A majority of UK motorists believe tougher rules for newly qualified drivers could improve road safety. New research from learner driver insurance provider Tempcover suggests there is broad support for a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system similar to the one being introduced in Northern Ireland from October 2026.

The proposed measures are aimed at reducing accidents among younger drivers, particularly those aged 17 to 23, who are statistically the most at risk on UK roads.

Potential changes include:

• Longer supervised learning periods before taking a test
• Mandatory training modules signed off by instructors
• Restrictions on carrying passengers at night
• Extended use of ‘R’ plates after passing

These rules are designed to target higher-risk situations, such as late-night driving and in-car distractions.

Most drivers think safety would improve

Support for the concept is clear. According to the survey of 1,500 motorists:

• 41% believe the rules would reduce crashes involving young drivers
• 63% think they would cut road collisions overall
• Around a third say they would help build better driving skills and safer long-term habits

That lines up with a stark reality: around one in five young drivers crashes within a year of passing their test, and more than 1,500 are killed or seriously injured on UK roads each year.

The most popular changes

Not all elements of the scheme are viewed equally.

• Mandatory training modules receive the strongest backing, with 57% support
• Night-time passenger limits follow closely at 56% support
• Extended R plate use is backed by 53%

However, longer minimum learning periods before taking a test draw the most resistance, with 22% opposed.

Interestingly, while training modules are the most popular overall, they also divide opinion — with nearly one in five drivers somewhat against them, suggesting concerns around practicality or cost.

Concerns over independence and rule-breaking

Despite the safety benefits, there’s clear unease among some drivers:

• 22% think the rules could frustrate young motorists
• 18% believe they may limit independence
• 13% say they could make day-to-day travel harder
• 10% worry they could even encourage rule-breaking

A smaller proportion (8%) believe the changes could put young people off learning to drive altogether.

Could this affect insurance costs?

There’s also a financial angle. Younger drivers typically face the highest premiums due to their higher risk profile. If stricter rules succeed in reducing accidents, insurers could see fewer claims — which may help stabilise costs over time.

Claire Wills-McKissick from Tempcover says the measures are designed to build experience and reduce risk in the most challenging conditions:

“Extending the supervised learning phase gives more time to experience a wider variety of road and weather conditions… limiting late-night passengers helps new drivers maintain their focus.”

Learner drivers across England, Scotland and Wales are facing a shake-up to how driving tests are booked and managed, with new rules being introduced throughout spring 2026.

The changes, brought in by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), are designed to reduce misuse of the booking system and make test availability fairer. But they also place more responsibility directly on learners.

Here’s what’s changing and how it could affect you or your family.

A recent comparison by What Car? has highlighted just how important reliable fuel price data has become for UK drivers looking to cut motoring costs.

With fuel prices continuing to fluctuate across the country, motorists are increasingly relying on fuel finder apps and websites to locate the cheapest petrol and diesel nearby. PetrolPrices was rated number 1. 

The What Car? investigation reviewed several major fuel finder platforms and found significant differences in pricing accuracy and update speeds. In an environment where prices can change quickly, outdated information can leave drivers paying more than expected at the pump.

At PetrolPrices, accuracy has always been our priority. By combining retailer data, user submissions, and continuous monitoring, we work to ensure drivers have access to the most up-to-date fuel prices possible.

The increased focus on fuel transparency also comes as the UK Government prepares to roll out its Fuel Finder scheme, designed to make live fuel pricing more accessible nationwide. Greater transparency across the market is a positive step for drivers, helping consumers compare prices more easily and encouraging fairer competition between forecourts.

For millions of motorists, even small savings per litre can make a noticeable difference over the course of a month, especially for commuters, families, and businesses managing multiple vehicles.

As fuel costs remain a key concern for UK households, access to trusted, real-time pricing information has never been more valuable.

Read the original What Car? article here.

At the start of May, The Services King visited Highway Stops Astwick Service Station on the Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire border to take a look at the recent investments on site.

