Ban to protect cyclists from HGVs

LORRIES without safety equipment to protect cyclists and pedestrians are to be banned from travelling through London, it has been announced. Transport for London (TfL) and local authorities have joined forces to agree a new traffic regulation which will come into force by the end of the year. The proposed ban will require every vehicle over 3.5 tonnes to be fitted with sideguards to protect cyclists from being dragged under wheels, as well as mirrors to improve a driver's view of cyclists and pedestrians.

One Lap of the Web: Wax that woody; Bentley gets high-tech

-- Bentley comes striding into the 21st century with a Mulsanne souped up with no fewer than two keyboard-equipped iPads in the backseat, hidden behind veneered wood inlays. In a short film titled "Intelligent Details" -- one must assume Bentley marketers had to resist the urge to call it "Intelligent Design" -- Luc Donckerwolke, director of design, and Sang Yup Lee, head of exterior design, go for a ride in black-and-white Manhattan. Naturally, they are not driving.

Ford, GM work together on new nine-, 10-speed transmissions

Ford Motor Co. and General Motors are developing nine- and 10-speed transmissions jointly for use in cars, crossovers, pickups and SUVs. The rivals say partnering on the automatic front- and rear-wheel-drive gearboxes will get them to market faster and cheaper than each automaker could do on its own.