WeeklySA_AdminFINED FOR DRIVING HIMSELF TO HOSPITAL
A very unlucky dad was given a £100 (about R2 000) fine after he parked in an emergency consultant’s bay while having a heart attack. Clive Lucy, 56, drove himself to Northampton General Hospital while being in pain and panicked. During the ordeal, he failed to notice that he parked in a restricted spot.
Mr Lucy believed that he rightfully parked in a disabled bay as he owns a disabled badge, The Sun reported. He added that he was in “severe stress” when admitted to A&E while suffering from chest pains.
The 56-year-old has now criticised the NHS Trust for handing him a R2 000 fine He added that he was initially offered a reduced price on the fine that would see him pay about R800 (40 pounds).
CATALYTIC CONVETORS THE NEW GOLD IN SPARES THEFT
The exhaust components, which help control pollutant emissions, are increasingly sought after due to the high value metals used in their construction.
The converters contain a number of precious metals, including platinum, rhodium and palladium all of which have soared in value in recent years.
Figures from 2019 and 2020 in Britain show that thefts of the part doubled over lockdown and the latest data from Direct Line show 39,900 cases of stolen catalytic converters reported by police last year. The insurer estimates that since 2019, £16m worth of converters have been taken.
While stolen cars offer the potential for bigger payouts, some crooks are targeting individual parts as they are easier to sell on.
RUSSIANS LOOK BACK TSOVIET-ERA CAR FUTURE
With its quirky, retro looks and eye-catching steering wheel designs, the legendary Soviet-era car, the Moskvich, was the pride of any Russian who owned one.
Last manufactured two decades ago, a surprise comeback for the Moskvich, which translates as “Muscovite,” is now planned thanks to the exodus of Western automakers from Russia.
When Renault announced its departure, Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin swooped, outlining plans to nationalize its Moscow factory – which had once been the production center for the Moskvich – for a modern revival of the classic car brand.
Despite the Moskvich’s “long and glorious history” — as Sobyanin, put it — enthusiasts told Reuters they are divided about plans to reboot a car many assumed had been consigned to the past.
“I heard the Moskvich is about to be brought back to life… and I’m really glad about it,” said Alexander Bondarenko, sporting a Moskvich-branded T-shirt. “If they introduce a modern version of the 2140 model, I’ll buy it immediately.”
But some Moskvich enthusiasts are skeptical about the plans, sensing political motivations-Automotive News Europe
R.I.P. VW’S ROGER AND FLOYD
Volkswagen Motorsport is mourning the passing of Rodger van Schalkwyk and Floyd Sipinyu, who lost their lives on May 29 after a fatal vehicle accident near Colesberg.
The two crew members were returning back to Johannesburg after Round 3 of the Extreme Racing Festival which took place at Aldo Scribante race track in Gqeberha when they were involved in a fatal accident with another truck.
Mike Rowe, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport stated: “Rodger and Floyd were valuable crew members in the Volkswagen Motorsport team and we are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends and loved-ones.”
Rodger was highly experienced for the safe delivery of race cars for a number of manufacturers before joining Volkswagen Motorsport more recently.
Floyd was co-driver of the truck while also working for Graeme Nathan Motorsport as a technician for six years.
