
The UK Department for Transport has commissioned research to understand how platooning technology, which enables road vehicles to move as a group, might benefit UK business, the transport network, road safety and the environment.

The UK Department for Transport has commissioned research to understand how platooning technology, which enables road vehicles to move as a group, might benefit UK business, the transport network, road safety and the environment.

UK new-car sales rose 11 percent last year to the highest level since 2007, bucking a gloomy trend in most of the rest of Europe, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said in a statement.

Europe’s battered car market is set to grow in 2014 after its six-year slump, which may ease retail pricing pressure that has saddled some of the region’s carmakers with losses that will weaken them for years.

A rise in December new-car sales in France, Italy and Spain points to a pick-up in demand in southern Europe, although not enough to avoid a sixth straight annual decline in the overall European market in 2013.

London’s congestion charge is set to increase, with the daily charge rising 15% from £10 to £11.50. The proposed rise would affect those who auto pay, too, with the £9 auto pay charge rising to £10.50.