The new 100% electric Nissan Ariya named Best Mid-Sized Company Car…
…“the newcomer goes straight to the top of the class” …
… and takes overall Auto Express Car of the Year title
“It mixes style and substance seamlessly, and is an advanced EV right for the modern era”
Spacious, lounge-like and modern, with a clear attachment to its Japanese DNA, Ariya offers a refined, comfortable, zero-emissions drive
The new Nissan Ariya has been named a double winner at this year’s Auto Express Awards, securing both the ‘Best Mid-Sized Company Car’ trophy and the coveted overall ‘Car of the Year’ title.
Now available for customers to order, with a fully electric range of up to 329 miles, the Ariya features Japanese-inspired design, a luxurious and spacious cabin and advanced technologies.
Andrew Humberstone, managing director at Nissan GB, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition for our incredible new 100% electric crossover and would like to thank the judges for this fantastic award.
“The Ariya perfectly encapsulates the design, tech and performance of our next generation EVs and will continue Nissan’s pioneering journey in electrification and support our route to carbon neutrality.”
Auto Express’ judges were keen to highlight the Ariya’s all-round talents and praised the car’s compelling blend of head-turning looks, premium appeal and composed driving dynamics, plus a range of well over 300 miles.
For business users too, it was judged that “the newcomer goes straight to the top of the class”.
Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express, added: “The Ariya is the most premium-feeling Nissan we’ve seen yet, but it backs this up with impressive technology, punchy performance and clever storage.
“It mixes style and substance seamlessly, and is an advanced EV right for the modern era, as many motorists seriously consider – with many making the switch – to all-electric motoring. It’s our Car of the Year 2022.”
Drawing on Nissan’s leadership in electrification and segment-defining crossover capabilities, the Nissan Ariya seamlessly delivers advanced driving capabilities and a premium EV experience.
CarStore and Battersea announce partnership to empower dog-owning customers to find the right car for them
With many set to take their pooches away with them this summer, new research of 2,000 dog owners has revealed more than two thirds of drivers (68%)* aren’t aware of the current rules surrounding car travel with dogs.
To mark the launch of CarStore’s partnership with leading animal welfare charity, Battersea, a new study suggests that over half (52%) of us are happiest while out driving with our dogs – yappy days! What’s more, 42% proclaim to treasure them as part of the family, so it’s troubling to find that despite this, 2 in 5 drivers are unknowingly breaking the rules when out travelling with their dogs.
While 1 in 5 (20%) don’t have a designated zone for their pooch, only half (54%) keep their dog restrained while out travelling and just 5% are aware of the severity of the repercussions of driving without due care and attention can entail (up to £5,000 and nine points on your driving licence), it’s clear there is a lot of confusion surrounding the rules of the road when out driving with our four-legged friends.
As one of the first used car brands in the UK to partner with a national animal charity, CarStore is delivering on its commitment to flex to the needs of contemporary car-seekers via the partnership.
Battersea will be hosting training sessions for CarStore Personal Advisors, educating them on how to manage experience centre visits from dog-owning customers and create a more dog friendly environment.
Personal Advisors will also be informed about the legal requirements surrounding car travel with dogs, and the equipment available to meet these requirements. Alongside this training, CarStore and Battersea will co-create useful advice and content to help improve customer understanding of the rules and requirements for travelling with their furry friends.
Kim Costello, Chief Marketing Officer at CarStore, said: “We know there has been a huge surge in pet ownership over the past 12-18 months and as a result, a likely need for individuals and families to purchase a new car to accommodate their new furry friends.
“This new alliance between CarStore and Battersea aims to help as many of the nation’s dog owners as possible find the right car for them.
“Specially trained by Battersea experts, our Personal Advisors will be equipped to support dog-owning customers with the car-buying process. Whether they’re looking for a car to accommodate a large German Shepherd, or something smaller to seat a Cockapoo and a small carrier, our Personal Advisors will be on hand to support and help customers find their perfect car.”
