Contractors will start installing signage around the LEZ city centre boundary from October to help drivers plan their journeys in advance of enforcement beginning on 1 June 2024.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which support enforcement, will be installed in late 2023/early 2024 and a mobile enforcement vehicle will be active from June 2024 onwards.
In early 2024 there will also be changes made to some street layouts and signals around the LEZ boundary to cut congestion and improve safety for everyone.
Independent market research carried out in June indicates that a majority of drivers in Edinburgh continue to support the LEZ and think protecting public health is important. Awareness and understanding of the LEZ has improved since 2022, highlighting the success of the local and national communications campaigns.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “It may seem some way off, but we are beginning to approach the start of enforcement of the LEZ, and we want to make sure drivers are prepared.
“Air pollution harms both our physical and mental health, so by restricting the most polluting vehicles in the LEZ we will create a healthier place for everyone, reducing inequalities and making the city centre a more welcoming place.
“I’m pleased that compliance with our emissions standards continues to increase, driven by the upcoming LEZ restrictions and support funds, and that support remains high. Lothian Buses are now LEZ ready, and the Council fleet will be soon.
“There’s still work to be done though to ensure everyone else who enters the zone is compliant. As we begin preparations for enforcement, I would encourage all drivers to check if their vehicle is compliant through the online vehicle checker tool, and find out more about the support funds available.”
A city centre LEZ was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee, restricting the most polluting vehicles and benefiting everyone’s health. In Edinburgh, a two-year grace period is in place, meaning no penalty charges will be issued during this time.
Compliance is particularly high amongst the local buses (97%), with Lothian Buses being 100% compliant. Petrol cars (95%) and lorries (86%) also have high compliance rates yet diesel cars are only 50% complaint.
Restricting the most polluting vehicles will significantly reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicles by up to 50% within the LEZ. Further air quality improvements are expected beyond the boundary, improving public health around the city.
LEZ restrictions will apply to motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds. Vehicles must meet the minimum emissions standards to drive within the zone, though national exemptions apply including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.
Edinburgh’s LEZ will issue penalty notice charges, or fines, in line with Scottish regulations, from 1 June 2023. Penalties start at £60, for non-compliant vehicles driving within the Zone though this is reduced by 50% to £30 if paid within 14 days.
Penalties escalate and surcharges will be issued if drivers repeatedly enter the LEZ within a 90 day period. These surcharges are capped at £480 for cars and vans, and £960 for buses and lorries.
Following news fuel prices are expected to rise once again, motorists have been told to avoid common costly mistakes when heading to the pumps.
Motor insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have revealed eight errors which could be contributing to over consumption of fuel and have costly consequences for drivers.
Credit: Pexels
This comes after it was revealed around 150,000 Brits put the wrong fuel in their car every year.*
Misfuelling is one of the most expensive mistakes motorists make. Pumping petrol fuel into a diesel engined car can lead to engine failure, leaving motorists to pick up the repair costs.
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states before drivers set off, they should ensure they have ‘sufficient fuel or charge for your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving’.**
Careless or dangerous driving caused by low fuel will see motorists face fines of up to £100 and three points on their license.
Greg Wilson, CEO and price comparison expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “It can be frustrating to feel like you are spending more and more on fuel each time you fill up. With the inconsistency in pricing and news about fuel prices reaching news highs, we wanted to share our fuel saving suggestions to help drivers save as much as possible.
“Small mistakes at the petrol pump can lead to serious costs. Misfuelling is expensive, and more common than you think. However, even simple things like making sure the car is in good working order with tyres topped up and excess weight removed, can help reduce the amount of fuel it consumes.”
Quotezone.co.uk compiled some of the biggest mistakes drivers make when filling up:
1.Misfuelling
Misfuelling and pumping your diesel car with petrol fuel can be a very costly mistake. Although there may not be any noticeable changes to your car initially, as the petrol makes its way to the fuel system you will have serious consequences. Depending on how far thepetrol has circulated through the fuel system and engine, the cost of repairs can vary from a simple drain and flush to some very expensive component replacements.
2.Check your tyres
Low tyre pressure will cause your tyres to drag on the ground and consume more fuel than fully pumped-up tyres.
3.Letting your fuel run on empty
Letting your car run on low fuel isn’t a crime, but any careless or dangerous driving caused by the lack of fuel could see you punished by law. You could face a £100 fine and three points on your licence if you are forced to stop in the road and cause an obstruction to other motorists.
