a tiny one. Well, that's what the wife says!!

pth

Still in and happy at the moment.

T-Mobile UK launches mobile traffic information service
Telecom Paper (subscription), Netherlands - 1 hour ago
TrafficTV delivers real time information from Trafficmaster using over 7,500 roadside sensors positioned alongside motorways and trunk roads throughout the UK. ...

http://www.trafficmaster.co.uk/page.cfm?key=kia
Kia Range Expands

(27 Jun 05)

The most inexpensive Kia in the UK is now the entry-level Picanto 1.0 S. It costs 5495, which you may recognise as being the same price as the 1.0 GS. Well, it was, but as from July 1 the GS becomes 500 more expensive, with a new price tag of 5995. The cost of the 1.1 LX goes up by 100 to 6595 for the manual-transmission version and 7395 for the automatic. The SE has been deleted from the range, so if you find one of these in a Kia showroom it's a run-out model.

The Sorento and Sedona line-ups have been extended at the top end, with high-specification models added in each case. The XT version of the Sorento gets chrome style side bars, chrome-trimmed door mirrors, dark-style headlamps, privacy glass, 18" alloy wheels, satellite navigation and a 6-CD autochanger, all as standard. Prices are 23,995 for the 2.5 CRDi turbo diesel manual, 25,095 for the automatic and 24,995 for the 3.5 V6 automatic.

Coming in at the top of the Sedona range, the SE+ is simply an SE with side steps and reverse parking distance sensors. This has no effect on pricing which, as with the SE, is 19,295 for the 2.9 CRDi manual and 20,295 for the automatic.

Modest price increases of between 5 and 100 apply to selected Cerato and Sportage models, while the metallic/mica paint option goes up by 5 to 300 on passenger cars and the Carens mini-MPV, and by 25 to 350 on the Sportage, Sorento and Sedona.


http://www.carkeys.co.uk/news/2005/june/27/6395.asp

RNS Number:7536O
Trafficmaster PLC
12 July 2005

For Immediate Release

12 July 2005



TRAFFICMASTER WINS CONTRACT WITH SEAT TO PROVIDE SMARTNAV AS A STANDARD FIT FOR
CERTAIN MODELS



Trafficmaster, the leading journey management company, has signed an agreement
with SEAT UK to fit Smartnav as standard into SEAT Leon FR and Leon Cupra R
models. Acclaimed as one of the easiest satellite navigation systems to use,
Smartnav incorporates Trafficmaster's real time traffic information to calculate
routes around traffic jams, thus reducing stress for drivers.



SEAT customers will not only benefit from Smartnav's advanced navigation, but
will also have a free 12 month subscription to RAC Trackstar, the leading GPS
based stolen vehicle tracking service, and can choose to add Touchscreen - a
small screen that provides visual instructions to complement the step-by-step
verbal directions. In addition customers can take advantage of the optional
service, Safe Speed - an integrated speed camera alert system.



The agreement follows the successful partnership with SEAT's motorsport
division, SEAT Sport UK. As the official sponsor of the Smartnav SEAT Cupra
Championship, which runs alongside the British Touring Car Championship,
Smartnav has gained brand awareness and exposure amongst motoring enthusiasts.



Mark McKenna, Head of Marketing of SEAT, says:



"Out of all the satellite navigations systems on the market, Smartnav offers a
truly comprehensive driving solution. Not only does it stop you from getting
lost using up-to-date mapping stored on Trafficmaster's central computers, but
it dynamically guides you around traffic problems and tracks your car if it is
stolen. To top it all, whether customers have the button only or the
Touchscreen, Smartnav is so simple to use and takes out the stress of driving on
today's busy roads. It is a great addition to our cars."



Adrian Joseph, Group Sales & Marketing Director at Trafficmaster comments:



"Smartnav's popularity is down to its simplicity and the way it effectively
manages the motorist's journey. It can navigate you to your destination, direct
you around traffic jams, warn you of speed cameras and track your car if it has
been stolen."

cant believe people have missed this

look at how much the share was when Rover was in, then think about how much more cars seat sell, this is a stonking standard fit

1.50 is where should be now

katcenka

Don't assume that because others are not posting that they have not dipped in. Recent contract wins are very encouraging.

Problem is with the chart, has been in a strong downtrend since sept/oct last year and yet to see that trend firmly broken. Would also like to see the 9 EMA break above the 50 EMA, which should happen fairly soon. MACD looks positive and RSI has plenty of room to go.

pth

TFC seem to have made some friends at VW.Whats next,Skoda and then VW itself.Correct me if im wrong but isnt VW the biggest car maker in Europe?
Recent contracts should wipe out losing Rover.Is TFC due to anything from the Rover recievership?They are probably way down the list.