Everything You Need To Know About Your Spaceship ALPHA VERSION Alpha Version We Strongly Recommend You Read This Martian Klingon Earthling UK Welsh Shyriiwook 2 ENVIRONMENTAL CARE CODE Remove rubbish Litter is unattractive, harmful to wildlife and can increase vermin and disease. Plan your visits to reduce rubbish, and carry out what you carry in. Bury toilet waste In areas without toilet facilities, bury your toilet waste in a shallow hole well away from waterways, tracks, campsites, and huts. Keep streams and lakes clean When cleaning and washing, take the water and wash well away from the water source. Because soaps and detergents are harmful to water-life, drain used water into the soil to allow it to be filtered. If you suspect the water may be contaminated, either boil it for at least 3 minutes, or filter it, or chemically treat it. Protect plants and animals Treat THE UK & Europe’s plants and animals with care and respect. They are unique and often rare. Take care with fires Portable fuel stoves are less harmful to the environment and are more efficient than fires. If you do use a fire, keep it small, use only dead wood and make sure it is out by dousing it with water and checking the ashes before leaving. Camp carefully When camping, leave no trace of your visit. Keep to the track By keeping to the track, where one exists, you lessen the chance of damaging fragile plants. Consider others People visit forests and rural areas for many reasons. Be considerate of other visitors who also have a right to enjoy the natural environment. Enjoy your visit Enjoy your outdoor experience. Take a last look before leaving an area; will the next visitor know that you have been there? Protect the environment for your own sake, for the sake of those who come after you, and for the environment itself. 3 Contents Campsites & Campgrounds Compulsory Equipment in the EU Environmental Care Code Spaceships Depot – Map Spaceship Station Addresses How to open the bonnet How to check the engine coolant level How to check the oil How to open the front sunroof How to open the rear sunroof How to open the fuel lid Tyre pressure How to change a tyre Using the jack Spare tyre How to turn the back seat How to put up the back awning How to put up the side awning (optional feature) How to use the cooker Understanding your electrical system How to put on snow chains Automatic Transmission Warning Lights Road Restrictions Safe Driving In The UK & Europe Traffic Infringements Breakdowns and Accident Assistance Problems with Vehicle What to do if you breakdown What to do if you have an accident What you need to provide us with What's different about driving in The UK & Europe Are you a Space Traveller? Emergency Number 4 Page 6 7 9 15 17 18 18 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 32 32 32 32 32 33 33 34 35 40 42 Hi Space Travellers! Welcome to the UK and Europe! Please read this booklet to find out everything you need about your Spaceship. Please note, except where specifically stated, ‘Free camping’ (parking and sleeping where you want) is illegal in Europe. We provide a comprehensive list of camping grounds and campsites for you to use so that you have plenty of options of where to stay, all over the UK & Europe. If you do ‘free camp’ we would like to insist that you help care for, and sustain our environment – leave no litter and use public toilet facilities where ever possible. Have a fantastic time experiencing the UK & Europe. Spaceships UK 5 CAMPSITES & CAMPGROUNDS The UK & Europe are packed full of amazing campsites and campgrounds with facilities to suit everyone’s needs. Whether you want to set up camp at the top of the Alps or relax with views of Mediterranean Sea there is something for everyone. There are so many campsites & campgrounds in the UK & Europe that we couldn’t even begin to list them all. However some of our Space Stations are great campsites with excellent facilities, more details of these on page 17. For the best information and locations of campgrounds we suggest using: www.pitchup.com www.alanrogers.com If you are looking at travelling distances and how long it may take to get to a destination then please visit: http://www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp 6 EQUIPMENT LIST Below is a list of compulsory & recommended equipment needed when travelling in different European countries. If you are travelling in the winter season then European authorities insist on snow chains for the vehicle and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have them. Country First Fire Warning Spare Headlamp Aid Extinguisher Triangle Bulbs Adjustment Kit Andorra R R C R C Austria C R C R C Belgium R R C R C Bulgaria C C C R R Croatia C R C C C Cyprus (Rep of) R R C R DL Czech Rep C R C C C Denmark R R C R C Finland R R C R C France & Monaco R R C R C Germany R R C R C Gibraltar R R R R C Greece C C C R R Hungary C R C C C Ireland(Rep of) R R R R DL Italy and San Marino R R C R R Luxembourg R R C R R Macedonia C R C C C Malta R R R R DL Netherlands R R C R C Norway R R C R C Poland C C C R R Portugal R R C R R Romania C R C R C Slovakia C R C C C Slovenia R R C R R Spain R R C C C Sweden R R C R C Switzerland & Liechtenstein R R C R R UK R R R R DL Key: C = Compulsory R = Recommended by AA and/or respective country DL = Drive on the left 8 Environmental Care Code 1. Empty toilet and waste tanks, (grey and black) in approved dump stations, to protect the health of citizens. Holes must not be dug in the ground (in particular on Department of Conservation lands). 