4.Overfilling your tank
While overfilling the tank can be tempting and seem like a way to save additional trips back to the pump, you will actually end up paying more for your fuel. Filling the tank beyond maximum capacity can cause the fuel to overflow and waste money. Overflowing fuel can also fall to the ground which causes a potential fire hazard and you will still be charged for the waste.
5.Filling up during peak hours
Petrol station prices can vary throughout the day, with costs at their highest during peak hours around midday and 5pm. In order to find the lowest prices, head to a petrol station early in the morning or later in the evening.
Only five of the UK’s biggest theme and adventure parks currently offer electric charging facilities but the situation is set to improve in the coming months, according to a new study by the RAC.
Just Thorpe Park in Surrey, Chessington in London, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Crealy in Devon and M&Ds in Scotland provide EV chargers for visitors, with many other popular and well-loved attractions in other regions currently offering none at all. At the five parks that have some provision, the average number of chargers on offer is four.
The parks that currently don’t offer any charging facilities include such well-known names as Legoland Windsor in Berkshire, Alton Towers in Staffordshire, Gulliver’s sites in Cheshire, Yorkshire and Buckinghamshire and Oakwood in Wales. But the good news is that the first two of these parks have publicly committed to installing chargers before the end of the year.
The RAC study also looked at the nearest ultra-rapid chargers to top theme parks as the next most convenient place to charge on a day out and found they were an average of seven miles away, with each offering an average of only five chargers each. In some parts of the country however, drivers need to travel much further, with the closest ultra-rapid chargers to Pleasurewood Hills in Suffolk and Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire being some 25 miles away.
RAC Charge Watch data shows that drivers currently pay on average 73p per kWh of electricity at an ultra-rapid (100kW+) charger, making an 80% charge of a family-sized EV currently cost £37.39. If public chargers were only subject to 5% VAT like home chargers, that cost would be around £4 cheaper.
Comparisons with major theme parks elsewhere in Europe show just how different the situation can be when it comes to on-site electric vehicle charging. Efteling in the Netherlands has capacity for 174 electric cars to charge at once, while PortAventura in Spain can accommodate 150 cars charging and Europa Park in Germany offers 32 chargers.
It’s far from a perfect picture everywhere however, with Disneyland Paris and Gardaland in Italy having just four chargers each.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Even though most people visiting adventure and theme parks in electric cars will be starting out fully charged from home, many will still need to charge on the way back depending on the length of their journey and their vehicle’s range.
“For those travelling considerable distances to reach them it surely makes sense to have some chargers at theme parks as cars will be parked for long periods, making slower chargers ideal.
“It’s a little disappointing therefore to find some big-name attractions aren’t yet providing any charging facilities, but the situation is thankfully changing with several having stated they’re looking into installing chargers in the near future. We look forward to these plans becoming a reality to make drivers’ lives easier.
“As things stand, families with electric cars who need to recharge after enjoying a day out will no doubt be relying on ultra-rapid chargers to get on the move again as quickly as possible.
“Our research shows drivers will have to travel only an average of seven miles from a theme park to reach one of these, although in some parts of the country the distance is considerably further. Fortunately, with every month that passes provision is improving and in fact over the last 12 months the number of ultra-rapid chargers in the UK has nearly doubled to 8,772.
“Some leading theme parks in other parts of Europe are currently putting the UK in the shade when it comes to more extensive electric charging infrastructure. As they’ve decided it’s right to put chargers for their visitors in place, we now need all major theme park operators in the UK to come to the same conclusion.”
Quentin Willson, automotive journalist and founder of theEV campaign FairCharge, added: “Theme parks are an obvious example of how we need to make sure the UK’s future charging infrastructure really is joined up.
“Parks, attractions, museums, holiday centres, hotels and leisure facilities need to have plenty of chargers for visitors in EVs. Drivers will base their leisure choice destinations – as many already do – on if there are reliable charging facilities. This is the future.”
In a bid to stimulate the take-up of electric vehicles and make public charging more cost-effective, the RAC is supporting the FairCharge campaign’s call to get VAT on public electricity reduced from 20% to match the 5% domestic rate.
Millions could be paying more than they think for their car insurance
Customers paying extra to pay by direct debit and for set up fees, adjustment fees, cancellation fees and even renewal fees
NFU Mutual, which does not charge any extra fees, analysed data from Defaqto and found only 9 of 321 products – 3% – don’t charge any extra fees
Data from 321 insurance products shows that millions of people in the UK could be paying extra fees for their car insurance.
