Tag: driving

Scottish drivers face growing car insurance premiums

The average cost in Scotland is now £435, following a £31 (8%) increase year-on-year, according to the Confused.com car insurance price index

  • According to the data, Central Scotland is the most expensive region, with motorists paying £477 for their car insurance, on average. This is an increase of £34 (8%) year-on-year.
  • Drivers in the Scottish Borders pay the cheapest price for car insurance, despite a £29 (9%) year-on-year increase. Drivers in this region can expect to pay £366, on average.
  • Further research shows that almost half (45%) of drivers who received a renewal quote last quarter saw a price increase of £41, on average. However, drivers who shopped around on a price comparison site saved £54, on average (1) .
  • Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com urges drivers to shop around ahead of time and to consider opting for annual payments, which could save drivers as much as 10% on their car insurance(3)
  • How to save money on your car insurance: Confused. money on your car insurance: Confused.com expert tips aim to help drivers save more on their insurance as the cost of living rapidly increases.

Car insurance costs across the Scottish regions are at the highest in almost two years following the steepest increase in prices since before the COVID-19 pandemic (Q4 2020), new data reveals.

The average cost of car insurance in Scotland now stands at £435, on average, with drivers seeing an increase of £31 (8%) compared to this time last year. That’s according to the latest car insurance price index (Q2 2022) from Confused.com, powered by WTW. Based on six million quotes a quarter, it’s the most comprehensive car insurance price index in the UK.

However, some drivers could expect to pay more than the national average, depending on the region in which they live. The data shows that drivers in Central Scotland pay the highest prices for car insurance, with the cost now £477, following a £34 (8%) increase compared to this time last year. Despite an annual increase of £29 (9%), drivers living in the Scottish Borders pay the cheapest costs for their car insurance, with an average premium of £366.

Meanwhile, drivers in East and North East Scotland are now paying £399 for their car insurance, following a £27 (7%) increase year-on-year. And drivers in the Scottish Highland and Islands are paying a premium of £394, on average, following an increase of £30 (8%).

Region Average Premium YOY £ YOY %

Scottish Borders £ 366 £29 9%

Central Scotland £ 477 £34 8%

East & North East Scotland £ 399 £27 7%

Scottish Highlands & Islands £ 394 £30 8%

It’s a similar picture across the rest of the UK, where prices increased by £32 (6%) over the past 12 months to £554. This is the highest prices have been across the UK in almost 2 years.

The reports of steeper car insurance costs might come as bad news for Scottish motorists, which is why it’s never been so important to shop around for the best deals when it’s time to renew.

However, while prices are increasing for most drivers across the UK, further research by Confused.com shows that many loyal customers are still taking a bigger blow, having seen their renewal increase more than the price of a new policy, on average.

A survey of 2,000 UK drivers(1) found that almost half (45%) of those who received their renewal last quarter saw their price increase by £41, on average. This is despite 1 in 10 (10%) drivers who have renewed their car insurance since January 2022 believing that prices wouldn’t increase after Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)(2) changes earlier this year. However, while prices are increasing for new policies too, the data shows that drivers could still save money by shopping around and taking out a new policy.

In fact, those who shopped around after receiving a more expensive renewal price saved £54, on average, after using a price comparison website and switching insurers.

Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com reminds drivers that the recent FCA changes do not always mean a cheaper or like-for-like renewal price, as any increase to the average UK car insurance costs will be reflected in renewal premiums. And it’s likely that prices will continue to increase as motorists spend more time on the road, meaning that likelihood of claims will increase too.

It’s evident from the latest data that increases have been seen across other regions too, with the UK average premium now £554 – that’s £32 (6%) more expensive than 12 months ago.

However, despite annual increases across all regions, some areas in Scotland have in fact benefitted from a decrease in costs over the last quarter. For instance, although there has been an annual increase of £59 (16%) in Shetland, the average cost for car insurance in the area has actually decreased by £19 (4%) since the last quarter. Drivers in Aberdeen have also seen the average premium cost decrease by £2, making their annual cost £397, on average.

But despite small wins for some, other areas continue to see increased car insurance costs. For drivers in Glasgow, the average cost for car insurance is £523. This is a £39 (8%) increase compared to this time last year and also currently makes Glasgow the most expensive area in the whole of Scotland.

While prices are on the increase, data shows that female drivers are still paying cheaper prices compared to males(4). For males aged 17-20 in Central Scotland, car insurance prices are the most expensive in comparison to all other Scottish regions.

These costs have increased by an eye-watering £110 (8%) in the last 12 months, on average. Female drivers in Central Scotland also saw a 6% increase year-on-year, but this equates to £59 in comparison. In the past 12 months, the total cost for drivers aged 17-20 in this region has increased to £1,479 for males and £1,140 for females.

