Sep 7, 2017
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.
Sep 6, 2017
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.
Sep 6, 2017
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.
Sep 6, 2017
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”
ClickMechanic figures
1. Get your V5C paperwork in order
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.”
Mark Bailey, Head of Mycarcheck.com
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.”
Andy Jervis, CEO, ClickMechanic
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:
✓ V5 paperwork
✓ History check
✓ Mechanical inspection - Get a 10% discount off bookings at ClickMechanic
✓ Signed receipt
✓ Tax and insurance quotes
Sep 6, 2017
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.
Aug 30, 2017
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.
Aug 30, 2017
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.
Aug 25, 2017
In order to pass their driving theory tests, motorists are expected to memorise a whole host of road signs and their meanings. Some of these are signs that they will see daily, but others are ones that they may never actually see in real life. The issue is further complicated by the sheer number of signs, and the fact that some mean one thing, but look like they could or should mean something else.
Beware of double meanings
A recent case in Suffolk highlighted the complexity of ensuring that road signs are fit for purpose. Children and those driving on the UK’s roads while visiting from abroad reported confusion and consternation over a sign reading ‘Cats Eyes Removed.’
To those who’ve learned to drive in the UK, the sign’s temporary presence (in combination with the resurfacing work that was taking place) was nothing remarkable – it merely warned that the usual reflective markers in the centre of the road would not be visible for a while. However, several of those who saw the sign and hadn’t learned to drive in the UK were shocked by the blatant boast of animal cruelty.
People who were distressed by the sign included an American tourist, who had to do a double take of the sign in question, then ask a local about the meaning of it, and a five-year-old girl who got upset about the welfare of her pet cat.
The most misinterpreted road signs
While the Suffolk case is perhaps something of an oddity, there are plenty of road signs in the UK that drivers regularly misinterpret. Given that road signs exist to give drivers the information they need to drive safely, this highlights the need for drivers to keep up their knowledge of the UK’s road signs, even after they’ve got through the rigours of the driving theory test.
According to Vehicle Exports, the top five most misinterpreted road signs are:
The national speed limit sign
Many drivers believe this sign means that there is no speed limit. However, it actually means that it’s the start of a national speed limit area. The result is that many drivers are unaware of the maximum speed at which they are supposed to be travelling.
The uneven road sign
The uneven road sign is to warn drivers to take care due to the uneven road surface ahead. However, many drivers think the sign means there are speed bumps up ahead, resulting in them not slowing down as they’re waiting to see the bumps before braking.
The road narrowing sign
Many drivers think that the sign that warns of a narrowing road on both sides is in fact showing the end of a dual carriageway. This can lead to confusion about what speed to travel at in order to stay safe, as well as drivers seeking to merge into the left-hand lane for no reason.
The no motor vehicles sign
One can’t help but wonder why this sign wasn’t created with a line through the car and motorbike that are pictured. The result of this is that vehicles can end up on roads where they shouldn’t be, putting the cyclists and pedestrians who are permitted on the road in danger.
The minimum speed limit sign
It’s not unusual for drivers to confuse a minimum speed limit sign with a maximum speed limit sign. This encourages them to drive more slowly, when they should be going at least a little faster, causing confusion amongst other road users.
More uncommon mistakes
Other road signs that drivers misinterpret are usually those that they don’t encounter very often. These include signs found around level crossings, those relating to steam trains, the aeroplane road sign (which is in place to warn drivers to expect sudden noise from aircraft passing overhead) and signs for the attention of motorcyclists, e.g. specific parking spots.
Some of these signs pose more risks than others when drivers misinterpret them. Nevertheless, people who use the roads regularly should try to be as clued up as possible about what the signs that they encounter mean – and how to react to particular ones to ensure that they are driving as safely as possible.
Understanding road signs is an important part of being able to drive safely. They often warn drivers of hazards up ahead, and confusion about what signs are trying to portray can have devastating consequences.
Were you familiar with the meaning of all of the road signs pictured above? Should drivers be retested regularly to ensure that their road sign recognition skills remain tip top? Leave a comment to share your views.
Aug 24, 2017
New UK vehicles are in need of some serious safety upgrades, according to a coalition of transport organisations. The team of motoring organisations includes fleet representative body ACFO, Brake, the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation and the European Transport Safety Council. The group wants Britain to wholly adopt the European Commission’s recent plan to increase safety standards on all new vehicles, it has said in a
joint letter to Roads Minister Jesse Norman MP.
Published last year, theEuropean Commission (EC) plan highlighted 19 safety technologies that it is considering making mandatory on all cars. While Britain is all set to leave the EU, the coalition believes that we must support any resulting measures produced by the EC to ensure that the UK’s safety standards continue to improve, rather than fall behind those of our European counterparts following Brexit.
Tech to the rescue?
The technology being examined by the EC covers a range of active and passive features that are currently available on some models of cars – but critically, not all. Active safety measures are seen as essential for ensuring accidents don’t happen in the first place. They include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assistance, driver drowsiness/distraction monitoring and intelligent speed adaptation. The latter is an overridable system that helps drivers keep to speed limits.
The passive safety measures being considered for introduction or enhancement include tyre pressure monitoring, crash event data recorders, emergency braking displays (think flashing brake lights), improved crash testing (plus the introduction of rear impact testing) and ‘alcohol interlock device interface standardisation’ – in other words, the compulsory fitting of breathalysers in all cars.
Pedestrian protection
To protect pedestrians and cyclists, the EC is also exploring the potential of enhanced detection systems to improve collision outcomes, with head impact protection on A-pillars and windscreens, along with pedestrian detection when reversing.
Trucks and buses are also coming under the EC’s spotlight, with the focus again on keeping pedestrians and cyclists safe. Proposed measures include the introduction or improvement of rear underpin protection, side guards, improved front end designs and better direct vision for lorry drivers, so they can see more from their windows.
