A 52-year-old man has died following a one-vehicle road crash on Oswald Road, Edinburgh, at the junction with South Oswald Road.
The crash involved a silver Ford Focus Zetec and took place around 5.10pm on Sunday, 29 January, 2023. The driver was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he was pronounced dead.
The road was closed until 8.55pm.
Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick, from the Edinburgh Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the deceased’s family and friends at this time.
“Our enquiries into this incident remain ongoing and we continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Oswald Road area, or who believes they saw the Ford Focus nearby prior to the crash, to please come forward.
“We are also keen to speak to anyone in the area who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage, as we carry out enquiries into this incident.
“Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 2466 of 29 January, 2023.”
Bank of Scotland Business Barometer for January 2023 shows:
Business confidence in Scotland fell five points during January to 10%
As National Apprenticeship Week approaches 27% of businesses in Scotland say investing in training and development presents the biggest opportunity for growth in the next six months
Overall UK business confidence reaches six-month high at 22% with twice as many businesses optimistic about the economy than in December
Business confidence in Scotland fell five points during January to 10%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.
Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 17 points at 8%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up six points to 12%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 10%.
Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their product and service offer (42%), investing in sustainability (29%) and investing in their teams (27%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 14% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year. This is up from December when a net balance of 11% of businesses reported plans to make new hires.
Overall UK business confidence climbed in January, with firms reporting their highest confidence levels since July last year.
Business confidence increased by five points to 22% and the net balance of businesses feeling optimistic about the economy doubled on December’s reading to 16%.
Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (6-12th February) 30% of businesses across the UK reported that they are looking at opportunities to grow by investing in staff development and training. A net balance of 17% of firms reported plans to create new jobs in the next twelve months.
Chris Lawrie, area director for Scotland for Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Ongoing pressures from wider economic challenges are clearly continuing to impact Scottish businesses, but confidence remains in positive territory and firms’ resilience shines on.
“Over the next few months as concerns such as rising costs continue, it is important firms keep a close eye on cash flow. Having reserves ready for when challenges hit makes managing turbulent periods easier. We’ll remain by the side of Scottish firms to help them successfully navigate the months and years ahead.”
For the second month in a row, confidence in the manufacturing and service sectors increased, with manufacturing rising to 28% (up 15 points) and services up to 25% (up seven points).
Business confidence in construction was down two points to 27%, while retail confidence fell for the second month in a row to 7% (from 13%), the lowest level since February 2021.
Paul Gordon, Managing Director for Relationship Management, Lloyds Bank Business & Commercial Banking, said: “After a challenging 2022, it’s heartening to see confidence rising for the second consecutive month.
“This is the first back to back increase since September 2021. There is no doubt that the business environment remains challenging and uncertainty still remains, but this improvement in optimism is very welcome as we start 2023.
“With pay expectations tempering, trade expectations set to improve, and a clearer way forward on energy price support, this may give businesses a bit more certainty and the confidence they need to inspire investment and promote growth.”
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:“Business confidence continues to improve following the December boost. Firms are clearly more optimistic about the wider economy and this is driving the increase, helped by precursory signs that wage and other cost pressures may be easing.
“It is still a tough environment for businesses, with high energy bills remaining a concern during the winter months, but there are grounds for optimism for 2023 if inflation starts to trend lower.”
”These factors, however, cannot mitigate my overall judgement that Mr Zahawi’s conduct as a Minister has fallen below the high standards that, as Prime Minister, you rightly expect from those who serve in your government.“
LETTER from Sir Laurie Magnus to the Prime Minister, 29 January 2023:
Letter from the Prime Minister to Nadhim Zahawi, 29th January 2023:
The Justice Secretary has announced the introduction of measures to ensure the on-going safety of prisoners while the Scottish Prison Service undertakes a review of the management of trans prisoners.
The measures will be in place until the reviews are completed and will mean that no newly convicted transgender person with any history of violence against women will be placed in a female prison – including female sections of prisons traditionally used to house males – and any transgender prisoner with this history will not be moved from a male to a female prison.
Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “I understand that the issue of any trans woman being convicted of violent and sexual offences is a highly emotive subject and that the public concern is understandable.
“As the First Minister pointed out last week, we must not allow any suggestion to take root that trans women pose an inherent threat to women. Predatory men are the risk to women. However, as with any group in society, a small number of trans women will offend and be sent to prison. Therefore, I hope that the measures I am about to highlight will offer reassurance in the ongoing ability of the prison service to manage trans individuals and ensure the safety of all prisoners.
