Road Laws

Pensioner, 89, killed after being hit by recycling lorry in popular UK seaside town is pictured – as family pay tribute

THE relatives of an 89-year-old woman who was killed in a horror crash involving a council recycling lorry have paid tribute to their “bright, shining light of love.”

Daphne Stallard tragically died on Monday after a collision on Brookes Street, in the popular seaside town of Llandudno, Wales.

Photo of Daphne Stallard, mother of the Bishop of Llandaff.

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Daphne Stallard was senior bishop in LlandudnoCredit: WNS

Conwy Council has since confirmed that one of its recycling lorries was involved in the horrific incident.

Daphne was tragically killed when she was hit by the large council recycling collection truck whilst standing on a narrow side street.

Following the crash a man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, he was then released under investigation.

Daphne studied at Cambridge and was trained as a scientist, she went on to teach at several high schools and was head of Chemistry at a prestigious Birmingham girls school.

Her family have now offered a heartbroken tribute to her as she is pictured for the first time since the tragic collision.

Her family said: “Our Mum, Daphne, was a bright shining light of love at the centre of our family. She was a caring Mam-gu who was always full of concern and pride for her children and her grown-up grandchildren.

“A woman of faith who gave so much of her time to looking after others, she has always been an active volunteer at church.

“Daphne was a member of many community groups and spent much time visiting and writing to anyone she thought might appreciate support.

“She cared for people of all ages and especially enjoyed helping with small children at the church Sunday school, and visiting “the elderly” who often included those younger than herself!

“She was incredibly hard-working. Her children remember her juggling being a full-time mother, helping at church and teaching by correspondence-course late into the night when they were small.

“She always had a very strong work ethic and this attitude continued even into her retirement.”

Daphne was mother of Mary Stallard, Bishop of Llandaff and a former Assistant Bishop of Bangor.

Her husband, who sadly passed away five years ago, was the Reverend Charles Stallard.

The couple remained active together and reportedly spent Daphne’s 80th birthday climbing Snowdon together.

The couple are survived by their three children, Mary, Andrew and John.

Daphne’s grieving family added: “Her sudden loss has come as such a shock to us all.

“It is a comfort to us that we believe that she is reunited now with her beloved Charles, and both are safe in God’s care.”

An investigation into the horror collision that killed Daphne is underway.

North Wales Police is probing the incident and are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward.

Daphne Stallard, smiling at her birthday cake.

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Tragic Daphne was hailed by her family as a ‘bright, shining light of love’Credit: WNS

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Drivers using key word on car insurance being charged hundreds more

DRIVERS are forking out £100s more on their car insurance by merely using a certain key word as their occupation.

Experts have revealed elderly drivers are facing substantial increases in premiums with costs rising by up to 50% in some cases – simply by marking themselves as “retired” on car insurance forms. 

Elderly woman driving a car.

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Rising premiums leave retired drivers searching for solutions to cut costsCredit: Getty
A businessman receives car keys from a salesperson.

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A simple change in job title could save you hundreds on car insurance – providing it’s done accurately and honestlyCredit: Getty
Close-up of a senior man's hands gripping a car's steering wheel.

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Experts reveal tips to help elderly motorists navigate soaring insurance ratesCredit: Getty

According to research by Quotezone, car insurance premiums are rising for elderly motorists in the UK with retired drivers listing “retired” as their occupation.

On average, this is seeing premiums jumping from £492 to £733 annually.

To combat this, Quotezone suggests variations in job titles could potentially reduce insurance costs – as long as the descriptions remain accurate and honest. 

For unemployed individuals, adding a more experienced driver to the policy might help lower costs, although they caution against “fronting,” which is illegal.

DialDirect points out that premiums tend to rise for elderly drivers because insurance providers often view them as higher-risk.

They added: “Car insurance premiums can begin to rise as you become older as insurance providers typically view elderly drivers as higher-risk individuals.

“Like the way in which drivers between the age of 17 to 25 are often charged more for insurance, so are elderly drivers.

“However, the level of risk attached to different ages will vary for different insurance providers so make sure you shop around for the best deal.”

GET COVERED

Car insurance in the UK is a legal necessity, with three main levels of cover available. 

These are fully comprehensive insurance, which offers the highest level of protection, covering damage to your vehicle, yourself and third party, fire and theft.

Drivers warned over common car feature that quietly causes insurance bill to spike – you’ll pay more just for having it

There’s then third party, fire and theft insurance, which covers damage you cause to others, as well as fire damage or theft of your own vehicle.

And there’s third party only insurance (TPO), which is the minimum legal requirement that covers damage caused to others but not your own vehicle. 

TPO, however, won’t compensate for any damage to your own car or for your medical expenses following an accident that you’re responsible for.

This comes as an urgent DVLA warning was recently issued to drivers as a major change is set to come into force this week that could see them slapped with a £1,000 fine.

The huge change will affect laws surrounding number plates and could lead to thousands of plates becoming invalid. 

Motorists using company cars should also expect to face fresh charges as part of major law changes hitting this month.

The new changes kicked in from September 1 – and includes toll hikes and fuel changes which are bound top affect thousands of Brit drivers.

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Brit film star, 58, banned from driving after being caught speeding in Kia Sorento – at just 24mph

LOCK, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star Jason Flemyng has been banned from driving after being caught speeding — at 24mph.

The 58-year-old was pinged in a 20mph zone in his Kia Sorento.

Headshot of Jason Flemyng at the Military Wives film premiere.

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Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels actor Jason Flemyng has been banned from driving after being caught doing 24mph in a 20mph zoneCredit: Getty

It was the fourth time Flemyng had been caught speeding in the past year.

He already had 12 points on his licence but had not been banned because of a justice system administrative error.

The actor admitted speeding near his home in Clapham, South West London, on December 5.

He was banned for six months and fined £775.

He told Lavender Hill JPs: “I don’t want to waste the court’s time. I accept what has happened.”

Asked whether he wanted to claim exceptional hardship, the actor, wearing a black suit, said: “Well, my work and what I do for a living, and my charity work, all depend on me driving.

“Maybe I should have thought about that before I drove 24mph in a 20mph zone.”

Flemyng played Tom in Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and has appeared in Snatch and From Hell with Johnny Depp.

In 2009, the actor joined the cast of the ITV science fiction cult drama series Primeval during its third series, as maverick ex-policeman Danny Quinn and he reprised the role in 2011.

He has been married to actress and producer Elly Fairman since 2007, best known for Blitz, and has also starred in BBC drama series Casualty.

Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels cast look completely different as they reunite 25 years after hit film

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Heartbreaking tributes paid to ‘beautiful’ woman, 21, killed in late night hit-and-run as cops make urgent appeal

Tributes have poured in to a “beautiful” 21-year-old woman killed in a horror, late-night crash outside a shopping centre.

Emergency services raced to Brassington Avenue in Sutton Coldfield on Friday night, after two women were struck by a car.

Memorial of photos and messages for a young woman.

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A huge wall of tributes to a woman who died in a car crash has appeared in the West MidlandsCredit: SWNS
Photo of Natasha, a 21-year-old hit-and-run victim.

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Natasha was sadly killed on Friday nightCredit: SWNS
Memorial with photos and flowers for a 21-year-old woman killed in a hit-and-run.

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Flowers have appeared at the wall which is based at the site of the crashCredit: SWNS

One victim was sadly pronounced dead at the scene shortly after midnight – despite the efforts of medics.

Although her full name hasn’t been released, the victim has been named locally as Natasha.

The other woman survived, though sustained a leg injury.

Meanwhile, two men were arrested by police on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

One suspect was released with no further action while the other was bailed with conditions while detectives continue to investigate.

A heartbreaking 25ft (7m) long shrine – featuring hundreds of tributes and flowers – has since appeared at the scene of the tragic smash.

One poignant note from her parents reads: “I hope you know how much you were loved. You will never know how much you are missed.

“Keep dancing my beautiful little girl. Love you forever, Mom, Dad, Georgia and Milo Xxxxxxxx woof lick.”

Another from her sister says: “Sis, Totally hilarious, kind and witty. You are one in a million. Party hard up there girly.

“We will love you and miss you forever. Until we meet again, G.”

Moment hero cop tackles knife-wielding yob who yanks at her hair in frantic broad-daylight brawl on high street

Another bouquet along the makeshift shrine, which also features dozens of photos of Natasha, added: “Beautiful inside and out. You will never be forgotten.”

