The future is just around the corner. The DRIVEN project has announced the first three self-driving cars that it will be using to trial this innovative technology over the next two years on UK roads. The cars will be driven on public roads around Oxford initially. They they will make trips from Oxford to London. DRIVEN is hoping that the cars will have made several journeys between Oxford and London by 2019.
The government has backed the project with £8.9 million of funding. The trials also have industry support, and will eventually involve six self-driving cars taking to the roads.
Self-driving models revealed
The cars will have “Level 4 autonomy.” This means that they will travel without a driver for the majority of the time and can work without human input. The first three cars to be revealed are a white and blue 2014 Ford Fusion Titanium hybrid, a 2017 Ford Mondeo hybrid, and a Range Rover Evoque.
Each car will be decorated with the DRIVEN livery. They will be clearly branded to make other drivers and pedestrians aware of their presence. This is important, as many people have said that they have a lack of trust in self-driving cars. Making them eye-catching and obvious will hopefully encourage people to accept that they are on the roads.
(Credit – Oxbotica)
Making the self-driving cars stand out will also ensure that drivers and pedestrians are not shocked when they see one driving by, or stopped at lights or a junction, without a driver behind the wheel. In fact, people who live in the areas where the cars are being tested are already becoming familiar with the way that they look.
How do self-driving cars work?
The cars use Oxbotica’s software, Selenium, alongside a number of LIDAR sensors, computers, and cameras, to help them make their way around without human input. This combination of technology means that self-driving cars can gather and use information about their surroundings to work out where to drive and what to avoid.
Selenium was not specifically designed for cars – it also works on forklifts and cargo pods. It combines knowledge of its location with information about the local environment to create a safe path and determine the speed that it should be moving at to complete a safe journey.
By using cameras and lasers to work out where it is on the map, Selenium doesn’t require GPS. It can work out its location no matter what time of day it is, even if the weather is terrible. It uses sensors and algorithms to identify and track any obstacles that are around, including cars and pedestrians. Selenium can then work out a safe and efficient route using this information.
As Selenium doesn’t require GPS, it can work efficiently indoors and outdoors, over ground or underground. This makes it ideal for self-driving cars. The software has been created to give vehicles the intelligence to perform a variety of tasks without the help of a human, including motion control, braking, navigation, and detecting obstacles.
Laser technology
A LIDAR sensor is one that typically sits on the roof of a vehicle and produces a laser. It measures how long it takes for the laser to return in order to work out its surroundings. The sensor spins around to get a 360 degree view, making it ideal for self-driving cars.
Currently being tested at RACE’s AV test facility in Oxfordshire, the cars have been learning how to navigate roundabouts, handle tricky junctions, and cope with pedestrians and other vehicles.
The news of the self-driving cars follows the recent revelation that self-driving lorries will be loose on the UK’s major roads by 2019. Progress is marching ever forward, showing just how soon we could become used to sharing our roads with vehicles that don’t require a human presence behind the wheel.
How do you feel about self-driving vehicles? Are they the way of the future, or are we just using technology for technology’s sake? Leave a comment below to share your views.
Following the controversy over diesel car emissions, new tests have begun this month to check real-world diesel emissions on the UK’s roads.The test results will be used to crack down on polluting vehicles across the country – cars that fail can’t be sold in the UK. The testing allows for completely accurate readings on all types of diesel cars currently sold in the UK. The new tests are to combat the manipulation of the shorter, lab-based tests that were the subject of the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal that emerged in 2015.
Replacing lab tests
The new tests, launched on 1 September, assess cars on both urban and rural roads, as well as motorways. They use a new piece of measuring equipment located on the exhaust system of the car. The test is conducted over a 90-minute time span. The idea is that it will replace the current lab-based test.
The emissions test will be conducted on all diesel cars that are going to be sold to the UK market, as well as on existing models that are on the road over the coming months. The government believes that the new tests are stricter than those they replace and hopes they will stop any lingering questions from the Volkswagen ‘Dieselgate’ scandal.
(Credit – Pixabay)
Reducing NOx
The new, stricter tests will also help with the reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel cars as part of Europe-wide measures to tackle the problem. By focusing on cars with better results, the government believes that air quality can be improved, as manufacturers will test their cars with the new system rather than the old one.
Such real-world testing was behind the original discovery that a number of Euro 6 diesel cars were emitting some six times more NOx in real world conditions than in lab tests.
