After traveling the world with Scotland’s most famous military band, a West Lothian musician is returning to Livingston to pay tribute to local heroes.
Warrant Officer John Govan, who lives in Bathgate, will perform with the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland at their “Celebrating our Heroes” concert to support Poppyscotland.
John, who plays the clarinet, flute, and saxophone, has been an Army musician for 22 years, performing all over Europe, and in the Middle East, Hong Kong, and America. The band has recently played at Edinburgh’s Royal Military Tattoo, following the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Holyrood Place.
Now they will be coming to Howden Park Centre on Friday 30th September, as part of the band’s tour around Scotland. All proceeds will go to help Poppyscotland deliver its life-changing support for members of the Armed Forces community across Scotland.
John said: “This is the first time the Band has played in Livingston, and I’m really looking forward to playing close to home. We’re excited to be supporting a great cause, as well as paying tribute to local heroes, from the Armed Forces to key workers during a pandemic.
“We’ve got a fantastic programme this year, ranging from traditional Scottish tunes to modern classics, while the Band Scots Ceilidh group is sure to get feet tapping! We’ve been especially pleased to work with Scottish folk musician and composer Alan Brydon, who has written a new song, Land of Heroes, for the finale.
“These concerts are always very enjoyable events, and it’s great to get out and meet local audiences.”
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and are very grateful for their continuing support. This is a fantastic chance to hear one of Scotland’s best-known bands here in Livingston.
“These concerts are always a great night out, with an uplifting and eclectic programme showcasing the band’s versatility. All funds raised will support our life-changing work with the Armed Forces community, providing practical help and support whenever they need us.”
The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, based at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh, is one of the 22 Regular Army bands, and is made up of musicians who are also serving soldiers.
Tickets cost £15 (£12 concessions) and are available via:
TODAY (7th September 2022), suicide prevention charity Samaritans and Network Rail have joined forces with mental health charities to hold a wellbeing event to raise awareness of support available to commuters, rail staff and the community, aiming to reduce stigma around suicide by encouraging life-saving conversations.
The event will also mark and take place ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday 10th September. The event aims to remind the public that it’s OK to ask someone about suicidal thoughts and feelings if they are worried about someone. It could save a life.
With the cost of living rising, following an incredibly challenging few years, the charity is urging people to look out for each other.
Samaritans will be joined by representatives from Network Rail, Railway Mission, Breathing Space and United to Prevent Suicide at Edinburgh Waverley railway station from 9am to 6pm to speak to commuters, staff and any member of the public who would like a chat or information.
The public will find the stand in the Marketplace, beside Platform 2.
Arlene Dickson, Samaritans’ Rail Regional Development Lead for Scotland, said:“We are all really looking forward to connecting with people within the railway station. We know how challenging these last few years have been for people and support is needed now more than ever.
“We know if someone is feeling suicidal it may be hard to get through to them, as they might be distant or distracted and not respond right away. Asking someone if they’re suicidal won’t make things worse.
“Evidence shows it could help them and give them permission to open up. So, we’re here to remind the public that they’re not alone, showing them the power of listening and starting a conversation. If you’re worried about someone, just let them know there is always someone they can turn to, whether that’s family, friends or a 24/7 helpline like Samaritans.”
Allan Brooking, Community Safety Manager for Network Rail Scotland, said: “Scotland’s Railway plays a vital role in supporting WSPD as it helps to break the stigma associated with suicide and helps us to understand how the rail industry can help to prevent suicide.
“Thanks to the work of the wider rail industry and our partners like Samaritans, we have made significant strides helping vulnerable people on and around the railways.
“However, we appreciate there are many people struggling in these exceptionally difficult times and we support this campaign which encourages the public to have lifesaving conversations if they are worried about a friend, colleague or loved one.”
Throughout World Suicide Prevention Day, Samaritans will be sharing useful content on its Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages, including information on myths about suicide and how to help look out for each other.
To find out more about Samaritans, or to make a donation and find out other ways you can support Samaritans, visit www.samaritans.org or go to our social media sites as above.
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, 24/7, 365 days a year and if you’re going through a tough time, you don’t have to face it alone.
