NI drivers face total mobile phone ban under new law
Northern Ireland plans to outlaw all hand-held mobile phone use while driving, the first major legal update since 2004. The move targets dangerous behaviours like taking photos or scrolling.
Northern Ireland plans to outlaw all hand-held mobile phone use while driving, the first major legal update since 2004. The move targets dangerous behaviours like taking photos or scrolling.
A Nuneaton family had a lucky escape after a child's bedroom filled with toxic smoke from a charger fire. Firefighters issue a stark warning about 'daisy chaining' extension leads. Check your electricals now.
A major Birmingham road was closed for hours after a building fire required 20 firefighters. Read about the disruption and bus diversions.
Three people remain unaccounted for after a devastating house fire on Brimscombe Hill, Stroud, in the early hours of Boxing Day. One person was hospitalised. Emergency services are on the scene.
A savvy shopper reveals how the free Airtime Rewards app has slashed her phone bill by over £300 since 2021. Discover how linking your card earns cashback at Boots, Argos, New Look and more.
Polestar UK urges the government to slash VAT on public EV charging from 20% to 5%, aligning it with home rates. The move aims to support drivers without off-street parking. Read the full story.
A 20% VAT charge on public EV charging vs 5% at home creates a 'two-tier system', penalising those without driveways. Industry leaders call for reform to boost fairness and net zero goals.
Firefighters demonstrate the dangerous mistake that can cause a turkey to burst into flames. Learn their crucial safety tips for a hazard-free Christmas dinner.
A woman tracked her snatched Samsung phone to a London park, finding it buried with four others. Police warn of a new crime trend where thieves hide stolen devices. #PhoneTheft #LondonCrime
Over 40% of UK households are blocked from affordable EV ownership due to no driveway. EVA England launches a survey to tackle the charging divide and high public charging costs.
A four-year-old Cocker Spaniel named Holly has joined West Midlands Fire Service as an accelerant detection dog. She will help uncover evidence in deliberate fires. Read her story.
Asda has urgently recalled specific George at Home cushions sold since 2023 due to a potential fire hazard. Customers are urged to return items for a full refund.
Over 30 firefighters battled a significant blaze in a derelict Birmingham factory. Six crews attended the scene on Barr Street. Read the latest updates on the incident.
A major fire broke out at a derelict three-storey building on Barr Street, Birmingham. Road closures are in place as multiple fire crews tackle the blaze. Avoid the area.
Asda urgently recalls George Home cushions and seat pads due to fire safety concerns. Customers told to stop use immediately and return for a full refund.
A major fire involving 300 tonnes of scrap metal erupted in Birmingham's Hockley area. 35 firefighters battled the blaze, with residents warned to keep windows closed. Read the full details.
Up to 35 firefighters battled a major fire involving 300 tonnes of scrap metal waste in Hockley, Birmingham. Park Road remains closed as crews work to extinguish hotspots.
Up to seven crews tackled a major waste fire on a Hockley industrial estate. Residents warned to keep windows closed as smoke spreads. Read the latest updates.
A devastating fire ripped through the G Simmons & Sons pork scratchings factory in Bloxwich. The family-run business vows to rebuild. Read the latest updates.
A major fire ripped through a commercial building in Bloxwich, Walsall. West Midlands Fire Service deployed ten crews. No casualties reported. Read the latest.
UK parents are turning to controlled SIMs like ParentShield for children's first phones, balancing independence with safety amid new online laws and peer pressure. Discover the smart alternative.
Which? experts say modern smartphones handle overnight charging well, but London Fire Brigade warns of fire risks from improper practices. Learn how to charge safely.
Life Pro and DRA Electricals issue urgent safety warning for households using portable heaters this December. Follow these five rules to prevent fire and carbon monoxide risks.
A UK mobile user discovered he was overpaying by £468 annually after his contract ended. Ofcom warns millions are in the same boat. Learn how to check your bill and switch to save.
Staffordshire firefighters attended over 1,000 extra emergencies this summer as wildfires surged. The chief fire officer warns climate change is now a year-round operational reality. Read the full report.
Sandwell Council greenlights a former club's conversion, pub demolition, and a new EV charging station. Discover the key planning decisions shaping the borough.
UK drivers, especially under-25s, are increasingly using handheld phones while driving, risking six points, £200 fines, and court-imposed driving bans. The RAC warns of a 'concerning increase'.
UK safety experts issue urgent warning: charging phones under pillows or duvets can cause overheating and fires. Learn the three must-do safety tips to protect your home.
A new Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) charging breakthrough could let electric vehicles power UK homes for up to two days, slashing energy bills. Discover the smart tech changing energy use.
A huge fire at a Walsall industrial unit, believed to be full of fireworks, caused explosions and major damage. 55 firefighters were deployed. No injuries reported. Read the latest.