Fixing the results
Models that were involved in the scandal had been purposefully engineered to skew their CO2 and NOx outputs in order for the vehicles to be classed as low-emitting. Other cars show that, when tested for longer periods (usually more than 20 minutes), their results became much higher. This would mean that they would pass the lab test, but emit higher levels of pollutants thereafter.
Transport Minister Paul Maynard said that the new tests are aimed at improving air quality around the country. From 2020, councils will be given new powers to enforce tougher restrictions on vehicles shown to be the highest polluters. The tests will help to meet rigorous new standards on the roads before the new rules come into place.
Diesel scrappage
The new tests come as more manufacturers report that they are offering scrappage schemes for their diesel models in an effort to deal with the problem for the public.
Hyundai is offering £1,500-5,000 off new vehicles to drivers who scrap Euro 1-4 emission rated vehicles registered before 31 December 2009. The vehicle must have been owned for at least 90 days. Fiat is offering up to £5,300 off any Fiat, Alfa Romeo or Jeep model as part of its scrappage scheme.
Other manufacturers to jump on the scrappage bandwagon include VW, Nissan, Renault, Audi, Toyota and Vauxhall. They are offering a range of different deals for diesel car owners. In addition to vague noises from the government about a scrappage scheme implemented by local councils, these offers may incentivise people to switch to hybrid or even electric vehicles in further efforts to reduce pollution on the roads.
The measures are all aimed at meeting the government plan to ban the sale of pure combustion engine cars from 2040, something that some car manufacturers believe is entirely unnecessary, as the market is already naturally heading that way.
Will live emissions testing on our roads lead to another diesel scandal? Are we doing enough to tackle air pollution? Leave a comment below to share your views.
For many Britons, a trip to Europe is part of their vacation routine. Driving on the continent is a convenient and economical way to travel. However, many drivers don’t realise that the rules around speeding in different European countries are very different than here in the UK. In fact, UK drivers could face fines of up to £640 from hidden speed cameras as they travel through Europe.
Changing rules
The new fine came into force in May this year, after a two-year exemption held by the UK came to an end. This had previously protected UK drivers from the full extent of fines and prosecution for speeding while driving on the continent. It means that countries can now track down British drivers when they return home.
The EU directive covers a total of eight motoring offences. These range from speeding to using a mobile phone while driving and failing to wear a seatbelt. Previously, the rules meant UK motorists would only face a fine when they were stopped roadside by the police, or if they hired a car from that country.
Now, the new rules allow European countries to get driver details through the DVLA database, which holds records on some 40 million vehicles. This allows countries to find the driver and send the fine.
Different rules
Bizarrely, as things stand, the UK cannot do the same – foreign drivers caught speeding here can use a legal loophole to escape fines and punishment. This is because the directive is based on the idea that the vehicle’s registered owner is the one responsible for fines. However, in the UK it is the driver of the vehicle who receives the fine.
Motoring editor at Confused.com, Amanda Stretton, warned that drivers on the continent should be very aware of the traffic laws when driving there. This is even more important now European countries have the right to pursue drivers once they’re back home. Stretton advises,
“Now that authorities in EU countries can pursue UK drivers committing these offences, we hope motorists are extra careful to avoid breaking the rules.
“We’d advise all those hoping to take a trip to Europe this year to research the local driving rules and requirements before travelling.”
Speed camera rules
Speed cameras here in the UK have to be installed under specific circumstances. The driver must have a chance to see the camera and take action on their speed accordingly. However, the situation on the continent is very different.
In the Netherlands, for example, speed cameras are routinely hidden in wheelie bins on bin collection day. The aim is to catch drivers speeding or breaking other rules while driving on residential streets. In Spain, unmarked cars are used to mount speeding cameras that record information as they travel – with no way for drivers to know they are being filmed. Meanwhile in France, cameras are purposefully positioned in places that people can’t see, such as on the back of bridges.
Avoiding the cameras
There are steps that drivers can take to help reduce their level of risk. Technology means that they can now identify the position of stationary cameras, even when they’re hidden. Drivesmart Pro has recently added some 20,000 European locations to its speed camera database, allowing drivers visiting the continent to get the same kind of forewarning as in the UK. The software can also detect cameras up to 600m away and warn drivers to reduce speed accordingly. PetrolPrices members are currently able to enjoy a 30% reduction on the price of the Drivesmart Pro, making it just £89.99.
The company has said that the software will be updated every fortnight. Thus, as new cameras are added or existing ones relocated, the information will remain up-to-date and accurate. This helps drivers have insider knowledge of camera locations, which can save them from massive fines.
