One in three motorists plan to sell their vehicle in the next six months because of the ULEZ expansion

One in three motorists plan to sell their vehicle in the next six months because of the ULEZ expansion

Aug 3, 2022

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Research commissioned by online used-car marketplace Motorway has revealed that one in three (36%) Londoners plan to sell their vehicle in the next six months because of the proposed Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) extension alongside the rising cost of living.

The London ULEZ was introduced in April 2019, covering an area in Central London. In October 2021, this expanded to cover a much wider inner London Area between the North and South Circular roads. In the second half of 2023 this will be expanded to cover all of Greater London, affecting most petrol cars manufactured before 2006 and diesel cars manufactured before 2015. Buses, coaches and lorries must meet or exceed Euro 6 standards. Charges are £12.50 for cars, vans and motorbikes and £100 for buses, lorries and coaches.

Londoners are increasingly concerned about the expansion, with three in five admitting they are worried about how it will affect their finances. Two-thirds of those surveyed can’t afford to switch to an electric vehicle or compliant petrol car.

According to data from Motorway’s ULEZ compliance checker, Mercedes and Land Rover are the most likely to be non-compliant with vehicles facing fines. Research also uncovered that 39% of Londoners sold their car when ULEZ was initially introduced, and with plans of an expansion on the horizon, many more could follow suit.

When asked about the reasons for selling their petrol or diesel car, half (47%) of Londoners said they would sell to buy an electric vehicle in light of the potential expansion of ULEZ. However, due to the rising cost of living, many will be unable to make this switch.

The data reveals that a third (36%) of those in the capital are unaware the ULEZ could be expanded by August 2023.

Alex Buttle, co-founder of online used-car marketplace Motorway said: “The cost of petrol and diesel, along with the cost of living, are rising fast. This coupled with the extension of the ULEZ in London, means more urban drivers are questioning their current car and driving habits. We’ve seen a 21% rise in diesel cars being sold on Motorway since last month and the research revealed many more motorists will be looking to sell in the next six months due to the likely expansion of ULEZ to cover the whole of the city. 

Check if your car is ULEZ compliant

To check if your car is ULEZ compliant, visit https://motorway.co.uk/ulez-checker

Research conducted in July 2022 by Censuswide with a sample of 1,000 British car owners aged 18+ from London and Greater London.

Do I need breakdown cover?

Do I need breakdown cover?

Jul 28, 2022

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With the price of pretty much everything rising right now, many of us are looking for ways we can save money on our expenditures.

One cost you may be considering is whether you actually need breakdown cover for your vehicle.

Do I need breakdown cover for a new car?

Most brand new cars usually include breakdown cover for a certain period (usually between one to three years).

However, some nearly new but used cars will not include breakdown cover as some car manufacturers don’t let the breakdown cover transfer with the car, whilst the purchase of many used cars will not include breakdown cover as standard.

Whether you have recently purchased a vehicle and are contemplating buying breakdown cover, or you are wondering whether to renew your current vehicle breakdown cover when your policy runs out, one of the UK’s leading breakdown cover providers, Start Rescue is encouraging drivers to consider their options carefully.

The importance of breakdown cover

Start Rescue, is urging motorists to consider the cost implications, should they suffer a breakdown without suitable cover in place.

Lee Puffett, Managing Director for Start Rescue explains: “Whether you’re on a motorway, in town, out in the countryside or even at home, breaking down is stressful.

If you don’t have breakdown cover, it can be expensive to sort out. Towing fees, repairs – even overnight accommodation – the costs can quickly add up.

Having breakdown cover not only offers peace of mind that you will be rescued in the event of a breakdown, but you’ll also be covered for some or all of the additional costs associated with breaking down, depending on the policy you buy.”

Shop around for breakdown cover

With this in mind, rather than taking the chance and cutting your breakdown provision entirely, why not shop around for an alternative provider to your current breakdown company, which could save you money instead.

Did you know there are different types of breakdown providers?

Not all drivers are aware that there are two main kinds of vehicle recovery providers operating in the UK today.

