Tag: driving

Discount of up to £3,750 on electric cars set to slash costs

Car manufacturers can apply for the Electric Car Grant from tomorrow

  • new £650 million grant will slash electric car prices, saving UK households up to £3,750 when they upgrade or switch to electric  
  • car manufacturers to apply through the Electric Car Grant – speeding up access and cutting costs for drivers and businesses  
  • comes as more than 380,000 zero emission cars were registered last year, delivering the government’s Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth and put more money in working people’s pockets

Drivers across the UK will soon enjoy discounts on dozens of new electric car models after the Transport Secretary today (15 July 2025) announced a £650 million grant scheme worth up to £3,750 per car, putting more money back in working people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change and making owning an electric car a reality for thousands.  

Supporting the manifesto commitment to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG) will back UK and other manufacturers, with eligibility dependent on the highest manufacturing sustainability standards. Discounts up to £3,750 will be available at the point of sale for new eligible electric cars priced at or under £37,000.

Drivers will start to benefit from discounts as soon as manufacturers successfully apply for their zero emission cars to be part of the grant scheme from 16 July 2025, with funding available until the 2028 to 2029 financial year.

With drivers citing upfront costs as a key barrier to adoption, the grant will narrow the upfront cost between petrol and electric vehicles, giving thousands more drivers access to savings of up to £1,500 a year in fuel and running costs compared to a petrol car. The discount means that zero emission cars are now cheaper to buy and run than ever before and comes on top of preferential tax rates, delivering real savings for working families.  

Owning and buying an electric vehicle (EV) is becoming cheaper, with 2 in 5 of used electric cars sold at under £20,000 and 34 brand new electric cars available from under £30,000.

‘Standing firmly on the side of British drivers’, this latest investment is part of the government’s major plan to support motorists, including a record £1.6 billion invested to tackle potholes and freezing the fuel duty at 5 pence until spring 2026, saving the average motorist £50 to £60 over the year.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “This EV grant will not only allow people to keep more of their hard-earned money – it’ll help our automotive sector seize one of the biggest opportunities of the 21st century.  

“And with over 82,000 public chargepoints now available across the UK, we’ve built the infrastructure families need to make the switch with confidence. 

“This is our Plan for Change in action. We’re backing British drivers, British jobs and British growth.”

This latest scheme builds on the government’s major £63 million package to support at home charging for households without driveways, transition NHS fleets to electric and create thousands of chargepoints at business depots across the country. 

In total, the government is investing £4.5 billion to turbocharge the switch to EVs, securing Britain’s position as a world-leader in electric vehicle adoption while helping put more money in people’s pockets. Today, the UK is already a global leader in the transition to zero emissions driving, with the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and sales up a fifth on the previous year.

The latest update also comes as the UK hits over 82,000 public chargepoints nationwide – with one added every 30 minutes – giving peace of mind to drivers that they will be able to charge conveniently at home, work or on longer journeys.  

This latest move comes alongside the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero emission vehicles each year. Recent changes to the mandate give industry the certainty, stability and support they’ve been asking for, alongside crucial trade deals with the US, India and the European Union following the recent global economic headwinds.

Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: “Within weeks, discounted cars should start appearing at dealerships across the country. And, as the biggest savings will be given to cars with the strongest ‘green’ manufacturing credentials, drivers will be picking models that are not only better for their wallets, but better for the planet too.

“This is further welcome news following last week’s announcement about more funding for pavement gully charging solutions that will enable those without driveways to charge an EV at home. Together, these initiatives should mean more drivers than ever start benefitting from the lower costs of running an electric car.”

Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, said: “This announcement is brilliant news – for drivers and for the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.

“With a commitment to invest £6 billion through to 2030, the UK’s charging industry has rolled out infrastructure ahead of demand to ensure that when drivers switch, the network is there to make charging as convenient as possible.

“There are now 82,000 public charge points and a new one goes in the ground every 29 minutes on average.

“Hot on the heels of the weekend’s announcement on measures to support charging, including meeting ChargeUK’s calls for improvements to signage on main roads, today’s package is another vital boost to the charging industry, helping it invest with confidence.”