Situated on the northbound side of the A1 Great North Road near Baldock, this BP filling station opened in 1980 following the demolition of the former New Inn pub, which had stood derelict on the Great North Road since 1870. The filling station was accompanied by a Little Chef restaurant, which traded next to the forecourt until 2004, when it was left empty with furnishings still inside for a number of years until BP redeveloped the site in 2009.

Following the redevelopment, the forecourt gained a Wild Bean Cafe food to go offer. The site was soon sold to Highway Stops in 2014 who added a Nisa Local store. The Wild Bean Cafe offer closed during the takeover and was late replaced by a Subway franchise in 2015. Further works to improve facilities on site were carried out in Summer 2020, with a switch of shop brand from Nisa Local to Londis as well as the introduction of a new HGV parking area and a extension to the shop building to add a Costa Drive Thru franchise. This also introduced a new car parking area too to accommodate the additional customers.

My visit to Astwick on 1 May was to take a look at even more improvements to the site. These took place in the first quarter of 2026, with a brand new eight-bay EV charging hub added to the back of the forecourt. The new charging hub is branded under Highway Stops own ‘Stop & Supercharge’ brand, with the chargers being supplied by Finnish based Kempower. Two brand new WashTec jet wash bays have also been added to the car park under Highway Stops ‘Stop & Superwash’ brand alongside a Wash.ME laundry machine.

During my visit, I met with Highway Stops Operations Director Sellarajah Gunalan as well as Commission Operator Linda who have both been impressed by the quick uptake of the new facilities.

Highway Stops Astwick Service Station

Location – BP Astwick Service Station, A1 Great North Road, Stofold, Hitchin SG5 4BL

Opening Hours – 24/7

Shop Brand & Facilities – Londis store, Subway franchise, two Costa Express machines, Country Choice hot food, Chicago Town Pizza hot food, iSqueeze fresh orange juice machine, Rollover hot food, eight Stop & Supercharge EV chargers, two WashTec jet wash bays, Wash.ME laundry machine

Number of pumps & fuel grades – 8 pump islands with all four grades of fuel: unleaded, diesel, BP Ultimate Unleaded and BP Ultimate Diesel. 4 dedicated HGV fuelling lanes with diesel and AdBlue pumps.

The RAC is aiming for an initial public offering (IPO) in London later this year. The RAC, which was founded in 1897 as the Automobile Club of Great Britain, is owned by buyout firms CVC Capital Partners and Silver Lake Partners and the Singaporean state investment fund GIC. Initially, the private equity owners were targeting an IPO earlier in 2026, but this has been delayed.

According to the Financial Times, in mid-December 2025, a sale was also being considered, with the owners seeking around £5bn, but it is understood that an IPO is the favoured option. The RAC has over 15 million members and posted earnings of £329 million in 2025, an increase of 12% on the previous year.

In a parallel move in the UK vehicle breakdown services sector, the AA is also looking for a possible sale, again in the region of £5bn. To extend the parallel further, the AA is also backed by private equity, with TowerBrook Capital Partners, Warburg Pincus and Stonepeak as the owners. The AA was formed in 1905 and now has over 14 million members. Interestingly, the AA was originally called the Motorists’ Mutual Association and was set up by a group of motoring enthusiasts who banded together to warn fellow drivers about police speed traps.

Both the RAC and the AA have branched out from breakdown services to cover a wide range of motoring-related offerings, are backed by private equity and are looking to change their ownership in 2026.

The third-largest breakdown cover provider in the UK bucks the trend of private equity ownership. Green Flag is owned by the insurance company Direct Line, which acquired it in 1999.

According to the research company Mintel, the AA and RAC have a combined revenue share of nearly 85%.

Van thefts across the UK fell by 16% from 2024 to 2025, with the frequency of incidents slowing from one every 44 minutes in 2024 to every 52 minutes in 2025, according to the latest DVLA data obtained via a Freedom of Information request. 

Despite the overall downward trend, high-demand commercial models, essential for tradespeople, remain a primary target for theft based on new analysis by Tempcover, experts in temporary van insurance. 

