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The number of vehicles registered for use on UK roads has exceeded 40 million for the first time, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

 

Analysis shows that more than 35 million cars and five million commercial vehicles were in use in the UK in 2019, an increase of 1% on the previous year.

 

The total includes more than 750,000 low, ultra-low and zero emission vehicles. The number of these cars grew by 26% last year, with 11,832 hybrids, 144,335 plug-in hybrids and 92,913 battery electric vehicles now in use.

 

Birmingham has the second highest number of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles after Greater London, with some 24,000 zero and ultra-low emission cars on the city’s roads.

 

Light commercial vehicles grew by  2.7% on the previous year to 4.5m units, surging by 28% in the last decade. Passenger cars, meanwhile, increased 0.8% in the same period. The number of heavy goods vehicles grew by 0.4% to 608,000 – the largest number delivering for Britain since 1990.

 

Many of these vehicles are helping to provide transport for essential workers, deliveries and emergency services. Some 25,000 ambulance and fire service vehicles, together with more than 20,000 supermarket delivery trucks and lorries are keeping the nation safe, supermarket shelves stocked, and the flow of food, medicine and care to vulnerable people going during the coronavirus crisis.

 

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “As the UK continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic, keeping food, medical supplies and the people serving on the front line moving has never been so important – and these figures show the essential role Britain’s vehicle fleet plays for society. They also provide evidence that industry’s ongoing investment into ever cleaner, safer and more reliable vehicle technology is paying off, even as demand for mobility grows. To ensure this trend continues, we must get the right support for businesses and their workers in place now so that when this crisis is over, the sector can help get the whole country and our economy back on the move.”

 

Most popular cars

 

The SMMT’s Motorparc data reveals black as the most commonly seen car colour on the UK’s roads, with more than a fifth (7.1m) clad in the paint.

 

There are more superminis on UK roads than any other category of car, with the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa the most common models.

 

The BMW 3 Series is the only premium badge car to feature in the top 10 list, with more than half a million examples on UK roads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Michelin has issued special guidance for vehicles parked up for extended periods during the Coronavirus pandemic.

 

The company has detailed steps to follow before laying up vehicles, along with advice on periodic inspections and preparing them to re-enter service.

 

Brian Porteous, Michelin’s technical manager – Car, Van, 4×4 and Government Contracts, said: “Tyres can be damaged if certain precautions are not taken before the weight of a parked car or light commercial is supported for long periods, so it’s important owners follow some basic advice to ensure vehicles can be quickly put back into operation when normal business resumes, and without the need to replace tyres unnecessarily.

 

This isn’t just advice for big fleets; it’s as important for smaller operators, sole traders and consumers

 

Preparing vehicles

 

Before laying up a car or van, the tyres should be checked for damage and any cuts or penetrations that may deteriorate over time should be assessed by an expert. Many tyre dealerships remain open, often with mobile technicians available.

 

Inflation pressures should be set at the normal levels for the vehicle. Any tyre which is found to be under-inflated by up to 7psi can normally be re-inflated safely if there are no obvious signs of damage. However, if a tyre is under-inflated by more than 7psi, it should be removed and inspected by an expert to make sure that no structural damage has been caused.

 

Tyres inflated with nitrogen should have their inflation pressure checked in just the same way as those inflated with air. Whatever the inflation medium, ensure that a valve cap with a rubber seal is fitted to every tyre valve.

 

Make sure that tyres are not parked on stones or objects that might dig in. Also avoid tyres sitting for long periods in pools of water or other liquids, such as oils.  For longer periods, covering tyres to avoid exposure to sunlight will also prolong their life.

 

Clean tyres with mild detergent only and rinse well with cold water.

 

During extended parking

 

Even when not in use, tyre inflation pressures should still be regularly checked and corrected as necessary – ideally on a monthly basis, in line with standard Michelin recommendations. Any pressure loss should be investigated and the cause remedied.

 

Every four months, if a vehicle has not been moved, the tyres should be rotated a quarter turn.

 

Re-entry into service

 

Any tyre and wheel assembly which has been stored for a long period, on or off the vehicle, should be visually inspected for damage and any unusual signs before re-entering service. Pressures should be checked and set to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.

 

Remember that tyres may reach the end of their service life whilst in storage. Tyres which have been in use for five years or more should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually.

 

Any tyres in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tyres, should be replaced with new tyres as a simple precaution – even if they still appear serviceable and have not reached the legal wear limit.

