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SOARING PUMP PRICES FORCE DRIVERS TO TAKE PAYDAY LOANS, SAY AA

jerrygreen85 — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 10:22:41 +0000

Four pump price swings in the past 18 months, each temporarily adding up to
£5 to the cost of a small tank of fuel, have forced one in six drivers (16
per cent) to raid savings, owe money to the bank, pawn possessions or take
out a payday loan, AA research reveals.

A further 20 pc have seen fuel price surges push their budgets to near
breaking-point.

Even drivers from high managerial and professional backgrounds have felt
the pinch, with 15pc admitting their spending plans have nearly come off
the road on at least one occasion since the spring of 2012. Twice as many
semi and unskilled workers (31pc) saw their finances nearly snap.

Drivers, whose finances have been caught out by rising pump prices, have on
at least one occasion in the past 18 months resorted to:

- *digging into savings* – 13pc (24pc in 18-24 age group. Worst region –
North East 17%)
- *going into overdraft* – 10pc (24pc in 18-24 age group and 20pc for
25-34s. Worst regions – Wales / N Ireland 12%)
- *borrowing from friends or family* – 3pc (16pc in 18-24 age group and
9pc for 25-34s. 6pc among semi and unskilled workers)
- *driving until they ran out of fuel* – 2pc
- *pawning a possession* – 1pc (4pc in 18-24 age group. 2pc among
skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers)
- *a bank or longer-term loan* – 1pc (2pc in 18-24 age group)
- *a short-term/high interest ‘payday’ loan* – 1pc (2pc in 18-24 and
35-44 age groups)

AA president Edmund King says: “Fuel price desperation has created a new

and sinister twist to the phrase ‘driven into debt’.

“The research responded to by 23,824 AA members has exposed the heavy
impact of fuel price surges and which groups of drivers are particularly
vulnerable.

“Last week, the AA laid bare the consumer backlash to rising fuel prices,
showing that yet another pump price swing crashed UK petrol consumption in
July down to winter levels.

“This Populus survey moves the microscope from the forecourt to the home
and finds unsettling evidence of fuel market-inspired deprivation.

“Young drivers with little capital to fall back on and who are likely to be
on lower pay scales are clearly suffering the most – one in 50 of them have
put themselves in real financial danger by taking out a payday loan.

“But, they are not alone.

“The survey reveals that one in 50 of middle-aged AA members, aged 35 to 44
years, have also turned to high-interest lenders to counter crippling fuel
price surges.

“These drivers are probably saddled with family costs and mortgages or high
rents, and their predicament is even more disturbing.”

The AA says struggling drivers may be able to make some savings through
adopting eco driving techniquesand ‘trip chaining’ – making several trips into one. AA
Routeplanner can help with
this, they say.

(Survey conducted by Populus between 8 and 14 August 2013)

RAC AND AA ‘TRIAL’ NEW SPARE WHEEL SCHEMES

CAR MANUFACTURERS who decided not to put a spare wheel in their new cars are being blamed for a massive 44 per cent increase in RAC call-outs to cars with punctures – but no spare wheels – over the past year.

RAC say the universal spare wheel they have begun trialling is designed to speed up the fix time and minimise inconvenience for members.

In the 12 months up to August 2012, the RAC responded to 87,000 breakdowns
involving a puncture on a vehicle with no spare, and in the 12 months
ending in August 2013 this increased to approximately 120,000.

An RAC spokesman said: “The ‘disappearance’ of the spare wheel has arisen
as a result of car manufacturers seeking to improve fuel economy and reduce
carbon dioxide emissions by lessening vehicle weights.

“As spare wheels are relatively heavy (often weighing as much as
25kg-30kg), removing them from a standard vehicle and making them an
optional extra has become increasingly common with manufacturers.

“And, with car manufacturers obliged to ensure that average new car
emissions do not exceed 130g of CO2 per kilometre by 2015 and 95g by 2020,
the spare wheel is unlikely to make a comeback in the foreseeable future.”

Although manufacturers provide a tyre inflation kit in place of a spare
wheel, these are only suitable for carrying out temporary repairs on
punctures up to 4mm and can be ‘daunting’ to use at the side of the road,
say the RAC.

“RAC patrols attending these breakdowns would firstly try to fix the
puncture and, if this was not possible, would then either collect and fit a
new tyre or, alternatively, tow the member to the nearest garage, both of
which can be time-consuming.

“But with the RAC ‘universal’ spare wheel, which fits the majority of cars
that don’t have a spare wheel fitted as standard, a quick and effective
solution is possible, saving members time.

“RAC patrols will fit the wheel quickly and liaise with the nearest ATS
Euromaster centre on their behalf to find out what replacements are
available.

“Payment can be taken at the roadside by the RAC patrol, ensuring the
customer can drive straight to ATS Euromaster, or book a mobile fitting at
their convenience.