Dan Caesar, CEO, Electric Vehicles UK, said:  “A targeted incentive program is a significant step forward in encouraging consumers to buy battery electric vehicles and to make them more accessible. While battery-only EVs are much cheaper to buy and run than most realise, surveys show that cost misperceptions are the primary reason for hesitance.

“A generous grant of this nature gives a new group of interested buyers, who might have thought that going electric was beyond them, a gentle nudge into what is great tech. More than 9 out of 10 battery EV drivers will never revert, and there’s a reason for that.”

John Lewis, CEO, char.gy, said: “It’s encouraging to see the government stepping up to support consumers in making the switch to electric vehicles. This move brings us closer to a future where driving electric is accessible to everyone – not just the privileged few.

“Combined with the introduction of the price cap and the additional funding for on-street charge points, we can get more affordable cars on the road and more people enjoying the benefits of EVs. The outcome will be cleaner air for all and more cash in the consumer’s wallet as they enjoy the long-term savings of driving electric.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Today’s announcement of the return of government support for the purchase of electric vehicles is a clear signal to consumers that now is the time to switch.

“Rapid deployment and availability of this grant over the next few years will help provide the momentum that is essential to take the EV market from just 1 in 4 today, to 4 in 5 by the end of the decade.

“This announcement is a welcome response to consistent calls from the industry for more support, which will be in addition to the substantive subsidies already provided by manufacturers.

“Taken with recent announcements regarding infrastructure investments and the Industrial Strategy, the UK has the opportunity to maintain its position as a leader in both the manufacture and sale of zero emission vehicles.”

What to do if you hit an animal on the road when driving this summer

Drivers are being told what to do if they accidentally collide with animals when driving around the UK this summer. 

With 14,649 animals reportedly killed on UK roads each year*, the motoring experts from LeaseLoco.com are offering advice to help keep both drivers and animals safe on the roads. 

Those driving in rural areas or late at night should be extra mindful that they might come across wildlife.

Motorists are advised to reduce their speed and remain alert, particularly on country roads with 60mph limits, where animal collisions are more common.**

The experts warn that drivers who do come across animals should slow down and avoid any sudden or loud movements such as swerving, braking suddenly, using the horn or revving the engine.

This can frighten the animal and cause them to panic and act unpredictably, which could put both you and the animal in danger. 

Remain calm and wait for the animal to pass and clear the road before gently driving off. 

In the event of a collision, the correct course of action depends on the animal involved. 

For dogs, cattle, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys and mules, drivers are legally required to report the incident to the police.

Failure to do so may result in penalty points, fines, or even imprisonment under section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Hitting an animal can be distressing, but it’s important to remain calm. Pull over when it is safe to do so, switch on hazard lights, and check that all passengers are unharmed.

If safe to do so, motorists are also advised to take photographs of the scene and the animal to support any necessary reports or insurance claims.

Although it is not a legal requirement to report collisions involving other animals such as cats, foxes, deer or badgers, contacting the RSPCA or a local wildlife rescue centre may help save the animal’s life.

It’s also recommended to report larger animals like deer to the police or local council so that they can be easily removed, as they can obstruct the road and pose a hazard.

If a domestic animal is involved, check for a collar, as this may help identify the owner.

Notifying the owner can provide closure and prevent unnecessary distress from not knowing what happened to their pet.

John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco.com said: “Encounters with animals on the road can be stressful but staying calm and knowing what to do is key.

“If you’re travelling in rural areas this summer, be prepared and always look well ahead for animals and slow down when approaching one. 

“Swerving to avoid them can lead to more serious accidents, so it’s safer to brake in a controlled way and gently come to a full stop if you need to and wait for the animal to pass.

“Sudden movements and loud noises from the car can frighten and startle animals which can be really dangerous for everyone so avoid revving the engine and beeping the horn at all costs. 

“If you spot animals like cattle or deer, wait a few minutes to ensure that the rest of their herd isn’t about to appear behind them and drive cautiously.

“If you have hit an animal, it’s really important that you report the incident to the council, police, or the RSPCA. You could potentially save the animal’s life and help keep other road users safe.”

Heatwave warning: Drivers could be using their air con wrong

Drivers are being told they have been using the air conditioning in their car all wrong as the weather heats up across the UK.

The motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com have revealed that air conditioning for short car journeys is actually ineffective and have shared six ways to use the feature efficiently.