However, note that using a speed camera detector of any type is illegal in France and carries a €1,500 fine. In Germany it is illegal to have any form of speed camera detector in a moving vehicle. In other parts of Europe, GPS speed camera detectors like the Drivesmart Pro are legal to use, but Driversmart does advise to check the laws in the relevant country before purchasing and using.
The new DriveSmart Pro speed camera detection system is now available for 30% off the usual price, at just £89.99. It allows you to get advance warning that there is a speed camera on your route. That way, you can avoid those increased fines, points on your licence and the need to attend a speed awareness course.
What measures will you be taking to protect yourself from fines when next driving in Europe? Is it right that European countries can fine UK drivers for speeding by gleaning information from the DVLA? Share you views in the comments section below.
The personalised number plate market is booming. More and more people want to exhibit their ‘individuality’ on the front and back of their cars. However, new research by MoneySuperMarket has revealed that drivers with personalised plates might be getting more than they bargained for – including six times as many speeding tickets as drivers with regular number plates.
What’s in a name?
The MoneySuperMarket research found that a third of Brits consider those with personalised plates to be posers, but this hasn’t slowed demand for the so-called vanity plates. According to number plate dealer National Numbers’ search data, first names are some of the most sought after personalised number plates. The most popular are ‘BEN’ (5,318), ‘JOE’ (4,171), ‘MAC’ (3,261), ‘ALI’ (2,960) and ‘LOU’ (2,780).
It doesn’t even have to be your first name – it can be someone else’s; 93 people searched for the number plate ‘TRUMP’ over the past 12 months!
The average cost of a vanity plate is £512, though prices for particularly prized plates can rise much higher. As we revealed in our recent news item, the most expensive plate bought in the UK was ’25 O’ which came with the eye-watering price tag of £518,480.
Even that pales into insignificance compared with the latest number plate purchase by Chinese-Australian billionaire and avid number plate collector Peter Tseng. Tseng just splashed out a whopping £1.5 million (A$2.45 million) on a rare number 4 plate from New South Wales, following a bidding war with another collector. Tseng arrived sporting a number 2 plate on his red Ferrari and apparently calmly kept his hand in the air throughout the entire auction.
(Credit – PetrolPrices)
Car brands attract attention
With the DVLA’s September number plate auction approaching, fans of personalised plates will be on the hunt for the most exciting options available. A surprising number of drivers seek inspiration based on the car that they own. According to National Numbers, the most popular brand-based searches include ‘MERCEDES’ (1,328 searches), ‘JAG’ (2,719 searches) and ‘BMW’ (4,396 searches).
Meanwhile, MoneySuperMarket’s recent survey has found that it is BMW and Audi drivers who top the list of those who are most likely to own personalised plates.
Offensive number plates
According to National Numbers’ research, potty-mouthed plates are also popular in the UK. In fact, there were more searches over the past 12 months for offensive plates than for those relating to people we cherish. For instance, the word ‘F**K’ was searched for 40% more than ‘MUM.’ In fact, over 2,000 people looked up the popular swear word, compared to more than 1,400 for ‘MUM’ and 1,700 for ‘DAD.’
This penchant for profanity is seemingly endless, according to National Numbers, with the highlights/lowlights including:
’S**T’ – 687 searches
‘XXX’ – 1,077 searches
‘D*CK’ – 1,424 searches
‘F**K’ – 2,081 searches
The DVLA takes a very dim view of offensive plates. It has recently been on a culling tour of its number plate database, as the new 67 plate comes online. That said, it doesn’t always work. Successful outbreaks of expletives have included ‘U TO2SER’ on a Lambo and ‘M1LFS’ on a Transit.
It’s worth pointing out that the DVLA reserves the right to scrap your plate if a one-off should make it past quality control. For instance, poor Alan Clarke was gutted to have his number plate ‘BO11 LUX’ withdrawn by the DVLA (though he could bid for ‘TE51 CLE,’ which can currently be found dangling from the back of a UK Corvette).
Autonomy of a plate
For those of us who prefer to stick to what we are given by our car dealer, what do the numbers and letters actually stand for on a plate? The first two letters signify where the vehicle was registered. This is divided into two parts – the first letter is for the region such as B for Birmingham or S for Scotland (see the complete list here). The second represents the DLVA office within the region where the vehicle was registered.
