By Claire Lawson

Animal charity require a caravan donation for a great cause

Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norwich are reaching out and asking for an old touring-type caravan for their staff in which to base themselves when looking after rescued animals on their farm.

The charity currently cares for 1,200 horses, ponies and donkeys, 500 sheep, 300 cows and 70 dogs and, needless to say, a caravan would come in handy when looking after so many farm animals.

Hillside’s latest addition is Jason, a new born foal whose mother, Sheila, arrived at the sanctuary in March. Already heavily pregnant, Sheila was in one of the worst conditions volunteers had seen, but with just two short months of care and attention, is now a lot healthier and looking after her handsome foal.

With the growing numbers of neglected animals entering through Hillside Animal Sanctuary’s gates, a caravan is just one of the many things that the organisation needs to continue to look after the poorly animals. Donations, old towels for use with the animals, old blankets and duvets for its rescued dogs’ bedding and second hand outdoor horse rugs in a usable condition and in various sizes are also required.

We know how much a majority of caravanners love animals, so if you think you can help Hillside in their current plight, click here for more details.

By Joe Jeffrey

Glitches in new payment system to blame, says AA

A number of motorists using the Dartford Crossing between Kent and Essex are being charged twice due to a glitch with a payment system, the AA has said.

Despite being introduced back in November 2014 new payment system, Dart Charge, which replaced tollbooths on the Kent-side of the crossing, is still not without its teething problems according to some road users.

Motorist Clive Turrell tweeted: “Twice I’ve credited my account online without it appearing on my account. When you call, staff haven’t a clue.”

Edmund King, the president of the AA, said: “The new scheme has undoubtedly eased the congestion at busy times but, for some, there is a new concern regarding the behind-the-scenes bureaucracy that accompanies this supposedly high-tech, non-stop tolling.”

In response, a spokesman for Highways England said: “The vast majority of the 100,000 chargeable crossings at Dartford made each day are processed accurately and smoothly.

“Given the scale of transactions from time to time errors will be made for which we apologise unreservedly.”

Have you used the Dartford Crossing since implementation of the new payment system? If so, what has your experience been like?

By Joe Jeffrey

Lower drink-drive limit in England and Wales called for by police bidy, following change in Scotland last year

The Police Federation has called for a lower drink-driving limit in England and Wales to that of Scotland.

The Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, has requested to reduced the current limit of 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood to be reduced to 50mg.

Victoria Martin, a chief inspector working at the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) said ahead of the start of the annual PFEW conference today: “We would like to see road safety back on the national and local agenda.

Of the changes suggested, Martin went on to say implementing a lower limit for the rest of the UK would also bring England and Wales in line with other European countries and tackle the “worrying trend” of women drink-driving.

The suggestion comes following research conducted by Social Research Associates that showed nearly one in six women who responded to a survey conducted last year admitted to driving when they thought they were over the limit. Perhaps, equally as worrying, was that research showed many women were also unaware as to how much alcohol would put them over the threshold when it came to getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Of Social Research Asscoaites’ findings, Martin continued: “We’ve seen a steep decline in men drink-driving over the years, with targeted advertising campaigns, which is great, but women don’t seem to be getting the same message.

“It seems we have a worrying trend, with females still flouting the drink-drive limit, sometimes scarily unaware, putting themselves and others in danger as well as adding to the drain on police resources.”

As the debate continues, let us know what you think. Should we follow Scotland’s route or simply ban all alcohol together?