Hello and welcome back to Woozle Watch! In today’s post, we’ll delve into the UK government’s new Emergency Alerts system, which has recently gone live. We’ll explore how it functions, compare it to similar systems in other countries, and discuss its potential to save lives during emergencies.

How the Emergency Alerts System Works

The Emergency Alerts system is designed to contact people through their mobile phones when lives are at risk. A national test of the service is scheduled for Sunday, April 23, 2023, at 3 pm. The system warns users of emergencies, such as severe flooding, by sending alerts to all compatible mobile phones within the affected area. Importantly, these alerts do not track your location, require your phone number, or collect personal data. Only the government and emergency services have the authority to send them.

If you don’t have a mobile phone, rest assured that you’ll still be kept informed through other channels. When you receive an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound and see a message on your screen detailing the emergency and how best to respond. To confirm an alert’s authenticity, you can visit gov.uk/alerts. If you receive an alert, make sure to read it carefully and follow the instructions.

You can opt out of receiving emergency alerts. For more information on how to opt out, please go to gov.uk/alerts.

Comparing the UK’s System to Other Countries

The UK’s Emergency Alerts system follows in the footsteps of successful alert systems in countries like the United States, Japan, and South Korea. In these countries, alert systems have proven essential in providing vital information during emergencies, such as natural disasters and terrorist attacks.

Such systems offer numerous benefits, including timely and accurate information dissemination, enabling people to take appropriate action, and ultimately saving lives and minimizing property damage. For example, Japan’s Earthquake Early Warning system gave residents precious seconds to prepare for the devastating Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Similarly, the Wireless Emergency Alerts system in the United States has been credited with saving lives during tornado outbreaks, like the 2011 Joplin tornado in Missouri.

Learn More and Stay Safe

To find out more about the UK’s Emergency Alerts system and how it can help protect you and your loved ones, visit gov.uk/alerts.

Thank you for joining us on Woozle Watch! If you found this information helpful, please consider sharing this post and subscribing to our blog for more informative content. Stay safe, and we’ll see you in the next post!

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We encourage you to download the free smartphone app to help prevent future voyeurism offenses – Flare Report, which was launched last year under the Safer Streets scheme. We understand that many women do not feel comfortable reporting incidents of street harassment or cat-calling to the police, but with Flare Report, you can report anonymously and quickly.

Please keep in mind that Flare Report is not intended for emergencies but is designed to report incidents of street harassment and similar behavior. The police will collect and analyze the reports made, identify problem areas, and take action as needed.

By downloading the Flare Report app, you can play an essential role in making our streets safer for everyone. For more information on how to download and use the app, please visit the Northamptonshire Police website.

For more crime prevention tips please visit our crime prevention section

In the UK if you feel threatened or are endanger call 999. Otherwise its 101.

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Don’t let thieves get an easy ride. Follow these simple rules to protect your vehicle from thieves.

1. Lock your vehicle to prevent Vehicle theft

Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.

It is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather. If someone takes it while it’s left like this, your insurer won’t pay out because you won’t be covered.

If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked. Help prevent vehicle theft.

2. Keep the keys safe

Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox.

Keyless entry

Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don’t have keyless entry.

Keyless car theft or ‘relay theft’ is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.

Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.

How to protect your keyless entry car

When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.

Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.

Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car.

Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used.

3. Be aware of carjackers

The fact that you’re in the car isn’t always a deterrent to someone trying to steal it.

In traffic, drive with the doors locked and when queuing leave enough space in front of your vehicle to enable you to get out of a tight spot. If your vehicle is bumped from behind, wait to pull over – somewhere safe and preferably where there are people. After all, you don’t know the person who has collided with you; they could well be hijackers. If you’re at all suspicious, consider calling the police.

If someone threatens you, it’s better to hand over the keys to the vehicle than become a victim of assault. Then call 999 as soon as possible, and ask for the police.

If your car is stolen, some modern vehicle alarm and tracker systems have the facility to isolate or shut down fuel systems, bringing the vehicle to a halt and leaving the thief high and dry.

4. Park responsibly

It’s always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. It’s worth an extra five or ten-minute walk if it means your vehicle is left in a well-lit and busier street.

And if possible, always try to park in illuminated and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark.

