Tag: drivers

RIPPED OFF: Drivers still paying too much for road fuel, says CMA

Increases in retail fuel margins cost drivers over £1.6bn in 2023

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published an update today on the widespread action it is taking to ensure that people can get the best possible choices and prices in the face of ongoing cost of living pressures.

New analysis highlights how the cost to drivers of weakened competition in the fuel sector persists, but competition in the groceries sector appears to be more effective in bearing down on retail margins.

Road Fuel 

In its third interim monitoring update, the CMA has found that:

  • Retailers’ fuel margins – the difference between what a retailer pays for its fuel and what it sells at – are still significantly above historic levels.
  • Supermarkets’ fuel margins are roughly double what they were in 2019.
  • The total cost to all drivers from the increase in retail fuel margins since 2019 was over £1.6bn in 2023 alone.
  • Competition among fuel retailers is failing consumers, just as it was in July last year when the CMA published its road fuel market study.

When the CMA published its road fuel market study report, it recommended that a smart data driven fuel finder scheme be set up to make prices available to motorists across the UK in real time, such as through map apps and sat-navs. This will be backed up with ongoing monitoring by the CMA to hold the sector to account. This scheme could save drivers up to £4.50 each time they fill up, as it would make it easier to find cheaper fuel in their area.

The CMA is currently monitoring developments in the fuel market using information provided voluntarily by fuel retailers. It has created a temporary price data-sharing scheme, and it is positive that some major players have started to integrate this into consumer-facing products, like apps. However, the current scheme covers only 40% of fuel retail sites and is not comprehensive enough to be utilised by map apps or sat-navs to bring accurate, live information to people – and this is what would have a substantial impact on the market.

The proposed introduction of the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill by the new government could provide the legislative basis to set up a compulsory and comprehensive scheme that would change this – which the CMA would welcome.

Legislation – which is needed to establish the scheme fully – may take time to come into force. So that motorists can start to benefit from quicker, easier access to fuel prices through everyday apps sooner, the CMA encourages the government to introduce an enhanced interim voluntary scheme that is as close to the final scheme as possible.

Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar comments: “Rising motoring costs are unsurprisingly taking a toll, as our research revealed 4 in 10 drivers (40%) trying to drive less as a result of expensive fuel. 

“As households unfortunately feel the pinch from rising costs across the board, there are a few things drivers can do to get the most out of their fuel. The more weight a car is carrying, the more fuel it will consume, so remove anything that isn’t needed.

“Driving habits have a huge impact on fuel consumption; making sure to accelerate gently and use the highest appropriate gear will help to use as little fuel as possible. And, keeping a car in good condition can also help to improve fuel consumption, as fuel won’t be wasted on broken parts.

“Amidst the fluctuation of fuel prices, it’s also important that drivers are aware of the cost to fill up and where they can get the best deal in their local area. Drivers can use our fuel cost calculator to estimate their weekly, monthly (and even annual) fuel spend.”

Groceries

Many households have been struggling to put food on the table. Last year the CMA launched a wide-ranging project looking at competition and prices in the groceries sector, to make sure that people can get the best deals possible when they are shopping for essentials.

Retailer profitability analysis

In the CMA’s review of the sector in July 2023, it did not find widespread evidence of weak competition: profit margins were historically low; consumers were switching to get the best deals; and the lowest-price retailers were gaining market share from others. But the CMA committed to have another look at this and monitor margins as costs came down. 

Overall, the updated retailer profitability analysis that the CMA has published today should provide shoppers with reassurance that competition in the groceries sector appears to be effective in bearing down on retail margins.

Grocery retailer revenues, profits and margins have increased slightly, in aggregate, in the most recent year (FY 2023/24), as inflation has eased. However, the CMA found that the average operating margin for grocery retailers was less than 3% last year, which remains below pre-pandemic levels. Overall, this does not give the CMA cause for concern about the general state of competition in the groceries sector.