Using air conditioning on short journeys can actually increase a car’s fuel consumption by up to 10%.*

This is because air conditioning can take a while to circulate properly as the system needs time to cool down the air that is going to be pushed through the vents. 

If your car has been sitting in the sun it can take even longer to cool everything down due to the warmer temperatures.

The experts state that when driving at speeds under 40mph on short journeys, rolling down the window is the best and quickest way to cool down in the car and won’t use up any fuel.

Going faster than 40mph with the windows open can create a lot of drag, causing your car to work harder.

John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com said: “When you turn the AC on in your car it can take a while for the system to get going because it needs to make the refrigerant cold. This is the fluid that is used to cool the air.

“Once the fluid is cool, it’s then blown through the vents to cool the car down but replacing all of that warm air can take some time. It can take even longer if your car has been parked in the sun previously. 

“This makes your car hotter and means the air conditioning has to work even harder in cooling the car down which is why it’s best to park in the sun or use sunshades. 

“If you’re on a short journey and you’re driving under 40mph, you’re actually better off just opening the window to cool down rather than waiting for the aircon to kick in. It’ll be much more efficient and you won’t be using any more fuel.

“If you’re driving in an area that exceeds 40mph then you’ll want to switch to using air conditioning. Driving at higher speeds with your windows open can create a drag which will make your engine work much harder and will ultimately cause your car to use more fuel.”

6 ways to use your air conditioning efficiently:

Air out the car first

If you have been parked in the sun and your car is particularly warm, consider rolling the windows down for a bit first before putting your air conditioning on. This will cool down the car, which means the aircon will have less work to do and will begin to fill your car with cool air quicker.

Start driving

Aircon works best when your engine is running so start the car up and begin driving for a few minutes before turning it on.

Use the recirculation button

Pressing the recirculation button in your car while the aircon is on will mean that your car will reuse the cool air already inside instead of constantly pulling new, hot air from outside. 

Don’t set it to maximum straight away

When you’re hot and bothered, it can be tempting to turn up the aircon on full blast in the hopes of cooling down, but this is actually much less efficient. Instead, start the aircon on medium and gradually increase it.

Keep the windows up

If you’re driving with the aircon on then it’s important to keep your windows closed. Having them open means that all of that cool air is escaping, which makes your aircon less effective and causes your car to use more fuel.

Park in the shade if possible

Where possible, try to park your car out of the sun and in a shady spot instead. This will help keep your car cooler so that when you get into it, the aircon has less work to do. If your driveway naturally gets a lot of sun, consider using a sunshade on your car.

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

Motoring experts warn: You’re using your aircon wrong

Drivers are being told they have been using the air conditioning in their car all wrong as the weather heats up across the UK.

The motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com have revealed that air conditioning for short car journeys is actually ineffective and have shared six ways to use the feature efficiently.

Using air conditioning on short journeys can actually increase a car’s fuel consumption by up to 10%.*

This is because air conditioning can take a while to circulate properly as the system needs time to cool down the air that is going to be pushed through the vents. 

If your car has been sitting in the sun it can take even longer to cool everything down due to the warmer temperatures.

The experts state that when driving at speeds under 40mph on short journeys, rolling down the window is the best and quickest way to cool down in the car and won’t use up any fuel.

Going faster than 40mph with the windows open can create a lot of drag, causing your car to work harder.

John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com said: “When you turn the AC on in your car it can take a while for the system to get going because it needs to make the refrigerant cold. This is the fluid that is used to cool the air.

“Once the fluid is cool, it’s then blown through the vents to cool the car down but replacing all of that warm air can take some time. It can take even longer if your car has been parked in the sun previously. 

“This makes your car hotter and means the air conditioning has to work even harder in cooling the car down which is why it’s best to park in the sun or use sunshades. 

“If you’re on a short journey and you’re driving under 40mph, you’re actually better off just opening the window to cool down rather than waiting for the aircon to kick in. It’ll be much more efficient and you won’t be using any more fuel.

“If you’re driving in an area that exceeds 40mph then you’ll want to switch to using air conditioning. Driving at higher speeds with your windows open can create a drag which will make your engine work much harder and will ultimately cause your car to use more fuel.”