NFU Mutual, which does not charge any extra fees, analysed data from Defaqto and found that only 9 of 321 products – just 3% – do not charge any extra fees to customers.
Data table
Number of products – 321
Number of products charging a fee of some kind – 312 (97%)
Charge
Number of products charging
Percentage of products charging
Highest fee
Average fee
Direct debit
306
95%
n/a
n/a
Set-up fee
146
45%
£350
£58
Adjustment fee
239
74%
£175
£39
Cancellation fee
289
90%
£400
£57
Cooling-off cancellation fee
165
51%
£400
£42
Renewal fee
133
41%
£100
£47
Telematics disconnect and removal fee
14 (out of 62 products)
23%
£100
£68
Telematics documentation fee
2 (out of 62 products)
3%
£60
£60
Telematics missed appointment fee
14 (out of 62 products)
23%
£60
£51
The most common fees charged are direct debit fees, with 95% of products charging customers more to spread payments throughout the year, and cancellation fees, which are present in 90% of products.
The average cancellation fee is £57, with the highest charge a massive £400, which includes a broker fee and a charge for installing the related telematics device.
Adjustment fees are also charged in over three quarters of car insurance products, reducing the ability of consumers to make changes to their insurance without incurring costs. The highest adjustment fee was £175, which includes a broker fee and a charge for installing a new telematics device, with the average fee coming in at £39.
Well over 40% of products charged set-up and renewal fees, effectively penalising customers for setting up insurance. From products which charge the fees, the average set-up cost is £58 and the average renewal fee is £47.
Many insurance providers – 51% of products analysed – also charge customers for cancelling during the 14-day cooling-off period. This cooling-off period is a legal requirement during which a customer can cancel their policy for any reason. However, over half of insurance products charge customers to do this, at an average of £41 and reaching £400 at the higher end, with this covering cancellation, a broker fee and the cost of installing the related telematics device.
With so many car insurance products charging for common things, with the average fees representing not-insignificant amounts, customers could find themselves on the hook for substantial costs on top of their insurance premiums.
Wendy Yeomans, car insurance expert at NFU Mutual, said:“With the cost of living crisis hitting all our pockets, it’s more important than ever to keep on top of our budgets.
“Many households have cancelled media subscriptions or altered their buying habits to keep spending under control, but many will not be aware they are paying the equivalent of this in extra fees for their car insurance.
“Extra fees like this, which many consumers aren’t aware of, make budgeting more difficult and effectively mean the prices many pay for their car insurance creep up beyond what they expected.
“That is why, at NFU Mutual, we are proud to say we don’t charge any extra fees at all, nor do we penalise customers for paying in the way that suits them best – whether this is a monthly direct debit, lump sum or by cheque.”
The average cost of car insurance is now £776, after increasing by £119 (18%) in the past 3 months alone
● Council tax and energy tops the list of the most expensive household bills, costing Brits £984 and £964 respectively, on average(1).
● But drivers are still seeing savings, despite big price hikes, according to further research by Confused.com. Motorists who shopped around and switched in the past 3 months saved £63, on average, with only 9% reporting a cheaper renewal price year-on-year.
● Why are prices rising? Confused.com experts suggest an increase in claims and consequently the cost of claims are rapidly rising. This would account for the unprecedented high increases in car insurance costs.
● Confused.com issues advice to drivers on how to reduce car insurance costs as 2 in 5 (40%) Brits call on insurers to do more to keep prices lower.
A staggering increase in the average cost of car insurance places it as the third most expensive household bill, new data has revealed.
Motorists are now paying £776 for their car insurance, following a £119 (18%) increase in prices over the past 3 months, on average. That’s according to the latest (Q2 2023) car insurance price index, powered by WTW.
Based on more than 6 million quotes over the quarter, it’s the most comprehensive car insurance price index for comprehensive policies. According to the data, prices are now £222, or 40%, more expensive than they were 12 months ago, on average. This makes it the biggest price increase on record. And to put into context how quickly prices have increased, the average premium is 49% more expensive than 2 years ago, in comparison.
These steep increases mean that car insurance costs are close to the expensive rates people are paying for council tax and energy, according to further research. A survey of 2,000 UK drivers(1) found that the average council tax bill is £984 per year, and £964 for energy. And that’s in addition to other expensive essentials, such as food and home entertainment.