With the cost of living crisis worsening and further household bill hikes expected later in the year, drivers need to be savvier than ever. And when it comes to their car insurance, drivers should be shopping around, as it’s one expense that could guarantee a saving.

An option for drivers to save money on their insurance is by choosing for annual payments. While monthly direct debits may be the most convenient option, paying upfront for an annual cost could save drivers an extra 10% when taking out a new policy(3).

With so much to consider when it comes to car insurance, it can be confusing for drivers to know which factors will produce the best savings. To help motorists understand where savings could be made, Confused.com has created 16 tips to get cheaper car insurance costs. And it could be as simple as making sure all of your details are correct when taking out insurance.

Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com comments: “With millions stung by the current cost of living, it can be disheartening to see that car insurance prices are also on the rise. As the latest data shows, we’re seeing some of the highest spikes in prices since before the pandemic.

“With us all still adjusting to life after lockdown, it’s likely that this is due to the number of insurance claims being made increasing as we get back into some sort of routine. Unfortunately, this means that you might notice a price increase when renewing or shopping for your car insurance.

“While prices are increasing, we know that car insurance is one area where you can still save money, which will help to balance out price hikes in other areas. It’s clear from research that renewal prices are often more expensive, and it can be easy to accept a higher price if it doesn’t look too bad given the expectation that everything is increasing at the moment. But please don’t do this. You can pay less!

“The car insurance market is very competitive right now, which is the perfect time to be savvy and shop around for a better deal. Taking some time to research the best available options can really pay off. We know there’s an insurer out there who can offer you a better price, which is why we guarantee to beat your renewal(5). And if we can’t, we’ll give you the difference, plus £20. So, if anything, you will make money!”

Vauxhall Corsa is the UK’s best-selling new car in the first half of 2022

  • Vauxhall Corsa is the UK’s best-selling new car in the first six months of 2022
  • More than 22,200 units sold in the first half of the year
  • All-electric Corsa-e is the UK’s best selling electric supermini, with 2,677 sold in the first six months
  • Vauxhall’s private car and van market share grew from 4.9% to 6.1% compared to the first six months of 2021

The award-winning Vauxhall Corsa is the UK’s best-selling new car for the first six months of the year, according to the latest new car registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

With 5,014 sold in June, and 22,212 in total for the first half of 2022, the Corsa is also the best-selling B-segment vehicle so far this year. The all-electric Corsa-e has been named the best-selling electric supermini for the first half of the year, with 2,677 registrations so far in 2022.

The performance of the Corsa range, alongside Vauxhall’s other new models including the new Mokka, helped the brand grow its private car market share from 4.7% to 5.8% compared to last year.  In June, Vauxhall was the second-best-selling car manufacturer overall, with 9,966 registrations across all car models.

Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “The Vauxhall Corsa was the UK’s best-selling car last year, and we’re on track for another stellar year. The first six months have been difficult for the whole industry, but Vauxhall remains a firm favourite with UK buyers.

“The second half of the year will see the roll-out of our All-New Astra and Astra Sports Tourer – two new models that showcase our new design language, innovative technologies, and our commitment to electrification.”

The Vauxhall Corsa is available with efficient petrol engines as well as with a fully electric powertrain. The Corsa-e is powered by a 50kWh battery and a 136PS (100kW) electric motor and is capable of up to 222 miles (WLTP test cycle) from a single charge. Capable of supporting up to 100kW rapid charging, an 80% charge takes just 30 minutes to complete.

The entire Vauxhall passenger car range can be ordered entirely online via the Vauxhall Online Store. The Vauxhall Online Store brings the brand’s showroom experience straight into the comfort of buyers’ homes.

Customers can arrange a live video viewing of their vehicle via the Vauxhall Virtual Showroom and proceed to the Online Store to configure their vehicle, personalise finance payments, and place an order, all from the comfort of their home.

Nissan Ariya is Auto Express Car of the Year

  • The new 100% electric Nissan Ariya named Best Mid-Sized Company Car…
  • …“the newcomer goes straight to the top of the class” …
  • … and takes overall Auto Express Car of the Year title
  • “It mixes style and substance seamlessly, and is an advanced EV right for the modern era”
  • Spacious, lounge-like and modern, with a clear attachment to its Japanese DNA, Ariya offers a refined, comfortable, zero-emissions drive

The new Nissan Ariya has been named a double winner at this year’s Auto Express Awards, securing both the ‘Best Mid-Sized Company Car’ trophy and the coveted overall ‘Car of the Year’ title.

Now available for customers to order, with a fully electric range of up to 329 miles, the Ariya features Japanese-inspired design, a luxurious and spacious cabin and advanced technologies.

Andrew Humberstone, managing director at Nissan GB, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition for our incredible new 100% electric crossover and would like to thank the judges for this fantastic award.