A pedestrian who died following a collision involving a car on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass can be named as Michael Greens.
The incident happened around 5.10am on Saturday, 3 September, 2022, eastbound near the Straiton junction. Mr Greens, 25, was pronounced dead at the scene.
His family have issued the following statement through Police Scotland:
“Michael was an extremely sharp and intelligent man, who would astound and entertain us with his wit and knowledge.
“He was a student of science and history, with a passion for fitness and historical re-enactment.
“A joy to be around, he touched the hearts of those who knew him.
“He will be sorely missed by parents, Billy and Sadie, and brother, Daniel.”
The 39-year-old male driver of the BMW 3 Series car involved was uninjured.
The road was closed until around 12.40pm to allow for an investigation at the scene.
Sergeant Barry Sommerville of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts are with the Michael’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Our enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances and I would ask anyone with information which could help to get in touch.
“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage which could help our investigation.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 0714 of Saturday, 3 September, 2022.”
‘this should ring alarm bells to all political and health leaders’ RCEM says
Responding to the latest Emergency Department performance figures for Scotland, Dr John-Paul Loughrey, Vice Chair of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland, said:“The latest Emergency Department performance figures for July should ring alarm bells to all political and health leaders.
“These are the worst performance figures since records began, with over 4,000 patients waiting 12-hours or more in major Emergency Departments in Scotland – equal to nearly one in every 25 patients.
“The depth and scale of this crisis is deeply concerning. Patients are already coming to harm, a consequence of long and dangerous waiting times. These data must be a call to action, especially as winter is fast approaching.
“The government must urgently expand capacity where safely possible; we know there is a shortfall of 1,000 beds in the health system in Scotland. The Scottish government and local authorities must also bolster the social care workforce. Good social care underpins an effective health service.
“Ensuring the timely discharge of patients, which relies on good social care, is crucial for freeing up beds, admitting patients and encouraging flow throughout the hospital.
“Lastly, we must see a long-term workforce plan for the NHS in Scotland. Staff have been pushed to the brink; burnout and distress are leading to health workers considering leaving the workforce.
“We must do all we can to retain staff as well as look to recruiting new staff into the health service. Without the workforce, more and more patients will face longer and longer waits and come to further harm.
“Our priority is patient safety and delivering effective care, that is only possible with a workforce that is not overwhelmed, not burnt out and not undervalued.”
Ministers act to protect Scots facing cost of living crisis
A combined rent freeze and moratorium on evictions to help people through the cost crisis has been announced as the centrepiece of the 2022-23 Programme for Government (PfG).
The programme outlines emergency legislation which will be introduced to put in place a rent freeze until at least 31 March 2023 and a moratorium on evictions, as well as a new tenants’ rights campaign. In addition a ‘one-stop-shop’ website will be introduced to provide people with information on the range of benefits and support available to help them through the current cost of living crisis.
With £3 billion allocated to the end of March for a range of support that will help mitigate the impact of the cost crisis on households, the PfG also confirms the Scottish Child Payment will increase to £25 per week per eligible child from 14 November when it also opens to all under 16s.
In addition, the programme includes the roll out of free school meals across all primary school age groups, doubles the Fuel Insecurity Fund to £20 million to help households at risk of self-disconnection or self-rationing of energy, confirms rail fares will be frozen until March 2023 and widens the Warmer Homes Fuel Poverty Programme.
For businesses – in addition to an existing package of financial aid worth over £800 million – six ground-breaking ‘tech scalers’ will be opened, two job-boosting Greenports progressed and the National Strategy for Economic Transformation focussing on economy supporting measures continued.
In total, the PfG sets out 18 new Bills including legislation on an independence referendum and major reforms in the justice system, including a Criminal Justice Reform Bill that will propose the end of the Not Proven verdict in Scots Law and provide anonymity for complainers in sexual offence cases. A Bill for the creation of the new National Care Service will also go through parliament this year.