“We must also never forget that there are victims in these cases. My thoughts remain with them.
“I explained in Parliament last week my trust in the Scottish Prison Service in managing and dealing with offenders and the risks that they can pose. That includes the tiny fraction – around 0.2% of prison population – of people in prison who are trans.
“As we always acknowledge, it is important arrangements for the management of offenders are kept under review.
“It is important to be clear, however, that SPS policies have in no way been changed or impacted by the recent passing of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill (which, in any event, is not yet in force).
“SPS have already been undertaking, in dialogue with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders, a review of the management of trans prisoners, which is nearing completion
“In addition, an urgent lessons learned review has been instructed in relation to the case of Isla Bryson, with any learning to be applied immediately to existing transgender cases in the prison estate. The latter review will report to the CEO by Friday 3 Feb.
“Until these reviews are complete, however, I can confirm that the following will apply (unless there are exceptional circumstances, in which case the approval of Ministers will be required):
No transgender person already in custody with any history of violence against women will be moved from the male to the female estate.
No newly convicted or remanded transgender prisoner with any history of violence against women will be placed in the female estate. Violence against women includes sexual offences against women.
“The on-going safety of prisoners – many of whom have experienced gender based violence in the community – will remain the priority in all actions that are taken.
“Beyond the steps being set out today, it is vital that decisions about the location and management of prisoners continue to be based on thorough risk assessment, drawing on the expertise and input of relevant professionals and applying any lessons learned from the reviews referred to.
“I am grateful to the Scottish Prison Service for their continued ongoing work in this area and for their professionalism in dealing with complex, high profile and challenging individuals within their care.”
DURING the last few days of conflict it seemed the enemy fired everything they had at us; it was like Normandy all over again with some very, very near misses.
At one point before the official surrender cam e, I was reconnoitering the area on my motorcycle just north of Ede at Veenendaal and ran into the town square of Wedderveen.
This was still occupied by the Germans and it was a scary and very disturbing feeling to see fully armed enemy troops in the square, totally ignoring my presence. I stopped there for about five minutes then decided not to chance it any longer. I returned to Ede and the unit moved off eastwards to the German border.
When the German surrender finally came, at the time we now celebrate as VE Day, I was with my unit at the 219 Battery HQ that had been set up in a farmyard just inside Holland on the Dutch-German border.
I remember it being very quiet and a few officers sitting around, probably having a few drinks. Several of the blokes wanted to set off a few rounds in celebration but the officers put a stop to that.
After a few more days our unit moved east into Germany and Iremember seeing the road sign for a place called Hitler.
We then moved on to Osnabruck where we sleppt on a deserted railway station platform. It was here that a notice was pinned up informing us that arms collected from the Germans were to be reissued to them to resist Russian attacks!
This was an unbelievable thing to witness: after all the Russians, and we, had gone through in the last your years as allies!
This is absolutely true and I wonder who issued such an order, and why at that moment?
Buddy Swimming is a great way to regain confidence and get back in the water.
Our volunteers are experienced and ensure you have support to get in the water confidently. Afterwards, we gather for a cuppa – the perfect end to our sessions!
Since its start in January 1988, the Royal Rumble has become a popular mainstay on WWE’s calendar, known for its surprise appearances and unexpected winners.
Wrestling-World.com have provided a fascinating guide on everything you need to know about the current champions, records, and stats from Royal Rumble history:
1. The most viewed Royal Rumble matches on YouTube
WWE’s YouTube channel is currently the 8th most subscribed to channel worldwide, with 92.7 million followers. WWE often upload full matches to YouTube for fans to rewatch, so below are the most popular Royal Rumble matches on the verified WWE channel. Currently, the most viewed match on YouTube is the 2017 Royal Rumble, with 128 million views. The 2017 Rumble was a star-studded affair, featuring superstar legends such as The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Chris Jericho, Goldberg, Randy Orton, and several other top stars from modern-day WWE.
The most viewed women’s Royal Rumble match, and the seventh most viewed overall, is the 2019 Royal Rumble won by Becky Lynch, with 33 million views.
The most viewed Royal Rumble matches on YouTube
Rank
Year
Views
Men’s/Women’s
1.
2017
128,298,794
Men’s
2.
2020
89,239,597
Men’s
3.
2018
80,421,380
Men’s
4.
2008
74,001,113
Men’s
5.
2016
57,912,789
Men’s
6.