2. Take care with plants and animals. 3. Keep your vehicle to formed tracks. 4. Remove all rubbish from the area and take it with you when you leave. 5. Use only built fireplaces and portable BBQs if you wish to cook outside. 6. Be aware, respect and value any spiritual, historical or scenic value in areas you visit. Why Be a Clean, Green, Low Impact Space Traveller? During your trip you will be travelling through some of the most beautiful countries in the world - with outstanding landscapes, stunning forests, clear blue waters, fresh air and charming wildlife. All of us need to play our part in keeping Europe healthy, clean and green, so that we, and our friends and family, can continue to enjoy its beauty in the future. The most important thing we all need to do is always dispose of our waste in a proper manner - a dump station facility or proper sewerage system for black and grey waste water, and rubbish collection facilities for solid waste. Polluting our waters has the worst consequences. 9 Only a tiny amount of human faecal matter is needed to cause pollution, as there are millions of micro-organisms in every gram. Infectious viruses and parasites can survive for several months in water, including giardia, hepatitis A, cryptosporidium and gastroenteritis-causing viruses. Skin diseases can also be spread. Whether waste is discharged in water or on land, especially if it contains chemicals, it can destroy the fragile ecosystems of our waters, forests and pastures. Rubbish disposal is important. Never litter, or leave waste in inappropriate places. Local authorities have rules relating to rubbish disposal, e.g. you cannot leave household rubbish in public litter bins outside of camping areas. Dumping rubbish carries harsh penalties, including fines and prison sentences, especially if the rubbish could spread disease or injure someone. If you can't take your rubbish home with you, use a Transfer Station - you may even be able to recycle there! Take only photographs. Leave only footprints and tyre tracks behind you Can I help prevent water pollution? Yes. Once you are aware of how water pollution is caused, you can make sure your actions don't contribute to the pollution. Below are some everyday substances that can cause serious damage if disposed of incorrectly. 10 Grey waste water Grey water contains many of the following things which can be very harmful to our aquatic habitats. Your 'little bit of soapy water', when added to many other people's 'little bit', adds up to a destructive amount. Never dispose of grey water into streams, lakes, rivers or beaches. Only ever dispose of grey water onto land if you have specific instructions from the property owner and never on land where it could easily reach water. The best place for grey water disposal is a proper sewerage system (not a stormwater drain!). Foodstuffs & Drink As they decay and rot in a body of water, they use up its reserves of oxygen, suffocating the creatures that live in it. Cleaning Agents Detergents, disinfectants and degreasers all cause harm to aquatic plants and animals through poisoning, burning and irritating their sensitive membranes and tissues. Even those claiming to be 'biodegradable' or 'environmentally friendly' can be toxic to fish and remove oxygen from a water body as they are broken down. Ammonia & Chlorine Found in many household cleaning substances, both are highly toxic to aquatic life. Bacteria and Disease These are found in very high levels in grey water, just from people showering or washing hands etc. Public health is at risk, as only a tiny amount of human faecal matter is needed to cause pollution there are millions of micro-organisms in every gram. 11 Infectious viruses and parasites can survive for several months in water, including giardia, hepatitis A, cryptosporidium and gastroenteritis-causing viruses. Skin diseases can also be spread. Oil & Grease One litre of oil can contaminate one million litres of drinking water and cover 100 m2 of water, oiling birds and creating a barrier preventing essential oxygen and sunlight from getting into the water. Oil and grease from animal and