The two numbers in the middle of the plate represent how old the car is, while the final three letters are typically a random selection. The system used for number plate creation offers enough combinations to keep the DVLA producing plates until 2051.
How much would you be willing to spend on a personalised plate? Or are such vanity plates just a waste of money? Let us know your views below.
The RAC has warned that the UK could see petrol prices rise above those of diesel in the next few days and weeks as a result of the disruption caused by Hurricane Harvey in the main oil-producing regions of the US. It is predicting that the price of unleaded could rise by as much as 4 pence per litre, taking average prices above the 121 pence mark.
This kind of price hasn’t been seen since December 2014. It is due to one-quarter of the oil refining capacity of America being offline due to the devastation caused by the hurricane. Added to that, demand in the US for petrol has increased, which can also drive up prices.
Average prices
According to RAC spokesman Pete Williams, these issues are already affecting the forecourts in the UK. The average price of petrol stood at 117.29 pence per litre at the end of August, while the diesel price was 118.14 pence. However, this is likely to rise over coming days to 121 pence for unleaded and around 118.5 pence for diesel.
This would make it the first time this year that the average price of unleaded would be higher than that of diesel. Experts also think the price is liable to stay at these rates for some time, until the oil industry is able to get back to full production levels.
Seasonal factors
Experts are also quick to point out that the effect of Hurricane Harvey isn’t as severe as that of Hurricane Katrina, which struck over the August bank holiday weekend in 2005. Katrina added 5 pence per litre to the price of petrol within a matter of a few days. The price dropped back down a few days later.
While Katrina destroyed the infrastructure used to create the petrol, Harvey has only caused infrastructure to be shut down temporarily.
Prices were already rising in August due to seasonal factors and a general increase in the price of a barrel of crude oil, which reached £40 a barrel by the end of the month. In the US, demand for petrol would also be higher than normal due to the Labor Day weekend.
The crude oil price per barrel on the 6th September 2017 was at 48.88 per barrel.
(Credit – Gas Station Damages, US Dept. of Defense)
How to avoid the increases
There are things that you can do the avoid the increases as much as possible. For starters, use the PetrolPrices service to find out where in your area has the cheapest fuel. This is often the supermarkets. Be sure to avoid places that are more expensive – motorway services are usually the priciest places to fill up. If you’re taking a long trip, remember to fill up at your local supermarket station before you set off.
In addition, regular maintenance can help keep your car working in top condition, which can help minimize petrol consumption. Small touches, such as having properly inflated tyres, wheels that are aligned and regularly servicing spark plugs and filters, can help the car run at peak efficiency and thus use less fuel.
Even reducing what you leave in the car can help it run better and use less fuel. If you’re just driving to the shops or around town, look at what is in the boot and see if there is anything you can leave behind. According to the RAC, you can save around 2% of fuel for every 50kg you remove from the car. Don’t leave behind essentials such as safety equipment, but look at what else you carry around and might not need.
Have you already seen the affects of Hurricane Harvey at the pumps? What tactics do you use to reduce your fuel spend? Let us know by leaving a comment.
Here at PetrolPrices, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the new scrappage schemes being offered by BMW, Mercedes and Ford. While talk of a government diesel scrappage scheme remains just that, it seems that even more car manufacturers are taking matters into their own hands.
Hyundai scrappage scheme
Hyundai is now offering customers the chance to save between £1,500 and £5,000 via its scrappage scheme, which is available to those with a Euro 1 to Euro 4 emissions rated car registered before 31 December 2009. They must have owned the car for a minimum of 90 days. It can be either a petrol or a diesel model.
A saving of £1,500 can be made when purchasing Hyundai’s popular i10. Meanwhile, £5,000 can be claimed off a Santa Fe. Customers can also enjoy £2,000 off of Hyundai’s innovative IONIQ hybrid model.
Fiat scrappage scheme
The scrappage scheme offered by Fiat is a little more specific. Fiat is offering up to £5,300 off its range throughout September for any Fiat, Alfa Romeo or Jeep that was registered before 31 December 2009.
The top saving offered by Fiat is £5,300 off the Alfa Romeo Guilietta; the smallest is £2,125, which can be taken off the cost of the popular Fiat 500.
Volkswagen scrappage scheme
One of the biggest scrappage scheme savings comes from Volkswagen. Customers can claim an impressive £10,000 off an e-Golf, thanks to a combination of £5,500 from Volkswagen, and £4,500 from the government’s OLEV scheme.