2010
36,930,412
Men’s
7.
2019
33,764,419
Women’s
8.
2019
31,082,495
Men’s
9.
2012
27,972,770
Men’s
10.
2020
24,409,067
Women’s
2. Wrestlers with the most appearances in the Royal Rumble
Kane/Isaac Yankem/Diesel (20 appearances)
Dolph Ziggler (15 appearances)
Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton (14 appearances)
Goldust, The Miz, Rey Mysterio (13 appearances)
Big Show, Shawn Michaels (12 appearances)
Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, The Undertaker (11 appearances)
Mark Henry, Rikishi (10 appearances)
Great Khali, Mabel/Viscera, Sheamus, Triple H (9 appearances)
Booker T, Cody Rhodes, Edge, Godfather, John Cena, John Morrison, Matt Hardy, R-Truth (8 appearances)
Baron Corbi, Billy Gunn, Bob Holly, Cesaro, Jake Roberts, Rick Martel, Owen Hart (7 appearances)
Kane unsurprisingly still holds the record for the most Royal Rumble appearances, competing in 20 matches in the event’s history, including appearances from Dr. Isaac Yankhem and Fake Diesel. He also holds the record for cumulative eliminations at 46. Dolph Ziggler ranks in second place with 15 Royal Rumble entries, with Kofi Kingson and Randy Orton following behind with 14 entries each.
3. Who holds the record for the most Royal Rumble victories?
Stone Cold Steve Austin currently holds the record for the most Royal Rumble victories, emerging victorious in 1997, 1998, and 2001. Although technically eliminated from the 1997 Royal Rumble, Austin snook back into the ring while the officials were distracted and eliminated Bret Hart to win the match.
Just eight wrestlers have won the Rumble twice; Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Brock Lesnar, Batista, John Cena, Randy Orton, and Edge.
Wrestlers with the most Royal Rumble victories
Wins
Wrestler
Year
3
Stone Cold Steve Austin
1997, 1998, 2001
2
Hulk Hogan
1990, 1991
2
Shawn Michaels
1995, 1996
2
Triple H
2002, 2016
2
Brock Lesnar
2003, 2022
2
Batista
2005, 2014
2
John Cena
2008, 2013
2
Randy Orton
2009, 2017
2
Edge
2010, 2021
4. Wrestlers with the longest cumulative time spent in the Royal Rumble
Chris Jericho (4:59:33)
Randy Orton (4:34:08)
Rey Mysterio (4:14:45)
Triple H (4:00:50)
Shawn Michaels (3:47:32)
Edge (3:31:51)
Kane/Diesel/Isaac Yankem/DDS (3:19:40)
Dolph Ziggler (3:08:40)
Cody Rhodes/Stardust (3:06:45)
John Cena (2:48:32)
Chris Jericho currently holds the record for overall time spent in the Royal Rumble match across a superstar’s career, with 4 hours, 59 minutes, and 33 seconds. In second place is Randy Orton with 4 hours, 34 minutes, and 8 seconds and in third place is Rey Mysterio, who could potentially take second place this year if he lasts over 20 minutes in the ring. In women’s matches, Charlotte Flair holds the record with 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 28 seconds.
5. Wrestlers with the most career eliminations in the Royal Rumble
Kane (46 eliminations)
The Undertaker (40 eliminations)
Shawn Michaels (39 eliminations)
Stone Cold Steve Austin (36 eliminations)
Braun Strowman (33 eliminations)
Big Show, Roman Reigns, Triple H (32 eliminations)
Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton (29 eliminations)
Hulk Hogan (27 eliminations)
John Cena (25 eliminations)
Edge (23 eliminations)
Kane currently holds the record for the most cumulative eliminations in Royal Rumble history after throwing an incredible 46 superstars over the top rope during his two dozen appearances in the company’s flagship battle royal. WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker ranks second, with 40 total career eliminations, followed by Shawn Michaels in third place, with 39 eliminations.
A spokesperson for Wrestling-World.com commented on the findings: “The WWE Royal Rumble is one of wrestling’s most legendary events, kicking off the year and setting the tone for what is to come for WrestleMania season.
“The Royal Rumble has a rich and interesting history since its beginning in 1988, with a lengthy list of legendary wrestlers setting some iconic records along the way. The following facts and statistics offer a fascinating insight into which matches are clear fan favourites and which superstars hold the most records to this day.”
This research was conducted by Wrestling-World.com, a portal dedicated to everything about the sport of wrestling, which strives to provide readers with daily news updates from around the wrestling world.