SIX ways to use your air conditioning efficiently:

Air out the car first

If you have been parked in the sun and your car is particularly warm, consider rolling the windows down for a bit first before putting your air conditioning on. This will cool down the car, which means the aircon will have less work to do and will begin to fill your car with cool air quicker.

Start driving

Aircon works best when your engine is running so start the car up and begin driving for a few minutes before turning it on.

Use the recirculation button

Pressing the recirculation button in your car while the aircon is on will mean that your car will reuse the cool air already inside instead of constantly pulling new, hot air from outside. 

Don’t set it to maximum straight away

When you’re hot and bothered, it can be tempting to turn up the aircon on full blast in the hopes of cooling down, but this is actually much less efficient. Instead, start the aircon on medium and gradually increase it.

Keep the windows up

If you’re driving with the aircon on then it’s important to keep your windows closed. Having them open means that all of that cool air is escaping, which makes your aircon less effective and causes your car to use more fuel.

Park in the shade if possible

Where possible, try to park your car out of the sun and in a shady spot instead. This will help keep your car cooler so that when you get into it, the aircon has less work to do. If your driveway naturally gets a lot of sun, consider using a sunshade on your car.

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

Motorists warned of surge in car cloning crimes

Motorists are being warned of the rise in car cloning crimes, amid a worrying increase in vehicle identity theft.

Car insurance comparison experts from Quotezone.co.uk have urged drivers to stay alert, avoid posting images of their car online and park in garages when possible to minimise the risk of car cloning.

This comes after an investigation revealed a 64% surge in car cloning in London alone.

The crime is a form of fraud and involves stealing or copying another person’s car registration plates, allowing criminals to run up fines for speeding, driving through low emission zones or to hide the identity of stolen or salvaged vehicles.

Number plates can be physically stolen or purchased through fraudulent suppliers.

Those who have fallen victim to car cloning will start to receive fines for crimes they have not committed, and proving innocence can be difficult, so it’s important to understand ways to prevent cloning.

The car insurance experts also say people can fall victim to car cloning through buying a used cloned vehicle, which can lead to significant legal and financial problems which could see motorists losing the car and the money they paid for it.

Motorists are not able to completely prevent car cloning, but there are some things which can help minimise the risk, including parking in a garage whenever possible, or using a car cover so your number plate is not easily visible.

The experts are advising motorists to be careful with what they post online, as images including number plates can make your vehicle more susceptible to criminals.

Those buying used cars must also be careful and make sure to check all car details beforehand. Make sure all VINs on the vehicle match each other and those in the logbook.

Anyone concerned they may be buying a cloned car should run the registration number, make and model of the car through the DVLAs vehicle enquiry service.

Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone said: “The sharp rise in car cloning across London is very worrying and highlights a need for more awareness around the crime, as all drivers are susceptible to this growing type of fraud.

“Car cloning is not just a minor inconvenience – it can have serious legal and financial consequences for victims, who often find themselves receiving fines or penalty points for offences they had no part in.

“In some cases, people have unknowingly bought cloned vehicles and lost both the car and the money they paid for it.  An increase in penalty points can also increase insurance premiums from 5-25%, depending on the number of points accrued. 

“Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent car cloning, but there are ways motorists can minimise the risk. It’s also not sensible to share pictures of your vehicle online where the number plate is clearly visible – social media can be a goldmine for those looking to illegally copy registration details.

“While insurance companies can’t prevent car cloning, some may offer advice and assistance with legal expenses – which may help if you’ve unknowingly purchased a cloned vehicle, just be sure to check the policy details to see what’s included.

“If you suspect your vehicle has been cloned it’s important to report it to the police, DVLA and your insurer immediately and consider getting a new registration number.”

Drivers can now experience the most convenient parking experience at Q-Park car parks in Edinburgh 

PayByPhone, a global leader in mobile parking payments, is now available in the majority of Q-Park parking garages including in OMNI, Quartermile and Capital Square in Edinburgh.

Drivers across Edinburgh are being urged to opt into the PayByPhone Auto Payment function now to take advantage of the most convenient parking experience.   

By opting in to Auto Payment, drivers can enter not only the local Q-Park car parks but also most Q-Park car park across the UK without taking a ticket, and when they are ready to leave, go straight to their vehicle, by-passing the payment kiosk and any queues. ANPR camera technology scans the number plate as the car enters allowing the entry barrier to rise.