The survey suggested that many do not believe their car is currently practical for travelling with a dog, with almost half (49%) wishing they could do more to dog proof it. However, 10% confirmed they do not know where to source correct and accurate guidance, with many admitting to checking social media (18%) or forums online (18%) rather than reputable sources.
Rob Bays, Canine Behaviour and Training Manager at Battersea, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with CarStore to further help dog owners travel safely and wisely with their pets.
“With the good weather returning, many families may be looking to travel with their dogs during their staycations and Battersea wants to ensure dog owners have the right knowledge before embarking on a car journey with their pets.
“When in the car with your dog, it’s important that they are comfortable in their environment to reduce stress and anxiety, so familiarising your pet with your vehicle before embarking on a long journey will help them get used to travelling.
“It’s also important to ensure they are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you’re driving or injure you, or themselves, if you need to stop suddenly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, pet crate or guard are all suitable ways to travel safely with your pet.”
CarStore offers customers a combined approach when it comes to buying, selling, and purchasing a used vehicle, blending digital and physical locations to give customers the flexibility and freedom to approach the process in a way that works best for their lifestyle. CarStore’s impartial Personal Advisors provide expert advice and empower customers to make informed decisions that are right for them.
Visit the website to find out more about the partnership and access the content hub:
HOW TO KEEP DOGS COOL WHEN TRAVELLING DURING THE NEXT HEATWAVE
Parts of the UK are set for a second heatwave in the coming weeks, with temperatures set to reach 28C
Dogs are at increased risk of developing heat-related illnesses and start to suffer in just a few minutes
Battersea and CarStore have shared the key watchouts and guidance for looking after your dog in these hot temperatures
With temperatures set to soar again next week, reaching 28C or higher in some areas, it’s important for pet owners to know exactly what to do to keep their dogs safe when travelling in these balmy temperatures.
Looking after beloved pooches is all about planning ahead and being prepared. The aim is to keep them healthy, happy, and hydrated, to reduce the risk of the dog suffering from heatstroke – a genuine threat on a hot summer’s day.
To help drivers stay on top of things whilst out travelling this summer,CarStore have joined forces with Battersea to share their top tips for dog-owning drivers:
KEEP THE CAR COOL
If possible, put the air conditioning on for a few minutes before you set off on your travels, to allow the car to cool down before your dog gets in. Once on the move, make sure you have the windows open for ventilation and use sunshades on the windows, so your dog isn’t in direct sunlight.
You should also make sure your dog has access to water during the journey. The amount of time it takes for a dog to overheat in a car is much shorter than many people think, especially if your dog is long-haired or has a short snout – in some cases, it could be minutes or less. Many of these dogs have difficulty breathing and these problems are exacerbated in hot weather, even from 20°C.
TAKE CARE ON HOT SURFACES
Lots of surfaces heat up in the sun, such as leather car seats or the tarmac in a car park, and this can be painful for your dog’s paws, causing injuries such as blisters. If in doubt, check for yourself using the palm of your hand. If it feels too hot for you, the chances are your dog will feel the same. Use a towel or dog bed in your car to ensure your dog is not sat directly on a hot seat whilst on the move.
PLAN STOPS ON YOUR JOURNEY
If you’re travelling for any kind of significant distance, make sure you take a route that has enough places to stop, so not only can the human passengers take a break, but your dog/s can stretch their legs, go to the toilet, rehydrate, and have a cooling treat too. We would recommend setting off earlier in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler and there is less traffic, if possible.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE IN THE CAR
Cars can get very warm, very quickly, and this can be deadly for your dog. Even if your car is parked in the shade with the windows open, dogs can become distressed and uncomfortable, and develop heatstroke very quickly. Make sure you always have a plan so your dog isn’t left alone in the car or any other enclosed spaces. If you see a dog in a hot car, dial 999.
LOOK OUT FOR HEATSTROKE
When your dog gets too hot and can’t reduce their body temperature they are at risk of developing heatstroke, which can be fatal. The signs to look out for include:
Heavy panting
Glazed eyes
A rapid pulse
Excessive drooling
Lack of coordination, or confusion
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Loss of consciousness
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, you need to act fast. Immediately take them to a cool, shaded area and ring your nearest vet clinic.