vegetable fats in your grey water are just as guilty of this as used waste oils. Always use drip trays when transferring or draining oil and other liquids, and wipe up small drips and spills. Used waste oil can be recycled at Transfer Stations or your local Service Station. Suspended solids Any kind of suspended solids in your waste water can smother an aquatic habitat, blocking sunlight and oxygen and choking the creatures that live there. Toilet chemical Some common toilet chemicals still contain formaldehyde - a poisonous carcinogenic substance banned in some countries. Other toilet chemicals may not contain formaldehyde, but they can still contain strong chemicals and may be very high in ammonia making them toxic to aquatic life (and your equipment!). While there are several 'safe, biodegradable' products available, no toilet chemicals are designed to be disposed of in the natural environment, but in proper sewerage systems in the right quantities. Black waste water Black waste water is any waste water containing sewage. 12 Black waste contains high levels of bacteria and disease, toilet chemical, ammonia and suspended solids. This page tells you how damaging all those components are to public health and the environment. Black waste is also very high in phosphates, nitrates and other nutrients that promote the uncontrolled growth of plant and bacteria populations within the aquatic environment. Waterways can be choked off with weeds or depleted of oxygen by unnaturally high populations of micro-organisms. Don't ever dispose of black waste into water! The only safe place for black waste is in a proper sewerage system. Other substances Other substances that you need to dispose of correctly and with care, making sure they can't enter water, include the following: Fuels & Solvents can damage fish gills so they can't breathe, as well as poisoning animals and burning plants. They contain cancercausing agents that accumulate in fish and shellfish and they can be a major explosion hazard, especially in pipes. Heavier components accumulate in the bed sediments of a water body. Paints, Dyes & Inks can be poisonous to creatures that come in contact with them. They also prevent light from entering the water, making it difficult for plants to get the energy they need to live and for animals to find food. Corrosives including battery acid, vinegar, some cleaning compounds, acetic acid and cement wastes. The degree of corrosiveness in liquids is measured in pH units. These range from 1 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Levels of pH outside the range 6-9 damage sensitive tissues such as eyes, gills and skin, make it impossible for juvenile creatures to survive and burn or kill mature fish, plants and insects. 13 Heavy Metals such as lead (for example, in old paint), zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel and mercury inhibit plant growth and poison aquatic creatures by accumulating in their bodies. Metals do not break down in the environment. They build up through the food chain and accumulate in the bed sediments of a water body. Even a very small quantity of a pollutant, or just one accidental discharge, can drastically alter the quality of a stream. Fish, insects and plant life can be killed, habitats destroyed and the affected stream can take many years to recover. You may think that your little bit of waste can't harm the environment. But when combined with that of a million others it contributes to a massive amount of pollution that happens every day. The added effects of this cause serious damage to our environment and must be prevented. Dispose of waste appropriately, and never allow your waste water to flow or be washed down a stormwater drain. It is illegal to cause pollution. There are substantial penalties, including instant fines and imprisonment Always use a dump station or proper sewerage system to dispose of black and grey waste. Never dispose of black or grey waste into water. 14 15 Key: Railway Minor Road Approx 100m. Hayes & Harlington Train Station Trains to London Paddington and Ealing Broadway Viveash Close Trains to London Heathrow Airport, Oxford, Reading and Bristol Number 140 bus to Heathrow Airport Station Road Number 140 bus from Heathrow Airport Nestle’s Avenue Turn left our of the station main entrance and cross the railway bridge. Turn left onto Nestle’s Avenue. Pass the London Motor Museum. The Spaceships London depot is on you left hand side. Please make sure you refuel your Spaceship and have all of your gear packed up and rubbish removed etc before returning your Spaceship to the depot. 