As the car approaches the car park exit, the number plate is scanned again, and the barrier rises. PayByPhone automatically takes payment from the driver’s preferred payment method that has been previously set up in the app. Digital receipts are emailed to the driver. 

Adam Dolphin, Managing Director UK for PayByPhone, says, “We are delighted to be able to bring our decades of experience in simplifying a driver’s journey to Q-Park car parks in Edinburgh.

Our Auto Payment feature, which we have been successfully providing to car parks since 2019, creates a seamless experience for drivers, helping to simplify the parking experience. They don’t have to touch their phone or even open our app. They just drive in and drive out; it’s a time-saver. We encourage drivers in Edinburgh to opt into Auto Payment for Q-Park in settings in the app today.” 

EV drivers can also enjoy added convenience at most Q-Park facilities by paying for their EV charging directly through the PayByPhone app. Charging sessions can be managed remotely in real time and all charging history is saved in the app for easy reference.    

Dolphin says, “Because our app lets motorists handle both parking and charging in one place, they benefit from a seamless experience and a more complete view of their motoring costs so everyday journeys are simpler, smarter and more connected.” 

The app is available in 11 languages, making it inclusive for all users.  

For a full list of areas where PayByPhone is available, and to start using it today, download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store or visit the PayByPhone website visit www.paybyphone.co.uk.

Follow PayByPhone on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Taxi of Mum and Dad: Scottish parents driving their young adult kids 135 times per year!

  • New research from Auto Trader reveals 57% of Scottish young adults still rely on their parents for transportation
  • Scottish parents are making an average of 2.6 journeys per week, covering 25.9 miles
  • Rising costs are a key reason holding young adults back from learning to drive

Auto Trader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace, spoke to 2,000 parents of children aged 18 and over, to uncover how often they’re providing transportation and the impact it has on their day to day lives.

Over half (57%) of Scottish parents surveyed said they provide transportation for their adult children, with 7% being asked on a weekly basis. 

The study revealed that Scottish parents are providing transportation an average of 2.6 times per week which works out at 135 trips per year. The average weekly mileage for parents transporting their adult children was 25.9 or 1,346 miles a year. 

When asked why their children were reliant on them for transport, cost came out as a major factor. 38% of Scottish parents surveyed said the cost of owning and maintaining a car was a key reason their child didn’t have a licence.

For Scottish parents, all these extra journeys can come with their own frustrations. Having to stay up later came up as a main concern with 19% citing this. Followed by it disrupting their schedule (19%) and traffic stress (16%).

Over a quarter (26%) of Scottish parents said they have had to change or cancel their own plans due to transporting their children. However, despite all this, parents don’t seem to mind. 82% of those surveyed said providing regular transportation to their children has little to no impact on their daily lives.

Many even enjoy the extra time spent together, with meaningful conversations (32%) and getting to hear about their children’s day (26%) listed as the things they enjoy most about these journeys.

Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader, comments: “According to our research, the taxi of Mum and Dad remains a permanent fixture on UK roads, and doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon, especially as the cost of driving lessons remain elevated for some.

“But despite this and parents clocking up some impressive mileage, it’s great to hear that they don’t mind providing transportation help, enjoying the extra time spent with their children.”

For those who don’t want to rely on their parents for transportation, Auto Trader have shared some ways you can save money as a new driver.

Four Tips for Saving Money as a New Driver

1)     Choose the right car – The car you drive can have a big impact on your insurance costs, as well as ongoing maintenance. Consider purchasing a cheap used car, of which there is a large choice currently available on the market. Cars with smaller engines, for example, also tend to be cheaper to insure and run.

2)     Add an experienced driver to your insurance – While insurance fees will always be higher for new drivers, one way to bring your costs down is by adding a more experienced driver, like a parent, to your policy.

3)     Consider telematics insurance – Telematics, or black box insurance, is another increasingly popular option. By installing a tracker to your car, you can prove to your insurance provider that you are a safe and responsible driver, which can bring financial savings.

4)     Explore leasing as an option – If you’ve managed to build up a good credit profile, leasing could offer a more affordable route to driving. You just need to decide how long you want the car, how many miles you expect to drive each year and how much money you want to pay upfront as your initial payment amount.

