That same lesson applies to Bab al-Mandab for, in dangerous times, ships go the long way round the Cape of Good Hope. That adds roughly 10 days to journeys, with extra fuel, insurance and freight costs. Those costs do not remain at sea. They work their way into factories, supermarket shelves, defence logistics and, eventually, household bills.

The warning comes from road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, after its recent survey indicated that 54% of drivers have been diverted onto rural routes because of congestion on motorways, dual carriageways and other major A roads.

Rural roads accounted for 60% of road deaths in Britain in 2024, despite carrying just 45% of all traffic, according to Department for Transport figures.

UK drivers urged to ignore sat nav diversions onto rural roads

Nicholas Lyes, director of policy at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Every year, more people are killed on a rural road than any other road type, yet worryingly we’re seeing a high number of people taking unplanned diversions to use them.

“Congestion is inevitable, but we would encourage people to question if a diversion onto an unclassified or single-track route is worth saving a few minutes, considering the increased hazards they might face.

“Often, other people following sat navs will similarly divert and you end up with traffic volumes that exceed what the road is designed for.”

Mr Lyes also warned that without increasing capacity on the wider strategic network, more drivers could be pushed onto unsuitable routes with “potentially grave consequences.”

All future smart motorway projects were cancelled in April 2023 because of safety concerns.

All lane-running smart motorways were rolled out from 2014, which boosts capacity by converting the hard shoulder into a live lane.

Rural roads often feature hazards such as tractors, narrow lanes and restricted views from roadside foliage.

The survey involved 1,042 UK motorists and 114 IAM RoadSmart motorbike riders, and was carried out in February by research firm Online95.

When is it illegal to use a sat nav when driving?

Similar to a phone, it is illegal to hold a sat nav or any similar device that can send or receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle, the Government website explains.

You can use a device held in your hand if:

• you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency, and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop
• you’re safely parked
• you’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example, at a drive-through restaurant
• you’re using the device to park your vehicle remotely

You can use devices with hands-free access, such as a built-in sat nav, too.

It is important to note that the device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead.

The website adds: “You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times.

“The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted and you can be prosecuted.”

Recommended reading:

You can get six penalty points and a £200 fine if you hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle.

If you have passed your driving test in the last two years, you will also lose your licence.

As well as this, three penalty points can be given if you do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle.

You can also be taken to court, where you can be banned from driving or get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus).

Do you use a sat nav when driving? Let us know in the comments.

South Africa substitute Themba Zwane was sent off after a VAR review for appearing to strike Alvarado in the face late on as the pair tangled, on a day which firmly belonged to the host nation. Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio produced one more red, sending off Montes in stoppage time for a challenge on Khuliso Mudau.

The final release in a three-coin series from The Royal Mint celebrates friendship with Winnie-the-Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger.

The coin, developed in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, completes a collection marking 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh.

Royal Mint launches brand new Winnie-the-Pooh 50p coin

Lucy Mackenzie, director at The Royal Mint, said: “Winnie-the-Pooh has been part of childhood for a hundred years, bringing comfort, warmth, and simple joy to generations of families across the world.

“From bedtime stories to beloved screen adaptations, these characters have a way of staying with us long after we’ve grown up.

“To mark the final coin in this special three-coin collection with The Walt Disney Company feels incredibly fitting, particularly as we celebrate the enduring theme of friendship at the heart of the stories.”

The earlier coins in the series celebrated kindness and loyalty.

The new edition is available in silver proof colour and brilliant uncirculated colour finishes, with prices starting at £15.

The new 50p celebrates friendship and features iconic characters Winnie-the-Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger (Image: The Royal Mint/PA Wire)

Royal Mint releases new 50p commemorating Aardman Animations

It is not the only new commemorative coin released recently by The Royal Mint, following a new 50p coin released marking the 50th anniversary of Aardman Animations.

Aardman is known globally for creating some of the UK’s most recognisable animated characters, including Wallace and Gromit, Morph, Shaun the Sheep, and the villainous Feathers McGraw.

The new coin features these beloved characters on its reverse side and was designed by Aardman.

Its characters have charmed audiences for generations, from Morph’s early days on Take Hart to Wallace and Gromit’s iconic misadventures and Shaun the Sheep’s farmyard antics.

To mark its 50th year, the studio is planning a series of celebrations and will release a new film, Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, in the autumn.

Peter Lord, co-founder of Aardman, recently visited The Royal Mint to strike one of the first coins, marking the studio’s milestone year.

He said: “I’m very proud that the story of Aardman, and the characters we’ve created over the last 50 years, are being celebrated by the work of The Royal Mint.

“It was such a pleasure to visit and see for myself, close up, the amazing care and artistry that goes into making these beautiful coins.