“The RAC will then arrange collection of the spare directly from ATS,
avoiding any further hassle” he added.

Developed with specialist manufacturer Dynomec working in partnership with
tyre expert ATS Euromaster, the five-stud, 17in lightweight alloy multi-fit
wheel fits a high proportion of vehicles and will significantly cut down
the time spent by members at the roadside, often in potentially dangerous
situations such as on the hard shoulder of motorways, say the RAC.

Trials are taking place in south west England and Northern Ireland with
some 200 patrols carrying the new wheel.

Head of RAC technical operations Phil Ryan said: “We understand why motor
manufacturers need to reduce the weight of their vehicles in order to make
them more fuel efficient and to meet EU carbon dioxide emissions targets
and removal of the spare wheel helps them to achieve this.

“But drivers should not suffer as a result, and in order to minimise the
disruption and inconvenience that punctures can cause, the universal spare
wheel provides additional options for patrols to deal with breakdowns more
quickly and effectively.

“We are already seeing very positive results from the trials and we expect
the universal wheel to become an increasingly common sight on our roads.”

ATS Euromaster’s group operations director Columba Zaal,, explained: “We
too have noticed a surge in the number of calls our centres receive from
drivers stranded with a tyre failure and no spare.

“The industry needed to respond to this growing problem, and it made sense
for us to partner with the RAC to jointly develop a mobility proposition
for motorists.

Zaal added: “All of our centres carry an extensive range of premium,
mid-range and budget tyres, so we are confident we can get the majority of
customers back on the road quickly.

“In the event that a specific tyre is not available on the shelf, we can
arrange to attend any non-roadside location, such as a member’s home or
place of work, on a same or next-day basis.”

……..WHILE AA GOES NATIONWIDE

With close to a fifth (17pc)* of AA members not having a spare wheel in
their car, the AA is trialling a ‘universal’ spare wheel nationwide to
allow members to continue their journey with minimal disruption.

The innovative wheel is the first of its kind in the UK and fits the
majority of modern cars with a five-stud wheel. The 17” alloy uses a system
of special adaptors of ten different sizes to find the best fit.

When the wheel – which is for temporary use only – is fitted, the car is
subject to a 50 mph maximum speed restriction.

The ‘universal’ spare offers a more convenient alternative by allowing you
to drive to a local tyre depot yourself or continue your journey with the
minimum of fuss

Donald MacSporran, the AA’s head of technical, says: “Although punctures
are thankfully rare for most drivers, you can’t beat the convenience of a
spare wheel.

“If your car doesn’t have one, we can sometimes perform a temporary repair
at the roadside or take the damaged wheel to a local tyre fitter but this
can take time.

“The ‘universal’ spare offers a more convenient alternative by allowing you
to drive to a local tyre depot yourself or continue your journey with the
minimum of fuss.

“The patrol will reclaim the spare from the tyre depot or it gets couriered
back to us after you’ve finished with it.”

The nationwide trial is the latest innovation by the UK’s biggest breakdown
provider to further improve its ability to fix cars at the roadside.

The AA-Populus survey* of 22,827 AA members revealed:

- Only around half (54pc) have a full-size spare in the boot
- 29pc have a space-saver ‘skinny’ spare
- Around one-in-ten (9pc) have a tyre sealant/inflation kit
- 3pc have run-flat tyres…….
- ……AND 522 respondents (2pc) didn’t know what, if anything, they
have in their boot!

(Populus interviewed 22,827 adults aged 18+ on The AA-Populus
online panel between 21-25 January 2013. Populus **www.populus.co.uk*)

WARRANTIES IMPORTANT TO USED CAR BUYERS, SAY RAC

Almost seven out of 10 used car warranty claims to RAC Warranty are made in
the first six months of cover, according to new statistics.

And nearly four out of 10 – 38 per cent – are made within the first three
months, according to figures released by the company.

The findings underline the importance of the warranty element of used car
propositions offered by dealers, said sales and marketing director Ian
Simpson.

He said: “Warranties are often taken for granted by dealers as part of the
used car package they offer but remain very important to customers. “These
statistics, which show how often claims are made soon after buying a used
car, show why.”

While RAC Warranty does not make its own exact figures available publicly,
a standard industry claim rate for motor warranties is around one in three
policies.

Ian explained: “The fact is that however solid the history of a car and
however thorough its preparation, things can and do go wrong. “Customers
know this and they realise the significance of having a solid warranty to
act as a safety net.”

“While there are signs of an economic recovery appearing, many used car
buyers are still finding their personal finances under a lot of pressure
and the confidence inherent in the initiative has very obvious appeal.”

PETROL RETAILERS WELCOME NEW FUEL THEFT GUIDELINES

The Petrol Retailers’ Association (PRA), the trade body representing
independent forecourts in the UK, welcomes new legal guidelines from the
Crown Prosecution Service calling for fuel thieves to be prosecuted.