One particularly poignant note from one of Natasha’s friends read: “My beautiful Tash, you were the best friend I could have ever wished for.

“You were so funny, caring and crazy. I’m so incredibly grateful for our time together. You changed my life.

“I will never ever forget you. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”

One tribute from her uncle and auntie, read: “To our darling Tish, we are broken. You will be with us forever.”

Officers from West Midlands Police are still appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the collision outside Gracechurch shopping centre to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “I would like to thank all those who have contacted us so far and all those that went to the aid of the two young women on the night.

“Our investigation is continuing, and we would particularly like to hear from anyone who saw the car involved, a silver Toyota Corolla immediately before the collision happened.

“If you have any CCTV from the surrounding area, you should get in touch with us to share what you know.

“This was a heartbreaking incident which has robbed a young woman of her life.

“Our officers are working with her family, who remain in our thoughts at this desperately sad time, and I would ask that their privacy is respected”.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log number 5911 of August 22 or email detectives directly at [email protected].

Photo of Natasha, a 21-year-old hit-and-run victim, with a friend.

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Many of the pictures show Natasha with friends and familyCredit: SWNS
Floral tributes and chalk messages at a roadside memorial.

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Hundreds of heartfelt tributes have been left at the wallCredit: SWNS
Handwritten tribute to Tash.

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Many people left notes addressed to NatashaCredit: SWNS
Tribute to Natasha, including a handwritten message and a photo.

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Several of the notes included heartwarming picturesCredit: SWNS
Floral tributes and photos at a memorial for Natasha.

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Police are appealing for more information about the crashCredit: SWNS

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Horror moment OAP drives down motorway the wrong way with pensioner doing it FOUR times in the space of hours

THIS is the horrifying moment an OAP drives the wrong way down FOUR different motorways in a single day.

The 81-year-old man from Spain‘s capital Madrid caused multiple accidents during his erratic streak and was later arrested.

Dashcam footage of a car driving the wrong way on a motorway, causing an accident.

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The OAP’s car, circled, can be seen heading the wrong way down the fast line of a motorwayCredit: Jam Press/Guardia Civil
Dashcam footage of a car driving the wrong way on a motorway.

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The car on the right has just been forced to swerve out of its wayCredit: Jam Press/Guardia Civil
Video still of a car driving the wrong way on a motorway.

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Unbothered, the man continued driving the wrong way down the roadCredit: Jam Press/Guardia Civil

Dashcam footage shows other drivers swerving into the next lane to avoid a head-on collision.

The oblivious motorist can been hugging ploughing down the fast line – in the wrong direction – hugging the central reservation.

The driver ditched directions at around 12:45pm on August 14, when he decided to make a U-turn at the toll on the M-12 motorway.

He then entered the M-11 going against the traffic.

After trundling on for 2.2 miles, the inevitable happened and he smashed into an oncoming car.

Both vehicles were damaged in the head-on collision, but the driver was apparently unphased and set off again.

Later on, around 6:25 pm, he entered the A-5, driving towards Madrid in lanes meant for traffic heading to Badajoz for around 6km.

One car was forced off the road by his oncoming vehicle, resulting in two minor injuries and damage to the vehicle.

At around 7:34 pm, he was detected driving the wrong way again – this time near kilometre 16 of the A-6 motorway.

Despite heading towards Madrid in lanes reserved for traffic to La Coruña, there were miraculously no accidents on this stretch.

M25 and M11 grind to a halt due to crash involving four vehicles and car fire with severe delays expected

Cops went round to this house last Tuesday with alleged evidence of his crazy spree.

The aging motorist is now facing four counts of reckless driving.

Authorities have requested an assessment to declare him unfit to drive, which could lead to the suspension of his licence.

One social media user vented: “Honestly, at this point, you might as well suggest him as Fernando Alonso’s teammate next season.

“What are all these older people thinking, putting everyone else’s lives at risk?

“And this isn’t even an isolated case. The driving age limits really need to be rethought.”

Screenshot of a tweet questioning elderly drivers' fitness to drive, following a news story about an 81-year-old man driving the wrong way on four motorways.

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This X user insisted that the rules need to be changed for older driversCredit: Jam Press

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Keyless car owners warned as gangs use Game Boy-style gadgets to steal cars – experts share 5 ways to boost security

KEYLESS cars are becoming increasingly vulnerable to theft as criminals turn to sophisticated tools like Game Boy-style emulators, experts warn.

Alarmingly, most mechanics now consider traditional car alarms ineffective as deterrents.

Nighttime security footage of a person stealing a car.

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Keyless cars are being targeted by thieves – as smarter security solutions are needed
A gloved hand opens a car door at night.

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Game Boy style gadgets are being used to steal vehicles in secondsCredit: Getty
CCTV image of a man stealing a Bentley.

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Experts have revealed their top tips to keep your car safe from sophisticated thievesCredit: SWNS
Car steering wheel with Stoplock attached.

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Despite advances in vehicle security tech, steering wheel locks are still recommendedCredit: Getty

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) says vehicle theft in the UK has surged by 75% over the past decade, with 130,000 cars stolen annually.

This trend has sparked calls for smarter, tech-based solutions to deter car thieves.

According to Fix My Car, car owners should adopt multiple layered security strategies and modern tools to help protect their motors – including engine immobilisers and GPS trackers.

Indeed, only 5% of mechanics trust traditional car alarms as effective deterrents, although everyday precautions, such as keeping keys hidden, parking in well-lit areas and checking on vehicles regularly remain essential habits.

Matt Wrankmore, Head of Garage Network at FixMyCar, said: “Car theft is no longer just about smashing windows or hot-wiring ignitions.

“Criminals are more cyber-savvy than ever, so drivers need to respond with a balanced approach using both smart technology and visible deterrents.”

And he added: “There are definite benefits to using traditional deterrents in your car, and many manufacturers still recommend steering wheel locks despite advances in vehicle security tech.

“I believe drivers returning to these methods are on the right track but we need to use all the tools available.

“That means combining mechanical immobilisers and telematics trackers with visual deterrents like steering wheel locks and alarm stickers.

“And let’s not forget the cheapest and most overlooked measure of common sense.

Channel 4 Dispatches discovers organised criminal gangs at the heart of car thefts

“Keeping your keys hidden, parking in well-lit areas with CCTV, and checking on your car regularly are all simple habits that still go a long way.”

The rise in car thefts has also exposed vulnerabilities in high-end vehicles, such as Hyundai’s electric Ioniq 5.

A furious driver, Adam Metselaar, threatened to sue the firm last year after his £47,000 keyless car was stolen in just 31 seconds using a gadget disguised as a Nintendo Game Boy.

Despite keeping his car keys in a protective box to prevent cloning, the thieves bypassed the system using a hi-tech “emulator” hidden inside the casing of the gaming device.

The grey Ioniq 5 was traced four miles away using an Apple AirTag, but it had sustained £10,000 worth of damage.

Hyundai admitted that similar thefts have affected at least 26 cars in London, as per September last year.

They later updated their Bluelink software to introduce additional anti-theft features.

As summer holidays prompt many motorists to leave their cars unattended, FixMyCar is encouraging drivers to take proactive measures to protect their vehicles.

A combination of modern tracking devices, visible deterrents and simple precautions can go a long way in safeguarding cars from increasingly sophisticated thieves.

Five effective ways to protect your vehicle from theft

  1. Use engine immobilisers and GPS trackers
    • These tech-based solutions are highly recommended by mechanics. Engine immobilisers prevent the car from starting without the correct key, while GPS trackers help locate the vehicle quickly if stolen.
  2. Install visible deterrents
    • Devices like steering wheel locks, wheel clamps and alarm stickers act as visual signals to deter thieves, making your car a less appealing target.
  3. Adopt everyday precautions
    • Simple habits such as keeping your keys hidden, parking in well-lit areas with CCTV and ensuring your car is locked at all times are effective and inexpensive ways to reduce theft risk.
  4. Secure keyless fobs
    • Store keyless fobs in Faraday pouches or protective boxes to prevent criminals from cloning the signal. Regularly check for software updates for your car’s keyless system to enhance security.
  5. Blend traditional and modern security measures
    • Combining old-school deterrents like steering locks with advanced technology, such as telematics trackers, provides a multi-layered defence against increasingly sophisticated theft tactics.