Volkswagen also offers £1,000 off the Up and a £6,000 saving for those who choose a Passat GTE.
Seat and Skoda are offering the same scrappage scheme, as both are part of the Volkswagen Group. Customers can scrap any Euro 1 – 4 diesel that they have owned for at least six months, up until 31 December 2017. Customers can save £1,500 when purchasing a Seat Mii or £3,500 if they choose a Seat Leon. The most that people can save on a Skoda is £4,000.
(Credit – Wikipedia under CC 1.0)
Nissan scrappage scheme
Nissan’s scrappage scheme focuses on the Leaf. Customers can save up to £2,000 off the 24kWh model. They could also opt for £3,600 off the price of a Micra, £4,500 off a Juke, or £3,500 off the new Qashqai.
This scrappage scheme is only being run by Nissan throughout September. It accepts Euro 1 – 4 classification cars that were registered before 2010. Interestingly, Nissan is the only manufacturer that includes money off used cars in its scheme – all other manufacturers only offer savings on brand new vehicles.
Renault scrappage scheme
Customers who have their eye on Renault’s affordable electric Zoe can save up to £7,000 if they have a Euro 4 standard petrol or diesel car to scrap. This is a combination of Renault offering £2,000 off and the government’s OLEV scheme covering another £5,000.
Audi scrappage scheme
Audi has also launched a scrappage scheme, whereby customers can save up to £2,000 off a Q2 or an impressive £8,000 off a Q7 e-tron. Audi will accept any Euro 1 – 4 diesel car from any brand, but the owner must have had it registered under their name for a minimum of six months.
Toyota scrappage scheme
Customers looking to buy a Toyota can also make a saving. Scrapping your car through the Toyota scheme could get you £4,000 off the price of a Land Cruiser, £3,500 off an Auris or a respectable £2,500 off the price of a Yaris.
Vauxhall scrappage scheme
Vauxhall is one car company that has not launched a new scrappage scheme. That’s because they’ve had one in place since November 2016. Under this scheme, customers can save £2,000 when they scrap their car and replace it with a new Vauxhall.
Where to start
With so many different manufacturers to choose from, you’re sure to be able to get money off, no matter which car you have your eye on at the moment. This makes it the perfect time to upgrade to something a little more environmentally friendly.
Are these scrappage schemes enough to make you trade in your older vehicle? Or are you holding on in the hope that the offerings to become even more generous? Leave a comment to let us know.
You know what make and model you want, and you’re scouring the classifieds looking for just the right car for you. But whether you buy privately or from a dealer, there are plenty of rogues out there. So how can you tell you’re getting a bargain, not an old banger? We’ve put together five must-dos for buying any used car.
“1 in 5 vehicles inspected in 2017 uncovered faults with repair costs higher than £500”
Make sure the seller has the right to sell the vehicle. Their name and address should match those on the V5C log book. The V5C paperwork also includes a ‘VIN’ (Vehicle Identification Number), which you should be able to find on the vehicle. The driver side door and the base of windscreen are the easiest places to access this. Ensure the VIN matches up, so that you know the paperwork is for the car you’re buying. Under no circumstances should you buy a car without a V5C logbook. If the seller doesn’t have one, they can apply for a replacement from the DVLA (costing £25).
2. Get a history check
Every year, thousands of consumers buy a used car, only to find out it has finance outstanding or has previously been stolen or written off. If finance is outstanding, the original car finance lender can try to lay claim to the vehicle and you will often have no right to recourse. If it turns out your vehicle has previously been written off, its future value will be affected and you might find the car difficult to sell, or worse, that it can’t legally be driven.
“Buying a used vehicle should be exciting but is fraught with risks. For a tiny percentage of the overall purchase cost, you can significantly reduce that risk.”
A history check can be done for as little as £1.99. It will tell you if the vehicle has been registered as written off or stolen, or if it has outstanding finance on it. It should also include the MOT history – make sure it matches what the seller has told you, and ask to see the relevant MOT certificates and records of regular services.
3. Conduct a mechanical inspection
About 2.7 million used cars are sold privately in the UK every year. In almost all of those cases, the customer has little idea about the working condition of the vehicle, beyond a short test drive. A mechanical pre-purchase inspection will give you peace of mind, especially if buying privately or from an independent dealer.
“Would you take a gamble on safety? 1 in 6 used vehicle inspections reveal an issue with the brakes.”