Work is set to get underway to transform public spaces along a route between Roseburn and the Union Canal, creating a ‘green corridor’ and cycleway and bringing disused areas back into community use.
Funding for the project has been provided by Sustrans through its Places for Everyone programme, an active travel infrastructure fund backed by the Scottish Government, which helps deliver walking, wheeling and cycling improvements across the country.
Amongst improvements are two new bridges crossing over the Mid Calder railway line and Dalry Road leading to Dalry Community Park, community gardens at Sauchiebank and Duff Street and upgrades to the sports pitch and playpark at Dalry Community Park, designs for which were developed in consultation with Dalry Primary School pupils.
The project will also provide a key link in Edinburgh’s active travel network, delivering a 4m wide pedestrian and cycle path connecting the North Edinburgh Path Network to Fountainbridge alongside new pedestrian crossings and access points.
A comprehensive planting strategy will allow the active management of currently underused and largely inaccessible woodland, helping to create healthier and more diverse woodland with longer-term opportunities to enhance its ecological value. This will involve planting almost 5000 woodland and semi-mature trees. Approximately 450 trees will be felled in order to deliver the project, including trees which have been identified as ash and would be removed as part of long-term maintenance planning.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “This project will transform the route between Roseburn and the Union Canal, where disused and inaccessible areas will become welcoming, green community spaces encouraging biodiversity and play.
“It will also plug a gap in the city’s active travel network by providing a high-quality pedestrian and cycle path between Fountainbridge and the extremely popular North Edinburgh Path Network, as well as leading to the City Centre West to East Link, which is currently under construction.
“We’ll do everything we can to minimise disruption over the coming year and we’ll continue to keep residents up to date as we progress the scheme.”
Roseburn to Union Canal’s final design builds on several years of engagement with the public and stakeholders and aligns with the City Mobility Plan in supporting people to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time in their local community, in turn contributing to the city’s net zero carbon goals.
Michael Melton, Grant Manager for Sustrans, said:“We’re delighted to see works now starting on the Roseburn to Union Canal project in Edinburgh. After several years of design and engagement with the local community, this transformative project will not only provide a vital connection for walking, wheeling, and cycling in the heart of the city, but will also serve as an accessible greenspace for everyone to enjoy.“
“The project site will be fenced off from 6 February, and Dalry Community Park will also be closed from 6 February for the duration of construction.
Between 20 February and 23 March the two-lane section of the West Approach Road, between Westfield Road and Dalry, will close so that safe construction work can begin. A diversion will be in place to help minimise disruption.
The section between the Dundee Street ramps and Lothian Road will remain open. Further information on changes to bus services can be found on Lothian Buses’ website.
Foysol Choudhury MSP supports campaign to end cervical cancer in the UK
This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (23rd-29th January), Foysol Choudhury MSP is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust as they call for action to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK.
Cervical cancer currently kills two women in the UK every day and the charity is calling for action, innovation, and awareness to help end cervical cancer.
Foysol Choudhury MSP is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, by encouraging women in the Lothian region to attend their cervical screening when invited, and by supporting the efforts of the HPV immunisation programme.
Foysol Choudhury MSP said:“Cervical screening and HPV vaccines can both help prevent cervical cancer and I would encourage everyone who can to make use of these amazing cancer prevention tools.
“Many do not attend appointments for cervical screening when invited. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust recognises that attending a screening isn’t always easy, but they are there for you with information and support if you ever need them.
“I applaud the work of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust in raising awareness of this important matter. Let’s work together to make cervical cancer a thing of the past.”
In its latest report, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity found that only 17% of health professionals working across cervical cancer prevention think enough is currently being done to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK. Only 20% think enough is being done to ensure high levels of HPV vaccine uptake, and just 16% believe that enough is being done to support cervical screening uptake.
Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive at Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said: “A world without cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. The UK has the tools to make it a reality which is incredibly exciting.
“We need Government action to get there as soon as possible, but everyone can play their part. Going for cervical screening when invited, and making sure your child is vaccinated against HPV, will help make cervical cancer a thing of the past.
“We must also continue to invest in research, improve access to treatments, and banish the stigma and blame that too often comes with a cervical cancer diagnosis. Being forward looking should not mean those living with and beyond cancer get left behind.”
To get involved with Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, and the #WeCan End Cervical Cancer campaign, follow Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust on social media or visit the website at jostrust.org.uk.
