Full Carpet Set Black Vel. For Fiat 850 Spider 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.

Mercedes SLK250 CDI (2011) the diesel roadster revealed

Mercedes has revealed the latest addition to its little roadster line-up – the SLK250 CDI. It’s the first time the Mercedes SLK has been offered with diesel power; the new oil-burning convertible will be officially unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show in September. What makes the Mercedes SLK250 CDI special?

Audi A1, Damien Hirst & Elton’s White Tie & Tiara Ball

Sir Elton John, David Furnish and the Damien Hirst decorated Audi A1 (click for bigger image) Elton John hosts a White Tie & Tiara Ball event at his home in Windsor every year, with an auction for charity as part of the event. This year it’s on the 24th June – this Thursday. And it has a very special Audi A1 being auctioned off, courtesy of Audi UK.