Tag: cars

Is there such a thing as a best time to buy a new 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.

What are Low Emission Zones? Car insurance expert explains all

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)
  • A low emissions vehicle 

You can check your vehicle here. 

The charge: 

  • 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: 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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

  1. 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.“

Police Scotland: Vehicle Security

Vehicle Security Advice from Police Scotland

• 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.

More vehicle security information can be found on our website – https://www.scotland.police.uk/…/protecting-your-car/

Shop local? Telford housing application faces local opposition

An application to build new homes in Telford is facing opposition.

Port of Leith Housing Association has lodged plans to build eleven flats on the site of the shops on Telford Drive, but one resident has appealed to Drylaw Telford Community Council to challenge the application.

At one time there was a row of shops on the site at the heart of the scheme – older readers may recall a fish and chip shop, a haberdashery and a general store there – but the last remaining convenience store closed last year.

The nearest shops for Telford residents are at Ferry Road ‘shopping centre’ in Drylaw or over the busy Telford Road at Craigleith Retail Park – and at least one Telford woman thinks this is wrong.

She told Drylaw Telford Community Council: “When the shop closed in January 2020 it was to make way for flats and a convenience store included, but with covid that all fell through.

“We have waited on the same plans to re-emerge, only to find out that the council are giving planning permission according to a report in Edinburgh live yesterday , for the flats only.

“I am outraged as our nearest shop is the Today store in Drylaw and it is a long journey for most and to carry shopping is very hard.

“I have lived in this street for over 50 years and we have always had a shop here – Sohil the shop owner was reluctant to give up this land but he was promised a new shop would be built and he would have a choice to come back and run it.

“The residents of Telford Drive need a shop in our street – not everyone has a car.” 

Drylaw Telford Community Council will discuss the application at their August meeting.

Cars that hit the target in 1966

England is about to play in its first major football final since lifting the World Cup trophy in 1966 (Really? I hadn’t heard!- Ed.) Some may even remember those who took to the field for the legendary match, but who can remember the automotive stars of that year?

Newspress runs down the perfect starting 11 that cornered the market 55 years ago:

Goalkeeper – Ford Cortina Mk2

Did defending jobs get any bigger? Tasked with protecting the fastest-selling legacy of the original Mk1 Cortina, the Mk2 debuted in 1966 with a sharper, wider exterior and an all-new 1,300cc engine.

It did indeed prove to be a perfect match for car buyers, becoming Britain’s most popular car in 1967 and offering everything from a spartan four-door version right up to the later 1600E and Lotus-powered version.

Want to score your own?: 1970 Ford Cortina MK2 1600 Super For Sale | Car and Classic

Left back – Renault 16

Strictly speaking, the Renault 16 first hit the roads in 1965, but it made its biggest impact in 1966 when it lifted the European Car of the Year trophy.

It outgunned its competition with its forward-thinking design that, most notably, included the addition of a practicality-enhancing hatchback. Under its new-fangled sheet-metal there was a 1,500cc engine and a front-wheel drive layout, the latter also contributing to its spacious interior.

Stirling Moss was said to be a fan and almost 16 million were made during its 15-year production run.

Want to score your own? Renault 16 TS Automatic – 1974 For Sale | Car and Classic

Centre back – Jaguar 420

Okay, it didn’t have the girth of the full-fat 420G, but Jaguar’s 1966-launched 420 would not have been a bad shout as an automotive goalie.

Being based on the S-Type, it was still a decent size and, perhaps more importantly, was a pretty nimble mover thanks to the 4.2-litre straight-six, twin-carburettor XK motor under its new forward-hinged bonnet.

Road tests at the time reported it to be good for 0-60mph in under 10 seconds and a top speed in the region of 125mph. Production ceased in 1968 so owning a survivor means you’re certainly winning in the rarity stakes.

Want to score your own? JAGUAR 420 1968 MAN/OVERDRIVE STUNNING Wire Wheels For Sale | Car and Classic

Centre back – Volvo 140 (Surely ‘Centre-Half’, chaps? – Ed.)

The 140 series gave birth to the concept of the boxy Volvo. Although mechanically it borrowed much from its predecessor, the Amazon, its styling was a radical departure.

Named Car of the Year in Sweden, it was available in both two- and four-door saloon variants (named 142 and 144 respectively), while the incredibly practical 5-door estate, the 145, arrived soon after.

Not surprisingly, it won many fans, and by the time it was replaced by the 240 series in 1974, Volvo had found homes for more than a million of them.

