Raymarine E120 Multi Function Display 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.

One Lap of the Web: Loewy, Knieval and an evil Capri

-- If you've been on Google today, you may have noticed the tribute to famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy who penned, among countless other icons, the Studebaker Avanti. Loewy was born on November 5, 1893 -- read more about his life and designs here, and about his Studebaker Avanti here. -- Courtesy of an English auto body shop, this series of photos is a must-see for anyone contemplating the purchase of an old car.

Mercedes SLS AMG – now it’s the interior

Mercedes SLS AMG - Interior images [ad#ad-1] Mercedes are really making the most of the upcoming SLS AMG Gullwing. Apart from the normal Spy-Snappers photos, we’ve had ‘Official’ spy pictures and even ‘Official’ SLS AMG spy videos. And now it’s the turn of the interior, although these do seem to be the finished product.