The programme also builds on long-term commitments made in the Bute House Agreement and restates Ministers’ commitment to the importance of delivering on Scotland’s climate ambitions. These range from a consultation on legislation to transform how buildings are heated to continuing record investment in active travel.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This Programme for Government is published in the context of the most severe cost crisis in many of our lifetimes. It is a crisis pushing millions into poverty and poses a genuine danger, not just to livelihoods, but to lives.
“The Scottish Government is already committed to a range of measures, worth almost £3 billion this year, that will help with rising costs. But the magnitude of what is being experienced by people and businesses means that mitigation is nowhere near sufficient. What is needed now is action on a scale similar to the initial Covid response.
“Regrettably, the powers to act in the manner and on the scale needed do not lie with this Parliament. In my view, they should lie here. If they did, we could have acted already. But they don’t. These powers are reserved to Westminster.
“The cost crisis means this Programme for Government is more focussed than ever before – deliberately so – with priority actions to provide help now.
“To that end we will provide more help for people who may be at risk of self-rationing or even self-disconnection from their energy supply and we will double the Fuel Insecurity Fund to £20 million this year.
“We will also propose emergency legislation to put in place a rent freeze until at least March and a moratorium on evictions.
“Given the powers to act in the manner and on the scale needed do not lie with this Parliament, this Programme for Government also provides for a Scottish Independence Referendum Bill.
“Independence would give us – like it does other independent countries – the levers we desperately need to respond to a crisis such as this. That’s the prize we surely must grasp.”
Commenting on the Scottish Programme for Government, Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance said: “The First Minister outlined many important measures today. The increase in the value and availability of the Scottish Child Payment will help thousands of households with rising living costs. Rent freezes will help tenants across the country.
“But we could do more. The First Minister said that it is not a lack of political will that prevents us from further action to help people with this cost crisis – it is a lack of money. So, the upcoming emergency budget review must focus on getting additional cash into the pockets of people on low incomes.
“One way we can raise money in Scotland, is through devolved taxes. Previous changes to the Scottish Income Tax have raised hundreds of millions of pounds for public services. We can go further. There are also opportunities to reform local council taxes, to make them fairer and raise much-needed revenue for overstretched services in our communities. There was no mention of any new wealth taxes in this programme for government.
“The First Minister talked about creating a culture of solidarity in Scotland. People in Scotland already believe in holding out a hand to others when we need help. We can use our tax system to support each other in this time of crisis, and reflect the values of compassion and justice that we all share.”
Commenting on the Scottish Programme for Government, Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns Mary Church said: “There is a welcome recognition in the Programme for Government that the cost of living crisis and the climate emergency are interconnected but the action to mitigate their impacts and tackle their root causes falls far short of what is needed.
“One year on from COP26 in Glasgow, the Scottish Government’s fine rhetoric has not turned into the transformative action needed to drive change across transport, housing and energy.
“The Scottish Government must use its forthcoming energy strategy to spell out how it will secure a rapid and fair transition away from the fossil fuels which are driving both crises within the next decade. By transforming our energy system to run on reliable, affordable renewable energy we can future proof our lives against further damage from volatile fossil fuels.
“The energy strategy must focus on demand reduction, energy efficiency and renewables, which can deliver decent green jobs in Scotland instead of fantasy techno-fixes like hydrogen and carbon capture. The Scottish Government has admitted that these speculative negative emission technologies won’t be able to deliver this decade so it’s hard to see why it continues to throw time and resources at the fossil fuel industry’s pipe dreams.
TRAIN FARE FREEZE
“The freeze on ScotRail fares demonstrates how public ownership can keep fares from getting even higher, benefiting passengers and helping support the necessary shift away from cars. While the fare freeze is welcome, the Scottish Government should be going further and actually reducing fares to help more people leave the car behind.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
“We saw the same promise to introduce a Circular Economy Bill 12 months ago, it must be delivered this time. Consumption targets to reduce both Scotland’s carbon footprint and material footprints need to be at the heart of the Circular Economy Bill to create real change.
HUMAN RIGHTS BILL
“It’s disappointing that the Human Rights Bill that would enshrine the right to a healthy and safe environment in Scots Law has been kicked into the long grass. This is a vital piece of legal protection for people and nature that should not be delayed any further nor cannot it be allowed to become a political football in the constitutional debate.”