That’s as research shows the average UK driver is spending:
● £1,022 on food shopping
● £690 on home entertainment services such as broadband and TV subscriptions.
Are all drivers seeing price increases?
Although some drivers saw some savings, most drivers are feeling the effects of these price hikes. While this may look bleak to drivers, especially during a financially turbulent time, research also shows that there are savings to be made. According to the additional research, only 9% of UK drivers had a cheaper renewal price last quarter (April – June).
This proves that myths surrounding the regulations implemented by the Financial Conduct Authority in January 2021 aren’t true. Following the changes, many drivers believed they wouldn‘t get a more expensive renewal price.
But as the research proves, this isn’t the case. In fact, almost 2 in 3 (59%) saw their price increase, by £52, on average. This is despite almost a third (31%) having no driving convictions, and a further third (32%) having at least 1 year’s no-claims bonus on their policy.
However, many people trusted that they could find a better price, with almost half (46%) going on to switch providers. Of these, almost 2 in 3 (64%) used a price comparison site and saved £63 on their original price, on average.
It’s a similar picture for those who saw a cheaper price, which averaged at just £34 less than the previous year. Two in 5 (40%) went on to buy with another provider, with 1 in 2 (50%) using a price comparison site and also saved £63, on average.
It seems buying a new car insurance policy right now may sound unaffordable. But figures prove that drivers can still save money compared to the renewal price their current insurer is offering.
Why are prices increasing?
It’s clear from the data that prices are increasing for all drivers, whether they choose to renew or buy a new policy. But why are prices rising so significantly?
One of the biggest expenses for insurers is claims. During the pandemic, fewer cars were on the road. As a result, the industry saw a reasonable drop in prices to reflect the reduction in claims being made. But now, research suggests normal driving habits have resumed. This could mean insurers are having to pay out for more claims than they were 2 years ago.
But the important fact here is that the cost of these claims has increased significantly for insurers. Like with many other businesses, this is arguably down to the shift in inflation rates reported over the past 18 months.
And this, as a result, has driven up the cost of repairs and maintenance, which in the event of a claim, is covered by the insurer. This is especially true for newer cars, and many used cars that are in high demand. In fact, the Association for British Insurers (ABI) reported a 33% uplift in the cost of vehicle repairs last quarter.
We’re also seeing that used cars are holding their value more in the current climate. This means that payouts for write-offs or total losses are costing insurers more to cover. Similarly, new cars as well as electric vehicles are much higher in value than before due to more expensive features and upgrades coming as standard. This means paying out to replace a new car is costing insurers more.
What does this mean for drivers?
While the average cost of car insurance in the UK has reached £776, there are some drivers that will be paying significantly more than this. The price paid varies quite a bit, based on a drivers’ gender, location and age.
For example, the average premium for male drivers is now £827. This has increased by £236 (40%) in the last year, and £125 (18%) in the past 3 months. In comparison, female drivers are now paying £690, following a £198 (40%) increase year-on-year, and £107 (18%) over the quarter. This brings the average gap between them to £137.
Similarly, a driver’s location has a huge bearing on their price, with some now paying over £1,000 for their car insurance. A £299 (42%) increase in prices in Outer London has put the average premium in the region at £1,003 – the first time it has reached over £1,000 since the index began. However, Inner London remains the most expensive region in the UK, with the average driver now paying out £1,257.
As expected, prices have risen across all UK regions, but some are still paying a considerable amount less than others. For example, the average insurance cost in the South West is only £509, despite a £136 (36%) increase over the year.
And in most cases, prices are at their most expensive on record for each region, with the exception of Manchester and Merseyside. The average car insurance cost in the region is now £965, making it the most expensive region outside of London. However, this is still £48 (-5%) less than the highest price paid on record (Q4 2011).
A driver’s age also determines how much they pay, with younger drivers bearing the brunt of the biggest car insurance costs. Steep increases means that drivers aged between 17 and 19 are paying out more than £2,000 for their policies, on average. In particular, 18-year-olds are paying the most, with the average premium now £2,404.
This is followed by 19-year-olds, who are paying £2,097, and 17-year-olds who are paying £2,088. At the other end of the scale, drivers around retirement age benefit from the cheapest prices. In fact, for 69-year-olds, the average premium is just £413, in comparison, with drivers aged 61 and over all paying in the £400 bracket.