Ford Vans Dominate UK Van Theft Figures

Ford accounted for the highest volume of thefts during the two-year period of 2024 and 2025, with over 11,700 thefts recorded. This represents 53% of all recorded van thefts – almost four times the total of the second most targeted make, Mercedes-Benz (2,935).

However, this volume likely reflects Ford’s strong market presence. With 31,936 new registrations in 2025 (38% market share)[1], the prevalence of Ford vans in theft data is indicative of the high volume on UK roads and subsequent exposure to risk. 

Ford Transits Most Targeted by Thieves

The Ford Transit 350 was the UK’s most stolen van model, with 1,309 incidents in 2024 and 2025 combined, accounting for around 6% of all van thefts over the period. Ford Transit variants feature heavily across the top ten most stolen models, alongside the Mercedes Sprinter. 

Across the two years, the Ford Transit Custom 300 Base had the largest theft increase among the top 10 models, rising 60.87%. In comparison, the Ford Transit 100 T280 FWD saw the largest fall (-46.50%). 

Outside the top 10, among vans with over 100 thefts over the same period, the Ford Transit Custom 300 Trend saw the largest increase, rising from 49 thefts in 2024 to 116 in 2025 (136.73%). 

White Vans Top Theft List And Are Disproportionately Targeted

The data highlights a significant disparity in vehicle colour, with white vans accounting for 73% of all thefts in the last two years. Across 2024 and 2025, 16,121 white vans were stolen – more than seven times higher than the next most frequent target, silver (2,140). Grey (1,286), blue (920), and black (818) vans follow, but at significantly lower levels.

While white is the most common van colour, representing more than half of all vans in 2024, the theft rate of 73% suggests these vehicles are being targeted at a rate that exceeds their market share[2]. 

Van Thefts Vary by Region

The data also reveals that van thefts are not evenly spread across the UK, with certain areas seeing significantly higher volumes, although this is largely influenced by population size and vehicle density. The (B) Birmingham postcode area recorded the highest volume over the last two years  (1,446), followed by (S) Sheffield (695), and (GU) Guildford (577).   

The Danger Months: Van Theft Spikes

While overall thefts fell from 11,962 in 2024 to 10,013 in 2025, monthly trends reveal specific peaks throughout the year. In 2024, thefts peaked in January (1,276), followed by March (1,087) and April (1,067). In 2025, the highest levels were recorded in October (912), November (876), and July (871). 

Despite the 16% year-on-year decline, van theft remains a persistent issue – a trend that underlines both the progress made and the ongoing risk to van owners and tradespeople.

To help reduce the risk of van theft, Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary van insurance expert at Tempcover, shares the following security recommendations:

1. Never leave your van unlocked or the engine running without you in it: Whether you’re dropping off equipment or making a quick pit-stop, always switch off your engine and secure your van. A few seconds is all a thief needs to seize the opportunity.
2. Secure your keys: Keep keys on your person or store them in an RF-blocking (Faraday) pouch or sleeve when not in use to prevent opportunistic relay-attack theft.
3. Use visible security deterrents: Steering locks, brake locks, or wheel clamps can act as a physical barrier and can deter or slow down potential thieves.
4. Install alarms, immobilisers, or tracking devices: Ensure the van is fitted with modern alarms to provide an immediate alert, immobilisers to prevent the van from being driven, and tracking devices for recovery if a theft occurs.
5. Keep tools and equipment out of sight: Store valuable equipment and tools securely in the back of your van, in lockable internal racking, or, where possible, remove them from the vehicle overnight to eliminate a primary incentive for break-ins.
6. Park wisely: Park in well-lit, busy areas or monitored sites. Utilising a locked garage,  private driveway, and areas covered by security lighting and CCTV can significantly reduce the likelihood of a vehicle being targeted.

Pump prices began to ease in the second half of April, with diesel falling back from a peak average of 193ppl to just below 190ppl. Unleaded followed a similar trend, declining from 160ppl on 8th April to 157.5ppl currently.