Once in the shade, lay them down on a towel soaked in cold water and let them drink small amounts of cool water. Never place them directly into ice cold water or give them too much to drink as they may go into shock. Try to keep cooling them down while you take them to the vets.
Wherever you’re heading, we wish you and your dog a summer full of safe and cool car journeys.
For more tips on how to keep your dog cool in summer, visit the CarStore site, or for pet advice, the Pet Advice section on the Battersea Cats and Dogs Home website is full of expert information.
Male motorists are clocking-up more than twice as many penalty points as their female counterparts, according to new data from the Department for Transport (DfT).
Male drivers racking up three penalty points on their licences currently total 1,343,700, compared to 606,700 for female drivers, as of the 5 February this year.
The number of male drivers with six points is 395,000, whereas with female motorists the figure is 120,600.
Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, a leading insurance comparison website, comments: “The data suggests that women are the more cautious drivers – racking up less penalty points. However, the differences are stark to say the least and concerning.”
Greg Wilson warns that law breaking motorists will feel the effect: “At a time when all of us are looking to tighten our belts, penalty points can really hit motorists in the pocket. In addition to legal fines that accompany the points, offending motorists’ insurance companies will reassess how they see their risk and in turn premium.
“Three points can raise insurance premiums by 5%, but can rachet up fees by as much as 25% if a motorist has six points on a licence. Remember, penalty points stay on a licence for four years and the corresponding rise in insurance fees may do so as well.”
The data further shows that 1,120 women and 6,100 men have 12 points on their licences, which leads to an automatic ban – called a TT99. If a driver is disqualified from driving under this ‘totting up’ system, they will have had a TT99 conviction code added to their driving record, which means they’ll likely have to pay considerably more for their ‘TT99 insurance’ after the period of disqualification ends.
Greg Wilson continues: “Motorists who can prove exceptional circumstances in court may be allowed to continue driving, but the courts are far from pushovers and the judge has the power to award the maximum fine and determine the length of the ban – over 56 days means the driver has to reapply for the license and maybe even retest.”
Insurance providers are prohibited from using gender as part of their risk analysis calculation, as per The Equality Act established in 2010. They use other factors such as the level of no claims bonus secured, age, postcode, vehicle specifications and of course, number of penalty points incurred, to help determine the most appropriate premium price per customer.
Motorists who want to reduce the effect of penalty points might try the following to keep their premiums as low as possible:
Sign-up to a telematics product recognised by their insurance firm, which allows them to showcase their new safer driving behaviour
There are specialist insurance policies for drivers with penalty points that can help – shop around on comparison websites for specialist driver policies
‘Citroën and You’ friends and family programme extended further to include NHS employees, Teachers and Emergency Services personnel.
Programme enables eligible customers to save up to an additional £1,200* on a brand-new Citroën car.
‘Citroën and You‘ programme is available exclusively online through the Citroën Store.
Citroën UK is showing its appreciation for the incredible work of the NHS, Teachers and Emergency Services across the UK in recent years by extending its ‘Citroën and You’ programme.
The programme, previously reserved for friends and family of Citroën employees, welcomes NHS, Teachers and Emergency Services personnel into the Citroën family and allows users to save up to an additional £1,200* on a brand-new Citroën car.
‘Citroën and You’ is available to NHS employees, Teachers and Emergency Services personnel as a fully online experience via the Citroën store. Eligible users wishing to take advantage of the ‘Citroën and You’ programme can review current offers online, configure and personalise their car, place it in their shopping basket prior to checkout and access a discount with a personalised promotional code before completing the order.
The initiative launches this week with dedicated pages already live on the Citroën UK website. The offers extend across the Citroën passenger car range†, including C4 and ë-C4 Electric, New C5 Aircross and C3 Aircross SUV.
Last month, Citroën UK celebrated Sign Language Week (14 to 22 March) by extending the ‘Citroën and You’ programme to welcome British Sign Language (BSL) users. Citroën has pledged to become more accessible to the UK’s more than 150,000 strong deaf community. Last year, Citroën partnered with SignLive to become the first car manufacturer to introduce its online video interpreting service for deaf and hard of hearing customers across its entire UK retailer network.
