Tristan Shale-Hester
Got any car queries?
Q Are mini cameras another weapon against speeders?
A STRETCH of dual carriageway I often drive down has speed camera signs, and as well as traditional Gatso-style cameras, there are smaller units on bridges that look like green CCTV cameras. Are these also speed cams? Gerry W, E-mail
A PROBABLY not. Most speed cameras tend to be painted yellow to act as a deterrent, and they are also usually larger than typical CCTV cameras. It’s more likely these units are operated by Highways England (HE), which uses ANPR cameras to log number plates in order to determine journey times and traffic volumes. They could also be standard CCTV cameras, which are used to help HE staff monitor road and traffic conditions, as well as manage incidents. Q I want proper reimbursement for my mirror-clash claim
I WAS driving down a narrow road when a car coming the other way strayed into my lane and our wing mirrors collided. The other car’s mirror was broken, and mine was knocked off. We both have the same insurer and the claim is being split 50:50 between me and the other driver. Can I appeal this? Carl Davies, E-mail
A
YOU’LL need to speak to your insurer about this, but unless you have dash-cam footage, a witness statement or some other form of evidence, it will be tricky to contest the provider’s decision. You might want to consider contacting the insurance watchdog, the Financial Ombudsman Service, to see what it says, but this could be a lengthy process.
Q Give me a steer on why parking in gear is a good idea
I WAS taught to leave my car in neutral with the handbrake on when parked. Since then, I’ve noticed some people leave the car in first gear instead. Should I be doing this? Adam J, E-mail
A
THE idea behind leaving a car in gear when parked is that, should the handbrake fail, the car won’t roll away. Experts tend not to consider this necessary if the road is flat, but some recommend leaving the car in gear when parked on a slope. Leave it in reverse if you’re parked facing downhill, or in first if facing uphill. You can also turn your wheels towards the kerb to further minimise the risk of rolling. ‘Park’ mode on automatic transmissions uses the gearbox to help hold a car.