Tag: advice

RAC predicts number of private parking tickets issued in a year is set to rise by 3m to a record 17m

  • Drivers want private parking ‘PCNs’ renamed to avoid confusion with council Penalty Charge Notices
  • 91% of drivers say ‘Parking Charge Notices’ are confusing as they carry the same ‘PCN’ acronym as council fines – but are fundamentally different

The RAC expects the number of private parking tickets issued to drivers in the year to the end of March will hit a new record of 17m when government figures are published next month.

So far, car park management companies have sent out more than 13m parking charging notices in just three months, an average of 4.3m tickets a quarter. This would mean the 2024-25 record total of 14.4m is likely to be surpassed by as much as 3m this year.

Interestingly, new RAC research* has found half of drivers don’t realise there are major differences between public parking fines and private parking charge notices as they are named so similarly – and look virtually identical when stuck to a vehicle’s windscreen.

While 44% said they thought there were differences between a Penalty Charge Notice issued by a council for a parking violation and a Parking Charge Notice sent out by a private car park management company for an alleged infringement, 50% were confused as both are regularly referred to as PCNs. Of these, nearly four-in-10 (37%) were not sure of the differences and 13% didn’t think there were any differences. A further 5% hadn’t heard of either.

Of the 44% who stated they thought there were differences between the two types of PCNs, three-quarters (76%) correctly understood a Penalty Charge Notice is issued by councils and a Parking Charge Notice is issued by private car park operators. But 15% wrongly believed it was the other way round – that a Penalty Charge Notice is issued by private car park operators and a Parking Charge Notice is issued by councils. Eight per cent said they didn’t know what the difference was. 

Despite both often being referred to by the same ‘PCN’ acronym and looking almost identical when fixed to a driver’s windscreen, Penalty Charge Notices are very different to Parking Charge Notices. A Penalty Charge Notice is issued to drivers by local councils and Transport for London after committing an offence by parking on public land. It’s a fine drivers have to pay and is backed by law. Drivers can appeal to the independently run Traffic Penalty Tribunal (England and Wales) or London Tribunals for contraventions committed in London boroughs.

In stark contrast, a Parking Charge Notice is issued to drivers by private parking companies when they believe drivers have breached the terms and conditions of parking on private land. In reality, it’s not a fine, but an invoice for an alleged breach of contract. Drivers can appeal to either of the appeals bodies set up by the two private parking trade associations – Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) or the Independent Appeals Service (IAS).

Nine-in-10 (91%) of drivers surveyed by the RAC felt the term ‘Parking Charge Notice’ is confusing as it shares the same ‘PCN’ acronym.

With a view to making the difference between ‘PCNs’ clearer, the RAC asked drivers confused by the acronym what a Parking Charge Notice issued by private parking operators should be renamed as. Three-in-10 (31%) felt it should be called a ‘Private Parking Charge’ (a PPC); 19% a Private Car Park Charge (a PCPC); 19% a Charge for Private Parking (a CPP); 14% an Invoice for Private Parking (an IPP); and 16% weren’t sure.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Drivers are clearly confused by the PCN acronym which is concerning as they are very different in terms of consequences.

“A PCN sent by the council is a fine and must be paid, whereas a Parking Charge Notice, issued by a private car park operator, is an invoice for alleged breach of contract.

“The fact both can be put on drivers’ windscreens in identical bright yellow colour doesn’t help, either. We suspect they’re deliberately designed to look very similar to a council penalty charge notice.

“While the two private parking trade associations have set their industry PCNs at £100, they are regularly discounted by at least 40% for payment within 14 days. Fines issued by councils vary but are generally lower outside London and are all discounted by 50% for early payment.

“Another very important difference occurs after the 28-day appeal window has closed, when an unpaid private Parking Charge Notice is often increased by £70 to £170 with a letter from a debt collection company.

“The RAC is firmly against this practice as it’s totally disproportionate to the alleged parking contravention. This is perhaps one reason why 36% of drivers surveyed for our annual Report on Motoring had concerns about the conduct of private parking companies when pursuing people for parking infringements.**

“As there’s so much confusion between the two PCN acronyms, drivers are very supportive of changing the name of private Parking Charge Notices to clear this up and help others understand the important legal difference.”