This softening at the pump reflects a pullback in wholesale prices earlier in the month. Wholesale diesel fell by nearly 14ppl over the same period, while unleaded declined by 2ppl. However, the reduction at the forecourt has been more limited, particularly for diesel.

The retail-to-wholesale spread remained well below the six-month average through March and into April. The wholesale price drop has improved this for retailers, bringing the cost difference back towards historic levels and, in the case of diesel, wider. This indicates that diesel prices could fall back further, but by contrast, unleaded remains below the six-month average spread, and so motorists purchasing petrol may see an increase in the coming days.

Diesel could fall further, but for how long?
Are you filling up now or waiting to see if prices drop again?

Since the escalation of the US–Iran conflict, there have been nine trading days on which wholesale diesel prices have moved by more than 5ppl in a single session, underlining the scale of market instability. This reflects both supply disruption and historically low product inventories, with ARA stocks at multi-year lows and ongoing constraints to global trade flows.

At the pump, pricing behaviour has begun to stabilise. Since 14th April, diesel price reductions have outnumbered increases by three to one, while unleaded reductions have outpaced increases by 2.5 times. However, this balance is shifting as wholesale costs rise, signalling that the period of consistent price declines is nearing its end.

The UK oil giant BP reported profits of $3.2bn (£2.4bn) for the first three months of 2026. This figure is well above the $2.7bn forecast by analysts and more than double the $1.38bn it made in the first three months of 2025.

The improved figures reflect the strong performance of its refining and trading division, where profits rose sharply to $2.2bn from $469mn in the same three months of 2025.

The US-Israel conflict with Iran, which began on 28th February, has led to a significant increase in oil prices. Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, is currently trading at about $110 a barrel, up from around $73 before the conflict began. At the beginning of the year Brent was trading below $60 a barrel and has been as high as $119 during the conflict.

According to the Financial Times, “Traders typically benefit from volatility because sharp price swings create larger spreads between buyers and sellers, more opportunities for arbitrage and demand for hedging from customers such as utilities and airlines.”

The results are the first under BP’s new chief executive, Meg O’Neill, who took over at the beginning of April.

However, BP said its upstream production, which refers to the search and extraction of oil and gas, had been flat in the first three months of the year.

It also expected production in the second quarter to be lower, partly due to the “effects of disruption in the Middle East”. BP’s production facilities in Abu Dhabi, Iraq, and Oman account for around 17% of its total output. However, most of BP’s production is in North America, meaning it can benefit from higher prices, whilst the vast majority of its production is not affected by the conflict in the Middle East.

Energy firms operating in the UK are subject to a windfall tax that was introduced in 2022 as a response to soaring profits following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

However, the levy applies only to profits from the extraction of UK oil and gas. BP has said its UK businesses account for less than 10% of its global profits.

With the government proposing changes to road safety legislation that could impact those aged 70 and over*, Uswitch car insurance experts recently surveyed motorists on their opinions towards older drivers, including whether they should be required to retake their test.

The research revealed that six in 10 (61%) motorists believe senior drivers should retake their practical test when they reach a certain age. Support for mandatory retesting is strongest among those aged 25 to 34, with nearly nine in 10 (88%) in favour, while under a third (31%) of those aged 65 and above agree.

In terms of what age reassessment should occur, 70-74 was the most common response, chosen by almost two fifths (39%) of those who support it. 9 in ten (90%) also believe retesting should be ongoing, with nearly half (48%) saying it should take place every two to three years.

Sight issues were highlighted as a key justification for reassessment. The government recently proposed introducing mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and at every subsequent renewal** – a measure that over four in five (83%) motorists would support.

Modern car tech advancements overwhelm older drivers

With modern car technology advancements also being flagged as a reason to retest, Uswitch examined the perspective of drivers over 60. Findings revealed that seven in 10 (70%) think modern cars have too many tech features, causing confusion. Over a third (36%) also shared that they don’t feel confident using these features.