Why are some drivers paying more than others?
While it may seem unjustified for some drivers to be paying out such hefty prices compared to others, this all comes down to the risk.
For example, male drivers typically have a higher risk profile than women, as they statistically drive more miles and more expensive cars. This puts them at an increased risk of a payout for insurers, as they have to account for the cost of covering a higher value car.
Claims frequency is the biggest explanation for why drivers pay more, and when it comes to location, it’s typically the more populated areas that see the biggest prices. This is because these areas have more cars on the road, higher traffic levels and therefore a higher risk of accidents and claims.
And when it comes to age, younger drivers who are typically less experienced pay more as they’re at a higher risk of making a claim. However, as they build up their driving experience and their no-claims, they should see their costs reduce over time.
How can drivers save money?
With the cost of living crisis continuing to hit Brits in the pocket, it’s clear car insurance is quickly becoming another hefty expense for drivers.
It’s no surprise, then, that 2 in 5 (40%) motorists are calling on insurers to do more to make the cost of car insurance more affordable. In fact, 1 in 4 (25%) claim they’re having to drive less due to the rising costs.
And 1 in 5 (20%) are finding the overall cost of driving too difficult to manage. With the average car insurance price now £772, the overall cost of motoring has reached almost £2,000. That’s as research shows the average UK driver is spending an additional £720 on fuel per year, and £455 on other car maintenance costs.
However, according to Confused.com’s fuel price index, the average price of petrol dropped to 143.3p in June, from 174.5p in August last year. Similarly, the price of diesel is just 145.5p compared to an eye-watering 187.1p, which drivers were paying last November. This goes to show that there are still some areas of motoring where drivers are saving money.
But just because car insurance prices are increasing, doesn’t mean that motorists have to pay more than they need to for their policies.
Experts at Confused.com have identified some key ways for drivers to take a few pounds off their insurance price, without making any significant changes to the way they drive.
● Be accurate with your mileage – Generally, the more miles you drive, the more likely you are to have an accident and make a claim. This means the higher your mileage, the more you pay for your car insurance. So, driving fewer miles can be a great way to save money on your car insurance policy. But don’t assume that a low mileage always means low prices. If you barely drive at all, your insurance company could see that as a risk as well.
● Increase your voluntary excess – Increasing your voluntary excess can help you get cheaper car insurance, but you need to make sure you can afford to pay it, if you need to claim.
● Pay for your car insurance annually – If you can afford it, paying for your insurance in one go rather than monthly is one way to get cheaper car insurance. That’s because insurance companies always charge interest for spreading the cost of your cover over the year.
● Enhance your car security – The harder it is to steal your car, the less of a risk it is. This usually means cheaper car insurance. There are several ways to improve your car security including:
○ Installing a Thatcham-approved car alarm or immobiliser, if it doesn’t already have one
○ Adding secondary levels of security like a steering lock.
○ Parking overnight in a secure, well-lit car park.
Louise Thomas, motor expert at Confused.com car insurance comments:“Car insurance has quickly become one of the biggest expenses for drivers. If prices continue at this rate then there’s no doubt drivers could be priced off the road, as they battle with other rising costs too.
“But what we do know is that many drivers were able to save some money when it came to renewal. And shopping around was the key to this. Even if prices were cheaper for them, the price they saw online was still significantly cheaper.
“Although this isn’t all drivers can do to save money. We always advise drivers to take a look at the details of their policy and make sure they’re accurate before committing to a price. Updating your mileage, or considering additional security could easily bring your price down.
“In the current climate we want to help drivers do all they can to make their insurance more affordable. But we know the key to this will be shopping around and seeing what the best price out there is. It’s a competitive industry and we’re confident that switching will result in savings.
“This is why we offer a guarantee to beat your renewal, or pay you the difference, plus £20. In this scenario, you don’t pay more, and you gain more cash!”
– As Harry Potter arrives on Netflix, experience its iconic locations in real life with a beautiful Highlands road trip
– There are six magical locations to explore, including Glen Etive, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Loch Morar
– The Harry Potter road trip takes 7 hours 54 minutes to complete by car
As the fifth most popular filming location in Europe, Scotland has provided a beautiful backdrop for countless Hollywood blockbusters over the last few decades.
Harry Potter is perhaps the most famous and beloved of these film series to shoot scenes north of the English border, with stunning Highland scenery featuring across each of the eight exciting instalments.