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Best apps to save you £100s by revealing the cheapest prices on food, petrol, flights and parking

THERE are loads of ways for Brits to use apps to slash bills this summer.

You can easily find the cheapest prices for food, petrol, flights and parking. If you use them regularly, you could easily save hundreds a year.

Smartphone screen showing a fuel price comparison app.

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PetrolPrices is one easy way to bring down your fuel billsCredit: PetrolPrices

CHEAPER PETROL

One great option for drivers is the PetrolPrices.

The name is the giveaway here. This app is designed to help you find the cheapest petrol prices in the area.

You can see the locations on a map, or find them as a list sorted by lowest price, distance, and even brands.

Site owners can upload their own prices, and users can report the fuel costs too.

It means you don’t have to drive around looking for the cheap prices – or face a price shock at the pump.

Another handy tip is using the Google Maps fuel efficiency feature.

Turn it on by going into Google Maps > Profile > Settings > Navigation > Route Options > Prefer Fuel-Efficient Routes.

“Google Maps can estimate fuel or energy efficiency for different vehicle types, including electric and combustion engine cars, as well as petrol motorcycles,” Google explained.

“The more fuel or energy efficient the route, the lower your vehicle’s fuel or energy usage.”

You should also tell Google your engine type in Google Maps > Profile > Settings > Your Vehicle.

Google unleashes surprise upgrade to Gemini AI in war on ChatGPT – and promises two super-intelligent changes

That can give you even better fuel-efficiency.

“The most fuel or energy-efficient route can be different based on the engine type,” Google said.

“For example, diesel vehicles’ relative fuel economy advantage is generally greatest in motorway driving.

“Hybrid and electric vehicles tend to provide greater efficiency in stop-start town and hill driving where they can benefit from regenerative braking.”

Smartphone screen showing fuel-saving route options based on engine type (petrol, diesel, electric, hybrid).

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Tell Google your vehicle type to save money on fuelCredit: Google

FOOD PRICES

For food savings, you’ll want to first take a look at Trolley.

It lets you compare prices for groceries across supermarkets, with a long list of stores including:

  • Asda
  • Sainsburys
  • Aldi
  • Home Bargains
  • Morrisons
  • Tesco
  • Boots
  • Wilko
  • Coop
  • Waitrose
  • Superdrug
  • B&M
  • Ocado
  • Iceland
  • Savers
  • Poundland
Screenshot of a phone screen showing a price comparison app for Persil laundry detergent.

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Trolley lets you compare prices between loads of supermarketsCredit: Trolley

The app says it’ll save you up to 30% on a weekly shop, but your own success will vary depending on what you buy and how much you spend.

Another option – recently tested by The Sun’s tech desk – is to use the Google Gemini chatbot.

You can use it to plan your food shop by asking the bot to find the cheapest prices.

It’s also worth noting that you can bag cheap or free food by picking up leftovers or stuff that would be otherwise thrown away.

Two apps – Olio and Too Good To Go – are packed with food bargains.

And if you want free food, Sky customers can bag a weekly treat from the Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range through the MySky app.

Just go to the Sky VIP panel (which is free to join) to claim your freebie.

We’ve seen ice lollies and pizzas so far, but there’s a new option every week.

Coupon for free Sainsbury's Taste the Difference ice cream.

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Sky hands out freebies to customers every week, courtesy of Sainsbury’sCredit: Sky / The Sun

FLIGHT COMPARISONS

There’s no denying that Skyscanner is a brilliant option for finding cheap flights.

But you should also take a look at Google Flights, which has some clever tricks.

For a start, when you’re searching for flights, it can show you the cheapest window to book.

“For example, these insights could tell you that the cheapest time to book similar trips is usually two months before departure, and you’re currently in that sweet spot,” Google said.

Screenshot

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Google Flights will show you the cheapest time to bookCredit: Google

“Or you might learn that prices have usually dropped closer to takeoff, so you decide to wait before booking. Either way, you can make that decision with a greater sense of confidence.”

You can also turn on price tracking for specific dates (like if you’re off to a wedding) or for any dates (if you just want a holiday at some point soon).

This feature will only appear if you’re signed in to your Google account.

And right now, Google Flights is getting an upgrade with the Flights Deal feature.

Screenshot

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You can track prices on Google Flights to get notificationsCredit: Google

It’s currently only in the US, Canada, and India – but it looks likely to land in the UK eventually too.

The feature works using AI with Google saying it’s “for flexible travellers whose number one goal is saving money“.

“Instead of playing with different dates, destinations and filters to uncover the best deals, you can just describe when, where and how you’d like to travel — as though you’re talking to a friend — and Flight Deals will take care of the rest,” Google said.

For example, you could search for a “week-long trip this winter to a city with great food, nonstop only”, Google revealed.

Screenshot

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Google’s upcoming Flight Deals feature lets you chat with an AI holiday helperCredit: Google

Then it’ll use Google Fights data to show you the latest options from loads of airlines.

CHEAP PARKING

Lastly, make sure you’re not overpaying on parking.

There’s a great app called JustPark, which you might be familiar with as a way to pay at some car parks.

But it also lets people rent out their driveways, which means you can bag some great bargains.

Smartphone screen showing parking payment app.

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JustPark is a great way to find cheap parking across the UKCredit: JustPark

We tried it out earlier this year and found £6 for all-day parking in London on a weekday.

You can book them far in advance, and even add on insurance that covers the excess if your car ends up getting damaged.

You can easily check and amend (or cancel) your driveway parking through the app from anywhere. So you could add extra time if you’re running late.

And it’s potentially a great way to bag a bargain for sports fixtures by getting near-stadium parking.

You could also turn it into a side-hustle by renting out your own parking space.

So you wouldn’t just be saving money, but making some quick cash too.

HOW TO RENT YOUR DRIVEWAY FOR CASH

Here’s how the process works on JustPark…

First, you go to JustPark and go through the Get A Quote process.

That involves handing over your name, postcode, and an email address.

Then you add the details for your actual space, choose the days and hours that you prefer, and set a price.

You’ll need to be the legal owner of the space, or have permission from the landlord.

JustPark will let you know when you get a booking from one of the 13 million drivers on the app.

As long as you’ve given clear parking instructions, you shouldn’t need to do much else.

You don’t need to make your space available constantly.

For instance, you could set it so that it’s only available while you’re out at work – or while you’re away on holiday.

You can take down your space from JustPark if you get tired of it – or if you decide it’s just too much hassle.

For short-term bookings, money is added to your JustPark account 48 hours after the it begins. And longer-term bookings will see payments added after the first month.

You can do manual withdrawals, or set up automatic withdrawals every month or quarter.

And it’ll take up to 10 working days for the money to come into your bank account.

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Our iconic high street is a MESS after bungling council ripped up granite cobbles & replaced them with blob of tarmac

RESIDENTS in a historic city have been left fuming after a granite cobbled street was ripped up and repaired with a blob of tarmac.

Emergency repair work to fix a water leak in Canterbury, Kent, resulted in the ripping up of granite setts, locals say.

Tarmac repair patch on a cobblestone street in front of buildings.

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Residents are less than happy with the move across the cityCredit: SWNS
Tarmac repair on a cobblestone street in Canterbury, Kent.

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Burgate Street in Canterbury, Kent was repaired with a blob of tarmacCredit: SWNS

One section in Burgate Street has now been replaced with black asphalt – which has been described as a mess by disgruntled residents.

Clive Bowley, 73, from the Canterbury Society says he heard about the unappealing repairs last week after complaints from other locals.

The resident, who works as an architect restoring historic buildings, says it is becoming a pattern in the town with other traditional streets also seeing tarmac patches.

He said: “It was brought to our attention by people complaining. I just thought ‘oh not again.’ It was depressing.

“The problem is that service engineers have to go in to do necessary work and they don’t reinstate the ground properly afterwards.

“There is just a great big patch replaced by tarmac. It is a bit of a mess really. They have done a botched job.”

Photos show several repairs across the city centre, which has UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Clive, who has lived in Canterbury for over 40 years, says that if these streets aren’t restored soon then the historic feel will be ruined.

Clive said: “It is all about civic pride really. If things are botched up then it looks a mess and seems like people don’t care. It gradually will look more and more scruffy as time goes on.

“Burgate is one of the streets that leads down into the heart of a historic area. So, all that end of town is a conservation area and is of special heritage interest.