Want to score your own? 1973 Volvo 144 DL Auto for sale | Car and Classic 

Right back – Toyota Corolla

Launched in 1966, the Corolla would go on to become the world’s best-selling car, even eclipsing the venerable Volkswagen Beetle.

It had distinctly humble beginnings, having been influenced by the company’s experience with the Toyota Publica, an air-cooled, two-cylinder car itself inspired by the 2CV.

But with rising competition from the Datsun 1000, Toyota upped the stakes with an 1,100c engine. Exciting it might not have been, but it was dependable, a winning formula the company continues today.

Want to score your own? 1969 TOYOTA COROLLA SPRINTER TRUENO KE15 FOR SALE | Car and Classic

Left half – Alfa Romeo ‘Duetto’ Spider

The last project founder Battista Pininfarina was involved with, the Spider was based on the mechanicals from the Giulia, including its suspension and twin-cam four-cylinder engines.

From the moment it launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the Spider looked like a film star, and only a year later it found itself a starring role in The Graduate alongside Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft.

Its appeal was considerable and, with a few styling tweaks and the occasional new engine, the Spider remained in production until 1993.
Want to score your own? 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 (Duetto) – authentic classic For Sale | Car and Classic

Holding midfield – Audi 80

Based on the DKW F102, the Audi 80 took the Auto Union-derived underpinnings and updated the concept with a range of four-stroke, four-cylinder engines developed in conjunction with Daimler-Benz. With the thirsty and troublesome two-strokes abandoned, the 80 began to prove not just itself, but also the idea of front-wheel-drive to a previously sceptical Volkswagen.
Want to score your own? https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1358491

Right half – BMW 02

When originally wheeled out at Geneva, this entry-level BMW wore a 1600-2 badge depicting, in typically Germanic logical fashion, a 1,600cc car with two doors.

A souped-up version, the 1600 TI, followed a year later, but the model is perhaps most recognisable when wearing a 2002 badge and sporting a 2.0-litre powerplant.
Want to score your own? 1968 BMW 1600-2 FOR SALE | Car and Classic

Left wing – Jensen Interceptor

Italian styling, a torque-laden 6.3-litre V8 engine, and a name to die for meant this Birmingham-built grand tourer is forever etched into this country’s conscience.

The Interceptor’s FF stablemate can arguably claim the crown as the first production car equipped with both all-wheel-drive and anti-lock braking. As a testament to the impact the Jensen had on car buyers in the Sixties, it also inspired one parent to name their famous son after it.
Want to score your own? 1969 Jensen Interceptor 7.2lt Auto – stunning restoration For Sale | Car and Classic

Striker – Lamborghini Miura

Variously described as the prettiest car ever designed or, more simply, ‘the one with the eyelashes’, the Miura could also be branded the original skunkworks car.

Largely the product of Lamborghini’s engineering team working in their spare time, legend has it that company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini was against the idea of a rear mid-engined, two-seat sports car.

All doubts would have quickly faded away, however, when the first concepts were shown to a breathless public in 1965. One year later, the car made its debut wearing the name of a Spanish fighting bull, a new badge to match, and a 3.9-litre transverse V12 and transaxle. Football fans might be more likely to remember it as the car that sets the scene for The Italian Job.
Want to score your own? Lamborghini Miura for sale – Pistonheads

Right wing – Lotus Europa

A cutting-edge slice of high-tech engineering, when the Lotus Europa arrived in 1966 it combined Grand Prix engineering principles with sports car sensibilities.

Taking the mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive concept that Colin Chapman and his team had championed through F1, it was designed to bring racing tech to production cars, but had the Lotus mantra of ‘added lightness’ written all over it.

Strictly a two-seater, despite its size, the Europa used a boxed-steel backbone chassis with a fibreglass moulded body, à la the Lotus Elan, but was powered by a choice of Renault engines as well as Hethel’s famous Twin Cam unit. These were not that powerful but, with kerbweights from just 660kg, every little helped.

Like many Lotus models of that era, it enjoyed a long life in production, yet was never a big seller. It finally disappearing in 1975 with just over 9,200 examples built.
Want to score your own? 1971 Lotus Europa S2 For Sale | Car And Classic

Some Information for our younger readers:

The formation in those good old days was 2-3-5

1 Goalkeeper

2 Right Back

3 Left Back

4 Right Half

5 Centre Half

6 Left Half

7 Right winger

8 Inside right

9 Centre Forward

10 Inside Left

11 Outside Left

England played West Germany in the final of the 1966 World Cup, which was held in England. I won’t spoil things by telling you who won … !

