The Budget is first aid for the motor industry but will not fix underlying long term ailments, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. “Today’s budget provides some encouragement to an automotive sector hit hard by the pandemic and additional trading costs but it falls short of the support needed to transform the industry and market to the net zero future to which both the … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 February
The Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa pass the test with learners. They are the most popular models for driving schools says Veygo insurance. Five Welsh businesses have been included in this year’s best garage award from WhoCanFixMyCar. Euro Testing Centre, Cardiff; Keep Driving Auto and NGS Swansea; Motazone, Cwmbran and Greens Mobile Mechanics of Pontypool were nominated by very satisfied … [Read more...]
Budget of hope to smooth rough ride ahead
The Budget provides something for today’s and tomorrow’s drivers, said RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes. “Today the Chancellor has given a boost to drivers of today’s vehicles with a fuel duty freeze while also investing in tomorrow with funding for rapid charging hubs for electric vehicles, an extension to the plug-in car grant, funding to repair Britain’s roads and a commitment to spend on … [Read more...]
Call for Budget rethink on VED rebates
Today's Budget should be used as an opportunity to re-examine the impact of Vehicle Excise Duty on rental companies and other businesses that keep new vehicles for less than a year, says Meridian Vehicle Solutions. Phil Jerome, managing director at the medium-term rental specialist, said that the current inability to obtain a full refund on any outstanding balance from the first VED payment at … [Read more...]
Call on Chancellor to push green drive
With the ban on new diesel and petrol cars brought forward to 2035, wednesday’s Budget is the time for the Government to put its money where its mouth is. There’s no doubt that alternative fuel vehicles are the future, but the motor industry needs support if it’s to hit the goal, said Seán Kemple, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance. “For drivers, it’s time to see mandatory … [Read more...]
Trick and treat claims over Budget review
There have been very mixed reactions to yesterday's Government spending review. The BVRLA has welcomed the Government’s decision to conduct an urgent review into the impact of WLTP on Vehicle Excise Duty and company car tax. In today’s Budget it was announced that the review would report back in time for the Chancellor’s 2019 Spring Statement. Commenting on the news, BVRLA Chief Executive … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 Dec
Engineers and councillors will consider installing average speed cameras along the 20 miles Evo Triangle in north west Wales The undulating and twisting roads are popular with drivers who want to test their cars on the circuit and follow the tyre tracks of motoring journalists but four people have died and 20 have been hurt there in the past five years. More than 2,000 drivers had an … [Read more...]
Budget battering for diesels
Diesel cars are in for a battering after the Budget. New diesel cars that do not meet latest emissions standards will face a one-off tax increase each April which will last until 2021 when most are expected to be replaced with the latest technology. Affected models will be those which fail Real Driving Emissions Step 2 standards on emissions and that means most new diesels would be subject … [Read more...]
Government endorses “driverless” cars
The Government will give incentives to introduce automated cars on UK roads. Chancellor Philip Hammond yesterday said he will experience one of the so-called driverless cars today during a Midlands visit. The UK should be a leading country in the future of automotive technology and related science and it has projected 2021 as the date when self-driving cars will be introduced. It is … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 March
More than 5,000 young people have signed up to and are benefiting from My Travel Pass, a Welsh Government funded scheme offering discounted bus travel to 16-18 year olds in Wales, since its launch six months ago. Wales’ Economy, Science and Transport Minister, Edwina Hart, personally presented the 5,000th pass to Dulcie Jones from Penrhyndeudraeth who is a student at Coleg Llandrillo, … [Read more...]