v VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.herald-publishing.co.uk v Page 74 • The HERALD • 29th October 2026 • Latest 4-Wheel Computerised Wheel Alignment • FREE Wheel Alignment Check with Service • FREE Local Collection & Delivery BOOK ONLINE H Clutches H Diagnostics H Air Conditioning H 4 Wheel Alignment H H Cambelts H Service to Manufacturers Specification on all makes and models H BADMINSTON GARAGE HYTHE PHONE: 023 8001 9090 • EMAIL: mhbgarage100@gmail.com Web: badminstonsgroup.co.uk/hythe • F badminstonsofhythe 50 SHORE ROAD, HYTHE SO45 6GJ MOT & SERVICE CENTRE for Cars, Motorcycles,Vans and Motorhomes AUTOPAT A Family Business Established since 1982 PROMPT & EFFICIENT v Servicing v Mechanical Repairs v MOT’s - Petrol & Diesel v Air Conditioning Service Unit 3, Hardley Ind. Est., Hythe 023 8084 0163 Millions Of Drivers Have Missed Their Vehicle’s MOT, National Highways Research Reveals With autumn bringing darker nights, wetter weather and more challenging driving conditions, National Highways is urging motorists to make sure their vehicle is roadworthy before setting o by following its T.R.I.P. advice. Research commissioned by National Highways into drivers’ views on vehicle safety and maintenance found more than one in 10 UK driving licence holders had missed or delayed their last MOT, estimated to be around 4.5 million drivers. e research found around 1.6 million drivers are estimated to have continued driving a er missing their MOT. Driving without a valid MOT certi cate is illegal, except when travelling to a pre-booked MOT test. Almost a quarter of drivers (24%) who missed their MOT date said they believed their vehicle was safe to drive. is is in stark contrast to advice from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), who say the later a vehicle is for an MOT the more defects a vehicle develops, o en making it unsafe. Colin Stevenson, Road Safety Information Lead at National Highways, said: “In autumn, vehicle preparation becomes even more important. Poor weather, reduced visibility and more challenging road conditions can all place additional demands on both drivers and vehicles. Simple checks before setting off, such as inspecting tyres, lights and fluid levels, can help reduce the risk of breakdowns and keep journeys safer. Keeping on top of MOTs and routine maintenance can also help drivers identify potential issues before they become bigger problems.” While vehicle servicing is not a legal requirement, regular servicing and maintenance can help identify issues before they become more serious safety concerns and can help motorists keep their vehicles in a roadworthy condition. Keeping vehicles well maintained can also help improve e ciency and reduce unnecessary tyre wear. Research has estimated that 57% of tyres are underin ated by at least 4 PSI, increasing fuel consumption, noise and tyre abrasion. Correct tyre pressures could also help avoid more than 500,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually across motorways and major A roads across England. Grant under, Head of MOT at DVSA said: “An MOT is a legal requirement for most vehicles over three years old and helps ensure they meet minimum safety and environmental standards at the time of testing. However, an MOT is not a guarantee that a vehicle will remain roadworthy throughout the year. Drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicle is safe to drive at all times through regular checks and maintenance. Our free MOT reminder service makes it even easier for motorists to ensure they get their MOT done on time.” Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before setting o by following T.R.I.P. • Top-up fuel, oil and screenwash • Rest before travelling • Inspect tyres, lights and vehicle condition • Prepare for the journey ahead New Forest Waterside U3A members’ meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, at St Andrews Hall in Dibden Purlieu, starting at 2pm. ese meetings normally nish at around 3.30pm, but everyone is invited to stay for refreshments, if they wish. On 17th November, Sohail Husain will give a talk: “Beyond beliefs: one family’s incredible story”. e nal meeting of 2026 will be 1st December, when Alastair Brien will talk about “Magic”. Special interest groups currently include boules and table tennis, which meet on alternating Thursday afternoons; gardens, history, scrabble and skittles. A lunch date at Brockenhurst College in November is proving popular, as is the usual Christmas lunch in Milford on Sea in December. Both are being booked up fast. Members who have signed up, will be going to enjoy the Christmas Light Trail at Hillier’s on 10th December. Information about trips will be available at the meetings. ere is also a monthly newsletter, which brings a wide variety of news and views to members. Anybody who is interested in joining this friendly U3A group, is very welcome to go along to a meeting as a guest, or contact the secretary if you’d like to chat with somebody rst; please email: u3a.nfwsecretary@ outlook.com You can also nd more information on the New Forest Waterside U3A website and Facebook page. They look forward to seeing you! NEW FOREST WATERSIDE U3A
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