Additionally, if drivers in this age group were thinking about buying a new car, almost one in five (19%) would consider buying an older model in order to avoid advanced tech features, while nearly one in 10 (9%) would delay or skip buying a new car altogether.

Uswitch insurances expert, Leoni Moninska, shares tips on driving safety as you get older:

“Declare medical conditions to the DVLA (or DVA): Regardless of your age it’s a legal requirement to declare certain medical conditions to the DVLA, or DVA if you live in Northern Ireland, such as diabetes, heart conditions, epilepsy and strokes***. If you fail to inform UK motoring agencies, you risk a fine and prosecution. You should also inform your insurer of any conditions that impact your driving to avoid invalidating your claims.

“Recognise the signs to reassess: If you haven’t received professional advice that you should stop driving, it’s your responsibility to assess your fitness to continue. Your biggest priority should be safety and feeling comfortable and confident behind the wheel. If you’ve had close calls, accidents, get lost frequently, or notice your reaction times deteriorating, it may be a sign to stop driving. You could also consider taking refresher lessons or an experienced driver assessment, designed to boost confidence and reinforce safety.

“Make your vehicle comfortable: There are purchasable aids on offer to help make the driving experience more comfortable. Accessories like seat belt reachers, swivel cushions and car support handles can make getting in and out of the car easier. Others make sitting for long periods more manageable, like tailored cushions, neck and back supports. If you find particular aspects of driving challenging, for example due to limited grip or flexibility, specific devices may be available to support, so it’s worth researching online.”

Survey of 2,000 UK adults who drive regularly. Responses were given between 6th to 12th March 2026.

Survey of 1,000 UK adults over 60 who drive regularly and own cars. Responses were given between 6th to 17th March 2026. 

* https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thousands-of-lives-to-be-saved-under-bold-new-road-safety-strategy

** https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/introducing-mandatory-eyesight-testing-for-older-drivers/introducing-mandatory-eyesight-testing-for-older-drivers

*** https://www.gov.uk/driving-medical-conditions

Photo location: Buttermere

Lake District: Lakes, and Fresh Spring Air

The Lake District National Park offers some of the most dramatic driving routes in the UK. In spring, waterfalls are full, and the landscape is full after winter rains.

Destination Ideas:

• Keswick
• Borrowdale
• Honister Press
• Buttermere

See fuel prices in Kewsick here.

Why it’s great in spring:

• Fewer crowds than summer
• Clearer air and better visibility
• Waterfalls and lakes at their most impressive

What to bring:

• Hiking shoes or boots – many routes invite spontaneous walks
• Dash cam – useful on narrow passes and for capturing views*
• PetrolPrices App – fuel stations can be sparse, use our free app to compare prices, but more importantly find a fuel station

Photo location: Brockenhurst

New Forest: Wildlife and Woodland Drives

The New Forest National Park offers a completely different kind of drive, slower, calmer, and surrounded by nature.

Destination Ideas:

• Lyndhurst
• Beaulieu
• Brockenhurst
• Lymington

See fuel prices in Brockenhurst here.

Why it’s great in spring:

• Wild ponies, deer, and livestock roaming freely
• Woodland areas bursting into life
• Relaxed pace, ideal for a low-stress drive

What to bring:

• Binoculars – for spotting wildlife*
• Car vacuum or wipes – muddy shoes are inevitable*
• Patience – animals often have right of way

A scenic drive isn’t just about the destination it’s about being prepared enough to enjoy the journey. With the right routes and a few smart additions to your car, you can turn any spring drive into a comfortable, efficient, and memorable trip.

Tips:

• Check tyre pressure – temperature changes can affect it
• Top up screen wash – pollen and dirt build up quickly
• Plan fuel stops – especially in rural areas

Know a great spring drive that deserves a spot on the list? Whether it’s a hidden countryside route, a coastal road, or a perfect scenic stop, we’d love to hear about it.

Drop your suggestions in the comments below, we’re always on the lookout for new routes and may feature your recommendation in a future post.