Aside from the motoring associations with their own fleet of vehicles and employees, breakdown recovery providers also exist who operate by harnessing a UK-wide network of independent vehicle recovery operatives (VROs).

As with motoring associations, members of these vehicle breakdown organisations contact the provider’s call centre, which then locates the nearest specialist operative and sends them to the scene of the breakdown.

In practice, both types of breakdown providers aim to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

However, operators who run their own fleet (motoring associations) may not always have a vehicle near a particular breakdown scene, which can increase the wait time for customers

Breakdown cover providers such as Start Rescue work directly with carefully selected and experienced recovery operators across the UK. Through operating such a model, they have the connections to despatch an experienced recovery operative quickly – one who knows the local area well and is ideally placed to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Are you getting the best value for money with the AA, RAC or Green Flag?

For a service that hopefully you won’t have to use many times in a year, are you sure you are getting the best price for breakdown cover from your current provider?

What breakdown cover do I need?

As you’re no doubt aware, breakdown cover providers generally offer varying levels of cover, to meet your personal needs for your breakdown cover.

Which? Recommended Provider, Start Rescue, has affordable breakdown cover options which include unlimited callouts, misfuel cover and accident recovery all as standard. Their most popular 3 Star cover option has been rated five stars by Defaqto. Their Three Star cover also includes Home Assist, so should your vehicle not start at home, they will be able to come and assist you. In comparison to competitors, Start Rescue policies can offer you considerable savings.

Breakdown cover price comparison based on 3 Star Cover*

Breakdown cover price comparison based on 3 Star Cover* £30.80 per year with Start Rescue

Wondering ‘Do I need European breakdown cover?’

Perhaps you’re planning a trip across the Channel this summer and thinking ‘do I need breakdown cover in France?’

Whilst, as in the UK, breakdown cover is not compulsory for driving in France or other European countries, should you suffer a breakdown, the peace of mind from having European breakdown cover in place can prove invaluable.
Start Rescue’s Four and Five Star policies include European Cover as well as UK Nationwide recovery, covering you in over 40 countries.

How good is Start Rescue’s Breakdown Cover?

As well as saving you money, Start Rescue’s affordable policies are also backed up by an impressive level of service.

Testimony to the value and reliability a Start Rescue breakdown cover policy can provide customers, is the fact that the company is rated as excellent on Trustpilot and has been a Which? Recommended Provider for breakdown cover 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Start Rescue’s cheapest policy starts from just £19.75** per year, so at a time when we are all trying to save money, this seems like the right time to compare your current provider and see if Start Rescue can beat it.

* All competitor prices have been based on Start Rescue’s most popular 3-star level of cover for a vehicle aged up to 5 years-old. Cover includes nationwide recovery, home assistance, alternative transport, overnight accommodation and key assist. Last updated 30/06/2022.

** The price of your policy will depend on the age of your vehicle and the level of cover you choose.

Hydrogen Vehicle Numbers Set to Increase

Hydrogen Vehicle Numbers Set to Increase

Jul 28, 2022

The number of hydrogen vehicles in service globally could increase dramatically over the next five years. Currently, there are around 60,000 hydrogen vehicles on the read. According to a new study, this will increase to one million by the end of 2027.

The report by Juniper Research identified hydrogen vehicles as an increasingly viable alternative to battery electric vehicles (EVs). It found that the potential for enhanced range and rapid refuelling compared favourably with EVs, reducing customer anxieties around EV ownership.

Advantages of Hydrogen Vehicles over Electric Vehicles

The report identified several advantages hydrogen vehicles have over electric vehicles, including:

• Hydrogen can be pumped using the existing network of petrol stations.

• Hydrogen vehicles can achieve longer distances because they densely pack their energy storage.

• Filling up a hydrogen vehicle takes a few minutes compared to EVs, which can take several hours to charge.

The report says the limitations of EVs are highlighted by the existence of hybrid vehicles in many commercial sectors. Buses, trains, and trucks are widely available as diesel-electric hybrids; proving that based on current technology, EVs are not up to providing a mass transit solution.