Eurig Druce, Citroën’s UK Managing Director, said: “Over the past two years we have seen the remarkable work the NHS, Teachers and Emergency Services have provided across the UK in the face of a global pandemic.
“To show our appreciation for the work they have done and continue to do for us all, I am proud to extend ‘Citroën and You’ to all NHS employees, Teachers and Emergency Services personnel so they can save on a great new Citroën vehicle.”
‘Citroën and You’ friends and family programme is exclusively available via the online Citroën Store, which allows customers to configure their vehicle, select the finance package that best suits their needs and order their new vehicle from the comfort of their own home.
*Current offer available at time of announcement. Subject to change in the future.
Ford Focus is second most popular, followed by Vauxhall Corsa in third
The top four car models make up 15% of cars on the road
The Ford Fiesta is the most owned car model in the UK, new research has revealed.
The study by car insurance experts CarInsurance.ae analysed government data of the car models in the UK and the number of registered vehicles for each model to show the most popular in the country.
Analysis of the data revealed that the Ford Fiesta is Britain’s most owned car model, with 1,521,680 being registered. The most popular specification of the Ford Fiesta is the Ford Fiesta Zetec, 386,882 cars.
Another Ford to appear on the list, the Ford Focus, comes in at second, where more than 1,100,000 cars are on the road. Among the many specifications available for the Ford Focus, the most common is the Ford Focus Zetec, with just below 75,000 models.
Vauxhall Corsa ranks third on the list of popular car models in the UK, with 1,053,949 owned throughout the country. The most prevalent version with 58,472 registered is the Vauxhall Corsa SE.
Coming in at fourth on the list is the Volkswagen Golf, which saw 1,040,051 versions of the German car being registered in the UK. The most owned version of the hatchback is the Volkswagen Golf GT TDI which has a 2-litre diesel engine, with 37,576 vehicles on the road.
Vauxhall Astra is the fifth most popular car model in the UK, as the small family car has more than 829,000 around the country.
10 Most Popular Car Models in the UK, CarInsurance.ae
Rank
Model
Number of Model
1
Ford Fiesta
1,521,680
2
Ford Focus
1,179,024
3
Vauxhall Corsa
1,053,949
4
Volkswagen Golf
1,040,051
5
Vauxhall Astra
829,198
6
Volkswagen Polo
676,350
7
Nissan Qashqai
555,342
8
Toyota Yaris
488,589
9
Audi A3
428,223
10
Renault Clio
407,147
The second Volkswagen hatchback, the Volkswagen Polo, comes in at sixth. The car model has 676,350 versions owned by the British public.
The only non-hatchback car model to appear on the list, the Nissan Qashqai, places in at seventh. The crossover has more than 555,000 registered in the country.
Toyota Yaris comes in at the eighth spot on the list, with 488,589 models being owned. Audi A3 appears at ninth, with 428,223 versions on British roads. The French hatchback, Renault Clio, finishes off the top ten with 407,147 models registered in the UK.
A spokesperson for CarInsurance.ae commented on the study: “It is fascinating to see which car models the UK favours out of the hundreds available.
“The data shows that the Ford Fiesta is the most popular car in the UK, and is one of nine hatchbacks in the top ten, showing how popular small cars are throughout the country. In fact, the Ford Fiesta is so popular that there are more Fiestas on the road in the UK than there are every type of Peugeot.”
10 Most Popular Car Makes in the UK, CarInsurance.ae
Rank
Make
Number of Make
1
Ford
4,138,817
2
Vauxhall
3,156,726
3
Volkswagen
2,857,784
4
BMW
1,940,108
5
Audi
1,786,402
6
Mercedes
1,635,132
7
Toyota
1,566,813
8
Nissan
1,557,420
9
Peugeot
1,387,361
10
Honda
1,029,659
The analysis was conducted by CarInsurance.ae, which is dedicated to helping drivers save time and money while picking car insurance in UAE.