Current industry practices allow drivers who have no means of payment to
fill in a form acknowledging their debt, agreeing to pay it back later.

Under the new guidelines, prosecutions will be recommended where a motorist
can be shown to have repeatedly filled up without any means of payment.

Motorists who leave false details with a forecourt will also be prosecuted.

PRA chairman Brian Madderson said: “The PRA has lobbied for the prosecution
of fuel thieves who repeatedly abuse ‘no means of payment’ following the
significant rise in the number of retailers falling victim of such conduct.

“PRA members have also reported an alarming increase in the number of
forecourt incidents including drive offs, bulk theft and the rise in
illicit fuel sales.

“It is imperative that the Crown Prosecution Service go further in
supporting retailers against the shocking levels of theft experienced on
forecourts.”

The Retail Motor Industry represents the interests of operators in England,
Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man providing sales and
services to motorists and businesses.

KEEPING OLDER DRIVERS MOBILE

The number of older people with driving licences has exceeded the four
million mark.

Data analysed by the RAC Foundation shows there are now 4,018,900 men and
women aged 70 or over who hold a valid full British licence.

Of these people, 191 are aged 100 or over.

The oldest licence holder is recorded as being a woman aged 107. The oldest
licence-holding man is 106.

While not all of these licence holders will be active drivers the
statistics illustrate the growing number of older people who still use a
car.

And the total is set to increase dramatically. The Government has predicted
that of the UK citizens alive today, around ten million will reach their 100th birthday.

It is at age 70 – and every three years thereafter – that drivers must
declare whether or not they are fit to drive. This self-declaration is not
made on the basis of any formal medical or driving test, but relies on the
judgement of the individual.

To help people make the right decision, Rica, a national research charity
providing information to older and disabled consumers, has – with support
from the RAC Foundation – published *Driving safely for life*.

The guide is aimed at keeping older people mobile and safe for longer.

Many people continue to drive safely and with confidence as they age.
However, experience in Australia and America suggests an estimated one in
ten drivers continues to drive when they are not fit to do so.

And a third actually hang up the keys too early and risk exclusion from
essential services and social activities.

The guide explains to older drivers:

- Exactly what the law says about ability to drive
- How they can best assess their capabilities, for example, by visiting
a mobility centre
- What modifications can be made to their vehicles and their driving
habits to keep them on the road longer
- How, if they do stop driving, they can still maintain a good quality
of life

The guide is available from Rica and will also be promoted by local
authorities, police authorities and other agencies as well as community
groups.

RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister, , said: “All drivers
should regularly consider their fitness to drive, but matters come to a
head when we reach 70 and have to declare that we should be on the roads.

“In general, older drivers have an enviable safety record but it is clear
that faced with this critical yes or no decision many motorists simply do
not have a realistic view of their capabilities.

“For those reliant on a car, giving up driving will have a huge impact on
their ability to live an active life so it is important that they get all
the help and support to make the right decision at the right time.

“The RAC Foundation does not support compulsory retesting at a set age
because this presumes that on reaching a particular birthday people’s
physical and mental capacities change radically.

“But we do see an important need for an ongoing dialogue with motorists and
encouragement from officials and the medical profession for all of us to
regularly consider our abilities – whatever our age.”

Rica co-director Dr Jasper Holmes said: “Rica has found that people don’t
know where to go for trusted sources of information and advice.

“We’re really pleased to launch this new guide with the RAC Foundation that
gives clear and trustworthy advice on a sensitive issue affecting older
people.

“The guide sits alongside other useful information on our website to help
people stay independent and involved, including a unique car measurement
search tool.”

(Rica is a national research charity dedicated to providing independent
information of value to disabled and older consumers. It researches and
publishes consumer reports, based on rigorous research and providing
practical information for disabled and older consumers. It also works with
manufacturers, service providers, regulators and policy makers to improve
products and services.)

The guide can be downloaded here:

www.racfoundation.org/assets/rac_foundation/content/downloadables/older_drivers_guide_final_web_ready_report.pdf

www.racfoundation.org/research/driving-safely-for-life

www.rica.org.uk/driving-safely-for-life

To obtain a printed copy of the guide, members of the public can send a
large (A4) self addressed envelope with 69p in stamps to: Rica, Unit G03,
The Wenlock, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU.

BLACK IS THE COLOUR, CAR BUYING’S THE GAME….

They may be harder to spot in bad light, heat up more quickly in the sun
and be associated with taxis and hearses, but the Brits have a growing love
affair with black cars, say the AA.

Compared to two years ago, 9pc more AA members have one. More ‘back to
black’ cars are likely to take to the roads as the new ‘63’ plate cars hit
the road on September 1st.

Silver and blue cars have maintained their top two positions as the most
popular car colours with AA members, according to the latest AA Cars

“State of the Nation’s Cars” report.
But does your car colour matter?

Status: Some feel that black or white cars denote status whilst those
with orange, yellow or purple cars are trying to be whacky.