And, as this franchise has arrived on Netflix and reignited the nation’s love for all things Potter, fans can visit its most iconic filming locations, as Macklin Motors has curated the ultimate road trip route of Scotland for Potterheads.
Taking 8 hours to complete by car, this road trip is perfect for Harry Potter fans who want to feel the magic of their favourite scenes, while taking in beautiful Scottish landscapes at the same time.
The journey starts in the astonishingly beautiful valley of Glen Etive, before driving just over half an hour to Rannoch Moor’s Insta-ready autumnal shades, both of which featured in the Deathly Hallows.
The next stop is Steall Falls, the second highest waterfall in Great Britain, a popular beauty spot that made an appearance in the adrenaline-pumping dragon chase scene in the Goblet of Fire.
Drive 40 minutes further and drivers will find the most iconic Harry Potter filming location in Scotland: Glenfinnan Viaduct. Potterheads will certainly recognise this stunning railway viaduct from the Chamber of Secrets’ unforgettable flying car sequence.
The penultimate stop on the road trip route is Loch Morar, which eagle-eyed fans will immediately recognise as Hogwarts Lake from the Prisoner of Azkaban. Then, a long drive across the Scottish Highlands will reveal the very last filming location on the map: Black Rock Gorge. This stoic cavern featured in the Goblet of Fire, taking centre stage during the Triwizard Tournament.
A Macklin Motors spokesperson commented:““Whether for a bank holiday weekend or a week in the Summer holidays, finding the perfect holiday destination for the entire family is always a tricky task.
“With our Harry Potter road trip, we want to provide the best of both worlds for kids and parents alike, touring beautiful Highland hotspots with a magical twist. Plus, at just under eight hours in total, drivers can complete this road trip in a day or take their time with it throughout their holiday in Scotland.
“So, pack the car with snacks, ready your family’s favourite playlist, and set off on a bewitching adventure around Scotland’s stunning scenery.”
For more filming location road trips around Scotland and to find the Google Maps route for this road trip, visit the Macklin Motors blog.
Learners are now paying 215% more for driving lessons than they did thirty years ago, with more young people being excluded from getting behind the wheel due to financial pressures.*
Now car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are calling for more regulation for the cost of learning to drive.
This comes after many simply cannot afford the expense as young people are estimated to pay over £2500 to get their licence.
Credit – Shutterstock
Quotezone.co.uk has researched the average amount of money a learner today will end up paying from start to finish.
Before even getting behind the wheel, learners in the UK must apply for a provisional driving licence, costing them £34 to apply online or £43 by post.
Next, the biggest expense, is finding a driving instructor suitable and getting enough practice in to take the test.
The Government’s ‘Ready to Pass’ campaign claims that the average learner will take 45 hours of lessons with their instructor plus 22 hours of private practice.**
Taking into account that the average 1 hour lesson costs £30, learners are expected to fork out £1,350 to pay instructors.***
Paying to actually take the driving test is another expense learners cannot avoid – pupils must pass both the theory test (£23) and the practical test (£62 for weekday tests rising to £75 on the weekend).****
Additional fees at the test-taking stage include paid-for apps to practise theory test questions, and many driving instructors will also require payment for learners to use the car when taking their test.
Overall, learners are now paying £2707 to learn to drive, not including the cost of more driving lessons and more tests if they are unsuccessful after the first try.
Every year around 1.6 million nervous Brits buckle up to sit their practical driving test, and the pass rate as a whole falls just shy of 50% – dropping to 46% on average for female drivers.
Comparatively, reports show that learners in the 1980s and 90s paid an average of just £10 an hour – meaning lessons alone are costing pupils today £900 more.
Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “Learning to drive is a rite of passage and the worry is young people aren’t getting the option to learn, as the rising costs are making it unaffordable.
“More regulation on the cost of driving lessons and other mandatory fees would help young people get out on the roads and also help ensure they don’t cut corners.
“Having a more affordable pathway to learn to drive will also encourage pupils to take their time before booking a test and in turn help reduce the growing driving test backlog seen across the country.”
Learners also have to tax and insure the vehicle and indeed the vehicle cost itself if they don’t have access to a family car, it’s beginning to make driving unattainable for young drivers.
As a price comparison site, Quotezone.co.uk is designed to help young drivers find competitive costs by comparing products and exploring alternative options such as black box or telematics products.