“In fact, the whole place reminded me of the Aardman studio – both are full of super-talented artists and craftspeople creating timeless work.”

Recommended reading:

Royal Mint’s top 10 most valuable 50p coins

Here is a list of the top 10 most valuable coins, when they were made, and how many were minted:

1. Atlantic Salmon (2023), 200,000
2. Kew Gardens (2009), 210,000
3. Olympic Wrestling (2011), 1,129,500
4. Olympic Football (2011), 1,161,500
5. Olympic Judo (2011), 1,161,500
6. Olympic Triathlon (2011), 1,163,500
7. Peter Rabbit (2018), 1,400,000
8. Flopsy Bunny (2018), 1,400,000
9. Olympic Tennis (2011), 1,454,000
10. Olympic Goalball (2011), 1,615,500

Have you ever collected or found a rare coin? Let us know in the comments.

For anyone looking a fun night out this June, Belsonic has 10 big gigs lined up

Belsonic kicks off this week with the return of Farmer’s Bash at the South Belfast festival.

If you are looking to see your favourite artists in Belfast this June, looking for fun summer plans or have some serious ‘fomo’ because your friends have tickets – fear not!

There are a number of Belsonic shows with tickets remaining that you can snap up for a last-minute night out.

Here is the full line-up for Belsonic 2026 and how to get tickets:

Farmer’s Bash

Friday June 12 2026

Get tickets here

Josh Baker

Saturday June 13 2026

Get tickets here

Teletech

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Saturday June 20 2026

Get tickets here

Teddy Swims

Monday June 22 2026

Get tickets here

Def Leppard

Friday June 26 2026

Get tickets here

Sonny Fodera

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Saturday June 27 2026

Get tickets here

The Cure

Sunday June 28 2026 – SOLD OUT

Try for resale tickets here

Kings of Leon

Monday June 29 2026

Get tickets here

Pitbull

Tuesday June 30 2026 – SOLD OUT

Try for resale tickets here

Michael Bublé

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Wednesday July 1 2026

Get tickets here

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter here

Police have located the car of a missing man from Cambridgeshire

Police are asking the public for their help in the search for a missing man from Cambridgeshire after his car was found close to an estate in Suffolk. 61-year-old James Webb was reported missing on Tuesday evening (June 9) after he failed to return to his home in Burwell.

Suffolk Police said its initial enquiries traced James’ car to the vicinity of Ickworth House in Horringer, and searches have been taking place in that area since Wednesday morning (June 10).

James is described as white, 6ft 2in tall, of slim build and with dark/greying hair. His disappearance is out of character, and so family members and police are concerned for his welfare.

Anyone who believes they have seen James, or who has any information regarding his whereabouts, is asked to contact the Bury St Edmunds Response Investigation Team, quoting reference: CAD 72 of 10 June.

You can contact Suffolk Police, which is leading the search, via 101 or via their website. You should always call 999 in an emergency.

The Welsh Government says it is ‘acting ‘decisively’ to make sure young people are offered ‘additional protection’

Young people across Wales will be offered the meningococcal B (Men B) vaccine for the first time during autumn 2026 as part of a time-limited programme.

The initiative is being launched as a precautionary step following the unprecedented Men B outbreak that primarily affected University of Kent students in March 2026, along with other recent unseasonal clusters across the UK.

Men B is the most common cause of invasive meningococcal disease in the UK and can result in meningitis and sepsis – both potentially fatal conditions.

Research demonstrates young people are at elevated risk of contracting Men B with particularly heightened dangers in higher education environments due to extensive close social interaction. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter.

The vaccination programme will operate from July through December 2026 and will be accessible to all those currently aged 17-18 years (born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008) as well as anyone aged 18-25 who will be starting higher education or residential further education for the first time in autumn 2026 including international students.

The vaccine will be administered in a two-dose schedule. Those aged 17-18 will receive an invitation letter from their health board from July 6 with details on how to obtain their vaccine.

Those aged 18-25 who will be commencing higher education or residential further education for the first time this autumn, including international students, will need to contact their health board after July 20 for further information.

Deputy minister for public and preventative health Nerys Evans said: “Meningococcal B is a rare but extremely serious disease that can progress quickly and devastate young lives.

“Following recent outbreaks across the UK the Welsh Government has acted decisively to ensure that young people in Wales will be offered this additional protection and I urge everyone who is eligible to take up their vaccination offer.”

Wales’ chief medical officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, said: “This is a safe and effective vaccine that will offer important protection to those who receive it.

“With the new academic year approaching it is vital that eligible young people come forward for both doses as soon as the programme opens.

“I encourage all those who qualify to act promptly.”