“If they are not put right in due course the town will gradually become a pit of all sorts of patches.”

Keir Starmer says councils must prove they are making potholes repairs or lose funding

Clive claims that he has complained to Kent County Council about the tarmac, and that they have claimed it will be fixed soon.

However, he says that many locals believe the unique road materials are now in landfill- and they feel that repairs will be impossible.

He said: “The council said that they would press the water company to do it properly. But similar things have happened around the town that were never fixed- so we are a little skeptical.

“The other concern is that they have dug up all these specialist materials and we don’t know what has happened to them. If the granite setts are thrown away, then we won’t be able to get more because they are unique.

“Every material used is unique, so you can’t just go to the builders’ merchants and buy more. My skeptical nature suggests that they probably dumped them.”

The water mains repairs were completed by South East Water, who insist that this quick fix is only temporary, and say that they will begin restoration next week.

Nick Bell, of South East Water, said: “We’re sorry to customers in the Canterbury area who have been left upset at the current appearance of the interim surface laid following urgent repairs to the burst water main in Burgate.

“This is not the finished reinstatement, but our priority was to backfill the excavation quickly to allow the road to be reopened, rather than prolonging the road closure.

“We have ordered the necessary materials to complete the permanent reinstatement, which involves re-setting the granite cobbles to their original condition.

“We will be carrying out this work from Thursday, 28 August, and we’ll work as quickly as possible to minimise the impact locally and restore the road to its original condition.”

A spokesman for Kent County Council said that the emergency works were to fix a leak, with the need to reopen the road as quickly as possible.

But the authority says the company is obliged to reinstate the road to its original surface within six months.

Tarmac repair on a cobbled street in front of a restaurant.

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Several repairs have been done across the cityCredit: SWNS

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Shocking moment helicopter swoops on ‘extremely dangerous’ speeding biker just feet above the ground – The Sun

THIS is the moment a police helicopter pursues a man on an allegedly stolen motorbike while flying just feet above the ground.

Footage shows the chopper circling above the rider as he drives at speed around a field near St Helens, Merseyside.

Helicopter pursuing a speeding motorcyclist.

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CHOPPER CHASE Shocking moment helicopter swoops on ‘extremely dangerous’ speeding biker just feet above the groundCredit: Tiktok
Helicopter flying low over a field.

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CHOPPER CHASE Shocking moment helicopter swoops on ‘extremely dangerous’ speeding biker just feet above the groundCredit: Tiktok

The pilot then lowers the helicopter just metres above the ground, in a desperate attempt to keep up with the fleeing motorcyclist.

At one point the dark blue and yellow coloured helicopter is seen to be flying almost parallel alongside the bike.

Moments later, both helicopter and motorbike disappear from the view of the camera behind a small patch of trees.

The chopper flies so low past the outcropping of trees it becomes obscured by the foliage.

The shocking video comes to an end but not before it cuts to a shot of a police officer in the field with the chopper heard circling overhead.

Another cut shows the speeding motorcyclist flying past the camera one last time.

Blitzing through the field at high speeds the rider passes just meters away from the cameraman in a final bid to lose the pursuing helicopter.

The helicopter appears to have stayed on the rider’s tail the whole time however and is seen flying overhead in a final cut.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) said the high octane chase happened on August 13.

The incident is being reviewed internally in consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority.

High-speed ‘super-chopper’ that races through sky at 260mph could fly from London to Paris in 50 minutes

Merseyside Police said the bike was driving in an “extremely dangerous” manner.

The rider is alleged to have been speeding, mounting pavements and nearly hitting a pedestrian as they revved the off-road bike around the area.

The rider is said to have been joined by a second man with the pair fleeing cops together along the A580 and through fields near a dam.

Officers later detained the second man on the ground when he dismounted his bike.

A motorcyclist on a green dirt bike rides across a field.

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CHOPPER CHASE Shocking moment helicopter swoops on ‘extremely dangerous’ speeding biker just feet above the groundCredit: Tiktok
Helicopter flying overhead.

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CHOPPER CHASE Shocking moment helicopter swoops on ‘extremely dangerous’ speeding biker just feet above the groundCredit: Tiktok

The yob seen in the footage was reportedly arrested when he ran out fuel, his bike has been seized.

Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney, Chief Operating Officer at NPAS, said: “We’re aware of the video currently circulating on social media and the level of public interest it has generated.

“The circumstances are being thoroughly reviewed internally and in consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure all relevant standards and procedures have been followed.”

It comes amid talks that police choppers could soon be replaced by police drones.

One unmanned helicopter being trialled by the NPAS is capable of flying at speeds of 115mph and is able to stay airborne for up to six hours.

The NPAS said that the unmanned helicopter, a Schiebel Camcopter S-100, is larger than existing drones used by police forces and has a greater range.

Uncrewed aircraft manufacturer Schiebel selected for UK police trials

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has selected global manufacturer Schiebel to support its most ambitious trial so far of ‘Beyond the Visual Line of Sight’ (BVLOS) uncrewed aircraft operations.

The aim of the trial was to determine if advancements in aviation technology can bring future benefits to policing and, if they can, how they could be safely introduced into UK airspace. 

David Walters, NPAS Head of Futures and Innovation, said: “We will be evaluating how we might integrate uncrewed aircraft into the existing NPAS operating model, under the current management of our CAA-approved Accountable Manager and Form 4 certificate-holders, who are qualified and accountable for the delivery of safe police air operations over England and Wales.”

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Car driven into man on busy high street as three arrested & cops launch urgent appeal

THREE people have been arrested after a car was driven into a man following a violent altercation.

The horror smash happened in Bethesda, North Wales, yesterday afternoon.

After an altercation between four people broke out a car was ploughed into one of the men involved.

Emergency services raced to the scene and the injured man was rushed to hospital.

Three others were arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody.

Police said a 19-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman and a 35-year-old woman were all arrested.

The injured man was treated in hospital and has since been released.

Cops said they were aware of footage of the incident circulating online and asked that the video not be shared.

Detective Inspector Chris Burrow of North Wales Police said: “We are aware of distressing footage of this incident circulating online and I would urge members of the public not to share these videos further.

“There has been an increased police presence in the area today whilst we located the remaining suspect who has now been arrested.

Officers will remain in the area for reassurance purposes.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist our enquiries should contact police if they haven’t already done so.”

North Wales Police are asking anyone with information to contact police via the North Wales Police website, by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers quoting reference C128574.

Street scene with shops and traffic lights.

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An altercation between four people turned violent in Bethesda, North Wales, yesterday

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Two dead after Brit family ‘flips car’ in horror highway crash as three taken to hospital

TWO Brits have died after a family flipped their car in a horror highway crash in Turkey.

The family were visiting their hometown of Aksaray in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey when the tragedy unfolded.

A wrecked car on the side of a road at night.

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The family were reportedly in Turkey visiting relatives
A wrecked car after a fatal accident.

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Turkish authorities said the driver lost control of the vehcile

Two members of the family died in the horror smash and three others were rushed to hospital.

The car was travelling on the Aksaray-Ankara highway when the driver lost control of the vehicle.

The motor smashed into the central median before rolling over.

Four members of the same family, the driver, his wife and their two children were rushed to hospital.

An elderly man, also in the car at the time of the horror smash, lost his life.

The drivers wife tragically passed away in hospital some time later despite the best efforts of doctors.

Police, gendarmerie and medical crews raced to the scene after receiving reports of the smash.

The four injured individuals were raced to Aksaray Training and Research Hospital in ambulances.

Doctors battled to save the lives of the young children and their parents.

Turkish authorities said an investigation into the accident is ongoing.

M20 closed in both directions after tractor falls from bridge onto motorway as drivers warned of long delays

The family were reportedly from England and were in Turkey to visit family.

Turkish authorities said the driver lost control of the vehicle before the tragedy.

Local media claimed the family were on their way to visit the drivers father in law.

The Sun has contacted the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office for comment.

Severely damaged car after a fatal accident.

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Three people were injured and two died following the tragic crash
A wrecked car on the side of a road at night.

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The car flipped after colliding with the central median

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Major garage in UK city closes as thousands are left unable to drive their cars due to a nationwide recall

A MAJOR garage has closed down at the worst possible time – after thousands of drivers across the country were ordered to avoid using their cars as part of a huge recall.

A serious fault recently discovered in Citroen and DS3 vehicles has resulted in a nationwide safety notice.

