Bristol’s Clean Air Zone is up and running

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone is up and running

Dec 14, 2022

On 28th November, Bristol City Council introduced charges for drivers of older, more polluting vehicles to enter parts of Bristol as the city’s delayed Clean Air Zone came into force. Bristol City Council estimates that the charges will affect about three in 10 vehicles on the city’s roads. Cars, taxis and vans that don’t meet the required emissions standard will be charged £9 per day, while trucks, buses and coaches will pay £100. The plans were initally drawn up in March 2021.

A September trial of the Clean Air Zone cameras tested the systems by generating and sending out letters to every motorist whose vehicle would be liable for the charge once the scheme went live. In those three weeks, almost 100,000 motorists received letters. The council predicts the figure could be even higher, with an estimated 75,000 vehicles affected daily.

The government’s compliance checking tool checks if your vehicle is compliant or not, available here. Once confirmed, the compliance checker presents a list of Clean Air Zones – including Bristol – and the charges. Clean Air Zones are also in operation in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Portsmouth and London.

Bristol's Clean Air Zone is up and running

Exemptions apply for petrol vehicles that meet Euro 4 standard and diesel vehicles that meet the Euro 6 standard. Electric and hydrogen vehicles are also exempt, as are motorbikes and modified or retrofitted vehicles registered with the Energy Saving Trust’s Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS).

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: “This is a major milestone on our journey to clean air. Poor air quality has a major impact on the health of everyone in the city, and the Clean Air Zone will help us tackle this issue and meet government targets for cleaner air in 2023. Most drivers on Bristol roads won’t need to pay the daily charge but if you do then you may be eligible for financial support to upgrade your vehicle.”

Two-thirds of vehicles can already travel in the zone free of charge. Still, an exemption is available until July 2023 for those who successfully apply for financial support and have yet to receive their new vehicle.

The number of people who have applied for financial help to switch vehicles ahead of the introduction of the Clean Air Zone is only a few thousand – even though an estimated 100,000 drivers will have to pay the charges.

Various schemes are available from the council as part of a £42 million package, with loans to help people buy new vehicles. But critics of the schemes say they don’t go far enough or provide enough support to get a new vehicle, and the loan scheme on offer is too restrictive and onerous to be a viable option.

AA report compares Electric Vehicles running costs

AA report compares Electric Vehicles running costs

Dec 7, 2022

According to a new AA report, electric vehicles can lose out to diesel cars when looking at the pence per mile cost. It found that running a diesel is cheaper for EV drivers who do not have any form of personal dedicated off-street charging.

The AA EV Recharge Report for November 2022 confirms that domestic charging is the cheapest option for electric vehicle owners, even with prices on the government’s recently introduced capped levels. Domestic charging is also half the price of ultra-rapid options.

The report also found that fast charging is on average cheaper than slow charging.

Slow charging (up to 7kW) is usually found in on-street locations such as lampposts, whereas fast chargers (8–22 kW) are found in car parks where people intend to stay for several hours.

AA report compares Electric Vehicles running costs

Fast chargers also represent the most common charge point in the public network, outnumbering rapid (23-100 kW) and ultra-rapid (101 plus kW) devices by more than three-to-one.

However, slow charging providers often offer a subscription service which unlocks rates lower than the average fast charging price.

For those without any personal dedicated off-street charging, running a diesel is cheaper at 13.25 pence per mile (p/mile).

In contrast, with all but ultra-rapid chargers, petrol is more expensive on a pence per mile basis (14.62 p/mile), but for EV drivers using a combination of domestic charging and ultra-rapid top-ups is cheaper than running a petrol or diesel car.

Jack Cousens, the AA’s recharging spokesman, said: “Surprisingly, fast chargers are on average cheaper than slow charging, but subscription offers for on-street lampposts can be found with deals around 29 p/kWh.

“Most people will opt for pay as you go rates when away from home, especially if they top their EV up at rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. While the cost of recharging will always be cheaper than refuelling, EVs can lose out to diesel cars when looking at the pence per mile cost.

“However, those with a home charger reap the rewards of the cheapest rates possible. Many can also enjoy discounted rates if their energy provider offers an off-peak tariff for overnight charging.”
Interestingly, the AA report has no cost for time spent charging away from home, and there are significant numbers of homes where home charging isn’t an option.

AA EV Recharge Report – November 2022

Charger type Speed (kW) Lowest price (p/kWh)2 Highest price (p/kWh)2 Average price (p/kWh)2 Cost to charge 80% at Ave p/kWh3 Pence per mile (p/mile)
Domestic 3-7 kW Using price cap 34 p/kWh £20.94 7.99 p/mile
Slow Up to 7kW 35 p/kWh 69 p/kWh 54 p/kWh £33.26 12.69 p/mile
Fast 8-22 kW 35 p/kWh 75 p/kWh 49 p/kWh £30.18 11.52 p/mile
Rapid 23-100 kW 35 p/kWh 79 p/kWh 60 p/kWh £36.96 14.11 p/mile
Ultra-rapid +101 kW 55 p/kWh 79 p/kWh 69 p/kWh £42.50 16.22 p/mile
Best motorway service stations revealed

Best motorway service stations revealed

Nov 16, 2022

According to the latest Motorway Services User Survey conducted by Transport Focus, most motorway service areas (MSAs) in Britain are doing a good job. The independent transport user watchdog, Transport Focus, spoke to more than 31,000 visitors at 119 motorway services about their views on the toilets, staff, value of the food and drink, electric vehicle charging, and the impact their visit had on drivers’ mood.