Dr Christopher Johnson, head of vaccine-preventable disease programme at Public Health Wales, said: “Young people heading to university for the first time are at an elevated risk of meningitis B as they mix with new groups of people while enjoying their new environment.

“Having two doses of this vaccination, ideally before they depart for university, will give them the best protection against this infection, which can cause such serious illness.”

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Numerous residents spoke up at a meeting of Stockton Council’s decision-making planning committee after the plans for Sandy Lane West, Billingham, drew 279 letters of objection and just one in support.

People who had lived in the area for decades raised concerns including “horrific” and “incredible” traffic congestion near three schools, potential “chaos” and strain on overstretched, overwhelmed services.

Sandy Lane West, Billingham. Picture: Google.

Tom Carr, managing director of developer TCC Land, told Wednesday’s meeting he wanted the Middlesbrough-based company to help the region grow.

He said: “I want to be able to walk into my local pub as the man who delivers good stuff for his community.”

He said he had made changes and taken on board suggestions, including traffic calming speed cushions, for the outline plan, adding: “I’ve stood in the middle of a muddy field with my boots on, I’ve stood and listened to feedback from residents.

“I want to be able to drive my family past this development and be proud to tell them we developed it.”

Objector Gemma Laycock countered: “My children are going to have to live in it. And I’ve got serious concerns.”

Samantha McHale said a community petition gathered more than 500 signatures, arguing the plan was not safe, sustainable or beneficial.

She said: “The strength of the feeling of our community is clear, our community is united and we’re saying no.

“It will only deepen existing inequalities. We should be investing in services before adding further pressure, not the other way around.

“We are facing a terrifying reality regarding road safety. This development will introduce hundreds of additional vehicles on to our roads near our schools.

“This is already a dangerous stretch of road with multiple accidents and a fatality in the past couple of years. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

Christopher Harston said: “We often witness crashes, near misses, speeding, incidents, police pursuits, one of which became a crash right outside my front gate.

“Our beloved dog was killed at a junction. If a substantial increase in traffic is approved on these already inadequate roads, one day it may not be a pet that pays the price.”

Angela Molnar said road accidents had gone unreported, adding: “It’s a lived reality for those who live nearby. I personally witnessed a child being knocked over just outside Northfield School.

“These are the kinds of incidents that never appear in your data but are happening in real life. I was involved in a road traffic collision where my car was written off.

“This is not just about congestion, it’s about preventable harm. The risks are already too high, approving this development would make them worse.”

Inside Stockton Council’s planning committee meeting in the council chamber at Dunedin House, Thornaby on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 10. Picture: LDRS.

Objectors described the plans as “totally unsuitable” for the area, expressing worries about parking, spoiling an “oasis of calm”, the loss of green space, impact on wildlife, light and traffic pollution, crime, anti-social behaviour, HGVs, and noise, dust and disruption affecting residents in construction lasting up to four years.

Ward councillor Marcus Vickers argued the plans violated Stockton’s Local Plan which tried to prevent urban sprawl, saying it would destroy fields and would be “the starting gun for coalescing Wolviston Village to the rest of Billingham”.

Cllr David Reynard said the development could be “life-changing” for residents.

Neil Westwick, senior director of the developer’s agent Lichfields, said their detailed traffic surveys and transport assessment found the longest road delay would be 1.1 seconds.

He said it would be a “logical extension settlement” of much-needed homes, leaving a “clear and meaningful physical gap of approximately 260m” between Billingham and Wolviston.

The council’s planning officers recommended the plan for approval. Planning services manager Simon Grundy said they noted residents’ concerns and the site was outside development limits, but this was not enough to warrant refusal.

He said the council did not have five years’ worth of housing land supply, so the balance swung in favour of developers.

He said there would be enough space to protect Billingham and Wolviston’s distinct identities: “It’s considered to be in a sustainable location with good access to services and facilities.

“Taking all matters into account, the adverse impacts are considered to be limited and do not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal.”

Highways engineer Martin Parker said assessments of four key junctions using industry software came back with no capacity issues, prompting responses of “you’re joking” from members of the public.

He said there would be “negligible delays” and officers could not object to the plan: “The impact’s simply not there.

“Yes there have been a number of accidents in the last 20 years. There have been 10 accidents on Thames Road.”

He said one serious accident involving a child “could have happened anywhere” and six less serious accidents were not in the last five years: “We could not class that road as unsafe. There will be good access for all users.”

Further reports, assessments and potential measures were to come to tackle noise for proposed homes near the A19, and a nearby old landfill last used in the 1980s.

Cllr Lynn Hall said she was not reassured, saying: “Would I like to live on this site adjacent to the A19? No.”