 

The date when a tyre was manufactured is located on the sidewall. Consumers should locate the code which begins with the letters DOT. A DOT code ending in “2210” indicates a tyre made in the 22nd week (May) of 2010.

 

“We appreciate that for most businesses and consumers, the very idea of parking vehicles for extended periods is an unfamiliar process and not something they want to be doing. However, by spending a few minutes inspecting and preparing a vehicle first, you will help to protect the condition of its tyres and ensure it is in the best possible condition for getting back on the road when the time comes,” Porteous added.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The views of Charley Grimston, co-founder of Altelium and CEO of CNC Asset Ltd

 

There have been plenty of good news stories coming from the automotive sector since the covid-19 outbreak, including car manufacturers switching their production lines to make ventilators. But, of course, there are concerns about the industry’s economic stability, at the beginning of April 2020 car sales were down 44 per cent.

 

However, there are three powerful reasons why the electric vehicle market will be supercharged by this dreadful virus and lockdown when it’s over.

 

Clean refuelling

 

Firstly, drivers will want electric vehicles because diesel and petrol forecourts will be perceived as unclean.  You have to hold the pump the previous person has used, touch the screen or enter the shop to pay. With electricity you can fuel up at your own home for consumers, or at a centralised depot for fleet owners.

 

We may all want to get back to normal but some things you can’t unknow, and one of those things is how infection is transmitted.

 

Preserving environmental gains

 

Secondly, people will want to do things differently and better. Those who can afford to buy cars will want to play a part in making the world a better, greener place. Already we are seeing how nature is recovery as a result of the lockdown:  “This is the first time I have seen such a dramatic drop-off over such a wide area for a specific event,” said Fei Liu, an air quality researcher at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre describing levels of nitrogen dioxide over China.

 

The nationwide shutdown has led to a big drop in air pollution across the UK’s major cities.  For nitrogen dioxide pollution, new data shows that this has almost halved in London, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff.  Transport contributes 23 per cent of global carbon emissions and driving is by far the largest element of that, contributing 72 per cent of transport carbon emissions.

 

When the engines of the economy start again, we’ll want to try and preserve these gains. A report just published by the Journal of Nature has proved that electric vehicles produce less carbon dioxide than petrol cars across the vast majority of the globe.  There were lingering doubts in some quarters about the environmental credentials of electric cars, centred around the battery. This report lays those concerns to rest. So, when people start buying again, they will buy with the environment in mind – and that means electric.

 

Buy once, buy well

 

And thirdly those investing in new cars, especially fleet owners, will want to buy well. This global lockdown and coronavirus is like nothing we have ever experienced, but what many of us have experienced is recession. At times of recession, or worse, warranties become far more important to both the car owners and manufacturers.

 

To fleet owners, a long warranty is a sign of quality and reassurance. To the manufacturer it provides a way to demonstrate your belief in your product quality. A warranty allows a product to be sold on quality and therefore protects profit margins. Profitably is also protected further downstream, where a warranty allows the manufacturer to offer range of customer service and support, underwritten by their insurance.

 

How do we know this is the case?  We have been providing damage and breakdown extended warranty and renewable energy insurance for plant and machinery for over thirty years.  We have seen ourselves and our customers through huge fluctuations in the market, and what has provided consistent protection throughout this time is the warranty.

 

Developing warranties for EV batteries

 

Until now it has been difficult to develop warranties on electric vehicles, specifically the battery, because the technology is so new. Traditional lead acid batteries come with a raft of data and industrial standards, developed and refined over many years, which inform investment or warranty decisions.

 

There was a lack of data around electric batteries which held back investment decisions about the single most important component part – the electric battery. There’s too much risk involved to offer a good, long warranty if you don’t know what affects the product’s performance and longevity.

 

Now this final issue has been addressed. Intelligent data can now be gathered in real time from electric batteries and then enhanced with AI learning to describe the current, past and likely future performance of the battery at an individual cell level. Systems like Altelium are at the forefront of this. They unlock market potential because armed with this data the battery can be given second life uses.

 

Intelligent planning

 

Here again the warranty is the catalyst of change. A comprehensive warranty at individual cell level can include service and breakdown cover for the cell in it its second life situation as part of a static energy storage system. This extends the revenue stream for the manufacturer or the owner of the storage facility.