City council Leader Cammy Day has welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the Scottish Government that it intends to introduce a bill to give councils the powers to introduce a visitor levy.
The bill, which is expected to be laid before parliament early next year, forms of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government for 2022/23, as set out by the First Minister in Holyrood this afternoon.
The council has long campaigned for the powers to introduce a levy – which would see overnight visitors pay a small additional charge on their accommodation – and has produced a substantial body of work to back its case.
It was estimated then that a levy in Edinburgh could raise in the region of £15m per year to invest in sustainable tourism and managing the impact of tourism on the city.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This is fantastic news for the city, and a landmark step following years of work here in the Capital to make the case for a visitor levy – something that’s common practice in other major cities and destinations across the world.
“We’re very proud to be one of the world’s most popular visitor destinations, but we’re equally aware that this success comes at a cost. That’s why we believe it’s right to ask visitors to make a small contribution to help us sustain and improve our tourism offer while managing its impact.
“We’ve been building the case for Edinburgh to become the first city in the UK to introduce such a levy, consistently and repeatedly making the case to Scottish Ministers without success – until now. From our citywide consultation held in 2018, our proposals gained overwhelming backing from Edinburgh’s residents, businesses and attractions – and, importantly, also from the majority of accommodation providers.
“Ultimately the income this generates will help us continue to invest in and manage the success of tourism on our city, making sure we continue to offer one of the most enviable and enjoyable visitor experiences in the world – while bringing new and additional benefits to our residents who live and work here all year round.
“We acknowledge, of course, that this has been an extremely challenging period for our culture and hospitality industries and are fully committed to working together with them, the wider tourism industry and other partners to co-produce a scheme that works best for the whole of our Capital city.
“I’ll be pushing the Scottish Government hard to ensure that any income generated is in addition to our block grant funding – not instead of it – and that we’re in a position to benefit from this as soon as possible.”
Surgeons Quarter invest in staff following post-pandemic event boom
A FLAGBEARER of Scottish hospitality has launched a new engagement initiative to improve staff wellbeing as the sector booms post-pandemic.
‘SQ Cares’ by Surgeons Quarter is a programme run by representatives across all departments focussing on the welfare and wellbeing of staff – adding to the existing schemes already in place.
Nine members have been meeting once a month since January to discuss six key areas across the business – charity, community, wellbeing, green, inclusion and social – of which three pledges have been made for each.
Current pledges devised by the initiative include wellbeing programmes and seasonal treats, while some entail giving back to the community through supporting charities such as Bowel Cancer UK and organised community clean-ups.
Sarah Williamson, Business and Talent Manager and driving force behind SQ Cares, said: “After a turbulent few years, it’s great to see the events sector back operating at full capacity again.
“Staff have stepped up during busy times so we wanted to introduce a way to engage with them across all departments to gather input and ensure we put their voices at the heart of everything we do.
“SQ Cares is having a positive impact on the business already as the pledges have been created by staff for staff and since these have been put into practice, engagement has soared.
“A business is really all about its people- making sure that they are happy and looked after is so important. We are such a busy company and always running about so sometimes it is nice to just stop and say thank you.
“Initiatives already implemented include celebrating International Employee Appreciation Day where staff were treated to lunch and we also issued thank you cards. We also reintroduced Employee of the Month which has been met with a lot of enthusiasm.”
SQ Cares adds to the number of existing employee initiatives that the event venue already offers, such as a £2,000 holiday bonus for its hard-working hospitality recruits.
The organisation has also recently relocated its office to new premises at Mission Hall in order to create an environment for staff to thrive and have all of the necessary equipment and tools to produce their best work.
An ‘open door’ policy has been introduced at the new office meaning members of the public can visit to discuss their hospitality, event or travel requirements with an experienced member of the team – without having to book an appointment.
Operations Manager, Stewart Munro joined the organisation in April and is supportive of the SQ Cares initiative focused on creating a happier workforce while boosting morale.
He said: “When I joined the team at Surgeons Quarter, I felt like my particular role was a blank canvas and one which I could run with on my own. I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with the team on the ground, helping them to develop and supporting them in any way I can.