Half-term is here and if you’re looking for something to do to keep the kids entertained, Goodbye Car has created a superhero-themed road trip, that’s also EV-friendly!
Regardless of whether you’re a Marvel or DC fan, our next road trip takes you through some of the most recognisable filming locations from your favourite superhero movies.
It’s around 449 miles long and will take you just over 10 hours in total (assuming you’re not taking the Batmobile!)
First up is St Abbs, a sleepy fishing village in Scotland which you might not initially associate with the Avengers! The village was used as the backdrop for New Asgard, Thor’s Home in Tønsberg. Make sure to take a selfie at the village sign, which reads ‘St Abbs twinned with New Asgard’ in a special nod to the movie.
If we started at New Asgard, it only seems logical that we also visit Old Asgard on our superhero road trip. Durham Cathedral in North East England played host to some of the Asgard scenes in the Avengers: Endgame movie, notably the scene when Rocket slaps Thor out of his panic attack.
3. Dale Street, Manchester, England
Movie: Captain America: The First Avenger | Scene: Heinz Kruger crash | Address: Manchester’s Northern Quarter
Manchester’s Northern Quarter was chosen as the backdrop for the car crash scene with Heinz Kruger during Captain America: The First Avenger. The scene was filmed on Dale Street specifically, which was also where they shot the secret lab found inside the Brooklyn Antiques Shop.
4. Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, Nottingham, England
Movie: The Dark Knight Rises | Scene: Wayne Manor | Address: Nottinghamshire, NG8 2AE
Leaving Marvel for a second, the next stop on our road trip is Wollaton Hall & Deer Park in Nottingham, although it’s perhaps better known as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises. The hall and grounds feature throughout the movie.
The hall isn’t Nottinghamshire’s only connection to Batman though. It’s believed the 13th Century village of Gotham inspired DC Comics.
5. Millennium Footbridge, London, England
Movie: Guardians of the Galaxy | Scene: Alien City bridge | Address: Thames Embankment, London
Despite its futuristic aesthetic, some of the locations featured in Guardians of the Galaxy are actually inspired by London landmarks. The Alien City skyline features a bridge that’s akin to the Millennium Footbridge, while the space-age-looking Lloyd’s Building is also included.
6. Piccadilly Circus, London, England
Movie: Wonder Woman 1984 | Scene: Max Lord broadcast | Address: W1B 5DQ
The final stop on our superhero road trip takes you to Piccadilly Circus in the heart of central London. Fans of Wonder Woman 1984 will recognise this location from the movie when Max Lord’s global broadcast reached the city. Thankfully, Wonder Woman was on hand with her Lasso of Truth to interfere with Max’s message.
Owners of electric vehicles are being told how they could save up to £1000 a year under the government’s latest plan to install smart charging across the UK.
Electric car experts at LeaseElectricCar.co.uk have researched how EV drivers can save money on their energy bills or make a profit from the National Grid under the new electric vehicle smart charging action plan.
The new government scheme sets out to unlock the potential of smart electric vehicle charging, helping owners of electric vehicles to save hundreds each year on their energy bills.
With the cap on the Energy Price Guarantee set to increase by 20% in April 2023, electric vehicle drivers will be able to minimise their spendings on energy bills.
The government states that the smart charging scheme plans to let motorists charge their EVs when the electricity is cheaper or cleaner.
Drivers can also use the electricity stored in their EVs to power their own homes, allowing them to benefit significantly from lower energy bills.
The scheme will also allow consumers to sell the electricity from their vehicles back to the National Grid for profit.
Bill payers who do not have an EV can also benefit from more sustainable and cheaper energy prices – reducing the demand when electricity is used on the grid from EV drivers will help contribute to reducing energy prices for everyone.
This new smart charging landmark initiative reports to use the latest energy innovations to deliver benefits to EV drivers as the country works towards its zero emissions target on UK roads.
With the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars being introduced in 2030, the smart charging plan aims to further encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric.
The report states that the average electric vehicle driver could save around £200 a year, and a high mileage driver £1000 a year, with the introduction of smarter charging across the UK.
The government is aiming to make smart charging commonplace for EV drivers by 2025 – further initiatives like smart lamppost charging on the street will help make this move happen.
To further the smart charging scheme, £16 million will be invested into these innovative technologies which will harness the potential of the new way of charging.
Alongside smart lampposts, projects to enable domestic appliances to be able to merge into a whole smart energy system, like heat pumps, charge points and batteries, which will also be funded.