Some drivers in Central Scotland and in East and North East Scotland are paying more than ever before for their car insurance. That’s as costs in areas such as Edinburgh and Dundee hit record-breaking figures.
However, Glasgow is the most expensive area in all of Scotland. Drivers can expect to pay £601, following an annual increase of £107.
And it’s a similar picture in the UK. That’s as prices increase by £100 to £629, on average.
Louise Thomas, car insurance expert at Confused.com reminds drivers shouldn’t give in to auto-renewal quotes from their insurer. That’s as further research shows UK drivers are saving £59, on average, when shopping and switching(2)
How can I save money on my car insurance? Confused.com provides top tips for getting cheaper car insurance, as cost of living crisis continues to impact theUK
The average cost of car insurance in Scotland has grown by 22% in just 12 months. That means drivers in the region are now paying on average £89 more than they did this time last year, new data reveals.
The increase means that drivers in Scotland are now paying £497 for their car insurance, on average. That’s according to the latest Confused.com car insurance price index, powered by WTW. Based on more than 6 million quotes over the quarter, it’s the most comprehensive car insurance price index for new business in the UK.
But some areas in Scotland might be pricier than others. The average cost of car insurance in Central Scotland is now £547, on average, following a £100 (22%) annual increase. This also makes it the most expensive region of Scotland overall.
For drivers in the East and North East, prices have increased to £456, on average, as insurance grew by £80 (21%) year-on-year.
And the latest data also reveals that these areas of Scotland are seeing record-breaking figures since Confused.com’s price index first began in 2006, so drivers might have noticed a recent spike in their premiums.
In Central Scotland, car insurance prices in Motherwell, Kilmarnock and Edinburgh all saw the highest costs recorded.
This means drivers were paying as much as £556, £483 and £488 respectively for their car insurance, on average. And for those living in the East and North East of Scotland, Dundee and Kirkcaldy also saw prices soar higher than years previously. These costs hit £472 and £453 respectively, on average.
Drivers in the Highlands and Islands have also seen rising costs. That’s as the average cost of car insurance in this part of the country has increased by 21%, to £448 on average. But the Scottish Borders is the cheapest overall. Despite a £70 (20%) annual increase, prices are £418, on average.
Despite some of the highest prices recorded in Scotland this quarter, these aren’t necessarily the steepest costs. In Glasgow, prices grew by £107 (21%) in 12 months, on average. That means prices are now £604 for drivers, on average, and the most expensive area in Scotland.
This quarter, Paisley also tops the list as one of the highest areas in Scotland, with a £95 (23%) annual increase. Drivers can now expect to pay around £501, on average. The cheapest area in Scotland is the Hebrides. Despite a 21% annual increase (£66), the cost of car insurance is £388, on average. This is 36% cheaper than Glasgow, the most expensive area in the country.
And it’s not just the annual increases that have packed a punch when it comes to insurance prices. In the past 3 months alone, the average cost of car insurance across Scotland has grown by 7%. That’s a £34 increase in premium costs, compared to motorists who took out insurance between July and September last year (Q3 2022). Here’s how the figures currently stand in each area:
Central Scotland:
Postcode area
Average premium
Annual change (%)
Annual change (£)
Edinburgh
£488
+22
+87
Glasgow
£604
+21
+107
Kilmarnock
£483
+25
+97
Motherwell
£556
+24
+107
Scottish Borders:
Postcode area
Average premium
Annual change (%)
Annual change (£)
Dumfries
£416
+20
+69
Galashiels
£421
+21
+72
East & North East Scotland:
Postcode area
Average premium
Annual change (%)
Annual change (£)
Aberdeen
£449
+20
+73
Dundee
£472
+24
+91
Kirkcaldy
£453
+22
+82
Scottish Highlands and Islands:
Postcode area
Average premium
Annual change (%)
Annual change (£)
Falkirk
£449
+21
+76
Hebrides
£388
+21
+66
Inverness
£417
+22
+74
Kirkwall
£393
+17
+57
Paisley
£501
+23
+95
Perth
£422
+22
+75
Shetland
£488
+10
+43
But what’s causing the price hikes? The current UK average of car insurance prices shows the highest in 3 years, following a £100 (19%) increase over the past 12 months.
The UK average now sits at £629, one of the most expensive since before the coronavirus pandemic. And while insurers had to readjust their pricing in recent years to reflect the return of normal driving habits, this past 12 months has also seen a real shake up in the insurance industry.