5. Watch for illegal tow trucks

Thieves often attempt to lift vehicles from the street, literally. So, if you see a towaway crew acting suspiciously – especially if their vehicle isn’t branded or if they’re not in uniform – then please report it immediately.

As with every report of suspicious behaviour made in good faith, we’ll never blame anyone for calling us if it proves unfounded.

Car parks with height-restricted entrances help prevent illegal tow trucks and removal vehicles. And fitting a Thatcham rated category 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your vehicle.

6. Fit good in-car security locks to prevent Vehicle theft

Bear in mind that built-in steering locks aren’t necessarily thief-proof. Many can be forced and broken. Fitting a Sold Secure steering wheel, gear lever or clutch pedal security device can give your vehicle added protection.

7. Double-check electronic locking

Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away.

If unsure, lock it manually, then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around. If a potential thief who’s watching feels they’ve been spotted, they’ll probably move off.

8. Before owning, check for cloning

Changing the identity of a vehicle, known as vehicle cloning, can be as simple as adding stolen number plates. When buying a vehicle, always check the DVLA V5 document and make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle is the same as on the document.

Make sure you check more than one of the VINs as well as the engine numbers on the vehicle

Check a used vehicle you’re buying.

9. Secure your port

Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can unlock and start your vehicle.

If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.

If you need to report a crime you can do this in the UK by calling for emergency and life threatening situation 999, otherwise it’s 101.

For logging a crime online in the UK click here

For more crime prevention ideas click here.

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Here is how you can check if your car is ULEZ compliant:

Using a V5C to check if your car is ULEZ compliant

Check your vehicle registration certificate (V5C)
The easiest way to check is to look at your vehicle registration certificate (V5C). You can find the emissions standard of your car in section D.2 of the V5C under the “Fuel Type/Environment” heading. If your car meets the Euro 4 emissions standard for petrol vehicles or the Euro 6 standard for diesel vehicles, it is ULEZ compliant.

Using TFL online Vehicle Checker

Use the Transport for London (TfL) online vehicle checker

If you don’t have your V5C, or you want to double-check, you can use the TfL online vehicle checker. This tool allows you to enter your vehicle registration number and see whether it is ULEZ compliant. The tool will tell you if your car meets the required emissions standards or not.

Check with your manufacturer or dealer

If you are still not sure whether your car is compliant, you can check with your car manufacturer or dealer. They will be able to tell you whether your car meets the required emissions standards.

It is important to check whether your car is ULEZ compliant, as fines for non-compliance can be expensive. If you need to drive in the ULEZ, make sure to check your car’s emissions standards before you go.

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About the ULEZ expansion 2023

The ULEZ expansion is part of the Mayor of London’s plan to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions. The ULEZ standards require vehicles to meet certain emission standards or pay a daily charge to enter the zone. Currently, the ULEZ charges apply to most vehicles that do not meet the Euro 4 emission standards for petrol vehicles or the Euro 6 standards for diesel vehicles.

The expansion of the ULEZ will mean that the zone will cover an area 18 times larger than the current zone, and it is estimated that the expansion will affect around 3.8 million people who live within the expanded zone. The aim of the expansion is to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and particulate matter (PM) in the air, which are linked to respiratory problems and other health issues.

The ULEZ expansion is expected to have a significant impact on drivers who do not meet the emission standards. The daily charge for non-compliant vehicles will be £12.50, which is in addition to the existing congestion charge. This means that drivers of older, more polluting vehicles will face higher charges to drive within the ULEZ.

The ULEZ expansion has received mixed reactions from the public. While some people support the measure as a way to reduce air pollution, others are concerned about the impact on businesses and individuals who cannot afford to upgrade their vehicles to meet the new standards. Woozle.blog is concerned about low income earners not having enough money to upgrade to a complinat car based on the challenges we undertook.

Assistance to drivers in the expansion of the ULEZ

To help drivers and businesses transition to the new ULEZ standards, the Mayor of London has introduced a range of support measures, including scrappage schemes and funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

In conclusion, the ULEZ expansion in 2023 is a significant step towards reducing air pollution in London. While it may have a significant impact on drivers and businesses, it is an important measure to improve air quality and protect public health. The Mayor of London’s support measures are designed to help drivers and businesses transition to the new standards, and it is hoped that the ULEZ expansion will encourage more people to switch to low-emission vehicles.