Enterprise boosts electric rental fleet with thirty new vehicles

·       30 new Renault ZOE available in Enterprise Rent-A-Car branches in Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, Aberdeen

·       Supporting local communities’ and businesses’ transition to shared low- and zero-emission motoring

·       Part of a wider investment including electric vans and hydrogen vehicles

Enterprise Rent-A-Car has unveiled 30 new electric Renault ZOE as part of its rental fleet in Scotland. They will offer more zero-emission transport options for businesses and local residents needing to drive as Scotland emerges from lockdown.

The vehicles will be located at Enterprise Rent-A-Car branches in Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. They are part of the company’s wider investment in offering sustainable motoring options in Scotland and across the UK.

Enterprise already offers a range of low emission vehicles and is rolling out a number of fully electric vans and working with Toyota to trial hydrogen cars with selected corporate customers.

Police Scotland is one of a number of organisations that is renting the new Enterprise Renault ZOE fleet. The Renault ZOE is a fully electric vehicle, with a 52-kWh capacity with up to 245 miles of range.

Enterprise is seeing growing support for its electric vehicle fleet, both rental and car club, across the UK. An analysis of user data shows that while the majority of renters drive fewer than 50 miles when they use an electric vehicle, many are regular users and happy to drive an electric car for 100 miles or more per day.

“We see rental as a way of facilitating change because it enables people to try out zero-emission electric vehicles for a short period of time,” said Diane Mulholland, General Manager for Enterprise Scotland.

“We will be using our new ZOE fleet to ensure our employees are familiar with EV technology and act as experts to help customers understand the benefits of these vehicles and overcome any concerns they may have.

“We are planning to encourage all our customers to try EVs. That means replacement customers who get a car from their insurance company when their vehicle is being repaired will have an EV option, as well as our business and leisure customers as lockdown eases.”

Enterprise is committed to the continued expansion of its fleet of fully electric vehicles in Scotland and in all other markets in which it operates. These vehicles will play a role in supporting Scotland’s move towards more sustainable transport, use of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) and introduction of Low Emission Zones in four cities, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow next year. 

In order to ensure employee and customer safety, Enterprise introduced its Complete Clean Pledge in 2020, which is an industry leading initiative that demonstrates the company’s commitment to excellent customer service and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness.

The CCP further enhanced how all Enterprise vehicles are thoroughly cleaned between each rental. This includes washing, vacuuming, general wipe down, and sanitising with a disinfectant that meets leading health authority requirements, with particular attention to more than 20 high-touch points.

‘Green’ car sales boom in difficult market says government report

Ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) registrations shot-up by 125% during 2020 compared to the year before, according to new figures from the Department for Transport.

There was more good news for ULEV manufacturers, with registrations speeding-up over the course of year, which helped put 179,000 registered cars on the road by the end of 2020.

After ULEVs, alternative fuel cars enjoyed 87% growth, with 338,000 vehicles being registered for the first time. Hybrid Electrics also proved popular as did Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) with 164,000 and 107,000 new registrations respectively. Tesla’s BEV Model 3 was the best-selling green car with over 22,000.

The growing popularity of greener cars was in contrast with the total vehicle registrations dropping 27% in 2020 compared to 2019. Diesel vehicles were particularly badly hit, down 51.

Britain’s favourite motor, the Ford Fiesta, shelved diesel altogether last year, although 47,600 new petrol versions were sold as the company introduced emission cutting technology.

With car showrooms closed for large parts of the year, the industry found new ways to fight back, with the introduction of click and collect technology to boost lockdown sales.

Greg Wilson, Founder of motoring and electric car insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk comments: “The car industry has had significant challenges, suffering dampened sales last year with lockdown closing showrooms, logistical complications with travel restrictions and the looming economic uncertainty making customers hesitant.

“The good news is restrictions are being lifted and there is plenty of enthusiasm for greener cars which made-up a remarkable number of new registrations in 2020.

“A growing number of high-end electric vehicles are rolling off the production line now, and high-end motors almost always cost more to insure. In addition, the spare parts for some types of electric vehicles can be harder to source at present, and mechanics that specialise in electric vehicles can be harder to find, two factors that insurers may well factor into their premiums for electric car insurance.

“Still, as electric cars become more mainstream and a growing number of insurance providers enter the electric car insurance market, we expect the average cost of insuring electric cars to fall steadily – both for consumers who are keen to invest in a more environmentally friendly motor for their family, and for businesses who decide to invest in a more sustainable ‘green fleet’.”

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year and are recommended by 97% of reviewers, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products including niche products such as over 70s car insurance, young driver and black box insurance. 