Science-based technology company 3M urges local authorities to address concerns felt by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians
Roads, transport and parking should be the number one agenda item for local authorities in 2022, according to almost half of residents living in Scotland (47%).
The new research from science-based technology company, 3M reveals that within the region, this is the area most in need of attention alongside housing (47%) and followed by jobs, business and investment (41%), and education (35%).
After more time spent working, travelling and exercising close to home in the past two years, 80% of people in Britain believe the pandemic has highlighted the need for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians to be able to co-exist. However, there are specific factors preventing these groups from doing so in harmony.
Accessibility for cyclists in Scotland
It is estimated that one in five Brits now cycle in a typical week. However, in Scotland nearly a quarter of those who already cycle (23%) say that despite having access to cycle lanes where they live, they still wouldn’t feel safe enough to travel on a bike during peak times.
74% of this group don’t believe the right infrastructure is in place to allow them to ride safely and 62% say that their local authorities could do more to make the area more accessible to cyclists.
Drivers vs cyclists – the perception gap
The research has brought prevalent safety concerns and the contrasting opinions of road users to the fore, particularly when it comes to motorists and cyclists. Seven in 10 (70%) cyclists worry that drivers don’t know the correct etiquette when using roads with cycle lanes in their area.
Meanwhile, only 53% of drivers confidently say that they know the latest Highway Code rules in relation to cyclists, which at the time of the study had not been updated since 2015.
Outside of lane usage, overtaking is a bone of contention for motorists and cyclists alike; 93% of drivers say they leave as much room when overtaking a cyclist as they would a car whereas 73% of cyclists say drivers pass too closely.
In Scotland, one thing both parties do agree on is there not being clear enough road markings on cycle lanes for all road users – only 27% of motorists and 25% of cyclists feel there are clear visible markings in their area.
The lack of visual guidance could be part of the problem when it comes to navigating shared road spaces, easily improved by solutions such as better signage that incorporates retroreflective technology, while also improving education on the Highway Code.
Andy Fish, Technical Specialist for 3M Transportation Safety Division, said:“Its fantastic that investment in new cycle lanes, walkways and other infrastructure is being put to good use.
“This research shows that irrespective of mode of transport, the majority of people want to be able to share spaces with others safely, and they are looking to their local authorities for support.
“At 3M we are actively encouraging local councils and highway authorities in Scotland to participate in a pilot scheme that would allow their communities to benefit from traffic safety solutions designed to address some of the concerns expressed by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”
Drivers’ admitted lack of understanding of the Highway Code could be to blame for some of the frustrations they have towards cyclists – 86% say seeing two or more ride side-by-side is frustrating and 72% say they become frustrated simply by driving behind one.
This is in spite of it being legal for two cyclists to ride next to each other unless on narrow or busy roads or cycling round bends, along with recent rule changes including cyclists riding alone being instructed to use the centre of the lane in slower moving traffic.
To find out more about 3M’s leading road marking and signage solutions, such as 3M Diamond Grade DG3 reflective sheeting. and 3M Stamark road marking tape, visit www.3m.co.uk.
Older consumers, those on low incomes and rural households will need more support to switch to electric vehicles due to concerns about affordability, range and the UK’s charging infrastructure, new Which? research has found.
Electric car ownership has soared in the last few years and, with the government’s ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles looming, motorists are being encouraged to consider switching. However, Which? found there are stark contrasts between different groups of consumers and how they view the transition to electric vehicles.
The mass adoption of electric vehicles is a critical aspect of the government’s net-zero strategy and will benefit consumers who want to lead more sustainable lives, while also potentially reducing their motoring costs.
A new Which? survey found that while two in five people (44%) are comfortable switching to electric vehicles, almost half (49%) are not. The consumer champion found seven in 10 (71%) 18-24-year-olds are comfortable switching to electric vehicles and around half (56%) of those aged between 18 and 39 said they intended to buy one in the future.
However, only a quarter of those aged 65 and above are comfortable switching (26%) or intend to buy an electric vehicle (23%). More than half (52%) of respondents aged 65 and above do not intend to buy an electric vehicle in the future.
