Katie Collier

A blank red-bordered circular road sign indicates that no vehicles are allowed, except bicycles being pushed. The restriction covers cars, motorbikes, mopeds and electric scooters, and motorists who ignore it may face a £100 fine and three penalty points. RevMonkeyUK says the sign is frequently misunderstood, while the Highway Code advises drivers that red circles generally indicate prohibitions. The article encourages motorists to study the Highway Code as vehicle restrictions become more common in urban areas.

Most children aged five to 15 in England can travel free on most local buses from August 1 through August 31 under the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, with no pre-registration required. The initiative aims to ease cost-of-living pressures and also includes discounts on children’s meals, cinema and theatre tickets, and family attractions. A £2 bus fare cap is scheduled to return for all passengers next year, while restaurant and café chains including TGI Fridays, Frankie & Benny’s and Morrisons are offering children’s meal promotions during the summer.

Lavender is highlighted as an inexpensive and natural way to deter wasps, with expert advice recommending planting it near seating areas to mask scents that attract them. Additional guidance suggests pairing lavender with other aromatic plants, avoiding overwatering, and taking preventative steps such as covering food, sealing bins and using fake wasp nests. Rising wasp activity in summer increases the need for deterrents to prevent stings and potential nest removal costs.

Advice is offered on humane ways to discourage cats from entering gardens, emphasising the legal right of cats to roam and the need to avoid harmful methods. Recommended deterrents include strong‑scented plants such as lavender and rosemary, citronella incense, citrus peels, maintaining elevated bird feeders, keeping garden surfaces wet, installing higher fences, fixing gaps and planting shrubs closely together to reduce exposed soil. Guidance highlights the importance of respecting animal welfare laws while making gardens less appealing to visiting cats.