Pricing  

The CMA has also been investigating a range of pricing issues, to help shoppers access clear and accurate pricing information:

  • When shoppers are looking for the best deal possible, they need to be able to easily compare the prices of similar items. Unit pricing can help with this, but a lack of consistency or accuracy can cause confusion. The CMA has identified a number of concerns with retailers’ unit pricing practices, some of which stem from the legislation itself – the Price Marking Order (PMO) 2004, which allows for inconsistences in retailers’ practices, including when products are on promotion. The CMA has recommended changes to the PMO and the Northern Ireland PMO which will help people access better information when they shop, and encourages the government to implement these changes.
  • Alongside this, the CMA has published guidance aimed at independent retailers to help them display clear and accurate prices in general.
  • Shoppers are looking for deals more than ever, and, increasingly, supermarkets offer special prices only for customers that use their loyalty schemes. The CMA has been assessing whether the savings on offer through loyalty schemes are genuine. The analysis – involving tens of thousands of loyalty price promotions – is ongoing, but the results to date suggest it is unlikely to identify widespread evidence of loyalty promotions that mislead shoppers. The CMA has commissioned a consumer survey to understand consumer attitudes and the impact of loyalty pricing on how we shop around and compare prices. The CMA will report on this work in November.

Infant formula

Infant formula is a vital part of the weekly shop for many parents and carers.

Through our review of the groceries sector, the CMA identified significant price rises for infant formula (over 25% between 2021-23) and launched a formal market study in February. Five months into the study, the CMA has concerns that the combined effect of the current regulatory framework, the behaviour of suppliers, and the needs and reactions of consumers buying formula, may be resulting in people paying more than they need to.

The CMA will publish an interim report in October setting out in full the concerns it has in this market and its provisional recommendations for action to improve it.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: “At a time when household budgets are under huge strain, it’s our job to make sure people can be confident they are getting good deals and that they are not being harmed by weak competition or unfair sales practices.

“Despite inflation falling to 2%, many people are still struggling to pay for everyday items – whether it’s filling up at the pump, buying groceries, feeding babies, treating ill pets, or having somewhere to live.

“Last year we found that competition in the road fuel market was failing consumers, and published proposals that would revitalise competition amongst fuel retailers. One year on and drivers are still paying too much.

“We want to work with government to put in place our recommendation of a real-time fuel finder scheme to kick-start competition among retailers. This will put the power in the hands of drivers who can compare fuel prices wherever they are, sparking greater competition.”

A full list of the CMA’s work to help tackle cost of living pressures – including any recommendations already made – can be found on its collection page.

More than 123,000 potholes were reported to councils in Scotland last year as Britain’s pothole problem continues to burden drivers


The 53% increase in reports since 2020 has resulted in council’s paying out around £411,000 as a result

  • The worst roads revealed: the A703 from Peebles to Leadburn and Irvine Road in East Ayrshire are just some of the roads named by councils as having the most number of pothole reports overall. The most prolific being Great Western Road in Glasgow, with 1,451 reports by drivers in 2023.
  • Elsewhere, some of the worst regions also include Scotland and the South West of England. But the South East is the worst overall, with almost 200,000 pothole reports from drivers.
  • And drivers from all over the UK are seeing similar conditions. That’s as data shows how around 1 million pothole reports were made last year, with 4.4 million claims made as a result. But compensation payouts are down by 13% overall.
  • The most common damages caused by potholes include punctured tyres (57%), damaged suspension (35%) or damaged tracking (32%).
  • And repairs are costing drivers around £169, on average, to fix.
  • Not sure what to do if you hit a pothole? Drivers should always go directly to their local council first, but Louise Thomas, motor expert at Confused.com, shares further advice on what to do.

More than 123,000 potholes were reported to councils in Scotland last year as Britain’s pothole problem continues to be a burden to drivers. That’s as new data reveals how there’s been a 53% increase in reports since 2020, resulting council’s paying out around £411,000 as a result.

And it’s a similar picture elsewhere in the UK. The worst region overall is the South East of England, with almost 200,000 pothole reports made by drivers in 2023. The South West had more than 173,000 reports and Scotland had more than 123,000. So it might come as no surprise that around 1 million pothole reports were made in total by UK drivers last year. That’s an increase of 24% since 2020.

As a result, more than 4.4 million claims were also made by drivers for pothole damage last year. That’s a 6% rise in pothole claims in comparison to the 3 years prior. But despite claims going up, it appears that payouts aren’t following the same trend. Data reveals how councils paid out around £3.3 million last year for pothole damages. But in comparison, this is down from £3.8 million that was paid out in 2020.

Potholes are all too common on UK roads and affect millions of drivers each year. Further research of 2,000 UK drivers found almost all (92%) have driven over a pothole in the past. More than 1 in 5 (22%) damaged their car as a result. Tyres suffered the worst damage by potholes, with more than half (57%) of those reporting a punctured or flat tyre. More than a third (35%) said potholes damaged their suspension, and another third (32%) said their car tracking was impacted.