16 Space Station Addresses Hatters Hostel Faoin Tuath 92-95 Livery St Jewellery Quarter Birmingham B3 1RJ Market Street Clifden, Co. Market St Galway, Ireland Hatters Hostel Camping Zeeburg 56-60 Mount Pleasant Liverpool L3 5SH Zuider IJdiij 20 1095 KN Amsterdam Hatters Hostel 50 Newton Square Camping Memling Veltemweg 109 8310 The Northern Quarter Manchester M1 2EA Brugge Belgium Oxford Camping & Caravanning Club 426 Abingdon Road Oxford OX1 4XG Camping Fusina Loch Ness Holiday Park Invermoriston, Inverness shire 01320-351207 Camping Colleverde Camping Siena Colleverde Strada Scacciapensieri 47 53100 Siena Joe Brown’s Climbing Shop Menai Hall High Street Llanberis Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4HA Ullswater Steamers The Square Pooley Bridge Nr Penrith Cumbria CA10 2NW Clippesby Hall Campsite Clippesby, Norfolk NR29 3BL PH: (01493) 367800 Via Moranzani 93 3003 Fusina – Venezia (VE) Camping Tiber Via Tiberina km 1.400 00188 Roma (Prima Porta) Mortonhall Caravan & Camping park 38 Mortonhall Gate Frogston Road East Edinburgh EH16 6TJ Camping Jungfrau Weid 406,3822 Lauterbrunnen Switzerland Ph: 033 856 20 10 How to open the bonnet 17 The lever to open the bonnet is situated below right of the steering wheel. 1. Pull the lever, which will make an opening noise as the bonnet opens to the first stage. 2. From the outside of the vehicle move around to the front of the bonnet and find the release catch, pull this catch to release and raise the bonnet. 3. Hold the bonnet in place with the stay. How to check the engine coolant level Look at the see-through coolant reservoir tank which you will find under the bonnet on the left hand side. The coolant level is satisfactory if the level is between the “Full” and “Low” lines on the tank. The coolant level in the reservoir tank will vary with the engine temperature. However, if the level is on or below the “Low” line add coolant until the line is on the “Full” line. If the coolant level drops within a short time after refilling there may 18 be a leak in the system. Visually check the radiator cap, plug, hoses, and the water pump for any leaks. To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the cap when the engine is hot. How to check the oil 1. Move the cooker to the out position. 2. Move the gas bottle. 3. Move the front passenger’s seat forward and collapse the back of the seat (see figure 1). 4. Lift the yellow lever under the front passenger’s seat and lift the entire seat back (see figure 1). 5. Lift the carpet to expose the engine check latch (see figure 2). 6. Turn the knob to open the latch. 1 2 19 How to open the front sunroof To open: Push up the lever to raise the rear end of the sunroof. To close: Pull down the lever and turn it to the lock position. Sunshade: Open and close manually. How to sunroof open the rear Operational when the ignition is in the ON position. To open: press the upper (OPEN) side of switch 1 The deflector will automatically lift up to prevent air coming into the vehicle. To close: Twin sunroof type: Press the lower (close) side of switch 1 while pulling switch 2. Canopy type: Press the lower (close) side of switch 1 while pressing switch 2. How to open the fuel lid The fuel lid opening lever is found to the right side of the driver’s seat on the floor. Please note: Use only regular petrol 91 (the green pump) The fuel tank capacity is 60 litres. 20 Tyre pressure The pressure on the tyres should be 35psi, if the presser is wrong this will cause the tyre to wear out sooner than they should, If you hit a big pothole in the road this could cause the wheel alignment to be knocked out and this will cause the tyres to wear out sooner than they should. How to change a tyre The jack & tool bag are positioned under the right side of the back seat. 1. Remove the cover under the right side of the seat 2. Loosen the jack and remove it from the Spaceship. Using the jack Make sure the engine is turned off; the gear lever is in the park position; and the handbrake is on before jacking-up the vehicle. While the jack is in place do not go into or ‘shake’ the Spaceship. Do not go under the Spaceship under any circumstances while the jack is supporting the Spaceship. 1. Place the jack on the ground and extend it manually until the jack enters the groove. 2. Insert the jack handle bar into the hole of the jack handle. 3. Use the jack handle to raise the wheel slightly off the ground. 