 

It also extends significantly any carbon footprint calculations for the car itself because the battery cells will be in operation for so many years.   Unlike Bernard London who suggested that recession could be ended through ‘planned obsolescence’ in 1930s, now the approach must be the total opposite. We must recognise intelligent planning and electric vehicles are the exemplar of how to energise the automotive market.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The number of vehicles stolen in England and Wales rose by more than one-fifth (21%) between 2016 and 2019, according to a freedom of information request by AX.

 

Responses obtained from police forces across England and Wales found much of that increase occurred between 2016/2017 and 2017/2018, with a ride of 14.1%.

 

The report follows research by Verizon Connect earlier this year, which found the average fleet loses around £16,000 per year as a result of vehicle or equipment theft.

 

Neil Thomas, director of investigative services at the provider of intelligent vehicle protection and management technologies and a former detective inspector, said: “While the lockdown may temporally reduce some types of car theft, criminals are using increasingly intelligent ways to steal vehicles and continue to find success.

 

“The combination of organised crime getting smarter and ability to make quick returns has drastically increased pressure on police forces to control the theft of motor vehicles.

 

“Car thieves are opportunists and have no respect for property and will remain determined to carry on illegal activity despite the current restrictions on movement across the UK. I have even seen recent reports of vehicles belonging to key workers being stolen.

 

“During this period of lockdown, it’s even more important that car owners remain vigilant and do what they can to keep their car safe while they’re using them less frequently, if at all.”

 

Of the 17 police forces that responded, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire Police saw the largest increases, with Nottinghamshire Police reporting an overall rise of 60%.

 

Hertfordshire, Surrey, West Midlands and Essex Police each saw overall surges of more than 40%.

 

However, some forces have seen a decrease in motor vehicle thefts, including Merseyside Police and Avon and Somerset Constabulary. Humberside Police reported the largest drop, with a decrease of 36%.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Holdcroft Group Fleet will begin vehicle deliveries and collections from Wednesday (April 29), after adapting processes to provide a contactless home delivery service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Vehicle collections and deliveries have been suspended by leasing companies during the lockdown, while carmakers have put production on hold across the world.

 

However, the Department for Transport (DfT) says in a letter to the logistics sector that logistics, including the collection and delivery of vehicles, should carry on during the lockdown, provided that it can be done in accordance with coronavirus safety guidelines.

 

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) urged dealerships and other delivery agents to start moving vehicles again, earlier this month.

 

Group fleet director at Holdcroft Group Fleet, Malcolm Pearson, told Fleet News: “In light of recent advice from the Government regarding delivery of new cars to customer’s homes and their desire to keep the UK economy going, we have adapted our process to accommodate a contactless home delivery service whilst ensuring social distancing and safety for all parties.

 

“From Wednesday (April 29), we will be recommencing deliveries albeit starting with a low volume while we gradually bring a number of employees back from furlough.”

 

However, he added: “Due to manufacturers not delivering new stock to us at the moment we can only deliver vehicles we have physically with us.”

 

Some manufacturers have announced plans to slowly begin production at plants in Europe.

 

Audi will restart car production at its plants in Europe during the coming weeks, with ‘normality’ expected by the end of the month.

 

The company announced the temporary suspension of production at its European sites in mid-March due to supply bottlenecks and a drop in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Suppliers and service providers will also restart at the same time, in an effort coordinated with the Volkswagen Group.

 

PSA Group has also announced a gradual restart of its facilities, including the Ellesmere Port Vauxhall plant.

 

A multi-franchise dealer group based in the Midlands and North West, Holdcroft is one of largest vehicle retailers in the UK and Holdcroft Group Fleet is a fully licenced transport company operating its own fleet of transporters.

 

Pearson said: “We are taking all necessary precautions to deliver safely to customer addresses and have recently introduced contactless home delivery for new fleet vehicle orders.

 

“When booking the delivery this process will be outlined with the customer and will only progress and take place if both parties are completely satisfied with the process.

 

“All vehicles will be delivered on a transporter – to both reduce the number and length of time we have to spend in a customer car as well as eliminating the need for the use of any public transport ensuring safe return of our employee.”

 

Delivery drivers will also follow strict protocols in ensuring the vehicle is disinfected. “Drivers are fully equipped with gloves and the correct hand sanitisers,” explained Pearson.

 

“They will re-wipe all areas they have come into contact with once the new vehicle is parked in the correct new location, before finally wiping the keys and placing at the customers front door and stepping back to allow them to be picked up for the car checked over.”

 

Customers will not need to sign any paperwork or handheld device but will be asked in advance for permission to sign on their behalf once they have checked the vehicle over externally.