To repair these damages, drivers said they had to pay out £169, on average. But less than 1 in 5 (17%) tried to claim back repair costs from their local council. And with those drivers saying they found the process stressful (42%) or long-winded (30%), it could be why many chose to just fund the repairs themselves. And of those who made a claim to their local council, around a third (31%) were completely unsuccessful in getting compensation. But those who did managed to claim back around £214, on average for damages..

More than half (58%) of drivers think UK roads have never been worse for pothole damage. But the amount of potholes and the lack of compensation offered to drivers could be down to the tight budgets given to local councils.

Last year, the government recognised the influx of potholes creating dangerous scenarios for many UK drivers. And as a result, the government announced a £200 million pot of money for councils in England during the 2023 Spring Budget(2).

This was to specifically tackle pothole repairs and funding was allocated to councils by the Department for Transport (DfT). But some local councils received a bigger slice than others. This could be one of the main reasons why some drivers are more successful with claims than others. It could also be why some councils are able to repair potholes more frequently than others.

Money aside, councils were kept busy last year. That’s as data reveals how 1.2 million potholes were collectively fixed across the UK in 2023. The good news is that the amount of pothole repairs is up by 19% in comparison to 2020.

But the bad news is that a fairly equal amount is still being reported annually, so the burden on drivers is vast. And potholes can not only cause serious damage to cars, but injure drivers and risk the safety of many other road users. In fact, a third (33%) of drivers say potholes are one of their main safety concerns as a driver. And if potholes aren’t fixed by councils in a timely manner, they could continue to be a burden for many who use the roads.

And despite efforts by the government to tackle the problem, it seems that the majority of UK drivers want further change. That’s as almost half (48%) want the government to put more funding towards pothole repairs. And more than half (53%) think that it should be a legal requirement for councils to repair a pothole after it’s been reported.

Motor expert, Louise Thomas at Confused.com car insurance comments: “Although the harsh winter months are almost behind us, potholes are still proving problematic for drivers. That’s as pothole reports in the region reached more than 123,000 last year. And across the UK, data shows how reports totalled almost 1 million – a 24% increase compared to 2020.

“There’s no denying that the UK has a pothole problem, and the government has dedicated more funding as a result. But for some drivers this isn’t enough. Especially if they live in high risk areas, where wet and colder weather means problems are more likely to arise.

“If you see a pothole while driving, it’s important to report it to the local council straight away. Even if it didn’t damage your car, you could help to protect other drivers who might come into contact with it at a later date. Potholes can cause damage to vehicles, so the sooner it’s fixed, the safer road users will be.

“If your car is damaged due to a pothole, you should always try to reclaim the cost of damage through the council first. That’s because pothole repairs are their responsibility. When making a claim, make sure to take pictures or videos for evidence and be as detailed as you can.

“You should share information about where the pothole was, the time of day it happened and the damage it caused your car. And if the local council won’t compensate for damages, you could also make a claim through your car insurance. But be wary that this could result in a higher premium the following year, so always try the council first.”

Drivers to save £50 this year as fuel duty cut extended

  • Boost for millions of motorists as 5p cut to fuel duty for petrol and diesel comes into effect.
  • Car drivers to save around £50 this year and £250 since the 5p cut was introduced – a £13 billion tax cut for motorists
  • Follows further tax cuts for working people announced at Spring Budget, rewarding work, boosting growth and helping families with the cost of living. 

Millions of drivers across the UK will continue to be supported at the pumps from today (Saturday 23 March) as the extension to the temporary 5p fuel duty cut for petrol and diesel comes into effect – putting yet more money in people’s pockets.

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the 12-month extension at the Spring Budget, as well as cancelling the planned inflation increase for 2024/25, saving car drivers around £50 this year and £250 since the 5p cut was introduced – a £13 billion tax cut for motorists overall over three years.

The temporary cut was first introduced in March 2022 to combat high fuel prices after global supply chain issues following the pandemic, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Today’s extension takes effect as the government continues to support motorists with rising costs.

Taken with recent cuts to National Insurance Contributions – to the tune of around £1800 per household – this is putting even more money in people’s pockets. This is only possible because the government stuck to its plan to boost the economy. The economy has now turned a corner and 2024 is set to be the year that Britain bounces back.

