Latest news

Or, your quick crib sheet for winning a car-related argument.

1909 – Letchworth is home to Britain’s first roundabout.

1925 – HM King George V opens the Great West Road, the country’s first dual carriageway.

1927 – Wolverhampton introduces the UK’s first automated traffic lights at Princes Square.

1931 – The first edition of The Highway Code is published on 14^th April. The price is 1d.

1934 – Pedestrian Crossings start to be fitted with Bleshia Beacons (although they would not flash until 1953). The 30 mph is introduced in built-up areas. Percy Shaw devises the Cat’s Eye.

1935 – The introduction of the Driving Test:

1937 – Cars are now legally required to be fitted with a speedometer.

1938 – Buick introduces the flashing direction indicator (albeit at the rear only).

1950 – The end of petrol rationing on 26^th May.

1951 – The official introduction of the Zebra Crossing.

1952 – The end of London’s trams: 

1953 – Tufty, the Road Safety Squirrel, makes his bow: 

1958 – The first parking meters come into use on 10^th July. The rates were 6d per hour or a penalty of £2 for failing to purchase a ticket.
The Preston by-pass becomes the UK’s first motorway on 5^th December:
The Austin FX4 is the first London taxi fitted with four doors.

1959 – The M1 opens on 2^nd November: 

The Volvo 122 “Amazon” is the first car to be fitted with a three-point seat belt as standard.

1960 – The MOT test applies to cars aged ten years or more: 
Traffic wardens are first deployed in London on 19^th September.
On 22^nd December, the Morris Minor becomes the first British car to pass the “million” mark.

1961 – The UK’s first automated level crossing barriers open in Staffordshire on 5^th February.
The end of the AA salute.
The first minicabs are not popular with London’s “black cab” drivers:

1962 – Production ceases of the Austin A35 Countryman, the last British car fitted with trafficators.
The end of London trolleybuses.

1963 – The end of the RAC salute: 

1964 - The Traffic Signs Regulations changes the look of Britain’s automotive landscape. Britain’s first “Drink Driving” warning film: 

1965 - The introduction of the 70 mph motorway speed limit on 22^nd December:  
Hampshire becomes the country’s police force to use foreign-built cars – the Volvo 221 Estate.
Amber indicators are now a legal requirement for new cars sold in the UK.

1967 – Britain’s first box junctions.
The MOT test now applies to cars aged three years of more.
The breathalyser is first used on 9^th October.

1968 – The formation of the British Leyland Motor Corporation. 
October sees Britain’s first mini-roundabout in Peterborough.

1969 – Britain’s first Pelican Crossing: 

1970 – The Green Cross Code succeeds the Kerb Drill:  

1973 – From 1^st June motorcyclists are obliged to wear crash helmets.

1975 – British Leyland is effectively nationalised by HM Government.
Hand signals cease to be a part of the driving test.

1981 – The last of London’s police boxes is removed from the Barnet bypass.

1983 – Front seat-belt wearing becomes obligatory on 31^st January.

1989 – Children aged or under are obliged to wear seatbelts on the rear seat.

1991 - Adults now have to wear a seatbelt in the back of a car.

2002 – The AA announces it is to withdraw its network of telephone boxes.

Why choose Lancaster Insurance?

Here at Lancaster, we love classic cars as much as you do and we understand what it takes to protect them for future generations.

We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.

Other benefits of classic car insurance through Lancaster can include:

• Historic rally cover
• Static show cover
• Limited mileage discounts
• Choice of repairer
• 24-hour claims helpline

Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote for your classic today.