ClickMechanic offers comprehensive pre-purchase inspections across the UK through a network of independent mechanics. You can book a mechanic to carry out the inspection at a time and place that suits you. They will complete a thorough check and give you a call to talk through the condition of the vehicle. You will also receive a detailed report by email.
Of course, no used car will be faultless. You should expect the report to point out some minor flaws, such as scratches, which may not have a serious impact on the car. However, if it finds a major flaw, you’ll save yourself a great deal of time, money and stress.
4. Get a receipt
Avoid any disputes over how much was paid and when by getting the seller to provide a signed and dated receipt. You can also use it as evidence of the sale if there are any issues with updating the paperwork and registering the vehicle with the DVLA. If you then decide to sell the car in future, it’s always good to have your original receipt on file too.
Get your tax and insurance in order
Don’t leave getting insurance and tax to chance. The police won’t be understanding if you drive away in your new car without insurance and you’re in an accident. If you’re uninsured for any length of time, they can confiscate your vehicle. These days, insurers can swap the insured driver details very quickly – normally you can change the vehicle over in advance of collecting it. Alternatively, if you need short-term insurance, there are companies specialising in this kind of thing.
5. Pay your road tax
The rules on road tax changed in 2016 so that tax is not transferred to the new owner. It’s your responsibility to tax the car as soon as you buy it. Taxing is easy online, but you will need the 12 digit reference from the V5/2C. This will need to be done before you drive your new car home – there is no grace period.
Always be sure to check the associated cost of insurance and tax, which can inflate the price of any vehicle. Find out your road tax charges here: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax-rate-tables
Here’s a checklist you can use when you buy your next used car:
Having enjoyed the fifth monthly decrease in the overall price of fuel in July, drivers were sad to see the trend break in August, when the overall price of both diesel and unleaded petrol rose. This is the first increase on the average monthly price since February this year.
For unleaded, the average cost across the UK was 116.5 pence per litre in August. The average price for diesel was slightly higher, at 117.4 pence per litre. In both cases, the amount of fuel duty included per litre remains unchanged, at 57.9p per litre. This has been at the same rate since March 2011. The increase looks to be mostly due to seasonal factors, with many people holidaying during this month. There was also a slight increase in the cost of crude oil, which finished the month on the £40 per barrel mark.
Looking back over the last decade, the price of fuel has varied greatly, with the price in August 2007 standing at 97.0 pence per litre for diesel and 96.1 pence for unleaded.
The most expensive places to buy fuel
Diesel
A number of the most expensive places to buy diesel in August 2017 were in Scotland, with Tighnabruaich in Argyll & Bute topping the list at a massive 135.9 pence per litre, followed by Acharacle in Highland at 133.0 pence. Next was Freshwater in the Isle of Wight, at 131.9 pence.
Price
Location
County
135.9
Tighnabruaich
Argyll & Bute
133.0
Acharacle
Highland
131.9
Freshwater
Isle of Wight
130.9
Markfield
Leicestershire
129.9
Dunmow
Essex
129.9
Woolacombe
Devon
127.9
Cowes
Isle of Wight
127.4
Auchterarder
Perth & Kinross
126.9
Gretna
Dumfries & Galloway
Unleaded
The picture for unleaded prices in August was similar. Tighnabruaich topped the list, at 132.9 pence per litre. It was followed by Acharacle in Highland and Freshwater in the Isle of Wight at 132.0 pence and 129.9 pence respectively.
Price
Location
County
132.9
Tighnabruaich
Argyll & Bute
132.0
Acharacle
Highland
129.9
Freshwater
Isle of Wight
129.4
Dunmow
Essex
128.9
Woolacombe
Devon
128.9
Isle of Benbecula
Eilean Siar
127.9
Markfield
Leicestershire
126.9
Isle of Arran
North Ayrshire
126.9
Kyle of Lochalsh
Highland
125.4
Lockerbie
Dumfries & Galloway
The cheapest places to buy fuel
Diesel
Diesel drivers in Staffordshire can pick up the cheapest diesel fuel at the moment, with the Tamworth area having an average price of 112.3 pence per litre during August. Next after this is the Dukinfield area of Greater Manchester, at 112.7 pence, and Spennymoor in County Durham, at just 113.7 pence per litre.