In the past year, inflation has more than halved; the economy has recovered more quickly from the pandemic than first thought; and debt is on track to fall. The government is sticking to the plan to deliver the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain.

Chancellor for the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “Cutting people’s tax bill, while protecting our public services, is a priority.

“We’re already saving drivers £50 a year and the average earner £900 a year – and if we stick to our plan, we will go even further, rewarding work and growing our economy.”

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “We will always stand by UK drivers and today’s fuel duty cut is just one of the ways we are keeping costs down for families.

“Our plans for a new Pumpwatch will make sure motorists are getting a fair price at the pump.”

To mark the extension coming into effect, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury Nigel Huddleston visited an Asda petrol station in Worcestershire where he met staff and saw the supermarket chain’s more fuel-efficient fleet of vans.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury Nigel Huddleston said: “The last few years have been tough but we’re making real progress – which is why we are able to continue to support motorists for another 12 months.

“By cutting taxes for working families and sticking to the plan, we can keep building a stronger economy and a brighter future where hard work is rewarded”.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “The Government’s decision to extend the 5p duty cut is certainly a help to cash-strapped drivers, particularly as this week wholesale fuel prices have risen on the back of a higher oil price.

“With the creation of Pumpwatch and a price monitoring body on the horizon, there should soon be more pressure than ever on retailers to price fuel fairly, which will ensure it is only drivers who benefit from the duty cut.”

The government’s support on fuel duty is already available for longer than in many countries including Germany, France, and the Netherlands. A large proportion of countries which lowered fuel duty rates after the energy crisis have now ended their support.

The existing duty rates on road fuel gases, which are lower than the equivalent rates on diesel, will also continue to 2032, giving the haulage industry greater certainty over future tax rates and supports the decarbonisation of the UK transport sector.

Today’s extension to the 5p cut follows more tax cuts for working people announced at the Spring Budget, putting over £900 a year back into the average worker’s pocket thanks to changes at Autumn Statement and a second Employee National Insurance tax cut from 10% to 8% in April. The Chancellor has also committed to abolishing National Insurance altogether – end the unfairness of a double tax on work.

Meanwhile pubs, breweries and distilleries will benefit from a further freeze to alcohol duty until February 2025 – which will also save consumers money on their favourite tipple. The six-month alcohol duty freeze announced at Autumn Statement will be extended until 1 February 2025, benefitting 38,000 pubs across the UK, while reducing inflation this year.

Today’s news follows the government’s ongoing work to make sure drivers are getting a fair price at the pump by improving competition in the road fuel market.

Proposals for a new Pumpwatch scheme announced earlier this year will see the UK’s 41.2 million drivers get the latest petrol station prices at the click of a button, transforming how the UK shops for its fuel.

Under the plans, all fuel stations would be legally required to share live information on their pump prices within 30 minutes of any change in price subject to the outcome of the government’s consultation.

This freely available data will enable tech companies to develop new ways for drivers to search for the cheapest fuel while on-the-go and access to this price comparison technology could see drivers save 3p per litre on fuel, while also helping to drive down prices by reigniting competition.

Police issue travel advice issued ahead of Storm Jocelyn

The Met Office has issued a new Amber warning for wind across parts of western and northern Scotland.

The warning is in place between 6pm tonight (Tuesday, 23 January) and 8am tomorrow – Wednesday, 24 January.

The following areas are expected to be affected by the Amber warning:

  • Grampian (Aberdeenshire and Moray)
  • Highlands and Eilean Siar
  • Orkney
  • Strathclyde (Argyll & Bute and North Ayrshire)

A Yellow warning for wind affected all of Scotland is also in place between 1600hrs today (Tuesday, 23 January) and 1300hrs Wednesday, 24 January.

Additionally, a Yellow warning for rain is in place and is valid between 0700hrs and 1800hrs on Tuesday (23 January).

Further information about the weather warnings and flood information is available on the Met Office and SEPA websites.

General advice for road users:

  • Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
  • All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather
  • Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
  • If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
  • Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
  • Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
  • Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
  • Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
  • Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates Traffic Scotland radio player | Traffic Scotland or visit Traffic Scotland | Trunk road traffic updates & route planner
  • Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, X or their website
  • Other information can be found on the Met Office and Ready Scotland websites. For public transport information visit www.travelinescotland.com
  • Follow @trafficscotland on X for up-to-date travel information.