According to the survey, which covered MSAs operated by Moto, Extra, Roadchef, Euro Garages, Welcome Break and Stop 24, the Rugby service area on the M6, run by Moto, was the highest rated.

In the survey’s fifth year, motorway service operators performed well overall, with 93 per cent of visitors happy with their visit. One hundred per cent of visitors were satisfied with their visit to Rugby services, the newest site on the motorway network. It also came out on top as the site visitors were most likely to recommend to someone making a similar journey and the highest satisfaction with the toilets at 99 per cent.

Transport Focus surveyed motorway services visitors in Scotland and Wales operated by Roadchef and Welcome Break for the first time. Sarn Park (Welcome Break) is the highest rated services in Wales (97 per cent), and Hamilton (Roadchef) is the highest rated in Scotland (94 per cent).

According to the latest Motorway Services User Survey conducted by Transport Focus, most motorway service areas (MSAs) in Britain are doing a good job. The independent transport user watchdog, Transport Focus, spoke to more than 31,000 visitors at 119 motorway services about their views on the toilets, staff, value of the food and drink, electric vehicle charging, and the impact their visit had on drivers' mood.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “As many people gear up for a half-term getaway, motorway services provide a great place to stop and take a break. Many of us, when we think services, think about stopping for a toilet break – it’s reassuring to see that these are consistently highly rated. Our survey shows motorway service operators deliver good overall customer experience and facilities, but visitors don’t always feel they get value for money. Services continue to do a good job of their most important safety function – allowing drivers to rest and relax before getting back on the road.”

The key findings of the survey were:

  • Staff at the services are considered helpful and friendly, with nine in ten visitors rating them positively
  • Eighty-eight per cent of visitors were satisfied with the toilets. Extra and Roadchef had the highest ratings for toilets, both at 93 per cent
  • Value for money continues to be the key area for improvement – 63 per cent of visitors thought the food or drink available to eat in the services was value for money
  • Stopping at the services has a positive impact on drivers’ mood, with almost one in three arriving saying they feel tired, stressed or frustrated, down to less than one in ten after the visit
  • HGV drivers were the least satisfied overall, at 88 per cent
  • Users charging electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles rated the payment options at the services highly (91 per cent). Still, they gave lower ratings for value for money (68 per cent) and online information (73 per cent).

The highest-rated motorway services were Rugby (Moto M6), Donnington Park (Moto M1), Blackburn (Extra M65) and Strensham North (Roadchef M5).

The lowest rated were Hartshead Moor East (Welcome Break M62), Lancaster South (Moto M6), Charnock Richard South (Welcome Break M6) and Birchanger Green (Welcome Break M11).

Contrast with the Which Survey

The Transport Focus survey contrasts with a Which survey of motorway services published in September. The Which survey found that the top three service areas were all run by Westmoreland, a company not included in the Transport Focus survey. The services at Gloucester, Tebay and Cairn Lodge run by Westmoreland came out top, with the Norton Canes Roadchef services on the M6 toll road in fourth place.

The Which report noted, “It’s a disservice to describe the stop between junctions 11A and 12 on the M5 as a service station. Unlike the dreary buildings often found on motorways, Gloucester Services has a designer feel, with a roof carpeted in grass and the splash of a pond out the front of its floor-to-ceiling windows. You can enjoy the view while tucking into homecooked meals such as fish and chips and steak and ale pie. You can also buy local produce from the fabulous farm shop, including bread to rival any baker and regional cheeses, such as Hereford Hop. No wonder visitors called it an essential part of a journey through Gloucestershire.”

This contrasted with the worst service area, the Bridgwater services operated by Moto on the M5. The survey commented, “Don’t stop at Bridgwater. Even if you’re desperate for the toilet. Not only is it terrible, but by the time you’ve left the M5, navigated two roundabouts, found a space in the cramped split-level car park and contended with the confusing layout and crowds inside, you may as well have driven the extra 12 miles to either Sedgemoor (52%) or Taunton Dean (57%) services.”

Conkers, Potholes and Pigeons

Conkers, Potholes and Pigeons

Nov 10, 2022

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In a survey of 2,000 British car owners in September 2022, the used-car marketplace Motorway revealed the leading causes of unexpected vehicle damage outside of wear and tear or road incidents.

Potholes came out top, with 55% experiencing pothole-associated damage in the last year alone – set to increase following a record-breaking hot summer which will see UK roads contract this winter.

Adverse weather conditions (22%) and low-hanging branches (20%) showed nature isn’t always on the driver’s side when it comes to other top causes of unexpected damage. Other obscure answers came from shopping trolleys, acorns and conkers, and deer lost in the road.