Sale: When it comes to reselling the car there are still two clear
contenders for most saleable colours – silver and black. Sellers of purple
or beige cars may struggle. Various police forces switched to silver cars a
few years ago to cash in on better resale values.

Spick and span: One of the attractions of silver is the feeling that it
is by far the easiest to keep clean or indeed appear to be clean. Black and
white cars tend to show up the dirt.

Safest: AA members believe that lighter colours are the safest. Yellow,
white and then red topped the poll for safety. In bad light some colours
are easier to spot than others hence the importance of using your lights
when visibility is poor. The AA uses yellow vehicles to enhance visibility
of the patrols’ vehicles.

Sanest: A motoring psychologist has suggested that owners of beige or
pastel coloured cars are more likely to suffer from depression.

The happiest drivers have blue metallic cars. Owners of black cars try to top
the pecking order whilst white car owners tend to be distant and aloof.

Other psychologists suggestthat silver denotes prestige and wealth but has a feminine energy; it is
related to the moon and the ebb and flow of the tides – it is fluid,
emotional, sensitive and mysterious. It is soothing, calming and purifying.

Suits: Some people argue that a certain colour may suit a particular
model of car such as a red Ferrari or British Racing Green older MG.

Others accept that more quirky cars (2CVs, Beetles) can get away with more exotic
colours.

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MUMS MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER FROM PREDICTED FUEL INCREASES

jerrygreen85 — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:17:37 +0000

MUMS ARE MORE likely to feel the brunt of a predicted sharp increase in the cost of fuel over the summer as world oil prices rise and the pound drops against the dollar, according to the RAC.

Analysis of raw data from the RAC’s report on motoring 2013 reveals that nearly two thirds (63pc) of mums feel their lifestyle has significantly suffered because of the existing high cost of fuel – 10pc more than dads and 12pc more than the national average.

“Consumers have enjoyed a brief respite from rising fuel prices at the pump over recent months but analysts agree this is set to change with a more volatile picture over the holiday season – and in particular a predicted 3p hike in the coming weeks” say the RAC.

“The impact of any rising fuel cost is most likely to be felt by mums planning summer holiday activities such as trips to the beach, national parks and other such destinations with children. “Further RAC research shows that 43pc of motorists are planning to use their car to take them on holiday.

“The report on motoring, which was launched in June, has already revealed that a third of mums (33%) say they have either stopped, or would have to stop, using their car to carry out family commitments. “This includes activities such as visiting elderly relatives or transporting their children if, as expected, the cost of motoring continues to rise.

“And following the introduction of the EU gender directive in May 2013, which enforces insurers to disregard gender when calculating insurance rates, premiums for many female drivers have increased. “The report on motoring shows 38pc of mums have seen their premiums go up in the past 12 months compared to only 29pc of dads.”

Justine Roberts, CEO and co-founder of Mumsnet, the UK’s largest network for parents, said the findings were not a surprise.

She said: “Many Mumsnet users are juggling the rising costs of essentials like childcare, food prices and utility bills, and the cost of running a car can be a big financial pressure, particularly since the hike in car insurance premiums for women under the EU gender directive.”

The report shows that a fifth of mums (20pc) would be forced to give up their car to carry out shopping for essential items such as food and a quarter (24pc) have had to cut back on using their car for conducting elements of their social life such as visiting friends.

More than a fifth (22pc) said they have or would stop commuting to work, compared to 15pc of the national average.

RAC technical director David Bizley said: “This forecast rise in fuel will be a devastating blow for families planning their annual holidays – and our research shows that mums will feel the pinch more than any other group.

“Every day motorists across the UK are being forced to make difficult choices in an effort to save money, but it is clear that mums are making the greatest sacrifices, particularly when it comes to the use of their car.

“With mums often looking after the household budget it seems they are sacrificing certain aspects of their lives in an effort to save money and to ensure the rest of the family doesn’t go without.

“There is also the impact of rising insurance premiums which is clearly adding to their desire to try to reduce the use of their car.

“Never has there been a more expensive time to be a motorist and we will continue to lobby the Government alongside FairFuelUK to raise awareness of the hardship faced by the UK’s motorists and ultimately drive down costs at the pumps.”

Parents who are struggling with the cost of fuel and motoring in general can turn to Mumsnet,com for top tips on making money go further in your car.

Justine said: “There are lots of discussions on our site about how to make ends meet, whether it’s car-pooling for the school run or cutting down on supermarket shops, and fuel efficiency is a priority when buying a family friendly car.”

“SAFETY FEARS FOR KIDS CONSTRAIN FREEDOMS”

A NEW AA Streetwatch study reveals that 94pc of AA members think that children should walk more but only 56pc believe their neighbourhood is safe enough to do so.

Encouraging kids to cycle more is supported by 76pc of the Streetwatchers. But, once again, only 31pc feel their local streets offer a secure enough environment.