Citroen logo on a red car covered in raindrops.

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Citroen drivers face chaos as recall disrupts daily lives across the countryCredit: Getty
Citroen dealership with cars parked outside.

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Duff Morgan service centre closure leaves Norwich owners unable to get repairsCredit: Google
Citroen recall and dealership closure.

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The Norwich-based Citroen garage has shut amid a nationwide recall, adding to driver woesCredit: Google
Silver Citroen C3 driving on a road.

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Thousands of Citroen C3 and C4 drivers have been left stranded after urgent airbag recall
Red Citroen C4 driving on the M61 motorway.

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The car brand’s recall has expanded to C4 models, leaving UK drivers unable to use their cars

However, the sudden closure of Duff Morgan Citroen and Peugeot – a widely-used service centre in Norwich – has now left many vehicle owners in the lurch.

According to the Eastern Daily Press, the service centre and its Express Service, located on Whiffler Road, closed its doors several weeks ago.

And while the reason for the outlet’s closure has not been revealed, it does coincide with one of the largest car recalls the country has experienced so far this year.

The recall, first announced back in June, targets certain Citroen and DS3 vehicles due to potentially faulty airbags.

It has left thousands of UK drivers unable to use their cars, as Stellantis, the parent company of Citroen, issued an urgent “stop driving” alert.

The affected models include all Citroen C3 and DS3 vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2016, as well as some DS3 models produced from 2016 to 2019.

Recently, the recall was also expanded to include C4, DS4 and DS5 models.

Reports suggest the expansion added roughly 9,968 UK cars to the total, meaning nearly 106,000 Citroen or DS vehicles in Britain are covered by the stop‑drive action.

The recall was prompted by concerns over airbags supplied by the now-defunct Japanese manufacturer Takata, whose components have been linked to fatal accidents.

In one incident, a driver in France was killed after a minor collision resulted in metal shrapnel from a faulty airbag hitting them – prompting an immediate reaction from the company.

All UK car dealerships will STOP selling 10,000s of iconic brand’s used models impacted by lethal airbag flaw

Consumer protection organisation, Which?, has since slammed Stellantis for their “chaotic” handling of the recall and called on them to make urgent improvements.

Thousands of customers across the country have been left unable to drive their cars, with many having no alternative modes of transport, according to Which?.

No incidents are yet to be reported in the UK, but the consumer group has expressed its concern for the lack of clarity around available compensation for customers.

They outlined how “major upheaval” had been caused for customers who were reliant on their cars.

This has only been compounded for Norwich residents, as the closure of the Duff Morgan service centre means many have been unable to get repairs necessary for them to use their cars to access work, healthcare appointments or essential activities, such as taking their children to school.

Elderly individuals in rural areas have also experienced isolation due to the lack of transportation.

Many owners across the country have already complained of substantial delays in receiving necessary repairs, with garages struggling to source replacement airbags.

Sun Motors has contacted Duff Morgan for a comment, an explanation on why the site has closed, and which alternative locations frustrated car owners can take their cars for repairs.

Citroen & DS models affected by UK ‘stop drive’ action

  • Citroen C3 (second gen) – built from 2009 to 2016
  • Citroen DS3 – built from 2009 to 2016
  • DS Automobiles DS3 – built from 2016 to 2019
  • Citroen C4 – built from 2010 to 2018
  • Citroen DS4 – built from 2010 and 2017
  • Citroen DS5 – built from 2010 to 2018

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Homeowners can earn £100s a month from their driveway in the easiest sidehustle – how you can too

HOMEOWNERS could make easy money ahead of the new Premier League season – simply by having a driveway they’re not using.

A team of experts has analysed postcodes near the nation’s major stadiums to determine where householders could earn the most money by renting out their driveways to fans.

Suburban houses in Surrey, UK.

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The start of the Premier League season could be lucrative for those with an empty driveway to handCredit: Getty
Houses and cars on a suburban street at sunset.

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Homeowners living in a host of locations could earn some serious money with their drivewayCredit: Getty
Illustration of UK map showing daily parking earnings near stadiums.

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Postcodes in London, Leeds Glasgow and Cardiff could be quids in

According to Leasing Options, residents living near Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (N17) enjoy the highest earning potential, with an average daily income of £22.25 throughout the year.

Other lucrative areas include postcodes near Leeds‘ Elland Road Stadium, where homeowners can make £22 a day, and Chelsea‘s Stamford Bridge in London, offering £21.50 per day.

For those living near Wembley Stadium, the country’s iconic football venue that hosts the England National Team, cup finals and events like the recent Community Shield, the earning potential is similar at £21 per day.

Likewise, residents near Scotland’s Hampden Park and Wales’ Cardiff City Stadium can expect to earn around £21 a day.

Further down the rankings, homeowners in Liverpool living near Anfield and Everton Stadium can still earn a respectable £13 per day, with prices often more than tripling on matchdays or during special events.

With the Premier League season kicking off this weekend, renting out an unused driveway could be one of the simplest and most effective sidehustles for homeowners looking to make some extra cash.

It isn’t just sporting events either, as some of the highest earners this year so far are music events – including high-profile concerts and festivals.

These events often result in single-day earnings that surpass what would typically be made in a week – making them a particularly lucrative option for those living nearby.

At the top of the list is Oasis at Heaton Park in Manchester, where driveway rentals can fetch an average of £165.67 per day during the event. 

Following closely is Beyonce’s tour stop at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, with homeowners earning an average of £150.26 per day during her shows. 

Shocking moment ‘rude’ dad parks car on STRANGER’S driveway to avoid school run chaos – before furious mum confronts him

Similarly, the Wimbledon Championships in London provide an average earning potential of £101.08 per day for residents near the All England Tennis Club.

Other notable events include Guns N’ Roses at Villa Park in Birmingham, where locals can earn £97.40 daily, and Sabrina Carpenter’s concert at Hyde Park in London, which offers average earnings of £94.92. 

Stadiums that can provide income opportunities year-round

  1. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London): £22.25/day
  2. Elland Road (Leeds): £22.00/day
  3. Stamford Bridge (London): £21.50/day
  4. Wembley Stadium (London): £21.00/day
  5. Hampden Park (Glasgow): £21.00/day
  6. Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff): £21.00/day
  7. OVO Arena Wembley (London): £21.00/day
  8. Marshall Arena (Milton Keynes): £15.00/day
  9. Anfield (Liverpool): £13.00/day
  10. Everton Stadium (Liverpool): £13.00/day

Leasing Options analysed data from JustPark to identify the UK’s most profitable areas for driveway rentals.

The study focused on over 25 major cities and key 2025 events, mapping more than 750 postcode districts using public data.

Commercial listings were excluded, location accuracy was verified and districts with insufficient data were removed, leaving over 550 reliable areas.

Median weekday and weekend rates were averaged to calculate daily earning potential, while event-day prices were separately assessed for major fixtures.

Commenting on the data, Mike Thompson, Chief Executive Officer at Leasing Options, said: “With demand for event parking soaring across the UK, it’s clear that homeowners have a real opportunity to turn their unused driveways into a valuable source of extra income.

“Our data shows that locations near major stadiums like Tottenham Hotspur, Elland Road and Wembley consistently attract high rental prices.

“During big-name events, these figures can more than triple.

“It’s a smart, low-effort way for people to benefit from the buzz around them, especially in areas where parking is at a premium.

“As we look ahead to a packed 2025 event calendar, the potential for driveway rentals is only set to grow.”

How to rent out your driveway

For those interested in turning their unused driveway into a steady source of income, there are a handful of steps you can follow.

Check Eligibility – Review your mortgage or lease agreement to ensure renting out your driveway is allowed, and also check with your local council to confirm you don’t need planning permission.

Choose a Platform – Platforms like JustPark, YourParkingSpace and ParkOnMyDrive make it easy to list your driveway.

You can sign up, create a profile and provide details about your parking space, such as dimensions, location and availability.

Set Your Price – Research current rates in your area using the platform’s tools or by browsing other listings.

You can even adjust the price for special events or peak times to maximise earnings.

Add Photos and a Description – Make sure upload clear photos of your driveway and write a good description, highlighting features such as proximity to venues, security and ease of access.

Manage Bookings – Set your availability for weekdays, weekends or specific dates. Also use the platform’s booking system to approve requests and communicate with renters.

