In research carried out by Britannia Rescue, the first week of a new year often sees the highest level of vehicle malfunctions. Meanwhile, it was put forward that January 2nd is the single worst day of the year as drivers are 63 per cent more likely to suffer from a mechanical breakdown as they get set to go back to work after the festive season. And although such an incident would be problematic for many motorists, those who do not have sufficient insurance may see that pressure on their spending rises as they have to meet the costs of repair themselves. This could lead them to develop problems in meeting other demands on their finances such as loans, credit cards and utility bills.
Andrew Beard, spokesperson for Britannia Rescue, said: "Motorists returning to work on January 2nd could face a difficult journey. As well as the possibility of poor weather conditions and heavy traffic, there is the added risk of cars failing to start or breaking down as many more cars than usual will have been idle over the Christmas period."
Mr Beard also reported that in an attempt to reduce motoring misery, drivers should ensure that their vehicle is regularly serviced and that they have sufficient insurance. For those looking to both fund repairs and cover the car, a low-rate personal loan could provide effective help with money.
He added: "To prevent new year breakdowns drivers should not only ensure their car undergoes its usual checks and services but they should also take it for a short spin at least once over the festive period. If the worst does happen, having car breakdown cover will alleviate some of the stress."
The firm advised those who find that their car has broken down to attempt to move their vehicle into a safe and well-lit place, where it will be out of the way of other traffic. In addition, motorists should look to give as much information to their breakdown recovery provider as possible, such as the make of the vehicle, location and what the fault is. Drivers were also recommended to switch on their hazard lights and lift up the bonnet to indicate to other motorists that they have broken down.
Those looking to meet the cost of major repairs to their vehicle, or who simply want to free up money to purchase comprehensive breakdown cover, may find that a cheap personal loan is for them. This may be especially helpful after a recent Deloitte study indicated that in August 2007, the typical third party car insurance policy cost 519 pounds - a rise of ten per cent from the 473 pounds noted 12 months before. Meanwhile, average comprehensive cover costs 458 pounds. Catherine Barton, insurance partner for the firm, added that those who fail to shop around for cover are "likely to have seen bigger increases" on their premiums than those who look for the best deal possible. In addition, many consumers looking to buy a car may find that a personal loan is a more effective way to fund their purchase than if they were to opt for a forecourt finance deal.
Although visitors to the island undoubtedly enjoyed them, New Year celebrations in Majorca were considered a ?load of rubbish? by many of its residents. Record numbers of revelers joined the festivities in capital Palma, resulting in the dumping of millions of kilograms of rubbish in the streets, which residents claim have been left to rot.
The majority of the party nights? detritus was strewn all along the Paseo Maritimo seafront. Normally, this beautiful stretch of Palma is kept very tidy, despite the plethora of trendy cafes, bars, night clubs and restaurants along its length. But, the residents of Palma are extremely upset at the devastation, and threatening to demonstrate at the apparent lack of concern shown by their town council.
The Emaya, who are the municipal waste collection board of Palma, insist that they actually increased the collections this year and say that it was the overwhelming increase in the amount of rubbish deposited that caused the problems. To back up their claims Emaya pointed out that they collected 558,000 kilos of rubbish over the entire festive period; a sizeable increase on previous years.
But, unfortunately rather than take the rubbish directly to a landfill or some other waste recycling destination they chose to temporarily deposit it in the Plaza Olivar. The square is where local food markets have been held for centuries and the dumping there naturally angered residents and market traders alike. Other areas in the city also saw a significant increase in rubbish dumped on the streets.
Although the Emaya had provided extra facilities by increasing the number of bins all over the city in anticipation of the increase in rubbish from the revelers, the amount had been woefully underestimated. Of the rubbish collected almost 15,000 items consisted of glass objects. The remainder was made up of plastic, cups, tins, plastic bags, and cardboard boxes that were all discarded along the normally picturesque seafront.
The rubbish generated during the New Year Celebrations didn't impact on all those who were guests in the , but residents of the island were extremely disturbed at the mess. As a result they now want New Year drinking in their streets to be stopped as they fear that the rubbish could be even worse at this year's celebrations.
The issue is now in the hands of the Palma council who plan to have discussions with residents and marina users, in order to come to a decision of what to do to prevent this happening to their beautiful city during the next New Year celebrations.
Elisha Burberry has sinced written about articles on various topics from Banking, Birthday Gifts and Travel and Leisure. Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.. Elisha Burberry's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.