I read the discussion of U-turning across a solid white line with great interest. I have an additional query that backroomers may be able to help with:

When a carriageway merges from two lanes into one there is often a buildup of traffic. Some drivers avoid the queue by using the outside lane up until the last minute, while others queue politely in the inside. A small subset of the queuing traffic attempt to stop this by moving out into the outside lane but maintaining the same speed as those in the inside, effectively preventing the queue-jumpers.

Last week I witnessed a 'queue-jumper' car cross double white lines to overtake someone who was in the outside lane trying to prevent him.

After consulting the 'Traffic Signals and General Directions' act when I got home, I wondered if the section which reads:

"(6) Nothing in paragraph (2)(b) shall be taken to prohibit a vehicle from being driven across, or so as to straddle, the continuous line referred to in that paragraph, if it is safe to do so and if necessary to do so -


(a) to enable the vehicle to enter, from the side of the road on which it is proceeding, land or premises adjacent to the length of road on which the line is placed, or another road joining that road;

(b) in order to pass a stationary vehicle;

etc."

...allows this behaviour. After all, the chap in the outside lane was stationary when the overtaker passed him and crossed the solid white line. Read more

Im having problems starting my felicia 1.3 mpi from cold, it starts but feels it wants to cut out on me. After a minute it then bursts into normal life and then you can smell strong petrol fumes in the cabin. Does anyone know what this problem could be?. Read more

My friend has a VW Passat 1.8 turbo (2001) that he has had for four months. In the last six weeks he has noticed an intermittent problem. The car cuts out when the speed is reduced to around 10-20 mph i.e. when needing to brake from a higher speed. This has been happening about once or twice a week for the last six weeks. The car starts again immediately with no problems. The other problem over this period has been, in his words, "the exhaust splutters when you start and rev the engine". He also mentioned "a strange smell coming from the exhaust emissions" but it doesn't smoke. Also he has noticed "a flapping noise coming from the engine at a speed of 60 mph or more".

Any ideas as to the cause of these symptoms?

Thanks
Lucky Read more

Can anyone familiar with the Mk2 1600E (67 to 70) please advise if the two rear chassis sections, (from the rear of the cabin floor, over the axle, to the rear vallance, on each side of the vehicle and incorporating the spring hangar mounting points) are identical or handed?

We are also told that there is an additional section which fits inside these sections to add strength. Can anyone confirm this or refute this please?

Thank you, Pete. petel@clara.co.uk Read more

Hello,

I've noticed recently that my 1999 2.0 di Vectra produces smoke when under reasonable load, i.e. accelerating to join a 70mph traffic flow or perhaps pulling away quickly. (The car does have 111k on the clock)

Firstly it's worth pointing out that I've only noticed this in the headlights of the car behind - and therefore only noticed it recently (dark mornings/evenings) - may have been happening all the time.

Secondly it's not noticable during the day, and therefore not serious.

Thirdly have yet to notice it when starting from cold.

Fourthly it's due an oil change (7k since the last one) and this will be done this weekend.

To my question - is this anything to worry about? Or should I just keep an eye on it for now?

Kind regards,
Cyrill666
Read more