Price
Location
County
112.3
Tamworth
Staffordshire
112.7
Dukinfield
Greater Manchester
113.7
Spennymoor
County Durham
113.8
Loanhead
Midlothian
113.8
Havant
Hampshire
113.8
Leigh
Greater Manchester
113.9
East Dereham
Norfolk
113.9
Atherstone
Warwickshire
113.9
Cromer
Norfolk
Unleaded
Dukinfield in Greater Manchester, as well as being the second cheapest place for diesel prices, topped the list for cheap unleaded petrol in August, at an average price of 111.7 pence per litre. It was followed by Currie in the City of Edinburgh and Tamworth in Staffordshire, at 111.9 pence and 112.3 pence respectively.
Price
Location
County
109.7
Dukinfield
Greater Manchester
111.9
Currie
Edinburgh, City of
112.3
Tamworth
Staffordshire
112.3
Leigh
Greater Manchester
112.7
Spennymoor
County Durham
112.9
Westbury-on-Severn
Gloucestershire
113.3
Pembroke Dock
Pembrokeshire
113.6
Whitehaven
Cumbria
113.7
Tilbury
Thurrock
Cheapest supermarket prices
Supermarkets remain at the cutting edge of fuel prices, but there’s still a variation between the petrol stations of the big brands as they compete for customers’ business.
Diesel
For diesel in August, ASDA was at the top of the list in terms of the cheapest prices offered by UK supermarkets. Its diesel was retailing at an average price of 113.2 pence per litre. At the other end of the top ten scale was NISA, whose average price was 115.5 pence. However, that’s still cheaper than the national average of 117.4 pence per litre for August.
ASDA – 113.2
Carlisles – 111.3
Tesco Express – 114.1
Sainsburys – 114.2
Morrisons – 114.3
Tesco Extra – 114.3
Tesco – 114.7
Nicholl Fuel Oil – 115.3
Burnbrae – 115.4
NISA – 155.0
Unleaded
The picture for the cheapest supermarket unleaded prices was a little different, but was still topped by ASDA, with an average price of 112.8 per litre around the UK. ASDA was followed by Sainsburys, at 113.5 pence, while in tenth place was Go, at 115.3 pence. Again, this remained lower than the national average price for unleaded.
ASDA – 112.8
Sainsburys – 113.5
Morrisons – 113.5
Tesco Express – 113.5
Tesco Extra – 113.8
Tesco – 140.0
Prax – 114.4
NISA – 114.6
Torq – 114.9
Go – 115.3
Continuing to rise?
Fears are that prices could continue to rise, as the effect of Hurricane Harvey on the oil producing areas of the USA impacts on the global market. Originally, experts believed that prices going into the end of this year and the start of 2018 would rise only marginally. However, we will have to wait and see in September what affect this terrible natural event has on oil and fuel prices around the world.
The government has announced plans to let partially self-driving lorries loose on our major roads by the end of 2019. The automated system, which is being created by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), means that the trucks will be able to drive far closer together than is normally possible. This will serve to drive down congestion and fuel consumption because of the reduced air resistance. Fuel economy will be boosted by between 4-10%, which is good news for the environment (and haulage companies’ bottom lines).
The plan involves trials of three lorries driving in convoy, in what is known as a ‘platoon.’ The front lorry dictates the speed and braking of all three. The only human presence will be the driver in the leading lorry. He/she will steer and communicate with the rest of the convoy via wireless tech. Any increase or decrease in speed by the front lorry will be instantly matched by the two travelling behind.
Transport Minister Paul Maynard hopes that any savings will be passed on to consumers, “but first we must make sure the technology is safe and works well on our roads, and that’s why we are investing in these trials.”
Moving obstructions
There are safety concerns though, which focuses on the practicalities of the tech being deployed on some of Europe’s busiest roads. For instance, what if a platoon blocks a motorist trying to either drive on to a motorway or exit it?
According to TRL, the trials will only be conducted on motorways that have been carefully selected based on the number of junctions and the amount of traffic congestion. The organisation points out that the driver of the lead lorry will also be able to break up the convoy as and when required if an obstruction is spotted.
Another issue is what would happen when a car tries to squeeze in between the lorries. TRL again argues that the convoy can be broken up depending on the evolving situation. Despite such assurances, TRL and the government face far bigger questions about the technology and its future deployment on our roads.
Safety first
Edmund King, president of the AA, states that while we should all want to promote fuel efficiency and reduce congestion, “we are not yet convinced that lorry platooning on UK motorways is the way to go about it.” He highlights that small convoys will block road signs from view, for instance. “We have some of the busiest motorways in Europe with many more exits and entries… Platooning may work on the miles of deserted freeways in Arizona or Nevada but this is not America.”