Although the responses are broadly similar among men and women, across the age ranges and from region to region, the view from different social backgrounds is markedly different.

Between 92pc and 95pc of AA Streetwatchers across all socio-economic groups agree that children should be encouraged to walk more. But while up to 59pc of those in better-off neighbourhoods consider their local roads safe enough for their children to play and explore on foot, confidence in less well-off neighbourhoods drops as low as 45pc.

For example, Luton came out as the least safe place for children to walk locally, whilst the more affluent St Albans, 12 miles down the road, was in the top five safest areas.

Survey respondents from lower socio-economic groups were slightly less keen for children to take to their bikes, but the 71pc of them who favoured encouraging kids on to bikes still compared well with 78pc in the top ‘professional, higher managerial’ band.

Even so, in terms of the perceived safety of young cyclists on local roads, the gap between the richer (35pc) and poorer neighbourhoods (27pc) wasn’t as big as for children being allowed to roam around as pedestrians.

The findings from AA’s Streetwatch volunteers backs up previous research that shows children in inner-city areas are at much greater risk

Edmund King president of AA which have campaigned for road safety and cycle proficiency (Bikeability) to be included in the national curriculum for all primary school children, said: “The findings from our AA Streetwatch volunteers backs up previous research that shows children in inner-city areas are at much greater risk. “They make more journeys on foot and spend more time playing in the street because there are fewer playing areas.

“There are also more cars parked in the street, reducing visibility and making crossing the road more hazardous. “They also tend to live on busier roads rather than in the leafy suburbs.

“It is a shame when safety fears constrain freedoms and the social and physical development of young people. “Many communities have organised themselves to provide activities and supervision to reduce the chances of a mishap.”

More than 22,000 AA Streetwatch volunteers were surveyed to give their views on roads in their neighbourhood.

GUIDE DOGS SAY THOUGHTLESS MOTORISTS MAKING SOME PLACES ‘NO GO’ AREAS

Guide Dogs says thoughtless behaviour is making some of our town and city centres and suburbs no go areas for blind and partially sighted people and can undermine the life-changing freedom offered by a guide dog partnership. Now Guide Dogs wants to see local councils use their powers to ban pavement parking.

Their call comes after a survey found almost half of drivers admit they park on the pavement but don’t think about the danger they pose to people with sight loss’

The YouGov poll commissioned by Guide Dogs shows that most drivers (54pc) admit they park on the pavement – but nearly five out of 10 drivers (48pc) who said they park on a pavement haven’t thought about the possible problems it causes to blind or partially sighted people.

“Many pavement parkers also haven’t thought about the possible risk they pose to other vulnerable road users like the elderly (50pc, and adults with prams (36pc).

Campaigns manager, James White said: “Cars parked on pavements are an everyday nightmare for blind and partially sighted people, as well as other vulnerable pedestrians. “Imagine how terrifying it is to step into a road when you can’t see on-coming traffic.

“Too often people with sight loss are forced out into busy roads because an inconsiderate motorist has blocked the pavement. ”Councils in England have the tools to penalise drivers who park on pavements and Guide Dogs want them to act now.”

The survey also showed that almost a third of drivers (31pc) don’t think parking on the pavement constitutes dangerous driving and two thirds (67pc) think parking on double yellow lines is worse than parking on the pavement.

226,000 MOTORISTS HAVE POINTS ON THEIR LICENCE FOR DRIVING WITHOUT INSURANCE

MORE THAN 226,000drivers in the UK have points on their licence for driving without insurance, according to a Freedom of Information request by the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

The FOI request, directed to the DVLA, revealed that 194,997 full licence holders and 31,806 provisional licence holders have been caught driving without vehicle insurance and have received points for doing so – one in two-hundred drivers. In the 17-35 age range, one in every 100 people with a full driving licence has points for driving uninsured.

Figures also show that one in every 200 people with a full UK driving license has been penalised with points for driving without insurance.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “These findings are shocking. “Those 200,000 individuals who drive whilst uninsured place the burden back on those who abide by the law through higher premiums and potentially the cost of vehicle repair.

“The most concerning fact is that this could just be the tip of the iceberg, as these numbers only represent those who have been caught and penalised. “Insurance fraud and uninsured driving are also growing problems that need to be tackled through a coordinated approach from enforcement authorities. “It is not acceptable that drivers pay up to £70 in higher premiums to compensate for those who ignore the law.”

As well as six points and a fine for driving uninsured, an eighteen year-old with a £950 premium could expect to see this increase to £2,195. For a thirty year-old it would increase from £228 to £4621.

Peter Harrison, car insurance expert at MoneySupermarket, said: “It’s astonishing how many drivers are still prepared to hit the road without insurance. Not only is it illegal but you could face thousands of pounds in liability, a conviction, six points on your licence and a hefty fine should you be caught out or be involved in a crash.