Wind

HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.

Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.

Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.

Rain / Surface Water

Drive to the conditions. Spray can reduce driver visibility.

Be aware of increased stopping distances. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads.

Driving through areas of flooding can result in catastrophic damage to your vehicle. It may also result in the road becoming blocked with recovery required and may delay emergency services and road maintenance workers.

Rip Off! Drivers lose out to the tune of £184m a month as major retailers refuse to pass on 5p fuel duty cut

  • Pump price cuts in November fail to reflect extent of wholesale cost falls
  • RAC to raise issue with Energy Secretary in a bid to support UK drivers

The average price of petrol fell by 7.5p a litre in November to 146.95p, but data from RAC Fuel Watch* shows that drivers are still paying 10p more than they should be and are far from getting a fair price on the forecourt despite recent government intervention.

Diesel came down by almost 7p to 154.40p but is also being overcharged by 5p a litre due to savings from lower wholesale costs not being passed on by retailers to drivers at the pumps.

The RAC’s analysis shows that average retailer margin on petrol is now 17p a litre and 13p for diesel. The long-term averages are 7p for petrol and 8p for diesel. This news comes as drivers are still supposed to be benefitting from a 5p-a-litre duty cut implemented in March 2022.

Instead, the figures show it’s major retailers which are gaining from this. The RAC estimates drivers have lost out to the tune of a staggering £184m over the last two months as a result not passing on the 5p duty cut.**

The RAC believes petrol should be sold for an average of 137p and diesel for 150p, based on retailers taking a fairer margin. This means drivers are currently paying around £5 more than they should be to fill up an average 55-litre family car (£80.62 v £75.35). For diesel, the figure is around £2.50 (£84.92 v £82.50).

In stark contrast, membership-only retailer Costco is currently selling unleaded for an average of 133.7p and diesel for 144p – 14p and 11p less than the UK average respectively. In Northern Ireland unleaded is being sold for an average of 141.4p and diesel for 149.5p – 5.5p and 5p less than the UK average.

The fuel finder feature in the free myRAC app shows independently run forecourt Grindley Brook in Whitchurch, Shropshire, is only charging 131.9p for petrol – matching Costco’s cheapest price, and 15p cheaper than the UK average – and 143.9p for diesel, 10.5p lower than the UK average. By comparison the average price of unleaded at the big four supermarkets is 143.37p and 151.48p for diesel.

RAC Fuel Watch data shows that the wholesale price of petrol dropped by 9p a litre in November and diesel by 7p on the back of oil averaging $84 across the month and the pound gaining ground on the dollar closing November at $1.26, up from $1.21 at the start. A litre of unleaded currently costs retailers just 106p and diesel 117p.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “While the price of fuel fell in November, the truth is there is no reason whatsoever for drivers to be jubilant as the data clearly shows they are continuing to get a rough deal at the pumps, unless they live in Northern Ireland.

“Wholesale fuel costs have been falling for months, so they should be paying around 137p for petrol, instead of a whopping 147p. Diesel is also overpriced at 154.40p when it should be on sale for under 150p.

“This is extremely worrying as the biggest retailers don’t seem to have heeded the warnings levelled at them by Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho at the end of October saying she wouldn’t hesitate to call out those that rip off the public.

“While the Energy Secretary’s action may have encouraged retailers to begin reducing their prices, it’s undoubtedly a case of far too little, far too late. The wholesale market data the RAC analyses shows the true picture and unfortunately, for the Government and drivers, it shows the 5p-a-litre duty cut is not getting to drivers at all, and prices aren’t falling nearly fast enough yet again.

“We’ve contacted her department to explain what’s really going on with a view to prompting greater and more effective intervention. If a price monitoring body had already been set up by now – as recommended by the Competition and Markets Authority and accepted by the Government – then this might have been prevented and people might finally be getting a fairer deal at the pumps.

“We reiterate our call to the biggest retailers to significantly cut their prices to mirror what’s happening with greatly reduced wholesale costs.”

Drivers wanting to save as much as they can on the forecourt should download the free myRAC app from the App Store or Google Play and start using its fuel finder feature as it can save up to 6p a litre***.

Up to five searches a day over a two, five or 10-mile radius can be made, with each giving the five cheapest prices.

The RAC Fuel Watch web page has more information about the average price of petrol and diesel at the big four supermarkets and at motorway services. It also features graphs showing average prices since 2000 as well as a daily financial breakdown of the cost of a litre of petrol and diesel.