Additionally, hydrogen is being touted as an alternative to EVs because EVs use large, heavy, expensive batteries that require rare earth metals such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium. As much as hydrogen requires platinum in production, it is needed only in production centres and far smaller quantities. Research on finding an alternative to platinum is also at an advanced stage.

Juniper Research defines hydrogen vehicles as vehicles that use hydrogen propulsion systems as their onboard fuel. The chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen reacts with the fuel cell and converts the energy to electricity.

The number of hydrogen vehicles in service globally could increase dramatically over the next five years. Currently, there are around 60,000 hydrogen vehicles on the read. According to a new study, this will increase to one million by the end of 2027.

Hydrogen Vehicle Development

The report claims that several major vehicle manufacturers, including BMW and Audi, believe that a change in the political atmosphere could favour hydrogen vehicles over EVs. Both manufacturers are developing hydrogen fuel cell prototypes in addition to EVs as part of preparations to phase out fossil fuels.

Japanese carmakers Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and South Korea’s Hyundai were the only manufacturers developing and pushing for hydrogen fuel cell cars for years. Now China is expanding its hydrogen fuelling infrastructure, and the EU wants to build more hydrogen fuelling stations for commercial vehicles.

The research forecasts that the consumers will lead the hydrogen vehicles market, with consumer vehicles accounting for over 60% of hydrogen vehicles globally in 2027. The report identified the emerging development stage of many commercial vehicle types and the high average cost of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles as critical factors limiting the market’s potential growth.

Research co-author Olivia Williams explained, “Manufacturers will need to make hydrogen vehicles more affordable to become viable for fleets, but increased range and suitability for heavy goods transport will ultimately drive growth and economies of scale.”

Additionally, the report identified the low availability of fuelling infrastructure as a critical challenge for broader adoption. Still, it highlighted heavy industry investment as key to reducing this concern over the next five years. The report recommends that infrastructure vendors provide ‘green’ hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, to best take advantage of environmental concerns driving the adoption of alternative fuels.

Consultation announced on banning sales of fossil-fuelled motorbikes and mopeds

Consultation announced on banning sales of fossil-fuelled motorbikes and mopeds

Jul 20, 2022

Last week, the UK government marked the first anniversary of its transport decarbonisation plan by unveiling proposals to phase out the sale of new fossil-fuelled motorbikes and mopeds by 2035, or even earlier, for some vehicles.

The government is already committed to phasing out fossil fuel use across road transport, with sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans ending in 2030; all new cars, vans, and trucks of 26 tonnes and under being zero emission by 2035; with 2040 as a backstop for all new road vehicles.

In a consultation that ends on 21st September 2022, it has proposed ending sales of non-zero-emission L-category vehicle sales by 2035 and 2030 for other specified vehicles.

L-category vehicles are a classification of lightweight vehicles (PLVs) with two, three, or four wheels separated into seven groups. The groups are based on weight, power output, number of wheels, and seating layout. L-category vehicles include mopeds, motorcycles, motor tricycles, quad bikes, and quadricycles.

L-category vehicles make up around 3.3% of licensed vehicles in the UK and are responsible for just 0.4% of transport’s greenhouse gas emissions.

In her foreword to the consultation document, Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “Zero-emission L-category vehicles are now hitting the market in increasing numbers. These vehicles have a wide range of uses – whether that’s to bring deliveries to your door in minutes; to travel the open roads on longer leisure trips, or to open up a whole range of educational and employment opportunities to those in the most disadvantaged communities. I am determined to further develop the electric capability of the UK’s iconic motorcycle industry which will open up the opportunity for new skilled manufacturing jobs across the UK.

Concerns raised by motorcycle organisations

Despite promises of further funding from the government to help with the change, the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) has criticised the plans.

“The government has not considered the complexities of the L-Category sector in terms of what is and isn’t feasible when it comes to phasing out the other key segments of the market,” MCIA Chief Executive Tony Campbell said.