“To make matters worse, uninsured drivers cost the insurance industry £500 million each year. “Furthermore, insurance fraud adds £39 to the cost of every motor premium and uninsured driving an extra £30 – this is not fair on law-abiding motorists.

“The cost of insurance premiums will no doubt have influenced the decision from some drivers to forgo insurance altogether. ”But the penalties for not having insurance are great, and could even result in your vehicle being confiscated.

“Although car insurance premiums may appear high, having suitable insurance and proving you are a safe driver will help bring premiums down over time. “Not having insurance, and being caught without it, could result in you not being insurable in the future.”

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DRIVERS FRUSTRATION WITH CRIPPLING TAXES AND CRUMBLING ROADS

jerrygreen85 — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 15:46:17 +0000

Only 22 pc of £40 billion raised spent on road maintenance and improvement

NINE OUT OF TEN motorists say they are ‘sitting ducks’ for the Treasury as the Government collects more than £40bn a year in motoring taxation – with Britain’s roads crumbling into one big pothole and storing up a huge bill for the future.

The pitiful condition of the country’s motorways and local roads, characterised by the now year-round problem of potholes, ranks as a top concern for motorists in this year’s RAC report on motoring – the longest-running annual survey of drivers, now in its 25th year.*

While the cost of driving is understandably still the number one concern for nearly half (46 per cent) of Britain’s battle-scarred and beleaguered motorists, two in five (41pc) say maintenance of local roads and motorways is their top spending priority. In addition, 84pc of motorists believe their local roads are deteriorating and three-quarters (75pc) think the same about motorways and other major roads.

But the question most motorists just cannot get to grips with is: “Why isn’t more of the money collected in motoring taxation ring-fenced for maintaining roads?” A shocking four out of five drivers (78pc) think the money they pay to Government through motoring taxes is not properly invested in local roads, says the report.

It also found that 90pc of the UK’s nearly 30 million car drivers are unhappy or blind to the overall balance of motoring taxation that sees more than £40bn being raised for the Treasury – with only around 22pc spent improving and maintaining our national and local roads.

A third of motorists surveyed said they are prepared to pay tolls for motorway driving (29pc) or city centre congestion charges (33) IF the cost of fuel and car tax was significantly reduced – perhaps signalling a new model for taxing the motorist.

With nine in 10 (89pc) relying more than ever on their vehicles for day-to day activities than 25 years ago and more than three quarters (77%) claiming they are struggling to make ends meet because of the cost of fuel, the RAC is now calling on the Government to take urgent action to review the nation’s outdated motoring taxation model.

Unsurprisingly, motorists said that tax levied on fuel and Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) should represent a smaller share of what they pay. More than 22m drivers (77pc) would prefer to pay less fuel tax and half (49pc) would like to pay lower levels of car tax.

The RAC says: ” Without proper investment in local roads the Government will be responsible for overseeing a massive decline in the state of our highways which negatively affects consumers and businesses alike, stalls the economy and stores up a huge ‘problem’ bill for future tax payers.

“With revenue from fuel duty falling year on year as people drive fewer miles in more fuel efficient vehicles, the RAC report on motoring shows there is a real need for a new way of taxing motorists.”

RAC technical director David Bizley said: “Our report on motoring shows that Britain’s motorists – and roads – have been left battle-scarred after a further 12 months of bearing the burden of extreme financial conditions.

“Despite this, motorists are willing to pay their taxes, but want the balance of levies to reflect how they live and how the use their vehicle. “The report suggests that motorists would prefer to see a higher share of motoring taxation levied on those things over which they have greater control – such as whether or not they choose to drive into city centres or use a particular motorway.

“Our research shows that the UK motorist isn’t being unreasonably demanding – all he or she wants is for more of their motoring taxation to be spent on roads.

“What’s needed is an in-depth review of the overall motoring taxation model and for a reasonable percentage of money raised from drivers to be ring-fenced for roads – that way the ‘unlucky’ motorist can be rid of the 2013 plague of the all-year-round pothole.”

The full 2013 Report on Motoring can be downloaded free-of-charge from www.rac.co.uk/reportonmotoring. Join the conversation on Twitter: #ROM2013

* Report on Motoring utilises research from a sample of 1,542 British drivers.

RAC URGES MOTORISTS TO ‘TAKE COVER’ IF HEADING FOR EUROPE

- and obtain that International Driving Permit!

THE ESTIMATED one in three British motorists who don’t take out breakdown cover before travelling to Europe are being warned by the RAC: Think again.

Every year the RAC handles more than 50,000 calls from customers who break down in mainland Europe needing specialist assistance. Last year, the five most common countries for UK drivers to break down in were: France (60pc); Germany (nine pc); Spain (nine pc); Belgium (five pc) and Italy (four pc).

The top problems experienced by UK drivers are: engine faults – 21pc; tyres – 11pc; accidents – seven pc; and gearbox and clutch issues – five pc.

