Richard Yarrow's opinion for www.startrescue.co.uk, providing low cost Vehicle Recovery

At this time of year, motoring magazines generally feature previews of what’s to come in the next 12 months. I should know, I’ve written numerous of them over the years and have recently done one for Auto Express. Such articles often look at significant anniversaries that occur in the next year, and I was going to include some in my story. However, because of a lack of space on the page, my list didn’t make the final article. Having made some PR colleagues in motoring organisation press offices do the work for me, I thought I might share their findings with you, so their efforts were not completely in vain. It seems to me 2011 is a bumper year for anniversaries!

 

15 years since…

the launch of the theory test for novice drivers.

 

20 years since…

it became compulsory to have rear seat belts in new cars.

20mph zones appeared in residential areas to help road safety.

the QEII Bridge at the M25 Dartford Crossing opened.

 

25 years since…

the first ‘white on brown’ tourist road signs appeared.

the wearing of front seat belts became law.

the first driving licences were endorsed with fixed penalties.

the launch of unleaded petrol.

the M25 was completed and became a full circle.

 

30 years since…

the Humber Bridge opened.

 

35 years since…

zebra crossings got zig zag lines either side of them.

 

40 years since…

the launch of the Green Cross Code.

the ‘clunk click’ seat belt campaign.

 

45 years since…

it became compulsory to have front seat belts in new cars.

 

50 years since….

Tufty the squirrel first promoted road safety.

the UK got its first self-service garage.

 

85 years since….

the first traffic light was installed.