“The MCIA and its members will be continuing to push the case for why large capacity motorcycles need more time to phase out and are looking forward to fully engaging with the consultation process to ensure the best outcome for the industry”.

The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) was also concerned. NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “The Government’s ambitions in this area are clearly running ahead of what may be reasonable to deliver. Successful transition in any field requires those affected to be content with changes proposed. In the case of zero emission motorcycles, particularly in the premium market segments, current product availability, price point, the current state of electric bike technology and rider acceptability, suggests that much more will need to happen before a reasonable target date for full zero-emission new production can be established.”

Gulf Oomph Rewards

Gulf Oomph Rewards

Jul 20, 2022

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An award-winning loyalty scheme, Oomph would be one of the loyalty schemes available to drivers offering a points-based system.

What do I get for joining Gulf Oomph Rewards?

1 point for every litre of unleaded/diesel

2 points for every litre of Endurance Super Premium fuel

1 point for every £1 spent in-store

10 points for selected car washes

20 points for any Gulf branded lubricant

 

Oomph is a generous points collecting scheme, and allows customers to enter monthly prize draws to win top prizes. Previous competitions have included prizes such as F1 merchandise Bundles, Apple Tech Bundles, and family holidays all around the world. You can read about previous winners here.

Points can also be donated to your local sites chosen charity. So far Gulf has given away £110,000 to local groups and charities across the country. Previous winners can be found here.

 

Sign up here. 

Smart Motorway Cameras Concerns

Smart Motorway Cameras Concerns

Jul 13, 2022

This week, a new stretch of smart motorway opened on the M4, running 15 miles from Junction 8/9 at Maidenhead to Junction 3 at Hayes, West London. National Highways said that the cones and barriers in place during the works that started in 2018 would be lifted by early morning on the 16th July. This is the final part of an £848 million upgrade to turn this busy stretch of the M4 into a smart motorway.

In an earlier article about smart motorways, we detailed initial concerns about possible preventable accidents that had led to a pause in the rollout whilst evidence was gathered to see if they are safe or not for drivers.

Stopped Vehicle Detection (SVD) Camera Failures

In the meantime, an internal report obtained via freedom of information has found that technology on smart motorways is failing to detect nearly four in ten broken-down vehicles within a time limit considered safe by senior transport managers.

The technology in question is Stopped Vehicle Detection (SVD). The report stated that SVD is flagging only 62 per cent of those stranded in live traffic within 20 seconds. According to the unpublished 2019 report obtained by the Daily Mail under the Freedom of Information Act, this is the time frame deemed acceptable by the roads agency National Highways. This is particularly concerning when vehicles break down on all-lane running (ALR) smart motorways with no hard shoulders, and stranded vehicles and their passengers risk being hit by other vehicles.

The study also found that a fifth of SVD alerts are wrong even though the target is that they are incorrect in no more than 15 per cent of cases. The errors highlighted included flagging breakdowns on the opposite carriageway to where they happened.

The Daily Mail reported Jack Cousens of the AA saying, “ …smart motorways were sold to the public by National Highways on the basis that if the worst happens, we will find you and keep you safe. Shockingly, drivers are sitting ducks for longer than they should be. These figures show the system is woefully inadequate.”

In its 2022 stocktake report the Highways Agency stated, “It should be noted that the impact of the measures we have delivered as part of the 2020 Action Plan, such as introducing more SVD and enabling increased enforcement of Red X signals, is not reflected in the latest safety data. It will not be possible to assess the impact of these measures until at least late 2023 when some of this data will start to be available.”

Tinkerbell is the most popular name for a first car in 2022

Tinkerbell is the most popular name for a first car in 2022

Jul 6, 2022

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Research commissioned by online used-car marketplace Motorway.co.uk shows just how important a first car can be, with three-quarters of car owners admitting their first car still holds fond and special memories. In fact, over a third of respondents claim their first vehicle has its own personality, with nearly half naming their beloved first car.