Urban dwellers are also more comfortable transitioning to electric vehicles than rural residents, with almost half (47%) of those living in urban areas open to switching and two-fifths (42%) planning to buy one. However, only a third of those living in rural areas felt comfortable switching (34%) or intend to buy an electric vehicle (36%).
Electric cars are currently more expensive to buy compared to petrol or diesel vehicles – a possible contributing factor to lower enthusiasm levels for switching among lower-income households.
The consumer champion found just a third of households (32%) on lower incomes (£21,000 and below) intend to make their next car an electric vehicle and two-fifths (41%) said they have no intention of buying one. This compares to more than half (57%) in more affluent households (more than £48,000) saying they would buy an electric car in the future and only a fifth (21%) saying they had no intention of buying one.
While the upfront cost of an electric car is one reason many people are reluctant to switch, the most common is related to perceptions about inferior performance. Two in five (44%) said concerns about battery range put them off switching to an electric vehicle, while a third (34%) cited the upfront cost.
The UK’s charging infrastructure is also a concern for motorists, with a third (33%) stating they are put off buying an electric car as they are worried about accessing charge points away from home or on long journeys.
In a market study published earlier this year, the Competition and Markets Authority suggested there needs to be a tenfold increase in the number of charge points across the UK by 2030 and that more needs to be done to address the “postcode lottery” of finding a charge point.
The UK government and Ofgem, the energy regulator, have pledged to invest millions of pounds to expand Britain’s public charging network. While Which? supports this move, it also believes the current infrastructure is difficult to navigate, disjointed and must be overhauled to ensure motorists have easy and convenient access to the charge points they need, wherever they live in the UK.
Sue Davies, Which? Head of Consumer Rights and Food Policy, said:“The mass adoption of electric vehicles is a key element of the government’s net-zero strategy, but while some consumers are ready to switch, our research shows older consumers and those from lower-income or rural households are less inclined to embrace the electric car revolution.
“It is vital that action is taken to address significant barriers including concerns about battery range, cost and the UK’s charging infrastructure that could deter motorists from switching to electric vehicles. Consumers also need more support to ensure they can make the decision to buy an electric car.”
So, you’re looking to buy a new car. Why wouldn’t you? After all, there are many advantages to buying a new car. You get to play with all the latest technology and gadgets that the automotive industry has to offer. Your car will last longer. And you’ll be the envy of the roads in your latest motor. But when are you planning to buy this car? And is there a best time to buy a new car?
From number plates, car model renewal, and dealership incentives, we show you how to work out when you should buy your new car:
Should I wait for the plate?
New number plates are issued twice a year in the UK. This happens once in March and then again in September. Number plates from the start of the year will take their numbers from the last two digits of the year.
After September, 50 is added to these digits to differentiate when the car was registered. Therefore, in 2021, cars registered after March will have a 21 plate, and a 71 plate after September. But how much does this affect your vehicle’s value, and should you wait until the next set of plates are released?
This depends on how you intend to use your car and when you plan on selling it in the future. The average car building a mileage of 10,000 miles per year will lose about 10 to 40 per cent of its value in the first year, and then 50 per cent of its value over three years. Therefore, waiting for the new plates to be released can give you some more selling power. You may have to wait just a month, but your car could be classified as up to six months newer.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking to save money now, you may want to buy a car before the new number plates are released. A newer number plate carries some prestige, and increased demand may lower your chances of saving money.
If you’re not interested in sporting the latest number plate, buy a car just before March and September instead. You’ll have an immediately older number plate, but you may have a heavier wallet left to buy any little extras for your car.
Is there a new model coming out?
Do you want all the latest features and gismos in your new car? Then you will want to consider what model car you are buying and when it was released. Cars will usually update and renew themselves over a seven-year period, with a semi-upgrade halfway through the cycle:
Year 1 – A new car model is introduced
Year 2 – Minor change are made to fix any teething problems
Year 3 – Some upgrades, including materials and technology
Year 4 – Minor changes or updates
Year 5 – No changes, but may have buying incentives
Year 6 – More incentives to buy as a new model is announced
Year 7 – Model is completely revamped. The cycle starts again
Again, deciding when to buy a car depends on what you’re looking for when buying a new motor. Do you want the latest upgrades, or do you want to save money? If you’re looking for upgrades, you may want to buy your car in year 2, after any teething problems have been ironed out, or after the mid-cycle update.