Ensure Insurance – Consider public liability insurance to cover accidents or damages while someone is using your driveway.

Track Your Income – You must keep records of your earnings and remember that if they exceed £1,000 annually, you’ll need to declare them to HMRC under the Property Income Allowance.

This comes as Sun Motors recently looked at the family motors that lose the least value over time – with a luxury compact SUV taking the top spot.

New data from the analysis of 40 million UK car sales over a typical three-year ownership period highlights which family models hold their value best.

Experts from Carmoola have recently released their new Car Depreciation Index, developed with vehicle data specialists Brego, which ranks the top-performing family cars for resale value.

They found that the Porsche Macan is the slowest-depreciating family car sold in the UK – losing just 19.9% of its value over three years.

The Macan is particularly popular in the UK due to its blend of sporty performance, SUV practicality and the prestige of the Porsche badge.

It’s championed for being agile and powerful, with a well-tuned suspension that makes it enjoyable to drive on various UK roads, from city streets to country lanes.

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Four children aged between 11 & 13 arrested after ‘stealing car & fatally mowing down grandma, 71, in hit & run’

FOUR children have been detained after allegedly stealing a car and mowing down an elderly woman before fleeing the scene.

Cecilia De Astis, 71, died after being struck by an out-of-control vehicle while walking in the Italian city of Milan on Monday.

Woman in sunglasses on a beach.

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Cecilia De Astis was tragically killed in a hit and runCredit: facebook/@cecilia.deastis
Security camera footage of four children and a woman.

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Four children – aged between 11 and 13 – were reportedly taken into custody in connection with the alleged crimeCredit: www.lastampa.it
Severely damaged car after a fatal hit and run.

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Damage to the stolen vehicle after the hit and runCredit: www.lastampa.it

The grandma had just left a lunch at the “House of Solidarity” – run by the Brothers of St. Francis – in her local Gratosoglio neighbourhood when the tragic incident occurred, reports Italian outlet La Stampa.

Local police took four children – aged between 11 and 13 – into custody on suspicion of vehicular homicide aggravated by failure to provide assistance.

The children were identified by the T-shirts they were wearing, which had been caught on surveillance cameras from a nearby shop.

Under Italian law, children under 14 are not criminally liable.

The minors were tracked down at a Roma settlement on Via Selvanesco, according to Il Fatto Quotidiano.

The stolen Citroën reportedly skidded, crashed into a curb and struck De Astis – throwing her several metres into the air – before slamming into a nearby road sign.

The impact was said to have been devastating – despite emergency services’ quick arrival, nothing could be done to save the woman.

Her sons, Gaetano and Filippo, arrived at the scene shortly afterwards and collected the few belongings left scattered on the road – including the face of their mum’s wristwatch.

Originally from Puglia, De Astis had worked for over 30 years as a textile worker at the Cederna cotton mill before retiring, according to La Stampa.

Dozens of messages of condolence have reportedly been posted in a social media group created by former mill employees.

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De Astis had dinner with her sons the night before the incident.

“The only blessing is that we managed to have dinner together the night before,” they told the newspaper.

Her granddaughter said: “She was my second mother, we grew up together. She was a good woman. You can’t die like that.”

The stolen Citroën – which had French number plates – reportedly belonged to a 20-year-old from Strasbourg who was visiting Milan with three friends.

He had parked the car about a mile from the scene and gone to visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology with his friends, only to return and find it missing.

He reported it stolen on Sunday evening.

It comes as a popular travel influencer couple who documented their van life adventures online have died in an off-road crash.

Stacey Tourout and Matthew Yeomans reportedly lost control while driving through rough terrain in the mountains near Trout Lake, British Columbia, Canada.

The Canadian couple ran the Toyota World Runners YouTube channel, which had over 200,000 subscribers, and also built a following of 72,000 on Instagram.

News of their deaths was shared by friends and family on social media and confirmed by Kaslo Search and Rescue, who responded to the scene.

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Dozens of supercars worth more than £7m seized by cops in sting after one owner had ‘only been in UK for 2 hours’

DOZENS of supercars worth around £7 million were seized by police in a major sting operation this weekend.

More than 70 luxury motors were nabbed in the crackdown – including one from an owner who had been in the UK for just two hours.

Two purple Lamborghinis seized by police.

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Two identical purple Lamborghinis were seized – with their owner having only entered the UK just two hours priorCredit: SWNS
Seized luxury cars, including two purple Lamborghinis, impounded by police.

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Cops were seen plastering stickers on vehicles which did not have valid insuranceCredit: SWNS
Yellow Porsche seized by police for lack of insurance.

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Several motors were found to be uninsured or had invalid insurance policies for the UKCredit: SWNS
Police officers standing near a tow truck in front of an archway.

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A major police sting operation over the weekend led to the seizure of more than 70 supercars in LondonCredit: SWNS

The collaborative operation saw forces from the Metropolitan Police join with those from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) to respond to the rise in anti-social and dangerous driving in London.

A flurry of expensive cars were seized across Hyde Park, Kensington, and Chelsea in the capital, including from luxury brands Ferrari, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz.

Two identical purple Lamborghinis – which were uninsured and had been flown into Britain for their owner’s summer trip – were also impounded.

One of the two drivers had been in the UK for just two hours, and behind the wheel for just 15 minutes, before being caught.

The MIB explained that several of the seized vehicles had been brought into Britain from abroad.

Many of these vehicles’ drivers were relying on motor insurance from their home countries, failing to verify if those police provided valid coverage in the UK.

In total, the operation led to the impounding of 72 motors, many of which were uninsured or inadequately covered.

Officers also detected a range of other criminal activity in their investigation.

This included individuals wanted for actual bodily harm and criminal damage, for drug offences, for stolen vehicles, for immigration offences and for fraudulent insurance policies, known as “ghost broking“.

Cops also issued countless tickets for a range of other offences, including driving without a valid licence, using a mobile phone while driving, and failing to have a valid MOT.

Chilling moment burglars take £500k of gold jewellery from home in sacks

Tickets were also doled out to those who had illegally tinted windows, who were not wearing a seatbelt, and those who were operating vehicles in a dangerous condition.

Officers also identified individuals who had made often-innocent mistakes, such as updating DVLA about the use of a personalised number plate but failing to notify their insurance provider.

The operation provided an opportunity for the motorists to rectify their errors whilst demonstrating just how vigilant the police are to these issues.

Seventy-five officers from the Met’s Special Constabulary and Vehicle Enforcement Team took part, using several methods to identify uninsured drivers.

White Lamborghini seized by police for lack of insurance.

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A number of luxury branded cars were impounded in the stingCredit: SWNS
Police officer placing a "no insurance" notice on a Mercedes-Benz.

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The combined value of the vehicles was around £7 millionCredit: SWNS

Special Chief Officer James Deller from the Metropolitan Police, who attended the operation, said: “The Met is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour.

“This operation was set up to respond to resident, business and visitors’ concerns about high-value vehicles causing a nuisance in known hotspot areas in central and west London.

“Already the Met has reduced neighbourhood crime by 19 per cent compared to the same time last year and we’re addressing anti-social behaviour caused by uninsured drivers.

“This has been a great opportunity to work with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau and for officers to speak with members of the public about the work we do, educate drivers and enforce the law.

“We’ve had some real success – thank you to Special Constable colleagues who volunteer their time to help drive down crime across London.”

Martin Saunders, Head of Uninsured Driving Prevention at MIB, reinforced the dual goals of enforcement and awareness: “We urge all motorists to check their insurance policy is in place, is appropriate for their needs and to reach out to their insurer if they are unsure on any part of their policy.

“While many offenders knowingly violated the law, others fell victim to simple mistakes such as bounced payments, failed renewals or incorrect details.

“With growing concern over seasonal hotspots and tourist-linked offences, the Met and MIB plan to continue enforcement and education efforts throughout the year.

“We don’t want any driver to become uninsured in the first place.

“These rules apply to all motorists, regardless of the value of vehicle they choose to drive.”

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Beloved car garage with 100k YouTube subscribers forced to CLOSE after nearly 6 years as owner blames ‘rising costs’

A BELOVED car garage with hundreds of thousands of fans has been forced to close its doors. 

The garage is shutting down after nearly six years, after its famous owner battled with “rising costs”. 

Berrow Motors car garage.

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An iconic garage is sadly closing its doors after six yearsCredit: facebook/BerrowMotors
Man in glasses assures viewers, "Don't worry. We have got much."