Pan-European vehicle standards were last upgraded in 2009. Now, the coalition insists that the UK must keep pace, raising the bar and implementing “further cost effective life-saving safety measures as standard.” With over 1,700 people killed in road collisions in 2015, the coalition believes it is “crucial to ensure the effective delivery of the ‘safe system’ approach adopted by Britain, driving towards the ultimate target of zero road deaths and serious injuries.”
Are you the weakest link?
While improved safety features are seen as vital, there are concerns about the impact they have on drivers. The fear is that motorists are becoming over-reliant on technology to do the driving for them. For instance, Canadian police have speculated that systems like lane departure warnings are leading to some motorists believing that they don’t need to check over their shoulders anymore.
Then there’s the other end of the spectrum: some motorists are simply too confused by the new technology to engage with it. Instead, they are turning off safety features wherever possible. The National Safety Council in the US believes that “if people don’t understand how that works or what the car is doing, it may startle them or make them uncomfortable.”
Ultimately, any safety technology can only be good news when it comes to reducing road collisions. However, perhaps the real takeaway here is that all the tech in the world can’t change the fact that a vehicle’s weakest link is the driver. Well, that is until autonomous cars take over…
Are advances in car safety technology the answer to reducing road accident rates? Or are we becoming too reliant on our cars taking care of us? Let us know your thoughts below.
Aug 24, 2017
While the government leaves it up to local authorities to come up with official diesel scrappage schemes, carmakers have realised that something needs to be done now to slow down sliding diesel car sales figures. We’ve already reported on how BMW has stepped up with its own scheme, which offers owners of older diesels the chance to enjoy €2,000 (£1,800 at the time of writing) off the price of a new BMW or Mini diesel, hybrid or electric vehicle.
Chasing the competition
The scheme has obviously sparked the interest of Mercedes, which has just announced its own programme. Branded the ‘diesel changeover bonus,’ the company is offering owners of any make of diesel between Euro 1 to 4 the chance to trade in their inefficient motor for a plug-in hybrid or Euro 6 diesel-powered Mercedes, with £2,000 off the asking price.
The key difference between the Mercedes and BMW schemes is that the latter states you must have owned your old diesel for a year. Meanwhile, Mercedes says you only need to have owned it for six months. Alas, the range of cars available to purchase from Mercedes is more limited than those in the BMW/Mini range.
Mercedes does offer a small range of hybrid cars that qualify for the £2,000 subsidy (that can be topped up by the Plug-In Car Grant offered by the government). However, those hoping to snare a reduced price on the Mercedes-owned Smart Electric Drive vehicle will only enjoy a £1,000 discount.
Finally, there is further good news for owners of Euro 1 to 3 diesels. Mercedes is offering them the full discount plus compensation, as it will scrap their old cars. The diesel changeover bonus scheme will run to the end of the year. However, like BMW, if it proves to be successful, we wouldn’t be surprised if Mercedes extends it.
Ford follows suit
Not to be outdone, Ford has also just announced its own scrappage scheme, stating that it “shares society’s concerns over air quality.” Any Ford registered before 31 December 2009 can be traded in and scrapped in exchange for thousands of pounds off a new Ford. The company estimates that the deal, which runs until the end of 2017, could be help to take hundreds of thousands of the most polluting cars off our roads.
Ford’s incentives are certainly attention-grabbing. They range from £2,000 off the price of a new Ford Fiesta to an impressive £7,000 off the price of a Transit van. Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, comments,
“Removing generations of the most polluting vehicles will have the most immediate positive effect on air quality, and this Ford scrappage scheme aims to do just that.
“We don’t believe incentivising sales of new cars goes far enough and we will ensure that all trade-in vehicles are scrapped. Acting together, we can take hundreds of thousands of the dirtiest cars off our roads and out of our cities.”
Out from under a dark cloud?
Volkswagen is also set to announce a similar scheme in the UK. The company is currently suffering a beating at the hands of governments, the media and an angry public due to the ongoing ‘dieselgate’ disaster. VW’s scheme has already launched in Germany. It offers drivers of any Euro 1 to 4 car the chance to trade in for a VW or Audi with a potentially hefty discount. Of the three German carmakers’ schemes, VW’s is by far the most generous, with discounts of up to €10,000 (£9,000) on select models.
Whether this generosity will be reflected in the UK version, which is expected to launch soon, no one knows. However, we can expect the carmaker’s scheme to remain competitive if VW has any sense, as it can use such discount options to help revitalise its damaged brand.
To the future
The big question remains – are such schemes enough to save the diesel from disappearing under a cloud of NOx? Diesel sales have plummeted by 11% in the past seven months, while petrol sales have grown by 4.3%. Sales of alternative-fuel vehicles have soared by a whopping 41% over the same period. In an AutoExpress interview, Greg Archer, clean vehicles director at the campaign group Transport & Environment, said,
“We anticipate a market share of 40 to 45 per cent for new [diesel] cars as an EU average by 2020, compared to 52 per cent today. After 2020, the market will continue to decline to around 30 to 25 per cent of new cars by 2025.”
The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders’ Mike Hawes remains pragmatic, stating in AutoExpress that “the automotive industry has some of the most challenging CO2 reduction targets of any sector and continues to deliver reductions as it has for nearly two decades.”
He argues that for this trend to continue, “modern low emission diesels and alternative fuel vehicles such as plug-ins, hydrogen and hybrids must be encouraged with long term incentives. Turning our back on any of these will undermine progress on CO2 targets as well as air quality objectives.”
Are such schemes too little too late? Or are they the right move to rehabilitate diesel in the eyes of the car-buying public? Let us know your opinions below.