Recent RAC analysis of government data found that in the year to the end of September 2025 a record 15.9m parking tickets were handed out by private businesses, up 17% on the same period the year before.***

While the RAC accepts that part of the rise may be due to more car parks being privately managed, the figures show 48,000 tickets per day were issued between June and September last year, which it feels is ominously high considering most people don’t set out to get a private parking notice.

Simon Williams added: “This record figure says to us that something must be going badly awry, which is why the outcome of the Government’s latest Private Parking Code of Practice consultation can’t come soon enough.

“Drivers need to know they’re being treated fairly whenever they use a private car park.”

CMA publishes new monitoring update on road fuel market

Report assesses impact of the conflict in the Middle East on fuel prices and margins until the end of April 2026

  • No evidence that retailers altered their pricing strategies to take advantage of the crisis
  • Lack of effective competition remains a concern, and CMA will examine whether improved supply conditions are reflected in lower retail prices over the coming weeks
  • Savings of up to £9  per tank possible if drivers shop around – the more motorists make use of Fuel Finder-backed services, the better it works

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its latest road fuel monitoring report, setting out how the conflict in the Middle East has affected what drivers pay at the pump. It has also assessed fuel margins – the difference between the price petrol stations pay for fuel and the price they sell it at.

In its previous report, the CMA found that the conflict in the Middle East caused a rapid increase in both the wholesale price for fuel and prices at the pump. While margins in March were similar to 2025, a small number of retailers saw their margins increase. The CMA committed to examine this further and has set out findings in today’s report.

Today’s report

Overall, the CMA’s analysis indicates that elevated wholesale prices continue to explain most of the increase in pump prices in March and into April and it has not seen evidence of retailers actively changing their pricing strategies to take advantage of the crisis.

Alongside wholesale price increases, a range of factors particular to the current crisis may be reducing retailers’ incentives to offer lower prices, including wholesale price volatility, supply constraints and increases in demand.

The CMA’s investigations also indicate that, where certain individual retailers have increased margins in March, this is due in part to retailers following competitors’ price increases and setting prices to mitigate supply constraints and inventory pressures, alongside differences in their purchasing costs.   

However, it also notes that throughout this period, average fuel margins for both supermarket and non-supermarket retailers remained at historically high levels and, in a number of cases, individual retailer margins increased slightly in April – bringing the average to 11.3 ppl. This is the case even though inventory levels and wholesale costs have stabilised to some extent in April.

The CMA therefore remains concerned that sustained high retail margins reflect a continuation of the weak competitive dynamics identified during its 2023 market study, with retailers continuing with largely passive pricing policies – aligning to local market pricing by competitors – rather than actively competing to win customers.

Given the improvements to supply conditions seen in April – in particular improved inventory levels and with wholesale prices no longer increasing –  the CMA would be concerned if current high retail prices persist. It will therefore be paying close attention to whether improved supply conditions are reflected in retail prices.

Fuel Finder

Fuel Finder can help increase competition between fuel retailers by making it easier for drivers to compare fuel prices. Drivers are encouraged to shop around using navigation apps and comparison websites, with potential savings of up to £9 per tank.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: “We know prices at the pump are putting real pressure on drivers’ pockets. While our analysis shows the rise in wholesale prices is the main reason for higher fuel prices, we remain concerned about weak competition in the sector leaving drivers paying more.

“Retailers should be in no doubt that we are continuing to monitor prices and margins closely and expect any reductions in wholesale prices to be rapidly and fully passed on to drivers.

“In the meantime, Fuel Finder can help drivers save up to £9 a tank. The more motorists make use of Fuel Finder-backed services, the better it works – saving money now and driving down prices in the long run.”

Consistent with its market study, the CMA found supermarkets remained, on average, the cheapest places to buy fuel and lead the market on price. Meanwhile, motorway service stations were the most expensive and charged a substantial premium.

The CMA will publish its next update in August, considering market developments over a longer time period until the end of June – this will give a clearer picture of whether savings are being passed on.

As it is now 3 years since the CMA’s original market study and given ongoing concerns about weak price competition in the sector, the CMA will now also engage directly with retailers as it conducts a more detailed assessment of their pricing strategies across the market.

It expects to publish the results of that assessment in the autumn, to allow for an assessment of the impact of the introduction of the Fuel Finder scheme.

Money Doesn’t Talk: Two thirds of Edinburgh residents grow up without discussing investing

  • More than a third (35%) of people in Edinburgh are ‘investment curious’ but yet to take their first step
  • Almost three-quarters (67%) of Edinburgh locals grew up in households where investing wasn’t talked about
  • NatWest launches new confidence building campaign with consumer finance champion Angellica Bell to help would-be first time investors take their first step

A study of 5,000 UK adults from NatWest has found that 67% of Edinburgh locals grew up in households where investing was never talked about.