21 Spare tyre The spare tyre is located under the back of the Spaceship. Pull out the frame for the bed extension; roll up the section of carpet between the back of the bed and back door. Loosen the connection bolt of the jack handle bar extender using the hole of the jack handle and then fit the jack handle to the jack handle bar extender. Loosen the bolt on the floor with the jack handle & jack handle bar extender. Lift the holding wire slightly and remove it from the hook. When removing the tyre, care should be taken not to drop it onto your foot etc. Down to the basics After you have parked your Spaceship safely (on the firmest flattest ground you can find), put a couple of bricks or a stone beneath the tyres to make sure that it does not roll off the jack. Bring your jack, spare wheel and wheel nut wrench to 22 the work area. Loosen the nuts without having jacked up the Spaceship, to prevent the wheel spinning. Turn counter clockwise to loosen the nut until they don’t quite come off. Next jack up the car. Remove the old wheel now. Put the spare wheel on. Then tighten the nuts by doing opposing sides as much as possible. Lower the jack so that the tyre rests on the ground. Fully tighten the wheel nuts (a hard push with your hand is enough). Lastly replace the hubcap or the plate. Voila! You are ready to drive again. How to turn the back seat Pull the ‘recliner adjust belt’ and fold the back of the seat forward. To rotate, pull the lever at the front of the seat upwards, then turn the seat. When you have the seat in the position you desire, fold back the back of the seat. Caution this seat must be facing forward while driving. Take care of fingers when performing the rotation. 23 How to put up the back awning Open the boot, remove awning bag, and take out the awning. Find the window in the middle of the awning. Directly above the middle of the awning you will find a chalk mark, line this chalk mark with the corresponding mark on the boot catch, now the awning is lined up correctly and is ready to be fastened. Fix the top four or six press studs, then attach the bottom six or eight, before pulling out the frame, placing the bed board on it and attaching the Velcro mattress piece. Now begin with fastening the press-studs up the sides all the way to the top of the awning. How to put up the side awning (optional feature) Open boot and remove side awning support arms from the back of the bed. Unzip the awning on the side of the roof rack. Pull out the awning poles from the roof rack, unroll the awning (pulling it gently forwards) and connect the end bar to the two awning poles. Take the longer of the two side awning support arms and attach to the left hand side end bar, with the other end fastening on the passenger side door handle. Attach the shorter support arm to the right hand side end bar, with the other end fastening on the handle of the sliding door (sliding door must be in the open position). Attach the left hand side bungee cord to the front wheel, and the right hand side 24 bungee cord to the back bumper. (Reverse these instructions and carefully zip up to pack away). How to use your gas stove (Instructions courtesy of ESC Europe Ltd) 1. First make sure the gas tap controls are in the ‘OFF’ position’ 2. Connect the gas canister onto the regulator which is attached to a hose leading to the cooker. Please be sure to screw tight until you hear a ‘pssst’ sound of gas releasing. If the regulator has a ‘ON/OFF’ lever turn this now onto ‘ON’. 3. Check the use of soapy water for any gas leakage between the bottle and the regulator and the appliance connection to the cooker. 4. Open the lid and secure the side shields in position. Turn one of the control knobs turning anti-clockwise to the + position whilst fully depressing the red ignition button at least 5 times, this will light the burner. If the burner does not light then repeat the process. 5. If the burner has not litafter two attempts, turn off the gas tap, wait 5 minutes and repeat step 4. 6. Too turn the stove ‘OFF’ turn the gas canister or regulator switch to the ‘OFF’ position and then turn all of the control knobs on the appliance clockwise to the ‘OFF’ position when the flame has extinguished. Warning: If the burner fails to ignite, turn the control knob off (clockwise) and also turn the cannister valve off before attempting to to relight the ignition sequence. Never use the stove with the lid in the closed position (transport position) as this will burn off the paint and affect the safe operation of the appliance Always wait for the appliance to cool down before attempting to close the lid for transport. Clean in warm soapy water only. 25 Understanding your electrical system Alternator Charges batteries while motor is running Main Battery Supplies power for all normal car requirements e.g. starter, lights heater but not DVD cooler or large internal light. Regulator Regulator- ensures main battery is always charged only when that is charged does extra power go to secondary battery. Secondary Battery Supplies power for: 1, Radio/DVD 2, Cooler 3, Large internal light 4, Gas alarm Plan your power conservation 1, if all the secondary battery appliances are used at the same time the battery will last about 1-2 hours. 2, If appliances are left on, secondary battery will become so flat that the alternator can no longer charger it up, and it will just boil the water in it. This will cause it to no longer hold a charge and the battery will need to be replaced. 