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UK has 'highest car running costs'

THE UK is the most expensive country in the world for running a car, according to a new survey. Comparing the cost of fuel, insurance, road tax and MOT, on average it costs the UK motorist £3,453 a year, which is £1,000 more than in the USA and Australia, £1,825 than Japan and a full £2,000 more than in China. The survey, conducted by Webuyanycar.com, compared the cost of motoring in 21 countries on five continents, and revealed that on many fronts the UK motorist is paying more than anyone else.

Volkswagen Passat (2011): the American one

Volkswagen has unveiled the US version of the Passat at the 2011 Detroit auto show. VW’s European customers won’t be able to buy it, but will be interested in the price: despite being longer and wider than the car offered in Europe it will start from just £13,000 before taxes for a 168bhp five-cylinder petrol. The nearest petrol Passat costs £19,529 in the UK.

Public supports 20mph urban speed limits

78% of people think 20mph speed limits should be introduced as the norm in residential areas, around schools and in town centres, according to road safety charity Brake. It comes as the charity introduces its GO 20 campaign, calling on politicians to support changing the default urban speed limit to 20mph. Backlash at increase in 20mph areas predicted On Bing: see pictures of 20mph zones 20mph zones are already widespread in some areas – with Brake claiming these areas have seen significant reductions in crashes.