However, despite this, more than a third (35%) of people in Edinburgh are ‘investment curious’ but are yet to take their first step, with hesitation to invest driven by fear of making a mistake (33%) and a desire for better understanding of investing (20%). The research also shows that locals feels they need to hit certain milestones before getting started as over a quarter (30%) say they wouldn’t consider investing until they had at least £10,000 in savings.

This “readiness barrier” is preventing many people from taking that first step, with almost three quarters (67%) of Edinburgh residents are not currently investing outside of workplace pensions*.

Practical support could help close the gap. One in five (20%) of residents state that having a better understanding would have helped them to feel more ready to invest, the most commonly listed response. Locally, more than one in three (37%) of residents would be the first in their family to invest if they were to take their first step.

NatWest commissioned the research to support a new campaign aimed at helping people tackle the confidence barriers that can make investing feel out of reach. Developed in partnership with TV presenter and consumer finance expert Angellica Bell, it launches amid a developing national conversation around how to encourage more people to invest.

This includes the recent launch of the government backed “Invest for the Future” initiative which aims to make investing feel more accessible to everyday savers and the introduction of Targeted Support, designed to help banks give customers more meaningful guidance on investing.

Aroma Khan, NatWest Investment Expert, said: “At a time when many people are carefully managing their money and thinking hard about their financial priorities, we understand that investing may not feel like the right step for everyone.

“But for those who are in a position to save, investing can still feel out of reach, either because it was never talked about growing up or because it seems like you need a certain level of knowledge or money to get started.

“That’s why we’ve launched this campaign: to help break down those perceptions and support people in understanding whether investing is right for them, at a pace that works for them.

“We want to help more people feel confident enough to explore that first step, if and when they’re ready. In reality, it’s often about starting small, for example through something like a Stocks and Shares ISA, building understanding over time and recognising that you don’t have to have everything figured out from day one.

“By making investing feel more accessible and achievable, we hope to support people in turning that initial curiosity into informed action.”

To help people take that first step, NatWest has partnered with TV presenter, consumer finance expert and NatWest customer Angellica Bell to challenge common misconceptions about investing for the first time.

Angellica Bell said: “People often assume investing is something you need to have all figured out before you start, that you need the right salary, the right amount saved, or the right moment. But that’s rarely how anything in life actually works.

“I’ve learned that in plenty of situations myself. Whether it was moving into a new role or picking up new skills later in life, the confidence came from doing it, not from waiting until everything felt perfectly in place. Investing doesn’t have to be different. A small step is still a meaningful step, and you build from there.”

Angellica Bell’s advice for those considering investing for the first time:

  • Accept that nerves are natural – If it feels daunting, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing, it’s just what doing something new feels like. Confidence usually follows the first step, not the other way around.
  • Stop waiting for the perfect moment – There’s always another milestone to hit, but the research shows that regret about not starting sooner is highest among people in their 30s and 40s. Start when you can, even a small step, and build from there.
  • Focus on the ‘why’ – Make it real: what are you investing for? A clear goal turns a scary step into a purposeful one. Keep it practical, start with an amount you’re comfortable with, and learn as you go.
  • Challenge the ‘not for me’ narrative – Everyone starts as a beginner. Investing isn’t for a certain type of person, it’s simply a way to build long‑term security and open up more choices later.
  • Start smaller than you think you need to – Most people overestimate what it takes to begin. A small first step is still a first step, and it’s one more than you’ve taken before.

Find out more about investing with NatWest and how to get started with a Stocks & Shares ISA: 

https://www.natwest.com/investments/stocks-and-shares-isa.html

Acas top tips for employers managing hot weather at work

Workplace expert Acas has offered some recommendations to help employers manage workplace challenges due to hot weather.  

Acas Chief Executive Niall Mackenzie said: ““The warmer weather will be welcomed by many, but for some staff getting into work, or those working in warmer environments, it can be uncomfortable.

“Some workers with certain health conditions or disabilities may be adversely affected by the heat. The hotter weather can also impact public transport, which can hinder workers travelling to work. 

“Acas has some top tips for employers to help ensure their businesses remain productive during the heatwave while keeping staff happy too.” 