Regional pump prices

Unleaded01/11/202330/11/2023ChangeEnd of month variance to UK average
UK average154.41146.95-7.46 
East155.11147.75-7.360.80
East Midlands154.45147.47-6.980.52
London155.02149.24-5.782.29
North East153.77146.58-7.19-0.37
North West154.17146.29-7.88-0.66
Northern Ireland149.96141.53-8.43-5.42
Scotland153.36145.59-7.77-1.36
South East155.52148.51-7.011.56
South West154.71146.85-7.86-0.10
Wales153.98145.52-8.46-1.43
West Midlands155.06147.20-7.860.25
Yorkshire and the Humber153.78146.44-7.34-0.51
Diesel01/11/202330/11/2023ChangeEnd of month variance to UK average
UK average161.25154.40-6.85 
East161.48154.66-6.820.26
East Midlands160.98154.11-6.87-0.29
London162.47156.38-6.091.98
North East159.93154.13-5.80-0.27
North West160.10153.80-6.30-0.60
Northern Ireland157.63149.79-7.84-4.61
Scotland161.31154.58-6.730.18
South East162.85155.94-6.911.54
South West162.10154.73-7.370.33
Wales161.40153.41-7.99-0.99
West Midlands161.77154.75-7.020.35
Yorkshire and the Humber161.02154.53-6.490.13

UK Government announces new long-term plan to back motorists

Plan for drivers ‘will sit alongside continued investment in public transport and active travel’

  • new long-term government plan will support drivers and put the brakes on anti-car measures
  • plan will address drivers’ everyday concerns with new measures to keep traffic moving, make parking simpler, and clamp down on overrunning road works
  • guidance to be reviewed on 20mph limits and low traffic neighbourhoods in England to ensure local support, ending blanket imposition of anti-driver policies

Transport Secretary Mark Harper has set out plans to protect drivers from over-zealous traffic enforcement, as part of a long-term government plan to back drivers.  

With 50 million people holding a driving licence in Great Britain and more than 40 million licensed vehicles in the UK, the government’s new plan will support the majority who drive, by keeping motoring costs under control and ensure people have the freedom to drive as they need to in their daily lives.

The measures include reviewing guidance on 20mph speed limits in England to prevent their blanket use in areas where it’s not appropriate and amending guidance on low traffic neighbourhoods to focus on local consent.

As part of the ongoing review into low traffic neighbourhoods, the government will also consider measures for existing anti-driver policies that did not secure local consent. The plans also aim to stop councils implementing so called ‘15-minute cities’, by consulting on ways to prevent schemes which aggressively restrict where people can drive.

Drivers across the country will also soon be able to benefit from new technology to simplify parking payments. The national parking platform pilot will be rolled out nationwide so that drivers can use an app of their choice to pay instead of downloading multiple apps.

In the continued drive to tackle potholes, the government will support councils to introduce more lane rental schemes, where utility companies are required to pay to dig up the busiest roads at peak times. Under the proposals, at least half of the extra money raised from these fees will go directly towards repairing road surfaces.

To further clamp down on overrunning street works, the government will consult on extending fines for repairs which run into weekends and increasing current levels of fixed penalty notices.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “For too long politicians have focused on the short-term decisions with little regard for the long term impact on hardworking families.

“We’ve seen this consistently with people’s freedoms on transport. The clamp down on drivers is an attack on the day to day lives of most people across the UK who rely on cars to get to work or see their families.

“This week the UK government will set out a long-term plan to back drivers, slamming the brakes on anti-car measures across England. We are taking the necessary decision to back the motorists who keep our country moving.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:  “Too often the private car is vilified when it has been one of the most powerful forces for personal freedom and economic growth. That’s why the government is taking the long-term, necessary decision to back the motorists who keep our country moving. 

“We’re introducing a plan to ensure drivers can enjoy smoother journeys, park more easily and no longer face unfair and oppressive traffic enforcement measures.

“Our plan will sit alongside our continued investment in public transport and active travel as part of a package of measures designed to help people travel in the best way that works for them.”

A call for evidence will be launched on options to restrict the ability of local authorities to generate revenue surpluses from traffic offences and over-zealous traffic enforcement, such as yellow-box junctions.