Issues surrounding liability have also been raised by the legal community. Dr Markus Buriansk, of global law firm White & Case, has questioned who would ultimately be to blame if a crash was caused by an automated convoy – would it be the lead driver’s fault or the vehicle maker’s fault? While such details will need to be hammered out on a country-by-country basis, Buriansk told Information Age that the overall issue of safety remains of paramount importance,
“It must be clear to everyone that even if the new technology is 500 times safer than human driving, accidents will still happen… To ensure that the products put on the market at least several times outperform human driving, the industry and lawmakers will need to implement a robust testing mechanism.”
Handling the hackers
Finally, as we move ever closer towards a world where automation permeates every aspect of our personal and working lives, worrying questions remain about malicious attacks on vehicles by the hacking community. Recent research has already shown that simple stickers can be used to confuse automated cars that ‘read’ road signs on the fly to drive safely and consistently.
While this particular issue shouldn’t represent a problem with platooning, as the front lorry is being driven by a human, the idea of hacking the software controlling such vehicles represents a potentially enticing proposition for hackers. According to David Barzilai, founder of Karamba Security, high end cars such as BMW’s 7 Series already feature one hundred million lines of code, and this huge number will only increase in the future. This offers hackers more and more opportunities to exploit any potential system weaknesses.
He told Autocar magazine, “the automotive market is a big risk because of its sheer scale. Recently Chrysler had to recall 1.4 million cars because of a security risk, showing that just one hack can affect more than one million cars. That’s quite astonishing.”
Future perfect?
While anything that can make our roads safer and less congested is a positive move – the horrific accident on the M1 last weekend underlines just how devastating the human factor can be on our roads – a slow and steady approach is essential to ensure that the technology is carefully considered before any meaningful rollout of the tech commences.
To rush the process could see the image of autonomous vehicles damaged in the eyes of the public – and what could be a life- and planet-saving technology could risk being rejected for years to come by the very people it’s supposed to help.
Are autonomous vehicles a technology that must be embraced wholeheartedly? Or do you feel that humans must remain in control of vehicles at all times? Let us know your opinions below.
A group of environmental and aid organisations has spoken out, claiming that the government’s controversial plan to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2040 doesn’t go far enough. Instead, they want to see polluting motors shown the crusher by 2030. The group states that bringing the deadline forward by a decade could serve to halve the country’s oil imports.
Such a situation will offer cold comfort to those drivers who are already concerned about junking their cars and upgrade to potentially more pricey, low-emission equivalents by the time the ban is brought in.
Benefits for all?
The report argues that moving the ban’s date forward by ten years will slash pollution and create genuine opportunities for investment in Britain’s infrastructure, as well as cutting down on oil imports by 51% come 2035. Gareth Redmond-King, head of climate and energy at WWF, stated,
“To ensure the UK doesn’t miss out on the jobs and investment opportunity in clean, modern vehicles, the UK should up its ambition. Cleaning up transport and boosting home energy efficiency must be priorities for the UK government in the forthcoming clean growth plan.”
The government is readying itself to publish said plan, which will set out how the UK intends to cut its carbon emissions to meet targets set under EU law. It must be hoping that this time the plan will actually go through, as previous attempts have been met with legal action by environmental campaigners.
Something must change
Research shows that, in 2016, transport made up 40% of the UK’s total energy consumption. Road transportation accounted for three-quarters of that figure. In addition, 40,000 premature deaths per year are linked to nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel and petrol vehicles. However, there are real concerns about how quickly a reduction in our energy consumption demands can be ‘hurried’ along – and if our energy supply infrastructure can take the strain even by the existing 2040 deadline.
The National Grid has already warned that plugging in your electric car outside your home could mean boiling a kettle inside your house will blow a fuse. Such warnings foreshadow how our local and national infrastructure might struggle to cope with a serious spike in energy demand.
Scaling the issues
Many solutions to polluting combustion engines are being touted, including the rollout of huge numbers of charging stations and electric cars that can recharge in mere minutes, not hours. Even so, the change will require project management on a scale rarely seen before in the UK.
Whether the cut-off date remains as 2040 or, as campaigners hope, is brought forward to 2030, serious questions and a seeming lack of a coordinated response still remain a real concern for the most important people in this ongoing process – us, the drivers.
Is the demand to bring the petrol and diesel ban forward the right move for Britain? Or are such plans ignoring the needs and realities of everyday life? Let us know your views below.