3, Turn off all unnecessary appliances. 4, Keep radio/DVD volume down – higher the volume the more power used. 26 How to put on snow chains Snow chains can be hired at petrol stations and hire stores in the snow areas all around New Zealand. Only use chains on the rear wheels of your vehicle. Make sure that the chains are not too loose when driving. Do not drive over 30 km/hr with snow chains. Follow the instructions that are with the snow chains on installation. Make sure the chains are properly installed before driving. However follow the diagrams below Practice before you get to the snow. Chains sometimes need to be adjusted to the physical tyre that you are using. To install snugly, you may need a couple of bungee cords to add some tension. It is best to sort this out, before you're snowed in. 27 Automatic Transmission P P: Park: The transmission should be placed in this position when parked and starting or turning off the engine. Keys can be removed from the ignition only when the lever is in this position. R R: Reverse: For Reversing. N N: Neutral: The vehicle may be started in this gear, however its main use is for when the vehicle is stationary with the engine in idle mode. D 2 L 28 D: Drive: In this gear pressing the accelerator will move the vehicle forward through the gearing from 1-4 and then back down again depending on the speed and power desired. This gear should be used for standard driving. 2: Second: Use as a stronger engine brake for travelling up/down steep hills. L: Low: This is the strongest engine brake. Used for very steep hills etc: However care should be taken not to go too fast in this gear. Its purpose is for low speed power and heavy engine braking. Warning Lights Overdrive Switch Pressing the OVERDRIVE switch (found at the of the gear lever) will engage a high-ratio 4th O/D gear (overdrive gear) during vehicle operation OFF with the shift lever in D decreasing fuel consumption and reducing engine noise levels. When the switch is depressed the overdrive function is on. O/D OFF indicator light will be on. It is recommended to have the switch on (depressed) during normal vehicle operation. When travelling downhill and the engine brake is required, it is recommended that this switch be off (out). If the switch is off when travelling uphill, smooth driving can be achieved because gear changes will be reduced. Battery warning light This light shows when there is a problem with the battery charging system. Should this light come on while driving it may indicate a broken belt etc. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact the Spaceships office. Oil pressure warning light Should this light show (except on start), oil pressure is low. Pull over to a safe place and contact the Spaceships office. This indicator is not a indicator for low oil level. 29 Oil level warning light This light will show if the engine oil level is low. Check engine oil level immediately. OIL LEVEL Exhaust temperature warning light This light will appear on ignition, but will turn off after a few seconds. If this warning light shows together with the Battery Warning light, the Temperature of the Catalytic converter has risen above normal. Park the vehicle in a safe place where there are no materials that may catch fire such as dead plant and stop the engine for 10 minutes. If the light goes out after restarting the engine, it is safe to drive. Should the light remain on or appear again, call the Spaceships office. Engine warning light Should this light appear there is a fault within the vehicle’s electrical system or, the engine itself. Contact the Spaceships office immediately. Brake warning light This light will appear under the following conditions. 1. When the hand brake is on. 2. When the brake fluid is low. If this light does not go out when the hand brake is released, stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact the Spaceships office. If an abnormal metallic sound is heard while driving, the brake disc pad may be worn. Call the Spaceships office. 30 Blown light warning light: This light will show when a bulb of the tail light or brake light is blown. If this light shows when the light switch is ON, a tail light bulb is blown. If this light shows when the brake pedal is depressed, a brake light bulb is blown. Auto transmission oil temperature warning light: (4 WD vehicles only) This light should come on once the ignition is turned On and go out after the engine is A/T OIL started. TEMP Should this warning light show while driving, the automatic transmission oil has overheated. Pull over to a safe place; place the vehicle in P (park) and wait for a few minutes with the engine idling. Should the light go out it is safe to drive. Should the light stay on, do not drive and contact the Spaceship office. Tilt Steering The lever found behind the steering wheel is used to set the height of the steering wheel. Return the lever to its original position to lock the steering wheel in place. 