 

Pearson said: “A down-side to social distancing means the usual level of vehicle demonstration will not be able to take place, but this may also not be possible for many months to come depending on future government guidance around social distancing.

 

“If the customers are self-isolating, shielding or are nervous, but they still want the car delivered, we will leave the car and allow two hours after to inspect the car and advise us of any concerns.”

 

In terms of vehicle returns, Holdcroft Motor Group will be instructing the customer that they must be able to clean the car with appropriate anti-bacterial wipes and then not enter the car for three days prior to collection.

 

The keys must also be wiped at that time and placed in a bag or envelope and be left at the door in the same way it is approaching deliveries of new cars.

 

“This will reduce the risk of any virus remaining on hard surfaces after three days,” said Pearson. “We will re-wipe handles and keys as necessary before we move the vehicle as well.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The introduction of clean air zones (CAZs) is to be delayed until the Government overcomes the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Rebecca Pow, a junior minister at the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), says the move will provide “certainty” to the commercial fleet industry.

 

In a letter to David Wells, the chief executive of the Freight Transport Association (FTA), Pow acknowledged it was a “difficult time” for the industry.

 

She said: “The freight industry is an important part of our response (to the COVID-19 outbreak) and we will keep working with you to ensure you can continue your vital role.”

 

The Government has a legal obligation to deliver compliance with air quality limits in the shortest possible time, which Pow says the Government still intends to deliver.

 

However, she told Wells that in order to provide certainty to those affected by clean air zones, Defra will work with local authorities to delay their introduction introducing until after the COVID-19 outbreak response.

 

“We will keep the timetable under review but we expect the introduction of clean air zones to be no earlier than January 2021,” she said.

 

“We are in a new and evolving situation which needs a co-ordinated approach to minimise wider societal impacts.”

 

A Government spokesperson told Fleet News that it understands the pressures local authorities face due to the coronavirus outbreak.

 

She added: “We have agreed with Leeds, Birmingham and Bath to delay the introduction of clean air zones in their areas until after January 2021 to help them focus on their response to coronavirus.”

 

The FTA has been urging Government to delay the introduction of CAZs to allow businesses to focus their efforts on keeping goods moving throughout the COVID-19 outbreak

 

“While FTA and its members support fully the Government’s ambition to improve air quality across the UK, to achieve compliance with the scheme businesses would have to undertake significant work and planning,” said Natalie Chapman, FTA’s head of urban policy.

 

“With the industry focusing all its attention on ensuring the public, supermarkets and other retailers continue to receive the essential items they need during the pandemic, logistics businesses simply do not have the resources to dedicate to preparing for the imminent introduction of CAZs.

 

“In addition, supplies of technology, equipment and trucks are being disrupted by the pandemic, making it harder for businesses to upgrade their fleets to meet the emission standards required of the schemes.”

 

Once the immediacy of the coronavirus crisis comes to an end, FTA says it will continue to work with Defra and cities including Birmingham and Leeds, whose zones were due to come into force this year, to ensure the detail of the schemes take into account the needs of businesses whilst delivering improvements to air quality.

 

Both Birmingham and Leeds councils had written to Defra in recent days to ask for a delay to the introduction of CAZs in their respective cities.

 

Leeds City Council’s CAZ was due to go live on September 28, when it had planned to charge buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles, taxis and private hire vehicles, which failed to meet minimum emissions standards will be charged for driving within the zone’s boundary.

 

In a joint statement issued by the chief executive of Leeds City Council, Tom Riordan, and the council’s leader, Councillor Judith Blake, they said they had asked the Government for permission to delay the zone “until further notice”.

 

Birmingham City Council had requested to delay the launch of the zone until at least the end of the calendar year.

 

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) welcomed the decision to put schemes on hold.

 

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “This is a very sensible decision in the current circumstances. It gives some temporary respite for businesses and individuals trying to come to terms with the current health crisis and gives the government’s Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) extra time to make sure that key systems such as the centralised payment portal are fit-for-purpose and more fleet friendly.

 

“To date, the range of air quality measures being proposed are wide and varied across UK towns and cities. The landscape is very confusing. Hopefully, this delay will provide additional time to reflect and deliver a more effective and coordinated way forward.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

More than one in 10 British motorists would defy a pavement parking ban if it was introduced following a government consultation, according to research from Yourparkingspace.co.uk.

 

The study found that 16% of motorists would flout the ban, despite the risk of punishment.