If you’re looking to save money, buying a new car on the fifth or sixth year after its release may be a more economic choice. Manufacturers will likely want to move stock quickly before the release of the next model, so you may be able to negotiate a lower price or take advantages of other incentives, including free or reduced car accessories.
Dealership deals
Just like any other retailer, car dealerships such as Volvo Guildford will also have a sale period, where there are a number of buying incentives to take advantage of. These periods usually fall in line with what we would expect from sales: they often take place on bank holidays, on Boxing Day, and on other retail holidays such as Black Friday.
Find out what your local dealership is offering and how it could help you save. Incentives may also be offered more towards the end of the year when sales quotas are closing. You may be able to find a great deal on a new car and take advantage of incentives during this time as dealerships try to meet and exceed their targets.
When shopping for your next car, make sure you’re buying at the right time. Whether you’re looking to save money or have fun with all the best technology, it’s clear that there are advantages to waiting for the perfect moment.
The brand new E10 fuel has been introduced in the UK, designed to cut CO2 emissions by quite a considerable amount, however, it still won’t affect whether cars have to pay an emissions tax.
Recently, Google Maps introduced notifications to drivers hat they’re about to enter a low-emission zone that could incur a hefty fine.
Several major cities in the UK have schemes in place, but where the zones begin is often unclear – and can catch drivers out. Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com explains what they are, where they are, and how you can avoid an accidental fine.
What are Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ)?
A Low Emission Zone (LEZ), or Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is put in place with the aim of reducing pollution levels and to improve air quality in the area – usually towns and cities.
In most cases, you’ll only pay to travel through these zones if your vehicle doesn’t meet minimum emissions standards. If you don’t pay the fee, you may have to pay a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Why do we have Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ)?
The latest IPCC report has been named a ‘code red for humanity’, meaning our attempts to tackle CO2 emissions are vital in order to keep the rise in global temperatures well below 1.5C in the next century.
The report shows that humanity emits approximately 40 billion tonnes of CO2 every year.
With such high numbers, the IPCC report authors believe we are destined to hit a global temperature increase of 1.5C by 2040 if emissions aren’t slashed in upcoming years, highlighting the importance of measures such as Low Emission Zones.
Will my vehicle trigger a fine?
Most fees apply to diesels built before September 2015. Usually these vehicles don’t meet emissions standards and in some cases the fees don’t apply to petrol cars built after January 2006.
Which cities are creating Low Emission Zones?
Birmingham, London, Oxford, Bristol and Scotland are all planning to have Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in the near future.
Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone
On 1 June 2021, Birmingham launched its Clean Air Zone. It’ll operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can enter the zone with no charge if your vehicle is one of the following:
A moped or a motorcycle
A diesel vehicle minimum standard Euro 6A
A petrol vehicle minimum standard Euro 4
A vehicle with zero emissions (electric, hydrogen)
Cars that don’t meet emissions standards will pay £8 per day.
Residents with a car registered within the CAZ will be exempt from the charge for two years.
Support available:
The Birmingham local authority has support available to help people adjust to the CAZ. For example, a £1,000 mobility credit or £2000 scrappage scheme.
London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is in central London within the same area of the congestion charge zone and it covers all vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards.
In 2020, they announced that the ULEZ would extend to create a single larger zone bounded by the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205).
The charge:
If your vehicle doesn’t meet the emissions standards, then you’ll receive a daily fee. This can be up to £200 for some vehicles.
Is my vehicle exempt?
Check if your vehicle meets emissions standards on the Transport for London website here.
Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone
Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone will now run in summer this year. The zone will cover five streets in the centre of Oxford to begin with and a larger Green Zone will expand and cover the rest of the city centre.