Alternative fuel type vehicles as explained by the Department for Transport:

  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) that are too high-emitting to count as ULEVs, e.g. Toyota Yaris HEV.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) that are too high-emitting to count as ULEVs, e.g. BMW X5 PHEV.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (R-EEVs), e.g. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BMW I3S REX respectively.
  • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), e.g. Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Nissan e-NV200 (van).
  • Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) that use hydrogen, e.g. Toyota Mirai or Hyundai IX35.
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) that are low-emitting, e.g. a series of Toyota Prius HEV in 2016/17

Car use is rising despite the lockdown

  • Figures show a steady increase breakdowns and average miles driven per day
  • More than a third of drivers say they are using their vehicles more for food shopping as well as trips to DIY stores

Ahead of this weekend’s announcement on how the UK might begin to ease the current lockdown restrictions, an RAC study confirms drivers are already using their cars more than they were earlier in the coronavirus lockdown.

The study analysed RAC ‘black box’ driving data, breakdown numbers and route planning figures since the lockdown began. Comparing the second week of lockdown with last week, 11% more cars were on the road and 23% more daily miles were driven, based on analysis of hundreds of thousands of trips taken by RAC Black Box Insurance customers with telematics units fitted.

Vehicle breakdowns are also up, with those attended by RAC patrols up by nearly a fifth (18%) across the same period.

The number of routes planned via the RAC Routeplanner is also increasing, suggesting a rise in trips being taken by drivers. More routes were planned on Monday 5 May 2020 than on any other day during the lockdown, with 16% more planned on this day than just a week earlier.

Comparing lockdown week two (w/c 30/3/20) with lockdown week six (w/c 27/4/20), there were:

11% more cars on the road

23% more daily miles driven

18% more RAC breakdowns

The data is supported by the findings of a new survey by the RAC which suggests that four-in-10 drivers (41%) admit they are now using their vehicles more frequently than earlier in the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.

The survey of 1,500 drivers found that the top reason for using a car more was for food and grocery shopping (almost a quarter, 23% of drivers), while 9% said that they were doing so to pick up essential supplies or for trips to a pharmacy.

But worryingly, a small but appreciable 5% said they were using their vehicle more now to specifically purchase alcohol, while the same proportion (5%) said they were going out in the car specifically to visit DIY stores as Britons look to make home improvements while spending more time at home.

A slightly smaller proportion of drivers (4%) said they were using their car more to drive somewhere to do exercise, and the same percentage said they were using their vehicle more for work purposes.

A fraction of drivers (1%) said they were taking their car solely to give it a run, with the same proportion citing the reason as driving to a beauty spot. The same percentage (1%) said they driving to see relatives or friends though it is unclear whether these relatives are vulnerable and require assistance.

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “There is now mounting evidence that people are venturing back out in their vehicles for more essential, as well as arguably non-essential journeys.

“This perhaps is being driven by lockdown fatigue and boredom while the sunny spring weather might also be enticing drivers back into their vehicles. Additionally, some who are indoors might have chosen to carry out home maintenance and DIY, so have taken an opportunity to visit DIY stores that are now open.

“Our own data clearly shows a slight, but nonetheless steady, rise in the number of drivers using their vehicles, and the distances they are travelling in them on a daily basis, compared with earlier in the lockdown. As we near the end of the seventh week of the lockdown, all eyes are on what the Government announces this weekend in terms of how and when movement restrictions might be lifted.

“Until anything concrete is confirmed, the current advice remains to only go out when necessary for essential purposes, or where you cannot work from home. Even where drivers need to head out to pick up food shopping, this should be done as infrequently as possible to help stop the spread of the virus. The question drivers should ask themselves before venturing out is ‘do I really need to?’

“By only using the car for essential journeys at this time, we’re not only helping prevent the virus spreading, but are also reducing the risk of being involved in a road collision and avoiding putting any further pressure on the NHS.”

Life in the fast lane – Edinburgh College students help Tom Denham Racing rev into gear

A group of Edinburgh College Automotive students have had a glimpse into life in the racing world, playing a key role in supporting a Scottish team to get track-ready. Continue reading Life in the fast lane – Edinburgh College students help Tom Denham Racing rev into gear

Fair Fuel? Petrol profits skyrocket at motorists expense

The UK fuel supply chain took as much as 16.13p profit per litre from petrol drivers in the last two months. Despite falling wholesale and oil prices UK drivers aren’t seeing those significantly reduced costs reflected at the pumps. Continue reading Fair Fuel? Petrol profits skyrocket at motorists expense