You will only pay the monthly payments which should be within your budget so that you can drive a new car. You will also get road tax included in your lease, and you’ll be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for 3 years from the date of registration.

For more information about the benefits of car leasing and to explore the latest deals, visit https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/leasing

Drivers frustrated at five-year wait for parking code of practice

Only 2% feel private parking companies enforce rules fairly

Two-thirds of drivers believe private parking ‘fines’ are excessive

Nine-in-10 don’t believe the private parking industry’s own code is fair to drivers

Drivers are frustrated that the Private Parking Code of Practice is still not in force five years after an act of parliament was passed to clamp down on rogue operators.

Eight-in-10 drivers (84%) questioned by the RAC* say it’s not right that, due to legal challenges from private parking operators and debt recovery companies, the official code still hasn’t been introduced.

Asked if private parking firms treat those who contravene parking rules fairly, only 2% of respondents agreed. Similarly, just 3% agreed with the statement ‘private parking companies charge a fair price and operate reasonably’.

More than half (55%) of those surveyed felt private parking companies’ enforcement policies were too heavy-handed, with 40% saying there is no justification whatsoever for the way they enforce their rules. This is undoubtedly why almost eight-in-10 (78%) believe private parking companies are only interested in making money from drivers. A fifth (18%), however, felt private parking operators were necessary to stop a parking free-for-all.

When questioned about the costs of parking charge notices issued by operators, nearly two-thirds (65%) say they understand fines were necessary but that they are excessive or disproportionate to the parking contraventions.

While the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government is working to finally introduce the government-backed Private Parking Code of Practice, the two major private parking trade bodies – the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community – launched their own code on 1 October.

Not backed by law, the private parking industry’​s own code differs substantially from the proposed official government code. In its survey of 1,847 drivers, the RAC discovered that nine-in-10 (87%) don’​t trust the private parking industry’​s code to be fair to drivers.

When introduced, the official Private Parking Code of Practice should put a cap on parking charge notice ‘fine’ amounts, a cap on debt recovery fees and provide a single independent appeals service for drivers to use should they feel a private parking company has wrongly rejected an appeal.

It will also force operators to follow a code of conduct, with those that don’t potentially losing the right to operate. The rules firms will have to follow include a robust appeals process, a means of identifying vulnerable customers, issuing parking charge notices lawfully and not misleading drivers, providing photographic evidence of contraventions, not engaging debt recovery companies too soon, providing clear signage and terms and conditions that are easy to understand.

When asked about the visibility of private parking signage – that which explains the charges drivers must pay when parking on private land, along with terms and conditions – a quarter (27%) of those surveyed by the RAC said they didn’t see the signage indicating charges. Just over a third (35%) said they saw and read it while almost four-in-10 (38%) admitted they saw it but didn’t read it.

Among those who read the signs, nearly eight-in-10 (76%) had issues with seeing or understanding it, with only a fifth (20%) saying the terms and conditions were both clear to see and easy to understand.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s blatantly apparent from our research that drivers continue to have severe misgivings about the way private parking companies operate and are therefore very frustrated that the official government-backed code of practice has still not been introduced more than five years after it became law.

“While this lack of trust may be partly addressed by the launch of the industry’s own code of practice, we suspect it’s unlikely to be enough as it’s not worded to be in the interest of drivers and, crucially, isn’t backed by law.

“We feel only the introduction of the real, government-backed code will bring much-needed fairness to the entire private parking sector. We badly need an acceptable cap on parking charge notices, along with a cap on debt recovery fees as, in our opinion, both are disproportionate to most parking contraventions.

“Finally, a truly independent single appeals system is needed for those who feel their initial appeal to the company concerned has not been listened to.”

RoSPA: Control your speed to save lives this season

Slow your speed to save lives, that’s the message from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) as we enter a period of wintry weather.

Caitlin Taylor, Road Safety Manager for RoSPA said: “The UK will is entering a time of wintry weather leading to travel disruption, which can pose unique risks to drivers and pedestrians – these risks are increased if someone is speeding.

“Higher speeds mean that drivers have less time to identify and react to what is happening around them, and it takes longer for the vehicle to stop, removes the driver’s safety margin and turns near misses into collisions.