RAC European Breakdown figures also revealed hundreds of vehicles that break down abroad each year require repatriation to the UK. Drivers with older cars should take heed as 70pc of breakdowns abroad occur with cars that are more than five years old, while nearly four in 10 (37pc) repatriations dealt with by the RAC in 2012 were for cars that were more than nine years old.

And, as the number of Britons choosing to save on air fares and take European road trips increases exponentially each year, the number of breakdowns and repatriations is only going to rise further.

According to the RAC’s statistics, Brits who break down abroad without adequate breakdown cover could be faced with a hefty average bill of up to £1,000 if they break down in France, but double that amount if they find themselves stranded further afield for example, in Southern Spain or Italy, and their car needs to be recovered and returned to the UK. This could mean some unfortunate motorists face the prospect of actually paying nearly as much as the cost of their holiday just to get their car back home.

For more information, visit www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover/euro-breakdown or to get a quote, call 0870 333 2784. To find out country-specific driving requirements, visit the Driving Abroad pages in the Travel section on www.rac.co.uk.

OBTAIN THAT INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT!

Most holidaymakers are rigorous about checking they have certain documents in hand, such as: passports, plane tickets, boarding passes, insurance documents and their driving licence before they set off. But many travelling to countries outside the EU risk getting caught out if they plan to drive and don’t apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP).

The warning comes from the RAC which says that on 1 January this year, a new law was introduced in the state of Florida in the USA making it compulsory for anyone holding a foreign driving licence to carry an IDP, creating confusion among some British holidaymakers. The law may be repealed and is not enforceable at this time; however the RAC strongly recommends motorists obtain an IDP if they are planning a trip anywhere in the USA.

An IDP allows motorists to drive vehicles overseas without further tests or applications and is required in many countries including Egypt, Thailand and India. It is also recommended in countries such as Mexico, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “We are warning drivers to double check they have the necessary documentation before they travel. “Driving without an IDP where it is required by law could land you in trouble with the authorities and you may even be refused a hire car. “And in some countries, if you are involved in an accident, insurance companies will insist on seeing your IDP in addition to your driving licence and insurance papers.

“As the driver, it is your responsibility to ensure you have all the necessary documentation needed to comply with the requirements of immigration, customs, health and other relevant regulations. “It is therefore vital you don’t assume anything and do your research well in advance of your trip to allow sufficient time to get all the necessary paperwork in order.

“Our advice to drivers is simple – don’t drive abroad unprepared. “Do your homework before you leave the country and ensure you have all the appropriate paperwork and carry on essentials you need to avoid any unnecessary hassles or stress while you’re supposed to be having a break from it all.”

To help motorists planning to drive overseas, the RAC is offering the following advice:

Check your driving licence – Always make sure your driving licence is current and valid.

Do you need an IDP? – Generally, UK driving licences are accepted throughout the EU; however always double check before you travel. The RAC has a full listing of individual countries’ requirements and you can order your IDP by post from the RAC. Visit: www.rac.co.uk/travel/driving-abroad for more information.

Taking your vehicle overseas outside Europe? – If so, you may need a ‘Carnet de Passage en Douanes’. This is an internationally recognised Customs document entitling the holder to temporarily import a vehicle duty-free into countries which normally require a deposit against import charges. The RAC is the only issuer of Carnet de Passage en Douanes in the UK. Visit www.rac.co.uk/travel/driving-abroad/carnet-de-passage for further details.

Make sure you’re covered – Never go on holiday without travel insurance. You also need to check with your insurance company that you are fully insured to drive abroad and covered for any medical expenses resulting from an accident. If you’re driving to Europe, the RAC provides travel insurance especially for self-drive holidays. We also offer European Breakdown cover to help keep you on the road and ensure your trip is worry free. To get a quote, call 0870 333 2784.

Does your vehicle comply? – Some countries have different vehicle requirements and you need to check your vehicle complies before you travel. E.g. at certain times of the year, winter tyres may be compulsory in some countries.

Car essentials – The regulations of what you need to carry with you in your vehicle when you’re abroad differs from country to country. E.g. in the UK, you are not advised to carry your vehicle ownership (V5 log book), however in many European countries, if you don’t, you could be subject to a fine. Another example is the new regulation in France which means you must carry a French authority-certified breathalyser in your vehicle at all times.

Obey the laws of the land – You need to familiarise yourself with the driving laws of the country you are visiting. This includes local speed limits and which side of the road they drive on! Visit www.rac.co.uk/travel/driving-abroad to make sure you’re familiar with the local rules before you go.

Do a maintenance check – Ensure your vehicle is in tip top condition before you travel and double check you have the numbers to call if your vehicle breaks down.