31 Road Restrictions Spaceships can only be driven on sealed/bitumen or well maintained roads. The vehicles are NOT insured for any country outside of the EU. The hirer is responsible for all damage if travelling on these roads, as there is no insurance protection cover. Safe Driving In the UK & Europe The law requires all people to wear a safety seatbelt whilst travelling. In the UK & Ireland drive on the left hand side of the road – on continental Europe drive on the right hand side of the road. Traffic Infringements Spaceships reserves the right to charge any traffic infringement notice, speeding or parking fines, associated administration costs and/or accidents including unreported third party damage, direct to the customer's account or credit card. A £30 admin charge will be taken from the hirers credit card for each infringement handled. The hirer remains liable for the payment of the infringement. Breakdowns and Accident Assistance All vehicles are fully maintained, serviced and detailed between rentals by our experienced staff. We have few problems; however, if advice or assistance is required, support is available to every client throughout the UK & Europe by telephoning our depot on +44 (0) 208 573 2300 or the Emergency number +44 (0) 7751044583. You must call us immediately to report an accident. Problems with Vehicle Any problems associated with the vehicle, including equipment failure, must be reported to Spaceships as soon as possible, and within 24 hours, in order to give Spaceships the opportunity to rectify the problem during the rental. We do not accept liability for any claims submitted after this period. Repairs up to £50 may be undertaken without authorisation and will be reimbursed. However if possible, even with these minor purchases, please inform us at Spaceships beforehand. For amounts over £50, Spaceships must be contacted in advance. Repairs will be approved 32 provided the hirer was not directly responsible for the damage. Receipts must be submitted for any repair or the claim will not be paid. What to do if you breakdown If you have any mechanical troubles in space we provide free RAC 24 hour roadside assistance 0800 616 300. Any costs you incur for minor repairs we will give you a refund (up to £50); you just need to produce receipts. Where possible please inform Spaceships about these purchases in advance. You must contact us immediately if any major repairs are needed for your Spaceship. Failure to do so may compromise any claim that may eventuate after the hire is finished. Spaceships Ltd is only liable for refunding the time that the vehicle was actually in repair and will pay for alternative accommodation during this time where needed (up to four days). Alternative accommodation is only provided where necessary and sleeping in the vehicle is not an option. If your DVD/CD player, fridge, water pump or cooker malfunctions while you are travelling they are not considered mechanical breakdowns and downtime will not be paid for these items. Retrospective claims will not be accepted by Spaceships Ltd. What to do if you have an accident If you and your Spaceship are involved in an accident, there are some basic things that will help you: Try to stay as calm as you can. Stop straight away and help anyone who’s injured. Call an ambulance on 112 (or get someone to call an ambulance), if it’s needed. If an animal has been injured, tell its owner or the person looking after it. If you can’t find anyone, tell the Police as soon as you can. Give your name and address to the driver of any car that’s been damaged and to the owner of any property that’s been damaged. If other drivers are involved, try to find out whether they’re insured and who they’re insured with. Don’t admit that the accident was your fault – it is important to look at all the available information following the stress of the accident. You may later find out other reasons why the accident occurred. If you can’t drive your Spaceship after the accident, protect it to prevent any more loss or damage, such as by taking it to the side of the road and locking it. Take your personal possessions with you. Notify the Police as soon as possible – within 24 hours as required to by law. And you must call us immediately to report an accident. +44 (0) 208 573 2300 or +44 (0) 7751044583 33 What you need to provide us with: Spaceships office will need you to fill an accident claims form which would have bene given to you in your Space Survival Kit at the start of your trip. You will need to provide us with as much information as possible. This will include: The details of who was driving your Spaceship at the time of the accident (including their drivers license details) The details of any other people, (including their insurance details) who may have been involved, e.g. The owner and/or driver of the other vehicle The owner of any animal involved The owner of any property damaged A detailed drawing of the accident. Your bond will be charged & retained by Spaceships until liability is established by the insurers. If a 3rd party is deemed at fault the bond will be wavered and refunded. 