“The Ariya perfectly encapsulates the design, tech and performance of our next generation EVs and will continue Nissan’s pioneering journey in electrification and support our route to carbon neutrality.”

Auto Express’ judges were keen to highlight the Ariya’s all-round talents and praised the car’s compelling blend of head-turning looks, premium appeal and composed driving dynamics, plus a range of well over 300 miles.  

For business users too, it was judged that “the newcomer goes straight to the top of the class”.

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express, added: “The Ariya is the most premium-feeling Nissan we’ve seen yet, but it backs this up with impressive technology, punchy performance and clever storage.

“It mixes style and substance seamlessly, and is an advanced EV right for the modern era, as many motorists seriously consider – with many making the switch – to all-electric motoring. It’s our Car of the Year 2022.”

Drawing on Nissan’s leadership in electrification and segment-defining crossover capabilities, the Nissan Ariya seamlessly delivers advanced driving capabilities and a premium EV experience. 

Hay fever: high pollen warning for Scotland’s motorists

The Met Office is issuing a ‘high’ pollen forecast for Scotland, south of Grampian and The Highlands, which could give hay fever sufferers more than watery eyes from today.

Scottish hay fever sufferers who are vulnerable to grass and nettle pollen and Cladosporium spores, which will increase in intensity during bright warm weather should take note, especially if they take medication to lessen symptoms.

The Met Office forecast has led to a warning from one of the country’s leading car insurance comparison websites, that many motorists are unaware of the fact that ‘driving under the influence’ could result in hefty fines and points on their licence.  Some hay fever medications could see drivers committing this type of motoring offence without even realising it.

Insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk says the government legislation that bans driving while under the influence, does not distinguish between illicit drugs, prescription medication and over-the-counter medications.  This means any type of drug that affects a motorist’s driving abilities could potentially result in a drug-driving conviction, even if it’s something as simple as hay fever medication that causes drowsiness.

One in four people in the UK has hay fever, that’s approximately 16 million people, according to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation.  Grass pollen is arguably the biggest cause of seasonal allergies, affecting approximately 90% of hay fever sufferers – with peak season from mid-May until July.                                                           

Scotland’s hay fever sufferers could consider the following advice before getting behind the wheel:

Five driving tips for hay fever sufferers

Check medication – antihistamines and hay fever medications can differ in strength, check with the doctor if in any doubt about possible side effects and always read the label – the warning, ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ is commonly found and applies to cars, forklifts and any other heavy machinery.

Plan journeys – check the Met Office Pollen warnings or download the weather app, which gives a 5-day forecast for high pollen counts. 

Keep the car as pollen-free as possible – clean the car regularly to get rid of dust that could trigger symptoms before setting out, regularly change pollen filters in the car’s ventilation system and keep car windows closed during journeys.  

Get stocked up – keep the car stocked with fresh tissues, hay fever medicine, a bottle of water, eye drops, anything used to ease the symptoms, should they strike unexpectedly. 

Drive safely – better to err on the side of caution, giving lots of space to fellow road users and taking breaks if hay fever symptoms start.  If drivers don’t feel well or the pollen count is high, play it safe and don’t make non-urgent journeys.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, comments:  “A lot of people aren’t sure exactly when the hay fever season starts, it actually runs for seven months of the year – March to September – depending on the type of pollen people are allergic to, so it can catch drivers off guard.

“Most people assume that the term ‘drug-driving’ refers to driving while under the influence of illicit narcotics, but the truth is that driving after taking any type of drug, could result in a motoring conviction if the motorist’s driving abilities are impaired.

“While some hay fever medications are non-drowsy, some types do cause drowsiness, and some prescription hay fever tablets in particular carry a ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ warning. If a driver fails to obey this warning and gets behind the wheel, they could risk a hefty fine of up to £5,000, points on their licence and endanger themselves and other road users.”

Quotezone.co.uk compares quotes from over 110 UK car insurance providers, helping over 3 million users find a more competitive deal each year on everything from car insurance to electric car insurance to convicted driver insurance

Oh man! Penalty points hit male motorists where it hurts

Male motorists are clocking-up more than twice as many penalty points as their female counterparts, according to new data from the Department for Transport (DfT).

Male drivers racking up three penalty points on their licences currently total 1,343,700, compared to 606,700 for female drivers, as of the 5 February this year.

The number of male drivers with six points is 395,000, whereas with female motorists the figure is 120,600.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, a leading insurance comparison website, comments: “The data suggests that women are the more cautious drivers – racking up less penalty points. However, the differences are stark to say the least and concerning.”

Greg Wilson warns that law breaking motorists will feel the effect: “At a time when all of us are looking to tighten our belts, penalty points can really hit motorists in the pocket. In addition to legal fines that accompany the points, offending motorists’ insurance companies will reassess how they see their risk and in turn premium.