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Joe Betty runs the popular Shifting Motors YouTube channelCredit: instagram/shifting_metal

Joe Betty first set up his famous garage Berrow Motors in 2020, in the sleepy town of Burnham-on-Sea.

During that time, he slowly built up his customer base and started posting videos about motors online – quickly racking up millions of views. 

His YouTube channel Shifting Metal takes viewers behind the scenes of his high-flying lifestyle, as he buys and trades luxury vehicles including Porsches, BMWs and Jaguars. 

However, after becoming one of the most famous motor influencers in Britain, Joe has been forced to close the garage which helped launch his career. 

The petrolhead and influencer says that rising costs are to blame for the sudden closure of Berrow Motors. 

He said: “We’ve had nearly six fantastic years here. 

“We’ve won awards, gained over 100,000 YouTube subscribers and raised over £30,000 for local causes — but have decided now is the time to move on.”

“The cost of running a business is constantly rising and has certainly played a part in my decision, but I also wish to focus more time on fundraising and other business ventures.”

He added: “I want to thank all of our wonderful customers for their business over the last few years and of course the team members who made Berrow Motors what it was.

“I really hope another motor trader takes over the site and makes a success of it – you couldn’t ask for better landlords than the Welland family.”

Fans flooded the comments section on Shifting Metal’s social media, as Joe broke the news. 

One wrote: “sorry to hear that the business is closing down. I wish you and your family all the very best for the future”

Others said they would miss Joe’s hilarious challenges that he would set himself on YouTube. 

In one video, he flipped a coin to set the price of a luxury land rover and, in another, he bought and sold a Mercedes C63 for an eyewatering £35,000.

After letting go of the garage, Joe says that he is going to be focusing on producing even more “car-centric” content online.

The news comes as even major car brands struggle to stay afloat.

Nissan has been forced to accelerate the closure of two of its factories in Mexico, as it slashes its number of global factories from 17 to 10.

The crisis-hit brand has been battling rising debt, which it is hoping to remedy through its Re:Nissan plan.

The UK government even threw the manufacturer a lifeline, by allowing UK Export Finance to underwrite a £1 billion loan for Nissan.

It is hoped that the move will keep the Sunderland factory – Nissan’s only site in the UK – open.

Aerial view of a car garage with numerous cars parked outside.

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Berrow Motors is located in the sleepy town of Burnham-on-SeaCredit: instagram/shifting_metal

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Britain’s most expensive seaside town ‘abandoned’ by tourists who REFUSE to pay ‘outrageous’ new parking charge

THE MOST expensive seaside town in Britain has been “abandoned” by tourists with the implementation of an outrageous new parking fee.

It means visitors have to pay a daily parking price of £10.

View of Salcombe, Devon, showing boats in the estuary and rooftops of the town.

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Visitors have deserted the Devon coastal town
Shadycombe Pay & Display Car Park sign.

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It follows the introduction of a two tier parking plan in the areaCredit: Alamy
Aerial view of Salcombe, South Devon, with colorful houses and a church.

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Local businesses are worried about the effect it is having on themCredit: Alamy

The coastal town of Salcombe in Devon has had a new parking charge of £10 introduced for day-trippers.

Locals also are required to pay £8 per day for parking, if they have the annual £5 permit.

This has triggered outrage, a notable drop in visitors according to residents.

One local business owner, Beck Gordon who owns a cafe and fishmonger’s, said: “In terms of day-trippers, if you talk about more local people, they definitely don’t come any more.”

Beck added: “It’s quieter generally.

“The parking’s definitely an issue.”

She pointed to the “absolutely ridiculous” fact that it is cheaper to get a weekly parking ticket that costs £25 or £50 than pay the car park fees, which would add up to £70.

Another cafe manager in the area revealed spending £120 of her earnings just on parking.

Salcombe was recently dubbed the most expensive seaside town in the UK, with average house prices of around £1.2 million in 2022.

Lloyds, however, revealed they did tumble by 22 per cent in the Devon hotspot to £970,657 in 2022.

Discovering UK’s Most Picturesque Towns

It is known for its high concentration of second homes, which constitute 60 per cent of its housing stock, which are being hit by double council tax.

Despite having some of the UK’s best seafood, and being a small fishing village, it receives hardly any tourists anymore.

Councillor Julian Brazil, who is in charge of community services at the local council, stated: “We’d like to do everything to help the tourism trade and we have kept our car parking charges as competitive as possible.

“Residents of the South Hams can benefit from our discounted resident parking scheme.”

 “Many workers in Salcombe have benefited from our competitive parking permits, which offer significantly lower long-term parking compared to our pay-on-the-day rates.”

He added: “Be under no illusion, we don’t want to increase prices, but this is the best choice for us under the circumstances we find ourselves in.”

According to Brazil, the prices have been frozen for four years, and visitors are just being asked to contribute to public services.

Anti-tourist measures have been seen to be sweeping hotspots across the UK and Europe.

Officials have attempted to reduce the impact of holidaymakers by implementing additional taxes on tourists, or banning new hotels.

Earlier in the year, the Greater Manchester Mayor suggested that an existing optional fee in some Manchester city centre hotels should be replaced with a compulsory charge for visitors.

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Britain’s best selling cars of 2025 so far revealed as hatchback favourite roars back into the lead

THE BEST selling cars of 2025 so far have been revealed, featuring a hatchback favourite that has roared back into the lead.

It comes as car manufacturers have updated their sales figures for the year, determining the current most popular new motors for UK drivers.

Ford Puma driving on a road.

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The Ford Puma hatchback returns to the top of best-selling cars in the UKCredit: PA

At top of the charts again is the Ford Puma, which has continued to be a UK best-selling car in the last two years.

If it maintains this position for the rest of 2025, it could have a second consecutive year as the top model in the country.

This is despite slower start to the year than last, but regained its position in February.

The broader new car market is also experiencing fluctuations, which can be linked to challenges as well as uncertainty about government incentives.

However, a definitive list of the top 10 best-selling cars of the year at the moment has been provided through SMMT data.

1. Ford Puma – 30,764 units

The Puma has secured the top spot in UK sales since February this year, despite having a slow start to 2025.

This may be linked to its appealing features, being engaging to drive, and attractively priced.

There is also the option of a hot Puma ST variant, and soon arrival of the electric Ford Puma Gen-E.

2. Kia Sportage – 27,494 units

Red Kia Sportage driving on a road.

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The Kia Sportage came in second with its bold new rebrandCredit: PA

This family SUV from the Korean automobile manufacturer retained second place for the third consecutive month.

At the end of 2022, it entered its fifth generation, and still looks a fresh and modern vehicle.

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With mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Kia Sportage provides great variety for buyers.

3. Nissan Qashqai – 24,529 units

Blue Nissan Qashqai parked on city street.

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The Nissan Qashqai has been slipping rankings but claimed third placeCredit: PA

The Nissan Qashqai really peaked in 2022 as the UK’s best-selling car.

Since then, it has finished in second in 2023, and third in 2024.

It comes in at third again at the moment, proving to be a continually popular car for buyers.

The British-built family crossover provides excellent practicality, no doubt encouraged by the electrified powertrain that was added to its third generation.

4. Vauxhall Corsa – 22,196 units

Orange Vauxhall Corsa E electric car driving on a road.

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The Vauxhall Corsa also includes an E Elite Premium electric versionCredit: Getty

The Vauxhall Corsa has been another car that has fallen in the rankings over the past few years, after being the top in 2021.

Sales of the model fell steadily, to being left completely off the top 10 in 2024.

It has, however, been given a facelift, and proves to be performing well again.

The new supermini offers great value for money, with strong and economical powertrains, as well as some impressive digital tech.

5. Nissan Juke – 21,604 units

Yellow Nissan Juke parked on a rooftop.

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The Nissan Juke came in fifth with its 2023 redesignCredit: PA

The Nissan Juke finished in fourth place in 2024, and has remained a popular car in the UK.

The small SUV received a refresh in the middle of 2023, after being on sale with its brand new design from 2020.

It subsequently became hybrid powered for the first time.

6. Volkswagen Golf – 18,974 units

Red Volkswagen Golf driving on a road.

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The Volkswagen Golf is the first from the German manufacturer to make the listCredit: PA

The Golf is a dependable and efficient car that has been a popular one for some time.

