Criminals and those...
Criminals and those seen as anti-social are facing unlimited driving bans. New legislation introduced this month allows magistrates to remove the right to drive from anybody found guilty of misusing their vehicle. This includes offences such as kerb crawling and car dumping. So-called boy-racers, who terrorise neighbourhoods, are also targeted.
It"s a far cry from...
It"s a far cry from the 2002 event, when a row broke out about the event"s marketing strategy, which a government minister claimed was sexist.
To promote this year"s May exhibition, three 30-second ads will be shown on terrestrial and satellite channels, starting next month. Each will feature the new attractions - the 4x4 course, the driving school and the live action arena - and be voiced by Jeremy Clarkson. The money has come from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and is available because the NEC show has a vital role in boosting the local economy. It brings in around í‚á£30m and provides more than 20,000 jobs each time it"s held.
John Edwards is chief executive of Advantage West Midlands, the ERDF"s representative in the area, and said the event would spark a í‚á£5m tourist boom.
He told us: "Most visitors are only around for the day, so the adverts are designed to encourage overnight stays. That brings in more business for hotels, restaurants, bars and so on." The criticism of poster ads on the opening day two years ago was started by Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary and minister for women. She attacked the show organisers for using a lingerie-clad model to promote the event.