Motorists expect the cost of running their car to continue to rise across all major areas of spending in 2024, new research shows. October’s new Startline Used Car Tracker shows that 70% think congestion zone charges will rise and the same percentage expect service and maintenance to increase. Other costs expected to go up include motor insurance (67%), tyres (65%) and petrol (55%). Paul … [Read more...]
17,086 motorists still paying tax on stolen vehicles
About 17,086 UK motorists are still paying tax on vehicles listed as stolen. The figures were revealed under a A Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency by the UK’s oldest specialist motor insurance loss adjuster, Claims Management & Adjusting. According to DVLA data for September 2023, of 54,804 vehicles recorded as stolen, almost a third (31.18%) are … [Read more...]
Green motoring u-turn is sickening says industry
Applying the brakes to the 2030 electrification deadline by the Government is a poor and insincere reflection on the needs of business and the environment, according to the head of Britain’s fleet professionals. Paul Hollick, chair of the AFP, said, “This is a crucial subject where massive investments have been made and is not just something that should be politicked in the expectation of … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 September
The fifth generation, all-electric MINI Cooper will be unveiled at the German Motor Show in Munich this week. It will be available in E or SE grades with 190 or 250 miles range and priced from £30,000 next Spring. EDF’s small and medium-sized enterprise business customers can now save up to 40% on the cost of an electric vehicle through DriveElectric’s salary sacrifice scheme. Building upon … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW X1 xDrive2.3i M Sport
As the motor industry increasingly turns in on itself and concentrates on niche models it’s good to see the BMW X1 arrive, genuinely offering something for everyone. Sport, xLine and M Sport trim levels span seven models including three or four cylinder petrol-hybrid units, four-cylinder diesels and an electric version to ensure there is something for every requirement or preference. To that … [Read more...]
Brimming your tank is past it
Almost one in five motorist, around 18%, are no longer “brimming” their tank when they fill up with fuel due to rising mortgage and rent costs. The impact of high housing expenditure on personal finances also means 12% have stopped using their car altogether while 10% want to swap their current model for one that costs less to run - and 5% may have to sell their car. August’s Startline Used Car … [Read more...]
RAC alert to extended foreign emissions laws
Get an emissions sticker or risk a fine driving abroad this summer, warn the RAC. With UK travellers embarking on millions of trips by sea and Channel Tunnel this summer, the RAC is warning drivers taking their own cars abroad to be aware of local air quality regulations, and if needed buy the correct windscreen sticker before they go – or risk a nasty fine of up to €180 (£154). In France, the … [Read more...]
How to avoid the enlarged ULEZ London charge
If you’re planning a holiday or business car trip to London from the middle of August you need to check if you will be hit by a daily charge as the Ultra Low Emission Zone extends to the perimeter of the M25 orbital motorway. With the ULEZ expansion due this summer, many of us are wondering how we may be impacted. Is paying the daily charge worth it, or could trading a petrol or diesel car in for … [Read more...]
Electric van sales in slow lane
Following the release of SMMT’s commercial vehicle statistics for May, NFDA has identified that Battery Electric Vehicle LCVs are not performing to expected volumes within the market. BEV light commercial vehicle sales only made up 5.2% of the market in the latest monthly figures. In order to spur actions from DfT, NFDA Commercial Vehicles division have sent a letter to government, outlining … [Read more...]
Call for highter fuel duties at pumps
The founder of a public charging network for electric vehicles wants petrol and diesel fuel duties increased. Asif Ghafoor, a veteran of infrastructure delivery and the co-founder and CEO of national charging network Be.EV said the increase would encourage the switch to electric vehicles while covering the shortfall in public finance which has happened since more evs have been purchased. The … [Read more...]