To make life easier for drivers and help traffic flow better, the Department for Transport will strengthen guidance to make sure bus lanes only operate when necessary and a consultation will be launched on motorcycles using bus lanes. Further measures and the full plan will be published in the coming days.

The measures follow the Prime Minister’s new approach to net zero announced last week, which committed to ending the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, while supporting people who rely on their cars in their daily lives. The long-term plan to back drivers will protect people who rely on their cars from anti-driver policies.  

The plans also follow the government’s support for drivers by cutting the fuel duty rate by 5p per litre since March 2022, saving the average driver around £100 a year. This is in addition to £5 billion government investment since 2020 to resurface local roads, and new rules to clamp down on utility companies leaving potholes behind after street works.

Top UK Road Trips: Generation Z Vote for the Lake District

The Lake District has once again been voted the UK’s top road trip location in a new piece of research conducted by leading fuel brand – JET.

1250 UK drivers were asked to rank their favourite UK road trips with just over one-fifth (22%) voting for the Cumbrian national park as their favourite destination with 56% voting it into their top three.

Described by Wordsworth as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath found’ – more than 200 years on, the lakes and breath-taking roads that often hug the water’s edge continue to beguile today’s UK drivers. And while we could be forgiven for thinking that the romantic lure of the Lakes is lost on the young – think again! Gen Z drivers (18-24) were the most enthusiastic about the Lake District road trip with one-quarter voting it into the top spot and an unequivocal 59% voting it into their top three.

The stunning drive from Devon to Cornwall, ranked in second place this year with The Peak District taking third place. Other popular road trip destinations include: the North Coast 500, North Yorkshire Moors/Road to Whitby and The Cotswolds.

And while all drivers, across all age groups were unanimous in their top choice of the Lake District, there was less agreement when it came to other favoured UK road trips. 18–24-year-olds selected Devon to Cornwall as their second choice with The Peak District, Stone Henge/Cotswolds and North Coast 500, as their next most popular locations.

In contrast, the over 65s voted for an arguably more adventurous mix with the North Coast 500 as their second pick, the North Yorkshire Moors in third, Devon to Cornwall fourth and Snowdonia to Anglesey in fifth place.

The UK’s Top Ten Road Trips

  1. The Lake District
  2. Devon to Cornwall
  3. Peak District
  4. North Coast 500
  5. North Yorkshire Moors/Road to Whitby
  6. Cotswolds Roads
  7. Stone Henge/Cotswolds
  8. Snowdonia to Anglesey
  9. Scottish Borders between Northumberland and Edinburgh
  10. Norfolk Coast

Gen Z’s Top Ten Road Trips:

  1. The Lake District
  2. Devon to Cornwall
  3. Peak District
  4. Stone Henge/Cotswolds
  5. North Coast 500
  6. North Yorkshire Moors
  7. The Causeway
  8. A303 down to the West Country
  9. Norfolk Coast
  10. Snowdonia to Anglesey

Top Ten Road Trips 65+:

  1. The Lake District
  2. North Coast 500
  3. North Yorkshire Moors
  4. Devon to Cornwall
  5. Snowdonia to Anglesey
  6. Scottish Borders between Northumberland and Edinburgh
  7. Peak District
  8. The Cotswolds roads
  9. Stone Henge/Cotswolds
  10. The Causeway

JET’s inaugural road trip study was conducted in September 2020.

Winter road safety advice from Police Scotland

Advice for pedestrians

Advice if you are out walking during winter:

  • Dress for the weather by wearing reflective or bright-coloured clothing so other road users can see you when it’s dark or visibility is poor
  • If you are walking home late at night, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when
  • Vehicles can take up to ten times longer to stop on slippery road surfaces so take extra care crossing the road
  • Stick to pedestrian crossings
  • If there are no crossings nearby, find a place with a clear view and wait for long gaps in the traffic before crossing the road
  • Don’t cross the road between parked vehicles, unless it can’t be avoided then take extra care (look out for vehicles that suddenly pull out or reverse)
  • Never cross the road behind a bus
  • If there is no pavement, keep to the right hand side of the road so you can see traffic coming towards you.

Advice for cyclists

Advice to consider if you are cycling during winter:

  • Make sure your bike can be seen by people on the road
  • Use a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back)
  • Wear clothes that help you be seen on your bike, such as bright and light reflective items
  • Pay attention to road signs, markings and particularly red lights
  • Do not cycle on the pavements, they may be slippery and can also endanger pedestrians
  • Be mindful of the effects poor weather can have on other road users
  • Make sure you know about the dangers around you
  • Cars can take twice as long to stop in wet weather
  • Braking can be unpredictable in ice and snow. 