“Three points can raise insurance premiums by 5%, but can rachet up fees by as much as 25% if a motorist has six points on a licence. Remember, penalty points stay on a licence for four years and the corresponding rise in insurance fees may do so as well.”

The data further shows that 1,120 women and 6,100 men have 12 points on their licences, which leads to an automatic ban – called a TT99. If a driver is disqualified from driving under this ‘totting up’ system, they will have had a TT99 conviction code added to their driving record, which means they’ll likely have to pay considerably more for their ‘TT99 insurance’ after the period of disqualification ends. 

Greg Wilson continues: “Motorists who can prove exceptional circumstances in court may be allowed to continue driving, but the courts are far from pushovers and the judge has the power to award the maximum fine and determine the length of the ban – over 56 days means the driver has to reapply for the license and maybe even retest.”  

Insurance providers are prohibited from using gender as part of their risk analysis calculation, as per The Equality Act established in 2010.  They use other factors such as the level of no claims bonus secured, age, postcode, vehicle specifications and of course, number of penalty points incurred, to help determine the most appropriate premium price per customer.

Motorists who want to reduce the effect of penalty points might try the following to keep their premiums as low as possible:

  • Sign-up to a telematics product recognised by their insurance firm, which allows them to showcase their new safer driving behaviour
  • There are specialist insurance policies for drivers with penalty points that can help – shop around on comparison websites for specialist driver policies
  • Parking in a more secure location overnight can really reduce fees, if they have a garage or a private driveway use it and let the insurer know
  • Choosing a car without branding or modifications and even a smaller engine can also help reduce premiums
  • Installing a dashcam can help too – insurance providers may offer discounts if drivers have one fitted

Quotezone.co.uk compares prices across all types of car insurance, including TT99 insurance and  convicted driver insurance, helping around 3 million users every year find better deals on their insurance, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products. Recommended by 97% of reviewers on Reviews.co.uk. 

Citroën welcomes NHS, Teachers & Emergency Services staff by extending ‘Citroën and You’ programme

  • ‘Citroën and You’ friends and family programme extended further to include NHS employees, Teachers and Emergency Services personnel.
  • Programme enables eligible customers to save up to an additional £1,200* on a brand-new Citroën car.
  • ‘Citroën and You‘ programme is available exclusively online through the Citroën Store.

Citroën UK is showing its appreciation for the incredible work of the NHS, Teachers and Emergency Services across the UK in recent years by extending its ‘Citroën and You’ programme.

The programme, previously reserved for friends and family of Citroën employees, welcomes NHS, Teachers and Emergency Services personnel into the Citroën family and allows users to save up to an additional £1,200* on a brand-new Citroën car.

‘Citroën and You’ is available to NHS employees, Teachers and Emergency Services personnel as a fully online experience via the Citroën store. Eligible users wishing to take advantage of the ‘Citroën and You’ programme can review current offers online, configure and personalise their car, place it in their shopping basket prior to checkout and access a discount with a personalised promotional code before completing the order.

The initiative launches this week with dedicated pages already live on the Citroën UK website. The offers extend across the Citroën passenger car range†, including C4 and ë-C4 Electric, New C5 Aircross and C3 Aircross SUV.

NHS Employees: https://citroen.co.uk/citroen-and-you-for-nhs.html
Teachers: https://citroen.co.uk/citroen-and-you-for-teachers.html
Emergency Services: https://citroen.co.uk/citroen-and-you-for-emergency-services.html

Last month, Citroën UK celebrated Sign Language Week (14 to 22 March) by extending the ‘Citroën and You’ programme to welcome British Sign Language (BSL) users. Citroën has pledged to become more accessible to the UK’s more than 150,000 strong deaf community. Last year, Citroën partnered with SignLive to become the first car manufacturer to introduce its online video interpreting service for deaf and hard of hearing customers across its entire UK retailer network.

British Sign Language users: https://www.citroen.co.uk/citroen-and-you-for-bsl.html

Eurig Druce, Citroën’s UK Managing Director, said: “Over the past two years we have seen the remarkable work the NHS, Teachers and Emergency Services have provided across the UK in the face of a global pandemic.

“To show our appreciation for the work they have done and continue to do for us all, I am proud to extend ‘Citroën and You’ to all NHS employees, Teachers and Emergency Services personnel so they can save on a great new Citroën vehicle.”

‘Citroën and You’ friends and family programme is exclusively available via the online Citroën Store, which allows customers to configure their vehicle, select the finance package that best suits their needs and order their new vehicle from the comfort of their own home.

*Current offer available at time of announcement. Subject to change in the future.

†Exclusions apply. Visit https://store.citroen.co.uk/ to see all available models.

Ford Fiesta is Britain’s favourite car

  • Ford Fiesta is the most popular car in the UK
  • Ford Focus is second most popular, followed by Vauxhall Corsa in third
  • The top four car models make up 15% of cars on the road

The Ford Fiesta is the most owned car model in the UK, new research has revealed.