By law, employers have a ‘duty of care’ to make sure working temperatures are reasonable for their staff. This includes at the workplace and working from home.

Acas’s recommendations for hot weather working include: 

Workplace temperatures should be reasonable  

There is no legal maximum working temperature. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) advice is that the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings must be reasonable.  

The HSE offers advice on how to carry out a thermal comfort risk assessment if staff are unhappy with the temperature:  http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/index.htm  

Keeping cool at work  

Switch on any fans or air conditioners to keep workplaces comfortable and use blinds or curtains to block out sunlight. Staff working outside should wear appropriate clothes and use sunscreen to protect from sunburn. 

Stay hydrated  

Employers must provide staff with suitable drinking water in the workplace. Workers should drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and not wait until they are thirsty. Employers could allow extra breaks for staff to get cold drinks. 

Dress code

Employers are not under any obligation to relax their uniform or dress code requirements during hot weather but where possible it may be advisable to for employers to relax the rules for wearing ties or suits. 

Getting into work 

If public transport gets adversely affected by the hot weather, this could affect staff attendance and their ability to get into work on time.

Staff should check timetables in advance, and employers should be flexible.  https://www.acas.org.uk/disruption-getting-to-work  

Vulnerable workers 

Workers with health conditions or disabilities may be affected more by hot weather.

Employers should assess for any risks and discuss what they need to reduce or remove that risk. This might include providing fans, portable air-cooling units or more frequent or longer breaks. 

Employers must make reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities. https://www.acas.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments  

For further advice, please see:

https://www.acas.org.uk/extreme-temperatures-in-the-workplace

Ten ways to reduce motoring costs this spring

Drivers are being urged to act now as motoring costs threaten to climb with fuel price volatility, insurance hikes and rising repair bills hitting household budgets hard.

Motoring experts at car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco have offered drivers practical tips to help cut everyday motoring costs and avoid being caught out by price rises.

Petrol and diesel prices have been unpredictable in recent years but ongoing tensions in Iran have pushed oil markets back into the headlines.

Disruption to Middle East supply routes are creating fresh uncertainty and the potential for sudden price spikes at the pump over the coming weeks. 

Spring and summer also typically see higher driving volumes thanks to bank holidays and ‘staycations’ which can push pump prices even higher. 

At the same time, insurance premiums remain elevated following a sharp rise in claims costs and vehicle repairs.

Car maintenance is another growing concern as warmer weather reveals damage caused over winter, including pothole wear, tyre deterioration, worn brakes and battery strain.

Drivers who delay routine maintenance often face larger repair bills later in the year, especially as garages tend to become busier ahead of peak travel season.

John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco.com said: “Many drivers assume their biggest motoring cost is fuel, but several expenses tend to rise together in spring and summer. 

“Increased travel pushes up fuel demand and cars begin to show the effects of winter wear and tear.

“But small habits can make a surprisingly big difference. Improving fuel efficiency, staying on top of maintenance and reviewing insurance cover can collectively save drivers hundreds of pounds over the coming months. 

“Taking action early is key, as waiting until a problem appears often means paying more than needed.”

To help motorists stay ahead of rising costs, LeaseLoco’s motoring experts recommend:

1.Shop around well before your insurance renewal

Start comparing quotes three to four weeks ahead of your renewal date. Insurers can reward early shoppers with lower premiums, while leaving it until the last minute can lead to higher prices.

2.Review your cover and excess levels

Removing unnecessary add-ons and adjusting your voluntary excess could reduce premiums, as long as it remains affordable in the event of a claim.

3.Avoid last-minute fuel purchases

Filling up near motorways, holiday routes or on peak travel days often means paying more. Planning fuel stops and using price comparison apps can help drivers find cheaper stations nearby.

4.Check tyre pressure at least once a month

Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption, reduce tyre lifespan and compromise safety. Correct tyre pressure improves efficiency and reduces wear.

5.Clear out excess weight from your vehicle

Roof racks and heavy items in the boot all increase fuel usage. Removing anything not needed for daily driving can improve efficiency immediately.

6.Adopt smoother driving habits

Gradual acceleration, gentle braking and maintaining a steady speed can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Using cruise control on longer journeys can also help.

7.Stick to regular servicing schedules

Oil changes, filter replacements and basic checks keep engines running efficiently and can prevent expensive breakdowns later in the year.

