Since the EU imposed sanctions on Russia, there has been a redrawing of the global oil map, according to a new study . Instead of cutting demand, Europe has simply replaced imports from Russia with oil from other producing countries. Transport & Environment (T&E), who carried out the study, says the EU is missing a historic opportunity to cut oil consumption and reduce the continent’s … [Read more...]
Worst ever winter breakdowns, said RAC
The RAC yesterday coped with over 12,000 breakdown calls in what it said was the ‘worst-ever winter breakdown cocktail’. RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said, “Yesterday was officially our busiest day for breakdowns on record, with around 12,000 drivers needing help, the equivalent of eight every minute of the day. Even our busiest day during the infamous Beast from the East in 2018 didn’t … [Read more...]
Electricity rise new threat to fuel pump prices
The Petrol Retailers Association has warned that electricity rises will affect their costs and possibly lead to further increases in pump prices. It is extremely concerned about rising energy costs and their implication as costs associated with operating a forecourt will triple, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association, who has urged Government action to stem the … [Read more...]
Filling stations taking motorists for a ride, says RAC Fuel Watch
Drivers endured yet more pump price rises last month with retailers adding on average another 3.1p to a litre of unleaded and 2.7p to diesel, even though wholesale costs of both fuels were already lower and suddenly dropped even further, according to new analysis by RAC Fuel Watch. Despite wholesale petrol prices tumbling 10p in November to their lowest levels since September, retailers … [Read more...]
£80 fill-up hits forecourts for first time
Fuel prices are soaring to new levels and it looks like a very expensive winter for drivers, says the RAC. RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said, “The price of petrol has continued to rise since it broke through the previous record high of 142.48p on 24 October, going up 3.5p in nearly three weeks. "This means filling up a 55-litre family car with unleaded has now topped £80 for the first … [Read more...]
EC give red light to green cards
Holidaymakers and hauliers can use their existing motor insurance when travelling across Europe. The EC has waived the need to apply for a green-card from their insurer which was thought to be required after Brexit. But the documentation will no longer be needed and proof of insurance by the UK policy note will be sufficient. Huw Evans, Director General at the Association of British Insurers … [Read more...]
Car makers’ warning on prices after Brexit
There will be severe repercussions for the European motor industry if there is no free trade agreement Britain before the end of the year and motorists will have to pay more for models. That's the stark warning this week from the car makers' body, ACEA, which includes the Society of Motor Manufacturers in Britain, who warned a disorderly future could cost over £101 Billion by 2025. In a … [Read more...]
Drivers still seeking MoTs despite extension
British drivers are still putting safety before saving money, according to car selling comparison website Motorway.co.uk . It requested MOT test data from the DVSA for April and May after the Government granted a six month MOT extension from 30 March 2020. According to DVSA figures, 1,407,611 drivers took their vehicles in for an MOT during May, almost double (89%) the number of tests … [Read more...]
Dealers to be banned from some car finance
The Financial Conduct Authority plans to ban the way in which some car retailers and brokers in the motor finance sector receive commission. Currently, some motor finance brokers receive commission which is linked to the interest rate that customers pay. The broker can set that rate and the FCA found that the widespread use of this type of commission creates an incentive for brokers to act … [Read more...]
Wales “failing” cars highlighted
Some of the most dangerous cars on the roads are in Wales, as Green Flag has uncovered the pass and fail rates under the new MOT tests. The new tests were brought in a year ago in May 2018 and the research by the breakdown assistance company has established where the most dangerous vehicles are in the UK. The failure rates may reflect the lower incomes and spending power across the … [Read more...]