The study by car insurance experts CarInsurance.ae analysed government data of the car models in the UK and the number of registered vehicles for each model to show the most popular in the country.

Analysis of the data revealed that the Ford Fiesta is Britain’s most owned car model, with 1,521,680 being registered. The most popular specification of the Ford Fiesta is the Ford Fiesta Zetec, 386,882 cars.

Another Ford to appear on the list, the Ford Focus, comes in at second, where more than 1,100,000 cars are on the road. Among the many specifications available for the Ford Focus, the most common is the Ford Focus Zetec, with just below 75,000 models.

Vauxhall Corsa ranks third on the list of popular car models in the UK, with 1,053,949 owned throughout the country. The most prevalent version with 58,472 registered is the Vauxhall Corsa SE.

Coming in at fourth on the list is the Volkswagen Golf, which saw 1,040,051 versions of the German car being registered in the UK. The most owned version of the hatchback is the Volkswagen Golf GT TDI which has a 2-litre diesel engine, with 37,576 vehicles on the road.

Vauxhall Astra is the fifth most popular car model in the UK, as the small family car has more than 829,000 around the country.

10 Most Popular Car Models in the UK, CarInsurance.ae

RankModelNumber of Model
1Ford Fiesta1,521,680
2Ford Focus1,179,024
3Vauxhall Corsa1,053,949
4Volkswagen Golf1,040,051
5Vauxhall Astra829,198
6Volkswagen Polo676,350
7Nissan Qashqai555,342
8Toyota Yaris488,589
9Audi A3428,223
10Renault Clio407,147

The second Volkswagen hatchback, the Volkswagen Polo, comes in at sixth. The car model has 676,350 versions owned by the British public.

The only non-hatchback car model to appear on the list, the Nissan Qashqai, places in at seventh. The crossover has more than 555,000 registered in the country.

Toyota Yaris comes in at the eighth spot on the list, with 488,589 models being owned. Audi A3 appears at ninth, with 428,223 versions on British roads. The French hatchback, Renault Clio, finishes off the top ten with 407,147 models registered in the UK.

A spokesperson for CarInsurance.ae commented on the study: “It is fascinating to see which car models the UK favours out of the hundreds available.

“The data shows that the Ford Fiesta is the most popular car in the UK, and is one of nine hatchbacks in the top ten, showing how popular small cars are throughout the country. In fact, the Ford Fiesta is so popular that there are more Fiestas on the road in the UK than there are every type of Peugeot.”

10 Most Popular Car Makes in the UK, CarInsurance.ae

RankMakeNumber of Make
1Ford4,138,817
2Vauxhall3,156,726
3Volkswagen2,857,784
4BMW1,940,108
5Audi1,786,402
6Mercedes1,635,132
7Toyota1,566,813
8Nissan1,557,420
9Peugeot1,387,361
10Honda1,029,659

The analysis was conducted by CarInsurance.ae, which is dedicated to helping drivers save time and money while picking car insurance in UAE.

Roads, transport and parking tops the agenda for Scots

Science-based technology company 3M urges local authorities to address concerns felt by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians

 

Roads, transport and parking should be the number one agenda item for local authorities in 2022, according to almost half of residents living in Scotland (47%).

The new research from science-based technology company, 3M reveals that within the region, this is the area most in need of attention alongside housing (47%) and followed by jobs, business and investment (41%), and education (35%). 

After more time spent working, travelling and exercising close to home in the past two years, 80% of people in Britain believe the pandemic has highlighted the need for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians to be able to co-exist. However, there are specific factors preventing these groups from doing so in harmony.  

Accessibility for cyclists in Scotland

It is estimated that one in five Brits now cycle in a typical week. However, in Scotland nearly a quarter of those who already cycle (23%) say that despite having access to cycle lanes where they live, they still wouldn’t feel safe enough to travel on a bike during peak times. 

74% of this group don’t believe the right infrastructure is in place to allow them to ride safely and 62% say that their local authorities could do more to make the area more accessible to cyclists. 

Drivers vs cyclists – the perception gap

The research has brought prevalent safety concerns and the contrasting opinions of road users to the fore, particularly when it comes to motorists and cyclists. Seven in 10 (70%) cyclists worry that drivers don’t know the correct etiquette when using roads with cycle lanes in their area.

Meanwhile, only 53% of drivers confidently say that they know the latest Highway Code rules in relation to cyclists, which at the time of the study had not been updated since 2015.

Outside of lane usage, overtaking is a bone of contention for motorists and cyclists alike; 93% of drivers say they leave as much room when overtaking a cyclist as they would a car whereas 73% of cyclists say drivers pass too closely. 