8.Check your air conditioning early

Faulty air conditioning systems often go unnoticed until the first hot day. Early checks can prevent costly repairs and improve fuel efficiency.

9.Combine errands into fewer trips

Multiple short journeys from a cold engine use far more fuel than one longer trip. Planning routes in advance reduces unnecessary mileage.

10.Consider car sharing or alternative travel when possible

Sharing journeys can cut fuel spend over time.

Pensioners urged to be alert to Winter Fuel Payment scams

  • Winter Fuel Payments paid in winter 2025 will be recovered from pensioners with income above £35,000
  • Check if your payment will be reclaimed at GOV.UK – you don’t need to contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
  • Scammers may try to trick customers into handing money over

Pensioners are being warned to be on high alert for scams as the recovery of Winter Fuel Payments begins this month.

Almost two million people are expected to repay their winter 2025 payment due to their annual income being more than £35,000 – for most, an automatic process.

HMRC saw more than 25,000 Winter Fuel Payment scam referrals over the last 12 months and is warning that scammers may now use the recovery process as a hook to use texts, emails and phone calls to target this group.

For most, the payment will be recovered through a change to their PAYE tax code from this month (April 2026) with no need to contact HMRC.

For those in Self Assessment who file online, the payment should be pre-populated in their 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027. Customers should check and add it manually if it is not shown.

Paper filers will need to add it on their tax return, due by 31 October 2026. 

This applies across the UK – including in Scotland, where the payment is known as the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and in Northern Ireland, where payments were made by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive. In all cases, recovery is handled by HMRC.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: ““Criminals are great pretenders and often use fake letters, emails, calls and texts to impersonate HMRC and trick people into giving them money.

“I’d encourage anyone who’s unsure to use our online tool at GOV.UK to check whether and how their payment will be recovered – there’s no need to call us”

HMRC will never contact people by text or email to ask them to repay their Winter Fuel Payment, or to request bank details.

People can use HMRC’s online checking tool at GOV.UK to see whether their payment will be reclaimed and how.

Playlist for Life: Free Webinar

TUESDAY 14th APRIL at 7pm on ZOOM

If you would like to know more about how personal playlists can be used in dementia support, we are hosting a free webinar on Tuesday 14th April.

The one hour session will cover:

🎵 How personal playlists can help someone live well with dementia

💡 Tips for finding music that sparks memories, conversation, and connection

👂 Simple ways to listen – no technology experience is needed to enjoy playlists!

💚 An opportunity to share songs from your own playlist and connect with others

This free session is open to anyone affected by dementia.

🎟️ Book here: https://sbee.link/n4xyvw86hc

Small changes could make big difference to Edinburgh charities

Edinburgh charities may be able to improve their financial resilience through smarter approaches to saving, despite ongoing pressure from rising costs and uncertain income streams, new research suggests. 

A survey found that many charities hold substantial cash reserves, yet almost half lack confidence in their long-term financial stability. The findings point to a disconnect between balances held and the role those funds play in supporting sustainable operations. 

While reserves remain a vital safety net, the research highlights an opportunity for charities to make their money work harder. By reviewing where cash is held and exploring more suitable savings options, charities could strengthen resilience without increasing risk or reducing accessibility. 

The survey by Redwood Bank, MoneyComms’ Best Charity Savings Provider 2026, found that 69 per cent of UK charities hold over £50,000 in savings, with almost half (46 per cent) holding more than £100,000. When current accounts are included, 84 per cent hold more than £50,000 and 68.5 per cent hold over £100,000. 

Despite these substantial balances, charities are under mounting pressure: 

  • 80 per cent reported rising day-to-day costs 
  • 73 per cent said they struggle to secure stable donations and funding 
  • 62 per cent have seen the value of donations decrease 
  • Almost half (49 per cent) lack confidence in their long-term financial stability 

One charity said: “We face increases in demand for our services at the same time as our donations are falling. That combination is unsustainable.” 

The research also shows that while 81 per cent of charities review their savings at least annually, many still do not seek alternatives that could improve returns. Fewer than half (44 per cent) do not hold a savings account with a second provider, choosing instead to keep their money in a current account, with over a third of these charities citing lack of awareness of the options available. 

The survey highlighted what matters most when choosing a savings account. Alongside competitive interest rates (85 per cent), charities value accessibility and withdrawal terms (72 per cent), bank reputation (60 per cent), digital ease (56 per cent) and ethical or social values (51 per cent). 