It is good all-round family hatchback that has been slowly creeping its way back up the charts.

Autocar have considered this Volkswagen a “handsomely understated” designed car that has an effortless look.

There are options for drivers to customise their vehicle’s interior, though, and the new models can even come with heated seats. 

The German company has provided a wide-reaching technology update, a design revamp, a more powerful GTI hot hatch and a longer-range plug-in hybrid for the model, so it continue to climb in the ranks.

7. MG HS – 11,016 units

Red MG HS EXCLUSIVE driving on a road.

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The MG HS can be also be driven on an electric-only engineCredit: Alamy

The MG HS has been described as offering “nothing short of class-leading value for money” to justify its placement on the list.

It is available with a petrol engine or as a plug-in hybrid.

The family crossover also comes with good levels of equipment, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 360 degree parking camera and smartphone mirroring capabilities.

8. Volkswagen Tiguan – 17,750 units

Volkswagen Tiguan driving on a road.

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Volkswagen’s Tiguan was the next of the brands popular cars in the UKCredit: PA

This is Volkswagen’s popular family SUV, that has consistently been one of its best-sellers in the UK.

It is a practical and versatile option that gets a wide range of powertrains from petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids.

Standard equipment of the vehicle includes a reversing camera, parking sensors, wireless smartphone mirroring and dual digital screens.

9. Peugeot 2008 – 17,605 units

Red Peugeot 2008 driving on a road.

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The Peugeot 2008 provides generous standard equipment to come in ninth on the listCredit: PA

The French firm offers style, frugal hybrid trains and electric options with this model.

The Peugeot 2008 also provides generation standard equipment for its price.

This includes front and rear parking sensors, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen and active safety braking.

10. Hyundai Tucson – 17,249 units

Hyundai Tucson driving on a road.

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Hyundai’s Tucson comes to rap up the top ten of UK car salesCredit: PA

This car has been a regular favourite in the UK’s top 10 list.

The popular SUV is arguably the most premium option on the list, with a eye-catching look and unique lighting arragnement.

It has plush interior and a range of electrified powertrains for many Brits.

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Do you know what this new French road sign means? Holidaymakers face £118 fine if they break key rule

A NEW road side in France this summer is threatening to impose a huge fine for holidaymakers if they break its key rule.

Travellers to the country’s capital may come across the sign when driving in Paris, and it should not be ignored.

Heavy traffic on a highway near Paris.

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It features a blue sign with a white diamond
Parisian ring road traffic with "2024 PARIS" painted on the road.

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The Parisian ring road introduced the rule over the 2024 Olympic gamesCredit: Getty

A fine of £118 awaits motorists breaking the rules of the sign, which features a white diamond on a blue background.

The sign can be seen on the eight lane Boulevard Périphérique around Paris, which is used by around one million vehicles each day.

The symbol on it signifies that the left-hand lane can only be used for vehicles with passengers.

Motorists caught driving alone in these lanes on the road’s cameras will be issued automatic fines.

It is being used in a bid to restrict car use in the capital, following changes in recent years to the Boulevard by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.

Another measure was introduced last year, which reduced the speed limit to 30mph on the 22-mile motorway.

Four filling stations along the stretch of road were also banned from selling diesel fuel.

However, the latest road rule incurs a costly bill if not followed, requiring a payment €135, equating to around £117.50.

A new control system was installed on May 2, and put live to ensure compliance with the rules.

The system involves hi-tech computer-assisted video enforcement (VAO) which monitors vehicles in the far left lanes at all times.

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It can capture the number of people in each car through artificial intelligence cameras.

The recordings of vehicles considered to be breach the rules are then sent to a human agent for verification, who can then issue motorists abusing the rules with a fine.

Signs and enforcement for the new carpool only lanes on the ring road also started at the beginning of May.

They aim to encourage commuters to travel into the city in groups of at least two, hoping to reduce congestion and emissions from vehicles.

The car sharing lanes are on the far left of the four-lane carriageway in both directions of what is one of the busiest ring roads in Europe.

These exclusive lanes were initially introduced for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games last summer, designated for athletes and staff to use as priority vehicles accessing the city.

Hidalgo, who has launched various anti-car measures for the city, confirmed they would remain after the conclusion of the games, and instead be used for car sharing in peak congestion hours.

These hours 7am to 10:30am and 4pm to 8pm on weekdays.

On weekends and public holidays, all lanes are open to any vehicle.

Public transport operators, emergency service vehicles, taxis, and cars for people with reduced mobility are also permitted to use the carpool lanes at any time.

President of Automobile Association, Edmund King, told the Daily Mail: “Britons driving to Paris this summer might be forgiven for not understanding a new addition to French road signs – the diamond with a blue background. 

“Some might think it is a sign to the ‘diamond district’ in Paris, which is around Place Vendôme and Rue de la Paix, but it is not – it is a sign denoting a car sharing lane.”

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Boy, 14, died in ‘terror’ after dad crashed on motorway while high on cocaine & advised by medics not to drive

A TEEN boy died “in terror” after his dad crashed on a motorway while high on cocaine.

Daniel Burba, 31, has been advised by doctors not to drive when got behind the wheel of his wife’s van with 14-year-old Ryan Morgan in the passenger seat.

Photo of Ryan Morgan, 14.

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Ryan Morgan was killed in the horror crashCredit: PA

The dad had been diagnosed with epilepsy just weeks before the horror which was made worse by the use of illegal drugs.

Despite this, Burba was four-times the limit for cocaine and its derivative benzoylecgonine – causing him to suffer an epileptic fit.

Ryan had no choice but to try to gain control of the van before it swerved off the M6 near Lancaster and hit a tree.

The teen was tragically pronounced dead at the scene after suffering head injuries.

Burba, who also only had a provisional licence, was taken to hospital with “relatively minor” injuries.

While being treated, a paramedic discovered a small bag of cocaine in the dad’s wallet.

Burba has now been jailed for ten years after he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.

In a victim impact statement, Ryan’s mum said her heart has been broken and told how she has been unable to grieve properly because she fears once she starts, she won’t be able to stop.

She continued: “I feel that no amount of time Daniel will serve will ever be enough for taking Ryan’s life. Not only did he take my boy’s life, he took my boy’s future.

“My boy will never grow and be a father, go to work and follow his dreams or travel. He didn’t even get to finish school. He hasn’t ever had a chance to experience life.

“It’s so unfair because Ryan did have a beautiful heart. He wanted to be a policeman. He would have changed the world. He made it a better place in the short time he was here. He made everyone smile who came into contact with him. He had a smile that lit up the room.

“Daniel has taken all that and more. Daniel has taken a precious son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend and cousin. He had so much to live for.

“The fact that Daniel knew he wasn’t allowed to drive due to his seizures, plus a lack of licence and insurance is just disgusting.”

Preston Crown Court heard the horror unfolded on April 20 as other motorists noticed Burba driving erratically with his hazards on.

He reached speeds of more than 70mph before leaving the carriageway and smashing into a tree.

The court heard the Peugeot Bipper van flipped over due to the force it hit the tree.

Police later discovered Burba had been told in October 2014 by his doctor to stop taking cocaine after he suffered a seizure which lasted up to four minutes.

He was also advised not to drive, with the same warning issued in February when he was admitted to hospital after more fits.

Sentencing, Judge Robert Altham, the Honorary Recorder of Preston, told him: “You knew that cocaine predisposed you to further fits.

“You were not entitled to drive unsupervised and certainly not on the motorway. You should not have behind the wheel at all.”

As well as the jail sentence, Judge Altham disqualified Burba from driving for 14 years and five months.

Sgt Martin Wilcock, Senior Investigating Officer at our Road Policing Unit, said: “No sentence will ever make up for any loss of life, particularly in these tragic circumstances. However, Daniel Burba will have the rest of his life to reflect upon the catastrophic consequences his decision to consume drugs and then get behind the wheel have had. Sadly, his son will not.

“I hope the outcome of this case sends a strong message out to anyone who is considering driving, having been told by a doctor not to. Or anyone who is considering driving, having consumed drugs or alcohol.

“As is so very obvious from this case, you run the risk of taking a life but also ruining many others – including your own.”

Mugshot of Daniel Burba.

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Daniel Burba has been jailed for ten yearsCredit: PA
Aerial view of a van crash scene on a highway.

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He had taken cocaine before getting behind the wheelCredit: PA

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