In Scotland, one thing both parties do agree on is there not being clear enough road markings on cycle lanes for all road users – only 27% of motorists and 25% of cyclists feel there are clear visible markings in their area.

The lack of visual guidance could be part of the problem when it comes to navigating shared road spaces, easily improved by solutions such as better signage that incorporates retroreflective technology, while also improving education on the Highway Code.

Andy Fish, Technical Specialist for 3M Transportation Safety Division, said: “Its fantastic that investment in new cycle lanes, walkways and other infrastructure is being put to good use.

“This research shows that irrespective of mode of transport, the majority of people want to be able to share spaces with others safely, and they are looking to their local authorities for support. 

“At 3M we are actively encouraging local councils and highway authorities in Scotland to participate in a pilot scheme that would allow their communities to benefit from traffic safety solutions designed to address some of the concerns expressed by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.” 

Drivers’ admitted lack of understanding of the Highway Code could be to blame for some of the frustrations they have towards cyclists – 86% say seeing two or more ride side-by-side is frustrating and 72% say they become frustrated simply by driving behind one. 

This is in spite of it being legal for two cyclists to ride next to each other unless on narrow or busy roads or cycling round bends, along with recent rule changes including cyclists riding alone being instructed to use the centre of the lane in slower moving traffic.

To find out more about 3M’s leading road marking and signage solutions, such as 3M Diamond Grade DG3 reflective sheeting. and 3M Stamark road marking tape, visit www.3m.co.uk.

UK Government clamps down on rogue parking firms with new Code of Practice

A new package of measures will protect millions of drivers from unfair and extortionate charges, with a new Code of Practice to help keep cowboy private parking firms in check.

  • Code of Practice launched to crackdown on cowboy private car parking firms
  • Fines cut by up to 50% in most areas across England, Wales and Scotland
  • New Appeals Charter will eliminate fines for motorists who make genuine errors or have mitigating circumstances
  • Additional rip-off debt collection fees banned
  • Rogue operators who do not follow the Code could be banned from accessing Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data

Millions of motorists are set to benefit from a major government crackdown on rogue parking firms which will see fines slashed and a clearer and fairer appeals system created.

A new package of measures announced today (7 February 2022) will protect drivers from unfair and extortionate charges, with a new Code of Practice to help keep cowboy private parking firms in check.

The government’s Parking Code of Practice will see parking fines cut by up to 50% in the majority of cases, saving motorists millions of pounds each year.

The proposals include a maximum cap for parking fines, a 10-minute grace period before a late fine can be issued, and a requirement for parking firms to clearly display pricing and terms and conditions.

In England outside of London and in Wales, charges will be reduced from £100 to £70 or £50, depending on the seriousness of the breach.

Private firms which breach the new Code could even be barred from collecting fines from motorists at all.

Currently, private parking firms are able to hide behind non-specific, pseudo-legal and aggressive language when pursuing motorists. The Code of Practice will provide new higher standards.

Rogue firms which break these rules could be barred from requesting Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data, making them unable to pursue motorists for their charges through the post.

A new, simpler appeals process is also being created, to make it easier for disputed fines to be cancelled.

The measures will be a major boost to millions of motorists in England, Scotland and Wales and will help to draw people back to their local high streets by eliminating the fear of being unfairly caught out.

Minister for Levelling Up, Neil O‘Brien MP said: “Private firms issue roughly 22,000 parking tickets every day, often adopting a system of misleading and confusing signage, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees designed to extort money from motorists.

“The new Code of Practice will set out a clear vision with the interests of safe motorists at its heart, while cracking down on the worst offenders who put other people in danger and hinder our emergency services from carrying out their duties.”

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “The RAC has campaigned for years to end the sharp practices in the private parking sector, so we welcome the new national code that will usher in higher standards and will introduce a lower cap on penalty charge notices, an independent appeals system and an end to rip-off debt collection fees.

“This will undoubtedly make drivers’ experience of using private car parks fairer while at the same time force rogue operators to clean up their acts once and for all.”

Edmund King, AA president, said: “These much needed upgrades to private parking rules will give better protection to drivers. For too long, those caught by private parking firms simply pay the charge to get rid of it. Thankfully these days are numbered.

“Drivers should feel confident that having a single Code of Practice and a new Appeals Charter will give them confidence to appeal and be properly heard. We are also pleased that honest mistakes, like mistyping the car registration into the machine, will now be automatically cancelled.”

Sir Greg Knight MP, who took the Parking (Code of Practice) Act through Parliament as a Private Members Bill said: “Some car park providers are honest and fair but a number of unscrupulous rogues have undermined the sector with bad practice.

“I warmly welcome the government’s action which will prevent motorists being unjustly treated in future and will make parking a vehicle a fairer experience for all.

“Action is needed because many dodgy operators are still engaging in unacceptable practices whilst using a threatening and intimidating process to fleece motorists.”