Tim Alcock at LeaseElectricCar.co.uk said: “It’s a great win for EV drivers – under the new smart charging scheme you may save up to £1000 on energy bills.
“The government has announced that this scheme will allow you to use electricity to power your homes, energy which is otherwise stored in your vehicle, as well as being able to sell back electricity to the National Grid to make some money.”
He said that it’s good news for those who don’t own an electric vehicle too.
Mr Alcock added: “By reducing the demand for electricity, such as pumping electricity from EVs into the home, this will in turn help contribute to lowering the overall demand and costs for bill payers across the country.
“As we head towards an increase of the energy price cap, the smart charging scheme is a positive step forward for the country to help reduce costs for all consumers.
“Investment into the smart energy system is also going to help EV drivers in the long run too. Smart lampposts and merging domestic appliances into the system will help make smarter charging easier for motorists.
“This recent announcement gives the electric vehicle industry hope that the right infrastructure is being put in place as the country moves towards the ban of new petrol and diesel cars in just seven years time.”
For more on the smart charging scheme and to find out further benefits for EV owners, head over to https://leaseelectriccar.co.uk/
Motorists have been told to maintain their vehicles if proposed changes to MOTs come into force.
Experts from Quotezone.co.uk have warned drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy after proposals to extend the period between tests.
The proposals have come via a consultation jointly published by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), affecting cars, motorbikes and vans.
Currently, all new vehicles must be tested after they reach three years old, to ensure they do not present a danger to other road users.
But if the new proposals are adopted, this period will be extended to four years, in line with many other countries across Europe.
Advances in technology and the increase in popularity of EVs and hybrid cars mean new vehicles are less likely to need major attention at three years old.
They also suggest that the period between MOT tests could also be extended from one year for newer vehicles.
While the experts from Quotezone.co.uk welcome the chance for drivers to create savings, safety must always be the number one priority and both the government and the motorists themselves have a duty to ensure their cars, vans and motorbikes are safe to operate.
Many countries across Europe have the four year policy, and the proposals would bring Britain in line with countries like Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
Government analysis shows less frequent MOT tests could save UK drivers around £100 million per year.
Quotezone.co.uk did a sample survey in Northern Ireland – where all vehicles must be tested at a dedicated MOT centre – putting the system under increasing pressure to clear the pandemic backlog. 43% of drivers were said to be waiting over 3 months for an available test date and 59% were driving on the road pass their test due date.
These proposed changes may alleviate some issues but it’s important to remember 1 in 10 vehicles fail their MOT first time, under the proposal these vehicles would now be on the road for an additional year which some experts fear may increase the number of unsafe vehicles on our roads.
Quotezone.co.uk Founder Greg Wilson has said: “These proposals to have less frequent MOT tests is likely to put the onus on the driver to more regularly maintain the vehicle and ensure its roadworthy.
“Whilst of course money saving benefits are great in this economic climate, getting into an accident or driving an unsafe car could result in costs far bigger than a £40 MOT.
“There are several routine checks which drivers can do at home to help their vehicle stay in a safe and roadworthy condition.”
Quotezone.co.uk has provided checks you can make on your car:
Check tyres:
Before setting off, it is important to check for any cuts or wear. It is also good to check if the tyre pressures are appropriate for the load and condition of the tyres. The minimum and legal limit for tread depth of the tyres is 1.6mm – drivers can insert a 20p into the tread to double check, the tyre thickness should be more than the first line on the coin.
Check lights:
You need to make sure your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights and brake lights all work. Having any of these not working or in a temperamental condition could put you, passengers and other motorists at risk.
Check brakes:
The braking system needs to be in good working order. If the car pulls to one side when applying the breaks then this indicates an issue. Look at the handbrake too and ensure it works well, especially on an incline. If you have alloy wheels, it could be possible to do a visual inspection of the brakes without actually removing the wheel.
Check fluid levels:
Keep your screen wash topped up so you can clean dirt off your windscreen and ensure you have good visibility and top up break fluid and oil.
Check mirrors:
All mirrors must be secure and free of cracks. If they need replacing you can normally find ones for your car model online, but stay clear of self-adhesive types as these are not durable.
Check windscreen and wipers:
Ensure there is no damage to your windscreen. A chip or crack that exceeds 40mm will actually result in a failed MOT test. On top of the windscreen, the wipers and washers should be functional to ensure good visibility at all times.
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