When it comes to choosing a name, nearly a quarter of car owners choose this to match the make of car; 20% base it on the colour of the car and 19% name their cars after someone they know. The top 10 most popular names for first cars in 2022 include:

 

  1. Tinkerbell (17%)
  2. Peggy (15%)
  3. Hercules (13%)
  4. Bullet (11%)
  5. Roxanne (11%)
  6. Jolly Roger (11%)
  7. Betty (11%)
  8. Dave (9%)
  9. Ghost (9%)
  10. Selena (9%)
Tinkerbell is the most popular name for a first car in 2022

Memorable moments associated with a first car include taking a first road trip with friends (45%), driving to a first job interview (28%), as well as monumental moments like fitting a baby seat for the first time (21%).

40% of Brits cite owning a first car as a rite of passage, with 16% admitting that they have put off selling their first car purely because of the memories attached to it. When it is time to part with the first set of wheels, the top reasons first car owners sell up are:

  1. It was on its last legs (37%)
  2. For an upgrade (27%)
  3. Unable to afford repairs (13%)
  4. Having a family and needing a bigger car (12%)
  5. Relocating and no longer needing a car (4%)

Alex Buttle, co-founder of online used-car marketplace Motorway, said: “A first car often holds special memories, no matter what the owner’s stage in life. But as we go through life, our motoring needs and budgets change.”

(The research carried out in June 2022 by Censuswide with a sample of 2,000 British car owners aged 18+.)

The first fuel station in the UK

The first fuel station in the UK

Jun 30, 2022

The first roadside fuel station in the UK opened in November 1919 and was located just outside the village of Aldermaston in Berkshire. There is sadly no trace of this motoring landmark, and the site of the station is now a layby on the A4.

The Development of petrol stations in the UK and elsewhere

The Automobile Association (AA) ran the Aldermaston petrol station, one of several they opened in the 1920s. Before the opening of these stations, there were no specialist filling stations, and fuel was obtained in nine-litre cans from a number of different retail outlets. Pavement pumps were installed in some places in the years before 1919, but the AA led the way with the idea of selling fuel from dedicated roadside locations. Part of the rationale behind the AA’s venture into fuel locations was to sell benzole, a motor spirit derived from coal and tar seen as a patriotic alternative to petrol imported from communist Russia. The AA stations were not open to the general public, you had to be an AA member to use them, and they were a non-profit offering.

The first petrol station in the UK

Other parts of the world had developed roadside stations well before the UK. The first record of a roadside petrol station anywhere in the world was in Wiesloch, Germany. Bertha Benz, the business partner and wife of the creator of the first internal combustion engine in a car, Karl Benz, refilled the tank of the first automobile on its maiden trip in 1888. In 1905 St Louis Missouri was the site of the first station in the USA. However, Reighard’s Gas Station in Altoona, Pennsylvania claims to be the oldest existing station in the US, dating from 1909.

The 1920s saw a significant increase in the number of petrol stations in the UK. By the end of the decade, there were over 28,000 petrol stations, with a peak of around 40,000 reached in 1967. Today there are 8,385 petrol stations in the UK, a significant drop in the number of stations but the locations are much larger, and they offer a far more extensive range of facilities.

What is the future of petrol stations?

RS Automotive in Takoma Park, Maryland, become the first petrol station in the USA to stop selling fossil fuels and replace its pumps with electric vehicle chargers. Many petrol stations in the UK have installed chargers, but none have taken the step of removing fuel pumps altogether. One hundred years on from the first roadside petrol station in the UK, we await the next phase of development in how we refuel our cars.

Future Classics: top five imported cars set to soar in value

Future Classics: top five imported cars set to soar in value

Jun 22, 2022

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Classic cars are an investment like no other. However, identifying the right one can be tricky.

Leading online used-car marketplace, Motorway.co.uk, polled a number of dealers from its network of verified car dealers1 to reveal their top 10 list of ‘future classics’ – cars set to soar in value over the next decade. In the second of two articles, we have included the top five imported cars they identified as ones worth an investment.