You can enter the zone with no charge if your vehicle is one of the following:
A cars that emits 50 g of CO2/km and can drive 70 miles without any emissions
A van that emits less than 75 g of CO2/km and can drive 10 miles without any emissions
Motorcycles and mopeds that don’t emit any CO2
The charge:
Vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards will face a charge of £10 between the hours of 7am and 7pm.
There’ll be a discount for blue badge holders until December 2024.
Oxford residents will receive a 90% discount until 2030.
Bristol’s Clean Air Zone
According to Bristol.gov.uk, 71% of vehicles in Bristol are already compliant and so only a minority of vehicles driving in the CAZ could be charged. The scheme implemented in Bristol is exactly the same as the one in Birmingham, which means you can use the tool here to check your vehicle’s registration.
You can enter the zone with no charge if your vehicle is one of the following:
A moped or a motorcycle
A diesel vehicle minimum standard Euro 6A
A petrol vehicle minimum standard Euro 4
A vehicle with zero emissions (electric, hydrogen)
A low emissions vehicle
The charges:
Non-compliant vehicles would only be charged once in each 24-hour period, and they would apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Private petrol cars: £9 per day
Private diesel cars: £9 per day
Taxis: £9 per day
LGVs: £9 per day
HGVs: £100 per day
Buses: £100 per day
Coaches: £100 per day
Scotland’s Low Emission Zones
LEZs were proposed for Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow but these plans have been delayed due to coronavirus. All being well, the zones should go ahead between February and May 2022.
Edinburgh’s plans
The Edinburgh LEZ will apply to the city centre for all vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards.
Glasgow’s plans
Glasgow introduced a LEZ in 2018, but it only applies to local service buses. In 2022 it’ll apply to all vehicles entering the zone that don’t meet emissions standards.
Aberdeen’s plans
Currently Aberdeen are still consulting the public on their Low Emission Zone, but more progress will be made this year.
Dundee’s plans
Dundee’s low emission zone should be implemented between February and May 2022. It will apply to all vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards.
Worried about getting an accidental fine for driving into a low emission zone? Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com has provided these three tips for motorists to ensure they don’t get a hefty bill in the post:
Upgrade to a low-emissions vehicle using a manufacturer scrappage scheme to help with the cost
“Upgrading to a newer vehicle that meets the standards could mean opting for an electric vehicle. The government no longer runs an official scrappage scheme to encourage drivers to upgrade to a low-emission vehicle, but many car manufacturers do, including Citroen, Dacia, Hyundai, Kia, Renault and Toyota.
Consider retrofitting your current vehicle, but this can be costly
“Some older vehicles may be able to be retrofitted with emissions reduction technology such as selective catalytic reduction (which reduces NOx emissions) or even converting the vehicle to electric power.
“But any retrofitting would have to be approved. If you’re able to show a booking with a CVRAS-approved fitter or an approved retrofit solution, you get a three-month grace period and might not have to pay the LEZ driving charge if driving in the zone
Use Google Maps as your SatNav
“Google Maps will now notify drivers that they’re about to enter a low-emission zone that could incur a hefty fine. So if you’re driving in one of the areas that has emission zones in place, it’s worth having this installed and working to alert you if you’re close to a zone.“
• If you have a garage “use it” and lock it. If you have gates ensure these are locked. Consider using an alarm for you garage and gates.
• Leaving items on show is an invitation – Mobile phones, electronic equipment, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the vehicle or placed in the boot.
• Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach – a common way to steal a car or van is to take the keys or ignition fob, either when left in the vehicle or from your home through burglary
• Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when unattended – on the drive, the petrol station forecourt or when parking an unlocked vehicle is the easiest to steal or steal from. When away from home, consider using a Park Mark approved car park
• Fit theft resistant number plate fittings – stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure plates
• Use a steering wheel lock and/or a lock that fits over the gear lever. Alternatively a security box can be fitted over the pedals to prevent thefts when the vehicle is parked up
• Double check: Listen out for the sound of your doors locking, lights flashing and/or mirrors closing. If you don’t hear or see this it make sure to double check
• Fit a tracker: These devices can alert you when your car is active and if it’s travelling in a new area.