34 What's different about driving in the UK & in Europe? Driving is a great way to explore the amazing sights of Europe! However, there are a few things that you may not be used to when driving in the UK & Europe. For example: In the UK & Ireland you drive on the left side of the road Continental Europe drive on the right side of the road The speed limit in the UK & Ireland is in Miles per hour (mph) and the other European Countries are in Kilometres per hour (km/h) Your Spaceship speedometer is in MPH Make sure you have a safe and enjoyable journey please take a few minutes to read this before starting out. 35 Giving way at intersections Always use your indicators when turning. Stop completely then give way (yield) to all traffic. Slow down and be ready to stop and give way to all traffic. At an intersection where one vehicle will cross the path of another, and both are waiting on stop or give way signs (or where there are no signs),special give way rules apply. Travelling times Although distances may seem short on paper, some European roads may be narrower than you are used to, cover hilly terrain and vary from motorways to unsealed gravel roads. If you're tired you're much more likely to have a crash. Here are some tips to help you stay alert. 36 Get lots of rest before a long drive. Take a break from driving every two hours. If possible, share the driving with someone else. Avoid large meals and drink plenty of fluid. If you begin to feel sleepy, try to nap for up to 40 minutes. If you're feeling very tired - find a place to stay overnight. Driving speeds Speed limit signs show the maximum speed you can travel. However, at times you may need to drive at a slower speed due to road or weather conditions. Different speed limits apply throughout the UK & Europe - look out for the speed limit signs. In the UK & Ireland speed limit signs are in Miles. On main roads in these countries the speed limit is 70 MPH. In Continental Europe the speed limit signs are in Kilometres. On most of Europe’s main roads the speed limit is 100 – 120km/h unless a sign says a lower speed applies. Safety belts By law, everyone in the vehicle must wear a safety belt - whether they're in the front or the back. Alcohol Don't drink and drive - the laws against this are strictly enforced in the UK & Europe and penalties are severe. Mobile Phones The use of hand-held mobile phones while driving is illegal in most countries. Overtaking Most roads in the UK & Europe, which are not motorway, have a single lane each way, but provide passing lanes at regular intervals 37 – these should be used where possible. You must not cross a solid yellow line on your side of the centre-line, as this indicates it’s too dangerous to overtake. One lane bridges Many places throughout Europe have one lane bridges on them. At one lane bridges, vehicles travelling in one direction must give way to vehicles going in the other direction. Any of the signs shown below indicate that you are approaching a one lane bridge. Slow down and check for traffic coming the other way. The smaller red arrow shows which direction has to give way. These two signs show you must give way to traffic coming the other way across the bridge. This sign indicates you can proceed across the bridge. Animals on the road Watch out for farm animals and horses on the road, particularly in rural areas. When you see them slow down and do not sound your horn - it may startle them. You may need to stop and let the animals go past you or move slowly up behind and follow the farmer's instructions. 38 Winter driving Look out for this slippery surface sign in wet or icy conditions - slow down and avoid braking suddenly. Snow and ice can make roads even more hazardous, particularly around mountain passes. It is your responsibility to purchase/hire snow chains if they are required. 39 Are you a Space Traveller? If you love Spaceships and would like to help us spread the word, then this deal is for you. Come see us in our London office after your hire and if you’re convincing enough we’ll invite you to register as a ‘Space Traveller’ which means discounts on hire anywhere in Australia, New Zealand and the UK! 40 Thanks for reading – we hope you have a safe and happy journey in outer space!! Cheers, The Spaceship Crew 41 Spaceships Ph +44 (0) 208 573 2300 EMERGENCY Number: +44 (0) 7751044583 www.spaceshipsrentals.co.uk 42
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