Fresh measures proposed in the new Code and Framework include the creation of a mandatory single Appeals Service and Appeals Charter for motorists to turn to if they are unfairly fined.

Under options set out in the Appeals Charter, motorists could be able to appeal their fine and see it cancelled entirely if:

  • they have a mitigating reason for overstaying their parking ticket such as their vehicle breaking down
  • they have made a genuine innocent error, like keying in a digit in their number plate incorrectly
  • they have a valid ticket, permit or Blue Badge but failed to display it correctly

The Code also states:

  • New parking charge levels which will mirror the local authority system for publicly accessible car parks, halving parking charges for millions of motorists to £50. It will keep the current £100 cap in some circumstances such as abusing Blue Badge bays or if a motorist is trespassing on private land.
  • Motorists will be offered a 50% discount if they pay within 14 days.
  • Parking debt collectors will be banned from adding additional excess fees to the level of the parking charge, currently as much as £70.
  • A compulsory 10-minute grace periods before firms can issue a late fine.
  • A compulsory 5-minute cooling-off period in which a motorist can consider the terms and conditions and change their mind about parking.
  • A crackdown on parking firms using aggressive or pseudo-legal language to intimidate motorists into paying fines.
  • A requirement for parking firms to clearly display pricing and terms and conditions of parking, contact details and how to appeal a charge.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act became law in March 2019 and builds on action the government has already taken to tackle rogue private parking firms, including banning wheel clamping and towing and stopping over-zealous parking enforcement by councils.

Cost of car insurance on the rise

The cost of car insurance in Scotland has increased by £25 in three months

New data shows car insurance prices are increasing, with drivers in Scotland now paying £419, on average

● Despite prices rising across all areas of Scotland, the average premium is still £22 (5%) cheaper than 12 months ago

● Drivers in Central Scotland pay more than the national average, with motorists in the region paying £465, on average, following the steepest quarterly increase (8%) of all UK regions

● Meanwhile, drivers in other regions of Scotland pay as little as £342, on average, in comparison

● Experts at Confused.com remind drivers that recent FCA changes do not guarantee their renewal price will be their best price available

● Further research shows insurers increased renewal premiums last quarter by £45, on average

The average cost of car insurance in Scotland has increased by £25 in just three months, new data reveals.

This brings the average price of car insurance in Scotland to £419, a 6% increase compared to three months ago. That’s according to the latest car insurance price index (Q4) by Confused.com, powered by WTW. Based on more than six million quotes in a quarter, it’s the most comprehensive car insurance price index in the UK.

While the cost of car insurance in Scotland appears to be increasing, prices are still cheaper than this time last year, having dropped by £22 (5%) in 12 months, with prices across the Scottish regions still significantly cheaper than two years ago.

While the average premium in Scotland stands at £419, the price paid by drivers will vary depending on where they live. In fact, motorists in Central Scotland are paying more than the national average, having seen the steepest increase in premiums in the past three months of all UK regions. An 8% (£33) increase in the region means motorists are now paying £465, on average. Although, this is still £17 (4%) cheaper than prices 12 months ago.

Meanwhile, drivers in other Scottish regions are paying out between £342 and £378, on average, with prices now as much as £18 (5%) more expensive than last quarter:

RegionAverage premiumQuarterly changeAnnual change
Central Scotland£4658% / £33-4% / -£17
East & North East Scotland£3785% / £16-6% / -£26
Highlands & Islands£3775% / £18-6% / -£25
Scottish Borders£3424% / £15-9% / -£32

This increase in prices over the past quarter is reflected across the rest of the UK, where prices have risen by £25 (5%) in three months. This brings the average cost of car insurance in the UK to £539 – a £36 (6%) drop compared to 12 months ago.

While these price increases may come as bad news to drivers, Confused.com experts have been predicting this U-turn for some time. A significant drop in the number of cars on the road throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and a subsequent fall in the number of claims being made led to a sharp drop in premiums with prices reaching a six-year low just last quarter.

However, prior to this, prices were steadily starting to increase as claims pay outs were becoming more and more expensive for insurers, as the pandemic and ongoing delays caused by Brexit meant that repairs and replacements were not only more expensive but taking longer to complete. And this was reflected in the prices being offered to customers.

Now, as drivers spend more time on the road, and the number and overall cost of claims being made are increasing, as predicted, the cost of car insurance is increasing to reflect this and could soon return to pre-pandemic levels.

In fact, if the average price for the UK continues on the current trajectory, increasing by around 5% each quarter, the average cost of insurance in three months could be more expensive than it was 12 months ago. Based on this trend, UK drivers could be paying as much as £566 next quarter, compared to £538 in Q1 2021, on average.