Last January, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) introduced new regulations to prevent insurers from overpricing loyal customers(1). This meant that all prices offered had to be fair and purely based on a driver’s profile. With companies no longer able to inflate returning customer costs, insurers have also had to readjust their pricing to make up for this. But, as a result, new business prices are likely to have increased.
For this reason, Louise Thomas, car insurance expert at Confused.com reminds drivers why they shouldn’t give in to the ease of auto-renewal. Even if the offer does look good. That’s as further research shows how drivers are still saving money, even if their renewal works out cheaper than the previous year.
To investigate, Confused.com conducted a survey of 2,000 UK drivers(2) that had their renewal in the last quarter. And the results show that 1 in 2 (50%) found their renewal price had increased compared to the previous year, by £46, on average.
Of these, 2 in 5 (40%) went on to shop around and switch insurers and save £55, on average. This goes to prove that shopping around could save money, even when prices appear to be increasing. However, 1 in 5 (20%) also found their renewal to be £38 cheaper, on average. Of these, more than 1 in 3 (34%) went on to shop around and switch insurers, saving £59 on average.
These savings are also being seen by customers, with significant savings being reported, even when renewal prices have been cheaper.
For example, Mr Allen saw his premium drop from £306 to £285. But, by shopping around he was able to secure a new price of £248. However, in most cases, customers have seen their renewal increase significantly, with shopping around saving a staggering £240 for one customer. In this case, the insurer increased their renewal by £200 to £720. However, shopping around saw them reduce their premium to £480.
While all drivers across the UK are seeing price increases this quarter, they’re impacting drivers differently. For example, male drivers are now paying £672, which is a 19% increase year on year – in line with the UK average. In terms of monetary value, this equates to a £44 increase in 3 months, and £105 year-on-year. Meanwhile, female motorists are now paying £557, following a 19% increase year on year. This means prices are now £90 more expensive, on average(3).
It’s a similar picture for UK drivers of different ages, with some facing major hikes in their insurance costs compared to others. Typically, younger drivers pay the most for their insurance, so it’s no surprise that their increases are above £200 for some. Although, 18-year-olds have been hardest hit, as their premiums soar by a staggering £307 (22%) over the past 12 months. This puts the average premium for drivers this age at £1,715, making it the most expensive age for car insurance.
This isn’t the highest price recorded for drivers of this age. Recent increases, however, has made this the case for both 28 and 33 year olds. A £130 (17%) increase for drivers aged 28 puts the average premium at £912 – the most expensive price on record for this age. Similarly, 33-year-olds are now paying £786, following a £123 price increase, to make it a record-high for this age group.
These increases are significant. But much like any other cost increases people are facing in the current climate, it’s also clear that there are savings to be made. Shopping around is likely to help drivers save against their renewal price, which is no doubt a welcome saving as the cost of living crisis continues. But there are also ways in which drivers can make changes to their policy in order to save money.
This includes:
Paying annually instead of monthly – insurers often put an interest charge on monthly payments, so making a one-off payment avoids this
Being accurate with your mileage – choosing a lower mileage may in fact work out more expensive, as this could be seen as a less experienced driver. Similarly, if you’re no longer travelling the UK every week, be sure to let your insurer know!
Enhancing car security – anything that reduces the risk of your car being stolen will reduce the risk of claim, and this should be reflected in your price.
Louise Thomas, car insurance expert at Confused.com comments:“The current financial climate is difficult for everyone right now, in all aspects of their life. With costs on the increase all around us, it can seem overwhelming at times to even know where to begin when it comes to cost-saving.
“Some costs can’t always be avoided, but one thing for sure is that the price we pay for car insurance isn’t a fixed cost. Choosing to automatically renew your car insurance with your current insurer might feel like the most stress-free and easy option, but financially you might not be better off. There’s lots of insurers in the market right now, so it’s likely that there could be better and more affordable options out there for you.
“But how will you know for sure? The best advice I can give is to shop around before you need to renew. This is the only way you can ensure that you’re paying the best price out there. In fact, we’re so confident that motorists can find cheaper deals by shopping around, that we guarantee to beat your renewal quote. And if we can’t, we’ll give you the difference, plus £20(4)! Either way, it’s a win-win for motorists!
“We also understand that things happen throughout the year, which could affect policies from time to time. But our tips on how to get cheap car insurance advises how you can ensure prices remain as low as possible. Things like multi-car policies or having a no-claims bonus are just a few ways in which you could save.”