 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps set out new proposals earlier this month to launch a consultation in the summer, aimed at improving pedestrian safety for people with mobility or sight impairments, as well as parents with prams who may be forced into the road to get around parked cars.

 

It is already illegal to park on the pavement in London and is due to be outlawed in Scotland from 2021, but it is a grey area in other parts of the UK.

 

Harrison Woods, managing director of Yourparkingspace.co.uk, said: “It seems likely that pavement parking will become punishable in many parts of the country, yet this won’t deter a sizeable number of motorists from continuing to do so.

 

“We would remind all motorists to consider their actions and how it impacts on others.”

 

Parking on a pavement can cause major inconvenience to people in wheelchairs, the partially sighted and those with pushchairs, among others, who struggle to find room to pass the vehicle.

 

However, some motorists who park on a pavement say they do it out of necessity as, for instance, parking on the road in a narrow street could block emergency vehicles.

 

Harrison added: “Pavement parking has always been a contentious issue, and even if it is banned across the whole of the UK, it will continue to divide opinion.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) says the security of used cars and vans, without access to formal storage facilities, could be a growing problem during the pandemic.

 

The trade association, which represents organisations involved in the remarketing of 1.5 million used cars and vans every year, says large numbers of vehicles left largely unattended in storage could attract theft and vandalism.

 

Sam Watkins, chair of the VRA, explained: “Where cars and vans are being stored in large, structured facilities, it is much less of a problem, because there are going to be comprehensive security measures in place ranging from fencing to cameras as well as an ongoing human presence on the ground. Indeed, in most places of this type, security has largely been enhanced in recent weeks.”

 

The problems are likely to arise in smaller locations that were never designed to be left unattended for long periods of time, notably dealer forecourts and ad hoc storage compounds, she says

 

“Vehicles are quite vulnerable in these circumstances,” continued Watkins. “Especially, if the lockdown experience in the UK parallels that seen in other countries, there will be some non-compliance as the weeks pass and it seems sensible to assume that there will be people leaving their homes, some with criminal intent.”

 

VRA members had been discussing the topic during a VRA webinar last week and Watkins says that two key aspects that needed tackling – insurance and security.

 

“Our initial advice for businesses using these smaller sites is to talk to your insurer,” she said. “Your policy probably doesn’t cover you for vehicles that are left at a site that is essentially unattended for weeks at a time. It is possible or probable that this condition has been suspended by your insurer but you should check.

 

“The second is to look at security. Call your local police station and explain the circumstances and your concerns.

 

“They may be able to drive by the site every day or you might arrive at some other measure that maintains social distancing but reduces the likelihood that there is criminal activity on the site.”

 

The VRA is running a series of webinars that are being held to support members through the challenges presented by the lockdown. The next will take place on April 8.

 

Watkins concluded: “The webinar format is proving a very popular way of raising and discussing topics that members are facing during the lockdown. These are difficult times and being able to draw on the expertise of the VRA is essential for people working in the remarketing sector.” Bt Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Drivers can avoid a large number of breakdowns after the coronavirus lockdown is lifted by following some basic car care tips.

 

While car usage isn’t completely banned under the lockdown rules, many vehicles will be left parked up for extended periods or only used for infrequent short journeys.

 

“It is highly likely that there will be a spike, particularly in battery breakdowns, once the current crisis is over. However, unlike the first working day after the New Year it is unlikely that everyone will return to work or journeys on the same day,” a spokesperson from The AA told Fleet News.

 

The organisation said it will be making plans to cope with any surge in demand and advising fleet drivers on vehicle maintenance.

 

Following the Christmas period, breakdown providers see a spike in callouts usually caused by vehicles with flat batteries.

 

With the end of the lockdown not currently known, and the possibility of social distancing measures being extended, some vehicles could remain unused for months.

 

Bryn Brooker, head of marketing at Nextbase, said: “At such an unusual and challenging time for everyone, we want to reiterate to all vehicle owners to take good care of both themselves and their vehicles.

 

“Ultimately, leaving your car inactive for a while means you will need to make thorough checks. This is vital to ensure the roads are safe when non-essential journeys can be made again.”

 

Top tips to keep you vehicle healthy during the lockdown:

 

Battery

 

The battery is the most likely cause of a breakdown. Even newer vehicles, if left for long enough, can suffer a flat battery. Cars with alarms and connected infotainment systems have a higher power draw.

 

Cars with a healthy battery should last at least two weeks, without needing to be started up to re-charge the battery. If there’s any doubt about the condition of the battery, fleet drivers should start the car once a week and allow it idle for 15-20 minutes.