“Driving at 30mph, vehicles are travelling at around three car lengths a second – one blink and the driver may fail to see the early warning brake lights; a short glance away and the movement of a child behind a parked car will be missed.

“With that in mind, and the poor visibility this season poses, it’s clear to see the tragic consequences speeding could have”.

RoSPA advises the following when driving in darker periods of the day:

Be prepared: As the wintry weather sets in, it is crucial for motorists to adjust their driving habits. The decreased visibility during early mornings and evenings demands heightened caution. RoSPA urges drivers to use dipped headlights, and ensure clean windshields, to be extra cautious when navigating poorly lit roads.

Control your Speed: Poor driving conditions and darkness increase the risks associated with speeding. The lack of visibility, compounded by higher speeds, can lead to devastating accidents. The Department for Transport (DfT) reports that in 2023, exceeding the speed limit was deemed a contributory factor related for 21% of all fatal collisions. In 8% of fatal collisions, driving too fast for the conditions was deemed a contributory factor. 1.

RoSPA emphasises that adhering to speed limits and driving to the conditions is paramount, especially when visibility is reduced, or weather conditions are poor.

Caitlin Taylor continues: “If you must travel during poor weather, I suggest leaving ample time for the journey, ensuring you can travel within the speed limit, and try to maintain a safe distance behind other road users.

“As we age, our ability to adapt to changing light reduces, which impacts how we see colours and contrasts in low-light conditions. It also takes longer for the eyes to recover from glare”

Driving in the dark – drivers urged to adopt defensive driving techniques

Motorists must adopt ‘defensive driving’ techniques this autumn as the clocks go back

Road safety expert, TTC Group is urging motorists to be extra vigilant from Sunday 27th October when the clocks go back.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) there is a surge in the number of vulnerable road users killed or seriously injured as daylight hours shorten. To help motorists stay safe TTC calls upon them to use ‘defensive driving’ techniques, which can be adopted through the winter months. 

TTC says that those most at risk are fearful of driving in low light, including older motorists and young drivers with low mileage under their belt. Knowing the dangers of night driving and what to do to mitigate those risks is essential.

Andy Wheeler, Training Manager for TTC Group, said: “As the days get shorter it’s worth reminding ourselves of the simple techniques which can make a difference to staying safe while night driving. 

“A higher number of traffic-related fatalities occur at night with fatigue being a significant factor in most cases.  Reduced visibility and inappropriate driving add to that risk, that is why we advise all drivers and riders to embrace defensive driving techniques.”

 DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS

  • Speed: It is safer to reduce your speed when driving in the dark, especially in unlit areas.  This will buy time to observe vulnerable road users and stop accordingly.  
  • Distance: It is harder to spot hazards at night so get into the habit of increasing the two-second time gap from the vehicle in front. Following too close reduces visibility and time and distance to stop.   Headlights could also distract or intimidate the driver in front.
  • Slow down: Take extra time to read the road for signs of other road users by travelling slower than normal. This also allows time for the eyes to adjust when travelling from well-lit to dark roads.
  • Lights: Ensure external lights are clean, in good working order and interior lighting is turned off. Be careful not to dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users by always using dipped headlights in urban areas or when approaching oncoming vehicles. Use full beam on all other roads, particularly unlit rural lanes, when the opportunity arises and you won’t dazzle other road users.
  • Eyes: Routinely have your sight examined. To avoid being dazzled by oncoming headlights, drivers can keep attention on the left-hand kerb. The rear-view mirror should be adjusted to reflect light away from the eyes and above all, let your eyes adjust to different lighting levels
  • Tiredness: Falling asleep when driving overnight accounts for 40 per cent of collisions in the UK. Prevent drowsy driving by ensuring business drivers take regular breaks every two hours.
  • Visibility: A dirty windscreen will increase glare from other vehicles at night and are also prone to steam up. Keep windscreens, windows and mirrors clean with a microfibre cloth, both inside and out
  • Stay alert: Remember other drivers may not be as cautious. Drivers should slow down more than usual at junctions and check side and rear-view mirrors regularly.
View of a pedestrian crossing in the city at night during a heavy downpour. Silhouettes of people with umbrellas in the headlights of the car. People cross the road.