TOLL ROADS WOULD BE UNPOPULAR

Ninety-one per cent of motorists do not trust the government to reinvest money made from tolls on new roads, according to a survey* by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

A total of 56pc of respondents said that they would use rural or local roads to avoid the toll charges, if a toll was enforced on their local motorway. And 41 pc wouldn’t support toll roads even if other types of tax were reduced.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “The cost of motoring is currently at an all-time high, and it’s clear that the idea of bringing in toll roads has no support among everyday motorists. “A toll on motorways, our safest roads, may force motorists on to more dangerous rural roads, to save money.”

“The government has a very hard job ahead to convince drivers that tolls are the only way to deliver new roads and improve existing ones. Only by reducing other motoring taxes can this policy gain the support of the motorist.”

1. IAM survey – toll roads – 2, 519 respondents.

GOVERNMENT CUTS £15 MILLION FROM ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS

“£78,000 for child and teenage road safety campaigns virtually insignificant” say IAM

GOVERNMENT SPENDING on road safety campaigns has been cut from £19 million in 2008/09 to just £4 million in 2011/12. The cut of nearly 80 per cent was revealed after a Freedom of Information enquiry by road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

The Department for Transport is planning on spending £3.57 million on road safety in the 2012/13 financial year which will see:

£53,000 spent on cyclist safety

£78,000 on child and teenager road safety

£50,000 on research into young drivers

£1.275 million on motorcycle campaigns; and

£1.689 million on drink-drive campaigns.

The IAM says every fatal road accident costs the UK £1.7 million. “In 2011 the total cost of fatal road accidents was £3.2 billion, with immeasurable emotional and social costs.”

IAM director of policy Neil Greig said: “Right across the public sector road safety is being cut too hard and too quickly, despite the huge returns on investment. “One life saved saves the economy £1.7 million. “£53,000 is a derisory amount to spend on national cycle safety campaigns. “Until we have the right roads infrastructure in place, publicity and education campaigns are one of the few tools we have to help us save cyclists lives. “£78,000 for children’s safety campaigns is virtually insignificant. “If the government is serious about safety for these groups, these amounts must be increased. “

“The successful drink driving and biker campaigns have raised awareness of these issues and they both appear to be working. “The government needs to match that kind of expenditure and take the safety of children and cyclists seriously,”

MEN: WANT A DATE? GET A CAR!

MEN LOOKING for love need to make sure they can drive and have their own car, according to new research which found women really do prefer a man who can get about town… on four wheels.

A poll of more than 1,000 motorists conducted by the RAC revealed that being able to drive was an attractive quality for both sexes, but that it is far more important in a woman’s eyes as 64 per cent of ‘girls’ admitted they found ‘boys’ who could drive more attractive, as opposed to just over a third (35pc) of men.

And, half of the women surveyed (49pc) said they wanted their potential dates to own a car, whereas having a car only mattered to two fifths of men (21pc).

What’s more, the car seems to be so important to Brits that as many 59pc claim to actually ‘love’ their car, with a further 20pc admitting they even have a pet name for their vehicle – only a few per cent less than those who said they had pet names for their partners (27%).

Some of the most peculiar pet names recorded were Robert Red Ford, The Delta Flyer, Sexy Lady Va Va Voom, Chuggy, Daniel Defoe, and Dita Von Jeep. The most common pet name that emerged was Betsy, closely followed by Baby.

Strangely, and perhaps most surprisingly, some 15pc of people said they even considered cars to be ‘a romantic setting’.

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MOTORING – MORE WOMEN REPAIRING THEIR OWN VEHICLES

jerrygreen85 — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:06:37 +0000

THE INCREASING cost of owning and running a car is forcing more women to get ‘under the bonnet’ of their cars. Research from the RAC has shown that nearly two thirds of women are happy to get their hands dirty and do their own car maintenance, putting an end to the stereotypical opinion that looking after the car is something just for the boys.

RAC’s poll of over 2,000 drivers found that 60pc of women said they had carried out at least one basic repair or maintenance task on their car. Also, more than a quarter (27pc) said they were confident doing repairs on their own vehicle, which they estimated saved them £141 a year.

In comparison, over half of the men surveyed (56pc per cent said they felt up to the job of repairing their own vehicle, saving them about £155 a year.
The rising cost of motoring has meant that more drivers are taking a DIY approach to car maintenance, and it seems that women are no exception. Almost a quarter of those questioned claimed to have changed a broken light bulb on a vehicle, while more than half (54 per cent) said they carried out regular checks on their water and oil levels.

One in five checked their tyre pressures and treads on a monthly basis, and two per cent even described themselves as ‘DIY car maintenance experts’, only marginally fewer than men (2.5 per cent).
Not wanting to be taken for a ride by rogue mechanics, female drivers are becoming more wary of the cost of repairs with nearly one in four (22pc) believing that ‘garages are out to rip-off unsuspecting motorists.’

It seems the days of calling up a mechanic at the first sign of trouble are now dwindling, as only half of the women (47pc) questioned would be willing to send their car straight to the garage if they found a problem with it.

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