This was closely followed by pigeon droppings wrecking paintwork (44%), debris on the road (40%), and stones impacting tyres (38%). Adverse weather conditions (22%) and low-hanging branches (20%) showed nature isn’t always on the driver’s side when it comes to other top causes of unexpected damage. Other obscure answers came from shopping trolleys, acorns and conkers, and deer lost in the road.

With a tough winter ahead, 80% of Brits are concerned about the cost of car maintenance, with over a fifth open to selling their vehicle. However, 65% are worried about how the damage has affected the value of their car, with 70% seeking out at-home fixes to avoid forking out on repairs.

Though it might be tempting to opt for a quick fix, Alex Buttle, co-founder of Motorway, said of the findings: “When it comes to retaining the value of your car, it’s important to keep on top of regular maintenance and have repairs made as and when needed. While it can be frustrating to spend the money at the time, ultimately car owners will be maximising the future value of their car, which is always important when it’s time to sell.”

Top 10 most common causes of unexpected vehicle damage:

  1. Potholes (55%)
  2. Bird excrement (44%)
  3. Debris on the road (40%)
  4. Stones in tyres (38%)
  5. Adverse weather conditions (22%)
  6. Low hanging trees (20%)
  7. Sea salt (8%)
  8. Sun damage such as bleaching upholstery (8%)
  9. Conkers (7%)
  10. Chewing gum (6%)

To find out more and for a no-obligation quote, visit Motorway.co.uk to find out what you could get for your car.

Start Rescue’s Money Saving Tips for Motorists’

Start Rescue’s Money Saving Tips for Motorists’

Oct 26, 2022

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With the cost of living crisis, many of us are looking at ways we can cut back on costs.

Whilst for many motorists, the prospect of using their vehicle less is not an option, Which? Recommended Breakdown Provider, Start Rescue has some simple fuel-saving tips.

With the cost of living crisis, many of us are looking at ways we can cut back on costs. Whilst for many motorists, the prospect of using their vehicle less is not an option, Which? Recommended Breakdown Provider, Start Rescue has some simple fuel-saving tips.

Carry out regular vehicle maintenance checks

The vehicle needs to be in optimal condition. This means ensuring the service schedule is followed, but drivers should also be proactive in looking after their vehicle.

Tyre pressures are still often neglected, and these can have a big impact on efficiency, as well as replacement costs if they wear unnecessarily due to having incorrect pressure. Check your handbook and consider using the quoted higher pressures for long motorway trips or when carrying heavy loads.

Empty your car of items not needed

Don’t carry unnecessary weight. A car is much more energy efficient with less bulk on board.

Remove any unnecessary clutter, including roof racks and bike racks that can impair aerodynamic efficiency.

Avoid rapid acceleration and braking

Most of all, it’s important to anticipate and drive defensively.

Leaving more space between you and the car in front means you can gently decelerate if needed, rather than requiring heavy use of the brakes which is wasted energy. It’s a more relaxing way to travel, too; slow down early for roundabouts and junctions, and don’t leave braking until the last second.

Similarly, avoiding rapid acceleration will result in burning less fuel.

Correctly use your gears

Use the correct gear for the road conditions, cruising in top gear where possible.

Switch off air conditioning

Switch off air conditioning in mild weather instead of leaving it permanently on. Even in warmer weather, consider opening the vehicle windows instead of immediately reaching for the air conditioning controls

Check fuel prices

Check the PetrolPrices app to compare prices on your route before you set off, so you can refuel at the cheapest station.

Start Rescue Managing Director Lee Puffett comments: “At a time when bills are rising, a little pre-journey preparation, and consideration of driving style can help to save motorists money on fuel. Remember that every press of the accelerator pedal impacts your wallet; treat the throttle as a money gauge and the gentler you are, the more you will save. Finally, be careful – safety takes priority over everything else.”

Fuel Saving Top Tips from Start Rescue

  • Check the PetrolPrices app
  • Reduce your cruising speed
  • Limit use of air conditioning
  • Check tyre pressures weekly
  • Remove unnecessary racks, carriers and weight on board
  • Leave plenty of distance so you can reduce use of the brake pedal
  • Change gear earlier, cruise in-a high gear when you can
  • Switch the engine off in stationary traffic
  • Choose routes with major roads and motorways where possible

Aside from adopting these tips from Start Rescue, to help you save you money on fuel, Start Rescue’s range of affordable breakdown cover polices could mean you could also benefit from saving money on your vehicle breakdown provision.

Breakdown cover price comparison based on 3 Star Cover*

Breakdown cover price comparison based on 3 Star Cover* £30.80 per year with Start Rescue

All Start Rescue policies include unlimited callouts, misfuel cover and accident recovery as standard, Their Three Star cover, which has been rated five stars by Defaqto. also includes Home Assist, so should your vehicle not start at home, they will be able to come and assist you.

* All competitor prices have been based on Start Rescue’s most popular 3-star level of cover for a vehicle aged up to 5 years-old. Cover includes nationwide recovery, home assistance, alternative transport, overnight accommodation and key assist. Last updated 19/10/2022.

The price of your policy will depend on the age of your vehicle and the level of cover you choose.