 

EVs and hybrid vehicles have 12-volt batteries, the same as conventional cars. However, they charge differently. Pressing the start button, so the ready light comes on, will operate the charging system. Doing this for 10 minutes once a week should keep the 12-volt battery topped up.

 

EVs, Hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars should not be left with a flat drive battery either, as the battery can become damaged if left discharged for long periods of time. The ideal to to keep 50-80% charge in the battery.

 

Brakes

 

Sometimes, when a vehicle is parked up for a long period with the parking brake on, the brakes can seize. To prevent this, it’s good practice to release the parking brake and move the vehicle a short distance back and forth, at the same time as running the engine. The parking brake shouldn’t be left off unless the vehicle is on private land with the wheels securely chocked.

 

Fuel

 

Person using fuel pump in filling station

 

Before parking a vehicle up for a long period, it’s a good idea to top up with fuel. Not only will this help with other measures, but a full tank doesn’t attract condensation, which could cause issues if allowed to build up over time.

 

Tyres

 

Check your tyre pressures and make sure they are at the recommended settings. A tyre that is partially deflated will put extra stress on the sidewall and may cause lasting damage if left that way for an extended period. If you have space, roll the car forward or backwards slightly to change the area where the stress on the sidewall is greatest. Keeping the pressure right will mean you are ready to go as soon as restrictions are lifted.

 

Paint

 

Car Cleaning

 

Cars and vans should still be washed regularly when not being used to protect the paint and trim from contaminants. Bird droppings, if left, could cause damage to the paint finish that can’t be removed with normal cleaning/polishing. Alloy wheels should also be cleaned of brake dust as this can cause pitting and staining, especially on wheels with a polished finish.

 

If you can’t get out with your bucket of water I’ve found that waterless car wash works pretty well. Parking under trees can leave a green type mould at the base of the windows. Use an old toothbrush with cleaner to get rid of it.

 

Ensure there is not food or drink left in the vehicle in an unsealed container and leaving the windows or doors open regularly to ventilate the car will prevent mould from forming inside.

 

DPF

 

Modern diesel cars are fitted with a diesel particulate filter to help reduce the exhaust emissions. These devices function by storing the harmful pollution then burning it off when the exhaust system gets hot enough – usually on a motorway.

 

If a vehicle is only used for short trips, such as shopping locally, the filter may become clogged. If the vehicle needs to perform a ‘regeneration’, where it clears the filter itself, a warning light will come on the instrument cluster, shaped like a filter. The engine must not be switched off while this light is illuminated. If unsure, check your handbook.

 

Whilst there are no rules relating to extended trips to clear the DPF as long as you don’t abuse the need to clear the DPF in order to keep you mobile the police will have a relaxed approach.

 

You need to drive for 15 minutes at a speed of over 50 miles per hour. Take a picture of the warning light with your phone to show the police if you get stopped. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

This sounds dreadful but when I last looked into Cap HPI data regarding clocking I found that they could record several checks on the same car but recorded as individual checks resulting in another car found with an incorrect reading.

 

According to Cap HPI the number of vehicles with a mileage discrepancy has increased by 22% year-on-year.

 

One in 11 vehicles (836,214) checked in 2019 had a mileage discrepancy, an increase of 22.2% over 2018’s figure (607,981) when one in 14 vehicles was recorded as having a mileage discrepancy.

 

In the past five years, the number of vehicles with mileage discrepancies has increased by 45%.

 

Fernando Garcia, consumer director at Cap HPI, said: “When conducting a mileage check from HPI, we will identify any mileage discrepancies through both our own National Mileage Register and the car’s MOT history. If a car has been clocked or had its odometer tampered with, then the mileage reading will appear to have decreased which is a false reading.

 

“A vehicle’s mileage is closely linked to its value. These false readings often correlate to mechanical issues and faults later down the line, which could have safety implications or lead to hefty repair bills.

 

“All the safety features and modules in a modern car, such as airbags, ABS and ignition, feed information into the vehicle’s central computer system. Each time an issue arises, such as a fault warning, a ‘snapshot’ of the vehicle’s mileage will be logged.

 

Unless a vehicle’s mileage is wound back by a particularly diligent clocker who knows to alter the mileage readings on all modules as well as the odometer, these will be out of sync. This will lead to issues with safety warnings – making it potentially very dangerous for the driver, passenger and other road users.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News