“SQ Cares is a way to show our staff that we care and appreciate the amazing work displayed, especially throughout this particularly busy summer period.
“Surgeons Quarter is a fast-paced and forward-thinking company which is why I was delighted to be offered a job there – I feel its excellent employee benefit schemes really showcase this. They have allowed me to grow in my career already and I’m looking forward to seeing the pledges progress.”
Prime Minister Liz Truss’s statement on the steps of Downing Street:
Good afternoon,
I have just accepted Her Majesty The Queen’s kind invitation to form a new government.
Let me pay tribute to my predecessor.
Boris Johnson delivered Brexit, the Covid vaccine, and stood up to Russian aggression.
History will see him as a hugely consequential Prime Minister.
I’m honoured to take on this responsibility at a vital time for our country.
What makes the United Kingdom great is our fundamental belief in freedom, in enterprise, and in fair play.
Our people have shown grit, courage and determination time and time again.
We now face severe global headwinds caused by Russia’s appalling war in Ukraine and the aftermath of Covid.
Now is the time to tackle the issues that are holding Britain back.
We need to build roads, homes and broadband faster.
We need more investment and great jobs in every town and city across our country.
We need to reduce the burden on families and help people get on in life.
I know that we have what it takes to tackle those challenges.
Of course, it won’t be easy. But we can do it.
We will transform Britain into an aspiration nation…with high-paying jobs, safe streets and where everyone everywhere has the opportunities they deserve.
I will take action this day, and action every day, to make it happen.
United with our allies, we will stand up for freedom and democracy around the world – recognising that we can’t have security at home without having security abroad.
As Prime Minister, I will pursue three early priorities.
Firstly, I will get Britain working again.
I have a bold plan to grow the economy through tax cuts and reform.
I will cut taxes to reward hard work and boost business-led growth and investment.
I will drive reform in my mission to get the United Kingdom working, building, and growing.
We will get spades in the ground to make sure people are not facing unaffordable energy bills and we will also make sure, that we are building hospitals, schools, roads, and broadband.
Secondly, I will deal hands-on with the energy crisis caused by Putin’s war.
I will take action this week to deal with energy bills and to secure our future energy supply.
Thirdly, I will make sure that people can get doctors’ appointments and the NHS services they need. We will put our health service on a firm footing.
By delivering on the economy, on energy, and on the NHS, we will put our nation on the path to long-term success.
We shouldn’t be daunted by the challenges we face.
As strong as the storm may be, I know that the British people are stronger.
Our country was built by people who get things done.
We have huge reserves of talent, of energy, and determination.
I am confident that together we can:
Ride out the storm,
We can rebuild our economy,
And we can become the modern brilliant Britain that I know we can be.
This is our vital mission to ensure opportunity and prosperity for all people and future generations. I am determined to deliver. Thank you.
CABINET APPOINTMENTS:
The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP as Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, and Minister for the Union
The Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. She will also be Deputy Prime Minister (below).
The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP as Chancellor of the Exchequer
The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
The Rt Hon Suella Braverman QC MP as Secretary of State for the Home Department
Wendy Morton MP as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip). She will attend Cabinet
The Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP has been re-appointed as Secretary of State for Defence
The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP as Lord Chancellor, and Secretary of State for Justice
The Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi MP as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Minister for Intergovernmental Relations and Minister for Equalities
The Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP as Lord President of the Council, and Leader of the House of Commons
Lord True CBE as Lord Privy Seal, and Leader of the House of Lords
The Rt Hon Jake Berry MP as Minister without Portfolio
The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP has been re-appointed as COP26 President
The Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
The Rt Hon Simon Clarke MP as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Kemi Badenoch MP as Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade
Chloe Smith MP as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
The Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP as Secretary of State for Education
Ranil Jayawardena MP as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP as Secretary of State for Transport
The Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
The Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Rt Hon Alister Jack MP has been re-appointed as Secretary of State for Scotland
The Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE QC MP has been re-appointed as Secretary of State for Wales
Chris Philp MP as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. He will attend Cabinet
Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP as Attorney General. He will attend Cabinet
Edward Argar MP as Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office. He will attend Cabinet
Vicky Ford MP as a Minister of State (Minister for Development) in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She will attend Cabinet
Tom Tugendhat MBE MP as a Minister of State (Minister for Security) in the Home Department. He will attend Cabinet
James Heappey MP has been re-appointed as a Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence. He will be Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans and will attend Cabinet.
