Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Call for reform over road repair funding

FUNDING patterns mean most road maintenance is being carried out in "less-efficient, cold and wet" times, a report from a Government spending watchdog has said. The current pattern of funding, combined with the need to spend money within the financial year, means that most maintenance work goes on between September and March, said the report from the National Audit Office (NAO). It went on: "Although this is less disruptive for road users, it is less efficient than carrying out the work at other times of year because materials can be more difficult to handle in cold and wet conditions, and daylight hours are shorter." The report went on: "As a result of the additional funding for emergency repairs, which is made available at the end of the financial year, almost all highways authorities need extra capacity from the market at the same time, which makes it less likely that they will get value for money." The NAO report said there was a "lack of predictability" over road spending adding that historically, local highway authorities spent more revenue on maintenance, but were now carrying out fewer routine activities such as clearing gullies which are essential to preventing water seeping into roads' sub-structure.

FH Joanneum Graz Degree Show 2008

Industrial Design students at the University for Applied Science, FH Joanneum Graz, Austria presented their diploma projects in the annual degree exhibition. A total of 16 students enter the course in the first term every year, with nine graduating this summer. The rest of the students will be graduating in the fall.

Honda designers talk about Tokyo concepts

With the Tokyo motor show now firmly in our rear view mirrors, Honda has made us aware of a new addition to its website that highlights the numerous concepts the Japanese company had on show at the exhibition. Answering the question: ‘ What makes people feel good?' Honda designers take us through each of the seven concepts showcased at the Tokyo show, including the RC-E electric motorcycle; E-Canopy three-wheeled scooter; MotorCompo folding scooter; TownWalker mobility vehicle; AC-X show car; Micro Commuter Concept and the EV-Ster electric roadster. The background story on these mobility concepts and vehicles - all told by some of the designers responsible for the projects - can be viewed by clicking on a tab available on the page.