The cost of living crisis is forcing families to sell their cars, according to October’s Startline Used Car Tracker. Almost one in four (23%) say they already or are going to reduce the number of cars in their family while 61% say that tightening personal finances have changed their attitudes to car ownership for the worse. Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “There’s probably … [Read more...]
Study begins into EV drivers’ habits
A point by charge-point study is being carried out into how drivers of electric vehicles boost their power. Zap-Map, the UK’s leading charge point mapping service, and UK law firm TLT have joined forces to uncover where, when and how UK consumers are charging electric vehicles (EV) – and what this means for the development and funding of the public charging network in future. The report sees … [Read more...]
First drive special: New generation EVs are charging into showrooms
A whole new cell of cars is being created for our electric future and some of them were lined up at the annual SMMT driving day for motoring writers last week. We have seen hybrid adaptations of some familiar models and they have been joined by pure electric derivatives but these are about to be replaced by a completely new generation from the world’s car-makers. After Tesla broke new ground … [Read more...]
Warming up for winter
With temperatures dropping across the UK, and fuel prices rising, Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing shares ways drivers and their cars can stay warm behind the wheel without breaking the bank. “On frosty cold mornings, many drivers will wake up extra early to whack the heating up in their car. Whilst this won't consume a significant amount of fuel, it can actually shorten the … [Read more...]
Traffic volumes still below pre-pandemic peak
Traffic volumes appear to still be below pre-pandemic levels with flexible working patterns that have become commonplace across the UK likely to be a major factor, said RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes. "Nonetheless, the trend is upwards, especially so for vans and HGVs – both of which show higher traffic volumes than prior to the pandemic. Therefore it remains vitally important that the … [Read more...]
Young drivers hit by rising costs
A new report from Go.Compare Car Insurance revealed that the cost of getting a young driver on the road has risen to £6,574 – the highest since 2019, representing a shift backwards to pre-pandemic costs. Costs for young drivers – those aged between 17- 21 - and their families dipped to £6,394 in 2021 and £6,071 in 2020, a sharp fall from £6,846 in 2019. The research shows that, in the … [Read more...]
Filling stations’ fears over rising energy costs
Filling stations are extremely worried about soaring energy costs, said Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association. "While we are encouraged by the Government’s recognition of this issue through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, we are concerned that it will not be enough to mitigate the long-term effects of price increases.” Earlier this month, Prime Minister Liz Truss … [Read more...]
Welsh Government dictate road closure
Welsh Government has told Cardiff to reconsider traffic arrangements and consider permanently closing Castle Street. It was shut to traffic during the Covid pandemic in summer 2020 and then gradually reopened but modified with restricted lanes. The Welsh government has now told the city council to find alternatives to cut pollution. The council said its cabinet will take a … [Read more...]
Public EV charging costs rise 42%
The cost to charge an electric car on a pay-as-you-go basis at a publicly accessible ‘rapid’ charger has increased by 42% – or 18.75p per kilowatt hour – since May to reach an average of 63.29p per kilowatt hour, new data from RAC Charge Watch indicates. The increase – caused by the soaring costs of wholesale gas and electricity – means that it now costs drivers on average £32.41 to rapid charge … [Read more...]
Fleet data tracking essential to businesses
Fleets are being urged not to reject the use of telematics despite the rise of manufacturer connected cars which risk leaving essential gaps in fleet management data, says RAM Tracking. While connected cars feature advantages such as the information coming directly from the vehicle, avoiding the need for a black box or other tracking device to be fitted, datapoints can vary from vehicle … [Read more...]