Graham Stuart MP as a Minister of State (Minister for Climate) in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. He will attend Cabinet.
This is an introductory 5 week course for people keen to learn the basics of using clippers, simple cutting techniques and handling scissor & clipper equipment safely & confidently.
Professional Barber Tutor led live demonstration. Discussion, guidance and individual support as required in a relaxed inclusive environment. Students will have access to Clippers, scissors and a trainee model head to practice cutting on.
Wednesdays from 10-12pm OR from 7-9pm
Great and unique opportunity to learn a really useful life skill with a friendly, professional tutor – follow up courses starting from November.
These 5 week courses start from Wednesday 28th September.
The Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Stroke – of which we are secretariat, is exploring the current position of emotional support available to people affected by stroke in Scotland. Our aim is to support stroke improvements in this area.
A vital part of this is to gather the views of people affected by stroke in Scotland.
We want to know: what support you received? Was it the right support for you?
Please have your say by completing out short online survey.
Motorists running modern EVs and hybrids who are tempted to cut costs by not investing in roadside assistance could be in for a shock from unskilled recovery agents warns leading breakdown provider Start Rescue.
As people tighten their belts, breakdown cover is often the first thing to go. But that could end up being a false economy and particularly for those with electric cars and hybrids.
With many modern vehicles having detailed recovery procedures, specialist and up-to-date knowledge is essential and particularly with modern EVs and hybrids. Failure to recover these vehicles correctly can result in costly damage to the crucial motors, transmissions and expensive electrical components.
Start Rescue says drivers of conventionally powered vehicles could find themselves shelling out £250 or more from inflated call-out charges and extra, unforeseen costs from freelancers, but for EV and plug-in hybrid owners who fall victim to unskilled traders it could mean thousands in unnecessary repair bills.
And if the vehicle is damaged during recovery there is the added worry as to whether the operator has the appropriate insurance cover; potentially leaving the driver footing the entire repair bill.
Start Rescue Managing Director Lee Puffett said: “It’s a false economy to skimp on breakdown cover but particularly for those running electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. These motorists are risking not just their vehicle but leaving themselves open to massive additional bills if the recovery is botched.
“When you need help, you should ideally obtain assistance from a company which has a good reputation in your community or holds an industry recognised standard, such as PAS 43*. If they are PAS 43 registered, you can be very confident they have the necessary skills and technical training to recover your particular vehicle, whether it’s a car, van, motorcycle or a bus.
“Companies operating without a recognised recovery industry standard or lacking the experience of working with varying vehicle types, frequently don’t have the skills to recover a petrol or diesel vehicle correctly. So, if you have an EV or hybrid the risks of hugely expensive damage to these vehicles – which require a specific set of skills – are potentially higher.”
Without appropriate roadside rescue knowledge, these kind of ‘have-a-go’ operators are also potentially putting themselves and drivers at risk of injury, due to a lack of knowledge in appropriately recovering the vehicle or correctly managing the scene.
‘Have-a-go’ traders also may not have DBS or background checks, leaving vulnerable drivers at risk and recovery traders lacking a recognised recovery industry standard may exceed their allocated tachometer hours, increasing the risk of an accident due to fatigue.
Start Rescue is a 2021 Which? recommended breakdown cover provider.
Breakdown cover top tips
Get covered! If you don’t know a local reputable company, having no breakdown cover leaves you at the mercy of rogue traders
Use a reputable breakdown assistance provider such as Start Rescue
Have the breakdown cover’s contact details stored in your phone
Check the recovery company’s credentials. Reputable companies should show ID
Read your vehicle handbook to check for any special recovery instructions
Obtain a written and signed vehicle condition report before and after assistance has been provided and take photos of your vehicle both before and after assistance has been provided
Check for vehicle damage straight after recovery; report any problems immediately