In light of the recent insurance pricing changes enforced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com, reminds drivers that these increases could mean that they may receive a more expensive renewal price in the coming months, despite many incorrectly believing that the changes guarantee a cheaper or flat premium.

Under the new regulations, insurers must offer drivers the same price they would receive as a new customer buying in the same way, banning what was previously known as a new customer discount.

Previously renewing customers may have seen their renewal price rise to offset the cost of new customer discounts. However, the new rules don’t guarantee that drivers will never see their renewal price increase again.

For example, if car insurance costs in the UK are typically 5% more expensive year-on-year, this increase could also be reflected in renewal premiums. In fact, further research by Confused.com found that two in five (42%) drivers who received their renewal last quarter saw their price increase by £45, on average, suggesting insurers could already be increasing renewal premiums in line with the current trend.

This is why it is important for drivers to still take the time to shop around, as the research also shows that almost half (46%) of those who had a higher premium at their last renewal were able to save £64, on average, by switching to another insurer using a price comparison site.

Although, it isn’t just those who are seeing more expensive premiums that are able to make savings, as almost a fifth (18%) of those who had a cheaper renewal went on to shop around and switch, saving £46 on average. However, with Confused.com’s Beat Your Renewal guarantee, these savings could be seen by millions of other customers.

However, there is some good news for drivers, as prices of new policies are still cheaper year-on-year, on average, which means those shopping around and switching insurers could still save money. And under the new FCA rules, insurers must make it easier for customers to cancel the automatic renewal of their policies, something which one in five (20%) consider to be stressful.

Despite being able to save when shopping around, some drivers are still paying more than others, and typically it’s male motorists who are forking out the most when it comes to their car insurance.

Given the fact that drivers in Central Scotland are paying significantly more than those in other Scottish regions, it’s no surprise that both male and female drivers have the highest car insurance costs.

Broken down, male drivers in Central Scotland are now paying £486, on average, following a £33 (7%) increase in the past three months, while female drivers are paying £429, which is £31 (8%) more than three months ago.

East and North East Scotland follows as the second most expensive region for male drivers, with the average premium here now £400. This is £59 more than the prices that female drivers in the region are paying (£341).

Similarly, much like the rest of the UK, younger drivers across all four regions are forking out the most for their car insurance, with 17-to-20-year-old male drivers in Central Scotland paying an eye-watering £1,343, on average. Female drivers of the same age and location pay just £1,041 in comparison.

However, it’s male drivers in their early 20s in both the Scottish Highlands and Islands and Central Scotland who have been stung by the steepest increases this quarter, as the average premium rises by 13% and 12%, respectively.

This equates to increases of £102 and £106, putting the average price paid at £874 and £995, respectively. These drivers are also among the few that have seen their premium increase over the past year, as prices increase by £30 (4%) for 21-to-25 year old male drivers in the Highlands and Islands, and by £13 (1%) for those in Central Scotland.

Looking to the towns and cities in Scotland, the price paid varies depending on where a driver lives. Of all postcode areas in Scotland, Glasgow is revealed to be the most expensive, with motorists forking out £525, on average – a significant amount more than the regional average. This is a £47 (10%) increase compared to three months ago, making the average premium just £4 (     1%) cheaper than last year’s price.

In the Scottish Highlands and Islands, it’s motorists in Shetland that are paying out the most, with average prices in the area now £490, while drivers in Dundee face the highest premiums in the East and North East, paying out £386, on average. In the Scottish Borders, it’s drivers in Dumfries that have the highest car insurance costs, standing at £344, on average. 

This shift in car insurance prices was to be expected, as drivers resume their normal habits. Given the current cost of fuel and the uncertainty surrounding the energy market, these increases will no doubt hit drivers’ wallets hard. However, this doesn’t mean that drivers can’t save money on their car insurance, as shopping around can still save potentially hundreds of pounds.

Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com, comments: “Car insurance prices rising is not the happy news we wanted to start the year with, however it’s also not completely unexpected, as people resume their normal driving habits, and the cost of vehicle repair and replacement continues to increase.

“Although, customers who are shopping around are still receiving prices that are cheaper than 12 months ago, which is especially good news at the moment, as some customers are still seeing their renewal price increase year-on-year. This just goes to prove that there are still plenty of better deals out there.

“As claims costs continue to increase, we expect to see car insurance prices rise too, regardless of the change in pricing regulations by the FCA. And this will be particularly noticeable when we receive our renewal price after 18 months or so of considerably cheap premiums.

“It’s really important that we remember the new rules set out by the FCA do not mean our renewal price will be the best price we can get. If anything, these changes have made the market even more competitive, so there will likely be an insurer out there that could be cheaper or offer a better deal for the cover you need.

“Please don’t settle for your renewal quote from your insurer. We know that there will always be a saving to be made. We’re so sure of this that we’re offering to beat your renewal quote or give you the difference, plus £20.”