News about Paul Barker

Here's a countdown of the top 10 most satisfying brands to own based on feedback from 90,000 UK drivers. And we'll reveal the full order from 1 to 32 of mainstream brands to see how yours ranks in the eyes of Britain's motorists.

Nissan has given the top-selling Qashqai a facelift to sharpen up its style, interior technology and trim to bring it more in line with the all-electric Nissan Ariya SUV. This includes LED-lighting inspired by Samurai armour, three new exterior colours and an N-Design trim. Its upgraded 'Around View Monitor' system has a 3D function letting the driver see the car as if from above as well as visualise it from eight external viewpoints to help spot hazards.

Auto Express says 70% of EVs will be subject to the additional 'luxury car' premium tax paid on top of the £180-a-year standard vehicle excise duty rate. It believes this will 'create further cost barriers for drivers looking to transition' to battery cars and called on the new Labour Government to scrap the levy for zero-emission vehicles.

Most new cars face up to 20 years of declining value before being sent to the scrap yard. But a select few emerge as cherished classics or collectibles. I've spoken to motoring experts and classic car enthusiasts to compile a guide to the future modern classics that could make worthwhile investments.

Tributes have poured in following the death of legendary UK and global motor industry boss and proud Welshman Nick Reilly. He died on Friday June 7 after a long illness, aged 74, leaving behind his wife Susie, three grown-up children and six grandchildren. Even in an industry packed with characters, Nick was a far cry from your average 'car guy' - being an eclectic, entertaining and convivial mix of Welsh, Old Harrovian, Cambridge graduate, and father of three, who was also passionate about his national rugby team and enjoyed a good pint.

According to Carwow results, a vehicle declines by 27% as it approaches a certain mileage, which is the most significant financial loss in its lifetime. According to the car buying and selling portal, there are three mileage markers that owners should watch out for when selling.

Wages are up, but inflation remains the same. What does it all mean for mortgage rates, the state pension, benefits and the economy generally? Income tax bands, as we know, would not be affected by the most recent estimate. Just how much is the big freeze - AKA fiscal drag - going to cost us?

Taking the family away on holiday can be exhausting enough, particularly if you're heading for a long-distance road trip to reach a European destination. On top of all of this, consider the additional strain of anxiety. Yet, the truth is that electric vehicle sales are on the rise, meaning that more and more motorists are using EVs for big-mile commutes. But is it practical for long-time petrolheads? Paul Barker (pictured inset), the managing editor of car manufacturer carwow, has been involved in vehicle journalism for more than 20 years and has won most of them with a petrol or diesel engine. So, when the opportunity arose to take a £123,000 BMW iX EV to France for a two-week family break, there was obvious trepidation. He shares his experience in the hopes of revealing some of the unavoidable truths about traveling by battery power in this holiday destination.

Owners of the most polluting diesel vehicles will see their prices increase this week, from £1.70 per hour to £2.50, a 47 percent rise. Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Council claims that asking people with more expensive polluting cars to pay will result in a'shift to cleaner, more comfortable travel in the city.' According to the council's estimates, the majority of current car park users, 66 percent, will see additional charges start tomorrow, with one infuriated driver calling it 'just another way... to tax the drivers and raise more money.'

Starting Friday, Bath is expected to charge variable parking based on vehicle emissions beginning on September 8th. Owners of all diesel cars and some high-emission petrols will be charged more to use council-owned parking lots in the city center as a result of the ULEZ-style laws. It means that the prices of the most polluting diesels will increase this week from £1.70 per hour to £2.50, a 47 percent increase. Bath and North East Somerset Council has announced that by requesting people with higher polluting vehicles to pay'slightly more,' it will encourage a'shift to cleaner, more sustainable travel in the city.' "The aim is to minimize the number of high-polluting vehicles driving into Bath, particularly those with persistent heart and lung disease," the company said.

New '73' registration plates will be available from next week, but more than 200 combinations have been banned as they are considered offensive. The Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency tests out potential number plates, but no such plates are available, and any that "may cause offence, embarrassment, or are in poor taste" are not available. We have the complete list.

Andrea Reid (pictured left), 53, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, has been sentenced to three years in prison for trying to throw herself and her autistic son Daniel, 20, into the path of a moving train on July 26 last year. Reid was trapped in a bitter custody dispute with her ex-husband at the time, and she was determined not to have her son have any contact with him. Reid was discovered by police in a hysterical state and arrested at the scene. She appeared in court (right) in Chester, where she pleaded guilty to attempted murder.