Alex Buttle, consumer spokesperson from Motorway, said, “When it comes to predicting future classics, there are a few key signs to look out for, including rarity, styling and desirability. Quirky and unique features can also go a long way to adding potential value.”

Alpine A110S, 2019

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, 2018

Abarth 695 Biposto, 2014

Fiat 124 Spider, 2017

Edition 1 Mercedes, 2016

Alpine A110S, 2019

The beautiful Alpine A110S is a lightweight coupe characterised by high engine power, a focused chassis setup and refined design elements. The A110S was engineered to deliver sharp handling response and high-speed stability. The smart styling flourishes both inside and out, helping amplify the car’s purposeful nature and give it true potential to become a future classic.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, 2018

Alfa Romeo’s unexpected contribution to the shortlist of future classics is its latest model of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Built with many class-topping features, the premium compact SUV immediately set a new benchmark in its segment. With its design, performance and technology, Stelvio Quadrifoglio is officially the fastest SUV around the circuit, having registered a new record for its class on the iconic Nürburgring racetrack at 7 minutes 51.7 seconds.

Abarth 695 Biposto, 2014

The only road legal production car with an optional ‘dog ring gearbox’ is the Abarth 695 Biposto. The 695 Biposto is the most extreme version of the Abarth – essentially a Fiat 500 –  with a 1.4 litre turbo engine. The car weighs just under a tonne at 997kg and accelerates from 0-62 in a remarkable 5.9 seconds.

Fiat 124 Spider, 2017

The 2017 version of the Fiat 124 Spider revives the original’s classic styling and typically Italian performance to a new generation. Paying homage to the original open-top 124 Spider that launched 50 years ago, the 2017 124 Spider delivers an authentic Italian roadster experience filled with driving excitement and technology, combined with a classic Italian design.

Edition 1 Mercedes, 2016

The special “Edition 1” model of the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupé marks an extraordinary and powerful combination of exclusive design and equipment characterised and inspired by the aesthetics of future Mercedes-AMG racing coupés, which went on to compete in the popular DTM racing series in 2016.

1 William Kikham, Director at Targa Florio Cars, John Graeme, Redline Specialist Cars, The Team at Cornerhouse Garage

Fuel Price Analysis: Jan 2021 to June 2022

Fuel Price Analysis: Jan 2021 to June 2022

Jun 14, 2022

The last few months have been a challenging time for motorists. At PetrolPrices, we analyse how prices have changed in the 18 months and look at how prices vary across regions in the UK.

Diesel & Unleaded PPL Price by Week since Jan 2021 (1)

Price Changes in the Last 18 months

Unleaded and Diesel Trend

In the first week of 2021, the average price for Unleaded was 117.19ppl. There was a steady increase through to early December when prices hit an average of 148.37ppl. Prices remained relatively stable until the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The next few weeks of turmoil saw a further increase to 170.38ppl towards the end of March, followed by a lull after the changes in duty. Sadly, since then, prices have continued their upward trend. Average prices are now at 187.93ppl, with a worrying expectation that there may be more increases to come.

Diesel tended to follow the trend of Unleaded’s steady increase up to the beginning of December, generally around 2ppl higher than Unleaded. The Russian invasion of Ukraine had a more significant impact on Diesel prices. The difference in the average price of Diesel was up to 7ppl higher than Unleaded. Diesel prices hit a new height of 191.21ppl in the last week, around 3.5ppl higher than Unleaded.

Regional Trends

The regional tables highlight and compare Unleaded and Diesel prices on 13th June 2021 and 2022. The most significant increase in Unleaded over the past year has been in Northern Ireland, where the increase is over 7ppl higher than in South West England.

Diesel price increases in most regions have been in the high 50s and just over 60ppl in the last year. The outlier once again is the South West, with an increase of 55.40ppl in the past 12 months.

This surge in the price of fuel has translated to spending around £25 more to fill your car. There are regional differences, but the cost of Unleaded and Diesel at the forecourt will cause challenges wherever you live.

Unleaded by Region
Diesel by Region