I have just this morning received a Penalty Notice for an alleged bus lane incursion, in a bus lane just outside Reading Rail Station. The date of the alleged incursion is 22nd June 2008. The alleged offence was spotted by a CCTV camera operative and a penalty notice has finally been issued (dated 7th October 2008). I've looked up the rules around these notices on the tinternet, and it seems local authorities can issue notices up to 6 months after an alleged offence, so fair enough, even if it feels a little late.

I was definately in the area at the time of the alleged offence, as I was picking a gentleman up from the train station at the time and date stated, this was someone who had travelled from London to buy a car from me, hence I have records to show what I was doing that day and I rememeber the time I agreed to meet him at the station. The alleged offence occurred in my car, registered to me, and I know for a fact I was driving it in the area on the date and time recorded. So far, so banged to rights.

I have absolutely no recollection, however, of entering a bus lane, and would be surprised if I had done so as I'm not the sort to do this usually.

So, I have sent off a request to view the CCTV footage at Reading Civic Centre, as the notice states that I have a right to do so. I await a timed and dated appointment, as proimised on the notice.

My question is this. Should I pay the fine now during the 14 days-reduced-to-30-pounds rule, and then claim the money back if it turns out that I feel I didn't commit an offence? Or should I hold out paying until I've seen the footage? If I take the latter course, do I risk missing out on the 14 day payment, 30 pounds allowance and end up paying 60, or even 90 pounds if it goes beyond 28 days? Needless to say, the Penalty Notice does not clarify this situation.

Would appreciate any thoughts from BR contributors.

NOTE: I am not trying to get off the fine if I have commitied the alleged offence - if I see the video and I have done something I shouldn't have, I will proceed immediately to the accounts window in the Civic Centre and settle up. What I'm trying to do is pay as little as possible in the event that I have been a naughty little boy. Read more

I have covered 40k in my IS220 diesel and only get between 31 and 32 mpg (Shell ultimate). I only do long journeys and I am not a fast driver. I was surprised to find that when I drove an identical car the service agent lent me at the last service I got 47 mpg. All the Lexus agents Ihave contacted agree something is wrong with my car but none has yet said they can fix it. If someone knows what actually needs to be done to improve the consumption (or where I can definitely have it fixed) I would be interested to know as I really can not afford to go on as I am with this vehicle. Read more

A couple of weeks ago when I parked on a channel ferry I switched off the two alarm switches in the driver's door pocket: Internal Movement and Incline Alarm. I always do this as I don't want to look a twit with my alarm going off when we we all return to collect our cars after a bumby crossing.

This time I did look a twit with the alarm going off. I couldn't use the remote on the key - it had no effect. I unlocked the driver's door with the key and the very feeble alarm (EU rules I think) only stopped when I put the key in the ignition slot and turned it on whence a "clunk" told me that the doors had all unlocked.

So far so good, but this is now the only way to both lock and then get in to the car and it's been a pain for two weeks in France. My handbook tells me nothing about re-setting things. Is it a fault or can I reset it by holding the key in the ignition in a certain place for a certain time? Or maybe something similar. Read more

does the 5 series have timing belts or chain Read more

Hi all,

First post and used to old mechanical cars so please be gentle!!

The mother-in-law has a 98 1l Corsa that she keeps at ours for when she visits. It has two problems:

* Speedo doesn't work (think this is the sensor on the gearbox)
* Runs slightly rough at idle. When running there is intermittent hesitation which I can best describe as if trying to drive an older car with the choke out.

She has taken it to the local garage who have 'put it on the computer'. They are saying it needs the sensor and a new injector. For this they have charged her £45 and want £400 for the work.
My question is is this engine that complicated? From what I can see there are 3 injectors and they want to replace 1. Does the replaced injector have to be programmed to the car or is it a swap out? The car only cost £450 in the first place with 9 months tax!!!

Thanks in advance for your answers

Simon
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