Advice for drivers

Advice for drivers during winter:

  • Make sure your car is ready for winter
  • Check that your tyres, brakes, windscreens, wiper blades and windows are free from defects and clean
  • Drive to the road conditions. Road conditions can change without warning, stopping distances will be affected by the weather
  • Make sure your windows are clean and aren’t misted up
  • Make sure there is no snow and ice on your windows before you drive
  • When the roads are icy, drive at a slow speed in a high gear
  • Accelerate and brake very gently
  • Driving distracted (for example, using a Sat Nav) can cause additional stress. It is dangerous to yourself, passengers and other road users.

Police issue keep children safe plea following road accidents

Road policing officers would like to remind road users, parents and members of the public the importance of ensuring children are supervised and kept safe near our roads.

There have been several collisions across Scotland in recent weeks, resulting in a number of children being taken to hospital having sustained serious injuries.

Around 6.45pm on Wednesday, 7 July, 2021, a two-year-old child ran onto the road between parked cars on Woodland Crescent in Cambuslang and was struck by a car. She was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital with serious injuries.

On Tuesday, 29 June, a five-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh with serious leg injuries after being struck by a car on the A198 towards Tranent High Street.

A four-year-old child sustained serious leg injuries and was taken to Victoria Hospital for treatment after being struck by a car on Broad Street in Cowdenbeath on Monday, 14 June.

On Wednesday, 9 June, a nine-year-old girl was taken to University Hospital Wishaw for treatment after being struck by a car on Hareleeshill Road in Larkhall.

Chief Inspector Mark Patterson, of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Department, said: “Unfortunately there has been a number of collisions involving children recently, which has resulted in serious injuries.

“Children are some of our most vulnerable road users and their safety is paramount, I would ask all parents and guardians to ensure all children are supervised at all times when near the road, and urge motorists to remain vigilant for child pedestrians, especially in built up areas.

“Police Scotland is committed to improving safety on our roads across the country and we continue to work closely with partners on all aspects of road safety.”

Edinburgh sees biggest taxi surge in UK since lockdown eased

Ride-hailing app, FREE NOW, has reached a post-Covid record level of bookings since indoor hospitality reopened on Monday 17th May.

With its data showing an 38% increase in demand week-on-week in the UK, the company is now recruiting 10,000 more drivers as national restrictions ease further and social mobility grows to meet the growing demand that is set to sky-rocket once the UK fully reopens.  

Since England moved from stage 2 to 3 in the lockdown roadmap last week, taxi journey numbers on the FREE NOW app are approaching pre-pandemic levels, with daily volumes fluctuating around 90% of values from early March 2020, before the first lockdown.

Demonstrating a level of increased confidence amongst Brits, there has been a 150% increase in rides compared to the earlier stage of the lockdown in April. On May 17th, bookings during ‘Beer O’Clock’ – between 5 and 6pm – skyrocketed 107% week-on-week, as people could go to an indoor restaurant or a pub after work for the first time since early November.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most popular day for travelling last week was Friday largely thanks to a huge growth in the evening as people were hitting the pubs and restaurants. Friday and Saturday night between 11pm – Midnight became the busiest ride-hailing time slot of the week for the first time this year.

On a regional level, in London, it seems that the West End is alive again, with Tottenham Court Road experiencing a whopping 188% rise in rides week-on-week, and Leicester Square 184%, the two largest increases in requests in the capital. 

Among other cities, Edinburgh registered the highest overall weekly growth (108%) with Leith Walk (up by 400%) and Royal Mile (up by 330%) being among the hottest spots.

In Reading, bookings to and from Reading Uni tripled, similarly to Hove Lawns in Brighton and Hove. 

Mariusz Zabrocki, General Manager at FREE NOW, comments: “It’s great to see the UK come alive again as the restrictions continue to ease, following what has been an extremely tough year for all, including the travel and transport industry.

“With many people having lost their jobs during the pandemic, we’re pleased to be recruiting such a large number of drivers across the UK; it’s essential that we can keep up with the growing demand so people can move freely with ease.

“Unlike some of our ride-hailing competitors, we focus on putting driver wellbeing first, and we look forward to welcoming more drivers to the FREE NOW family.”