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In London there is an Utlra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) that is expanding across all London Boroughs from 29th August 2023. So what cheap ULEZ compliant cars could I buy for £1000 and still drive in the ULEZ zone?

The cars used in this post were found on autotrader in February 2023.
The Ulez is going to be a consideration for everyone buying a car who travels in and out of the London boroughs. Diesel cars have to be Euro 6 and are typically manufactured after 2016. So this post features no diesel cars. Petrol cars can be Euro 4. Before buying a car I recommend you use the Ulez checker to see wether this is compliant.

Challange to find cheap ULEZ Complaint Cars

In this challenge we set a budget of under a grand. In addition the mileage of the car was preferred to be 100,000 miles or under and the car could not have any listed faults on the advert. The car must not be a private sale and cannot be categorised from insurance or accident This challenge came up with very few cars that met the criteria and here is what we found.. Cars are not listed in any particular order.

Ford KA

This model dates from 2006 on a 56 plate so check any car is compliant. When the KA was launched this was a modern stylish car and allowed the fiesta to grow into a larger car. This particular example has 77,00 on the clock and whilst a little scruffy comes in at £890. This car is £180 to tax. It delivers Urban 33.6 mpg, Extra Urban, 57.6 mpg and Combined 45.6 mpg

Vauxhall Meriva

So this one does have 111k miles on it. But it’s a later model of 2009 priced low due to flaking paint work. I once drove a Meriva and even managed to get a fireplace mantle in the back so I know this car is a tardis! This cheap ULEZ compliant car is priced at only £950.

Vauxhall Corsa

This car has 91K miles on the clock and is on a 54 plate. It comes in at £889. The Fuel is Urban 40.9 mpg Extra Urban 64.2 mpg Combined
53.3 mpg

Suzuki Swift

This next one is a 57 plate suziki swift. It only has 3 service stamps, so history is missing. There are 98,000 miles on the clock and its going for £890. This is a basic specification car. I never really liked driving the Suzuki swift compared to other small cars of its time. When I ring the garage on this one I found it has a head gasket issue, so make sure you check up on a car before you travel!

Ford Focus

This Ford focus 06 plate is bang on the 100,000 miles mark.But then it is retailing for only £795. This car is £220 to tax currently. It delivers a fuel consumption between low thirty urban and mid fifty extra urban. This car is fairly basic but does come with air conditioning.

Kia Rio

This model ran between 2005 and 2011. Here is a 2008 plate kia rio for only £990 with 86,000 miles on the clock. There is air con in the specifications. This car would be £180 to tax today. The fuel consumption is Urban 35.3 mpg, Extra Urban 53.3 mpg and Combined 44.8 mpg

Renault Clio

At £995 and with 93000 miles on the clock this Renault Clio is on a 2005 plate. This car is in a low insurance group, and has annual tax of £165. The fuel consumption is Urban 36.2 mpg Extra Urban 57.7 mpg Combined 47.9 mpg

Renault Scenic

The Renualt scenic featured here is on an 07 plate with a mere 50,800 miles on it. Its got air conditioning. However this car has high tax and comes in at £290. The fuel consumption is Urban 30.1 mpg, Extra Urban, 47.1 mpg, Combined, 39.2 mpg

Renault Megane

This 08 plate with 89,000 on the clock comes in at £999. Although its from a garage, the advert has “MOT expired”. I’d want a new one before I bought! This car is from the va va voom era – shaking that ass, that got the advert shifted until after the watershed. The car has air con and cruise. Tax is £220 and fuel Urban 31.0 mpg Extra Urban 50.4 mpg Combined 40.9 mpg

Nissan Micra

This is a 54 plate at £999 with 92000 miles on the clock. This car is cheap to run but is basic. The tax comes in at £180 and the fuel consumption isUrban 38.3 mpg Extra Urban 55.4 mpg Combined 47.9 mpg.

So we did manage to find some cars that fitted the under £1000 price mark that were Ulez compliant, but they were few and far between.
Let me know what car you are buying for driving in the Ulez in the comments section below.

Here is our run down on youtube:

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