The findings have prompted the specialist Bank to draft its first Redwood Research Report, How smarter saving can strengthen the UK charity sector, which sets out practical steps to help organisations make their reserves work harder. 

Jessica Darrah, Senior Savings Product Manager at Redwood, said: “Charities are working tirelessly to support communities but are often doing so under financial strain and with limited options.

“Our research shows that while many have substantial reserves, these funds are not always working as hard as they could or should be. When every pound matters, smarter saving strategies could make a real difference to financial resilience. 

“As a specialist business bank, we can provide personal service with consistently competitive savings rates. The Bank has been recognised as the Best Business Variable Rate Deposit Account Provider at the Moneyfacts Awards for seven consecutive years, reflecting our commitment to delivering value and clarity for customers. 

“Unlike traditional high street banks, we can focus on understanding the specific needs of charities and smaller organisations. Our dedicated savings products and knowledgeable team aim to make saving simpler, more transparent and better suited to the realities of the sector.” 

The Redwood Research Report can be downloaded here:

 https://redwoodbank.co.uk/savings/charity-savings-accounts 

Essential fuel saving tips ahead of Easter road trips

10 fuel saving tips for drivers  

Drivers are being told that harsh acceleration and braking could be contributing to poor fuel efficiency. 

Experts at LeaseLoco.com are sharing ways to help cash-strapped Brits minimise fuel waste on the road and save money when travelling this Easter.  

As prices continue to fluctuate, adopting more cautious driving habits and reducing unnecessary energy output can lead to significant savings.

Shopping around for the best fuel prices and planning ahead for fuel top ups can make a big difference in cutting costs.

Motorists should plan journeys and try to include well priced petrol stations in their route to prevent unnecessary detours for fuel.

Drivers are also advised to conserve fuel and prevent unnecessary consumption by avoiding excessive engine revs and sudden acceleration.

Other tips like closing windows to reduce drag on a vehicle, and minimising air conditioning use can prevent vehicles from overworking and using fuel unnecessarily.

These tips can also benefit electric vehicles (EVs). EV drivers can extend their driving range and reduce the need for frequent charging by minimising energy consumption, ultimately saving money.

John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com said: “Fuel costs are continuously rising but there are a few ways to combat this which can help make a difference to your monthly budget.

“Some common bad habits that cause drivers to waste more fuel than they realise include unnecessary engine revs, harsh acceleration, and idling in traffic with the engine running.

“If you have an older car you’ll want to avoid frequently restarting your engine in brief stops. Those with new models however should definitely consider making the most of their stop-start systems to help reduce fuel consumption. 

“By thinking ahead and driving smoothly, you can make significant savings on fuel by reducing your vehicle’s consumption.”

TEN FUEL-SAVING TIPS:

Shop around 

Checking out where near you has the cheapest fuel, you can use sources such as PetrolPrices.com to help you work this out. 

Accelerate and brake smoothly 

Driving smoothly, with gentle acceleration and braking will help to reduce fuel consumption by minimising sudden spikes in fuel usage.

Reduce engine revs

Revving your engine increases fuel consumption. By reducing revs, you can make your fuel usage more efficient.

Use cruise control 

Using cruise control or driving at a steady, consistent pace, particularly on motorways, will help reduce fuel consumption.

Remove unnecessary weight

The heavier your car, the more energy it requires to move. Reducing unnecessary weight will decrease fuel consumption and improve efficiency.

Top up tyre pressures 

Make sure your tyre pressure is topped up; this will reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Under inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which can increase fuel consumption.

Combine trips and plan ahead

Plan your trip in advance to find the quickest routes and avoid traffic, especially on unfamiliar journeys. This can help you save time and reduce fuel consumption. If possible, combine trips and car share if you’re taking the same route.

Cut down on air conditioning

Anything that requires energy from your vehicle, such as air conditioning, will consume fuel to operate. To reduce fuel costs, it’s best to minimise the use of air conditioning when possible.

Close windows 

Driving with the windows open can increase drag on your vehicle, requiring more acceleration to reach speed. Particularly on fast roads, keeping the windows closed will help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

Turn engine off

When stopped for a few minutes, turn off your engine. In newer cars, utilise the start/stop function. Reducing idling can help lower fuel consumption and costs.

LeaseLoco is the UK’s biggest car lease comparison website, making it super quick and easy for drivers to filter and compare millions of deals from the UK’s leading car leasing companies to best suit their needs.