1957 Chevy 283 Engine on 2040-parts.com

Illegal school parking 'should be fined'

DRIVERS who park illegally when dropping off or collecting their children from school should be fined. A large number of drivers (86%) say they agree with trials by councils to catch school run drivers who park on zig-zag lines at pedestrian crossings, even if they stop for only a few seconds. Several local councils, including Enfield in north London and York boroughs, are now using CCTV cameras to capture illegal parking.

Driven: Ford Focus

The previous two generations of the Ford Focus have consistently been near the top of the European best sellers list over their combined 13-year life spans, but this new car has even greater responsibility. This is the first Focus designed – from the outset – for European, American and Asian markets combined. The biggest, most pertinent question is whether the global 'One Ford' strategy this car has been designed under can work in practice.

Video: Jay Leno thrashes a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadster in Affalterbach

Car guy and all-around funnyman Jay Leno got his crack at the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadster in Affalterbach, Germany, and the results are up for viewing on Mercedes’ YouTube channel. Leno flogs the 563-hp convertible around the Mercedes-Benz test track at the factory and on the roads nearby. In tow is Mercedes AMG chairman Ola K