Cllr Barry Woodhouse said he had “grave concerns” over traffic, parking near schools, homes’ affordability, the A19 and noise.

He said: “If you put another 179, possibly 300 cars coming in and out of that estate and all the schools, I think it’s going to be a nightmare. I think it’s just the wrong place to put it.”

Cllrs Stephen Dodds said the plan was “not a natural fit” for the area and there was a “disconnect between modelling and reality, people’s real-life experiences”. Cllr Shakeel Hussain said: “It just doesn’t fit right. It would just ruin the identity of Wolviston.”

Councillors voted 10-2 to reject the plan on the grounds of traffic, A19 noise, loss of agricultural land, development limits, biodiversity and mixing Billingham and Wolviston.

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

Lee’s lawyers asked the high court to keep the execution on hold, saying in a response that Alabama was asking it to intervene at the eleventh hour “to allow an execution that has been found unconstitutional to proceed”

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to let Alabama proceed with a nitrogen gas execution Thursday after a lower court ruled that the method is unconstitutional.

The justices decided not to lift an injunction blocking the state from carrying out the nation’s ninth execution by nitrogen gas. The decision spared death row inmate Jeffery Lee, 49, from being put to death by nitrogen that night.

A spokesperson for the Alabama Department of Corrections said the execution was off for the evening and the state would not try another method. The high court voted 6-3 and did not explain its reasoning. Three of the conservative justices — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch — said they would grant Alabama’s request to lift the injunction and let the execution go forward.

“While I am disappointed the Supreme Court did not allow the state to proceed with Lee’s chosen method of execution, I remain committed to ensuring that justice is ultimately served for his victims,” Gov. Kay Ivey said.

Lee’s legal team hailed the decision and noted that his jury had voted for a sentence of life, which a judge overruled.

“His jury voted for life. Two courts ruled the method unconstitutional. Today, the Constitution prevailed,” the team said. “Now Governor Ivey can finish what the jury started: restore the jury’s verdict of life without parole.”

The ruling capped an extraordinary legal back-and-forth over the humaneness of the execution method. Lee filed a lawsuit challenging Alabama’s protocol as a violation of the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment, and U.S. District Judge Emily Marks ruled the method constitutional in May.

But a three-judge panel from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed her decision Monday, saying the three minutes it could take for an inmate to lose awareness is an “intolerable” time frame “given the suffering that would likely take place under Alabama’s nitrogen hypoxia protocol.”

Marks reevaluated the case and ruled again Tuesday saying Lee had shown “that the protocol constitutes cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment.” The state appealed to the Supreme Court.

“If that ruling stands, it would be unprecedented in American history. Not only does it portend the first-ever permanent ban on a legislatively enacted method, but it would expand the concept of cruelty well beyond the bounds of the Eighth Amendment,” lawyers with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office wrote.

Lee’s lawyers asked the high court to keep the execution on hold, saying in a response that Alabama was asking it to intervene at the eleventh hour “to allow an execution that has been found unconstitutional to proceed.”

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Prison officials said Lee did not request a final meal Thursday but had potato chips, Skittles, water and a Sprite in the hours ahead of his possible execution. Marks did not block the state from executing Lee with one of the other approved methods, the electric chair or lethal injection. It is unclear how quickly the state could switch, however.

Alabama began using nitrogen gas to carry out some executions in 2024. The method involves strapping a respirator to a person’s face and replacing breathable air with pure nitrogen gas, causing death from lack of oxygen.

During the previous Alabama nitrogen executions, the inmates shook, pulled at the restraints and exhibited labored breathing. During the state’s last execution by nitrogen gas, 30 minutes elapsed between Anthony Boyd exhibiting signs of being impacted by the gas and state officials closing the curtain to the viewing room to signal the execution was complete.

The state has maintained that the method is constitutional and causes no more suffering than other execution methods.

Lee, who is currently housed at William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, was convicted of two counts of capital murder for killing Jimmy Ellis and Elaine Thompson while robbing a pawnshop on Dec. 12, 1998.

Prosecutors said Lee entered Jimmy’s Pawnshop with a sawed-off shotgun and shot Ellis, the owner, and Thompson, an employee. A jury voted 7-5 to give Lee a sentence of life imprisonment. However a judge overrode that and sentenced him to death.

Bestselling author John Grisham called on Gov. Kay Ivey to honor the jury’s decision and commute Lee’s sentence to life without parole. Grisham said in a statement: “The practice of a judge overriding a jury was declared unconstitutional and so indefensible that Alabama itself abolished it in 2017. Jeffery Lee’s jury made its decision, the Alabama Legislature later agreed that juries, not judges, should decide life or death sentences.”