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Gridserve will open more than 20 ‘electric hubs’, each featuring 6-12 x 350kW ultra high-power electric vehicle (EV) charge points with contactless payment, at motorway service stations across the UK by Q2 2022.

The majority should be installed by the end of March, with a further 50 additional electric hub sites set to follow. 

Two Electric Forecourts situated adjacent to major transport routes and motorways, including a flagship site at Gatwick Airport and Norwich, are also in construction, due to open in 2022.

Several additional Electric Forecourt sites now also have planning permission including Uckfield, Gateshead, Plymouth and Bromborough, with more than 30 additional sites also under development as part of the company’s commitment to deliver over 100 Electric Forecourts.

Toddington Harper, CEO of Gridserve, said: “Our mission is to deliver sustainable energy and move the needle on climate change, and that is exactly what we are doing – delivering.

“Getting people into electric vehicles is a big part of our vision but to do that charging has to be simple and free of anxiety, which is why we’ve designed our network entirely around the needs of drivers, listening to our customers’ needs and providing the best possible level of customer service to deliver the confidence people need to make the switch to electric transport today, eight-years ahead of the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars.”

Gridserve says it wants to revolutionise EV charging across the UK, following the acquisition of Ecotricity’s Electric Highway network in June.

Some of the Electric Hubs are also located in areas traditionally left behind in the EV transition, including Wales and Cornwall, helping to deliver its vision of giving drivers everywhere the confidence to go electric well ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars.

Since the acquisition, Gridserve has invested tens of millions of pounds in the network to develop the new Electric Hubs, replace the 300+ existing motorway chargers it inherited from Ecotricity, and install 130 additional AC chargers to cater for all types of EVs.

The two new Electric Forecourts for Gatwick and Norwich will follow Gridserve’s blueprint of the world’s first Electric Forecourt in Braintree, Essex.

Gatwick Electric Forecourt

Developed in partnership with Gatwick Airport, the Gatwick Electric Forecourt will be a flagship site, serving passengers, commuters, staff, local residents and businesses that pass through the airport and its surrounding motorway network each year.

Located on the Ring Road South approach to Gatwick’s South Terminal and adjacent to the M23 – it will enable 36 EVs to be charged simultaneously, with high-power chargers that can deliver up to 350kW of charging power, capable of adding 100 miles of range in less than 10 minutes. Multiple charging connectors will cater for all types of electric cars.

The site is due to open in autumn 2022 and will host a café, waiting lounge with free superfast WiFi, convenience supermarket, children’s play area and a dedicated educational space to increase awareness around electric vehicles.

Harper said: “Gatwick isn’t just an airport, it’s an ecosystem of commuters, travellers, staff, taxi drivers, car rental companies, local residents and businesses, all culminating in a transport hub that hosts tens of millions of drivers every single year.

“The Gatwick Electric Forecourt will give these drivers and businesses the confidence to switch away from petrol and diesel cars, making electric journeys to and from one of the country’s most important transport hubs straightforward and sustainable.”

Jonathan Pollard, chief commercial officer, Gatwick Airport, said: “Our new high-powered charging facility will help meet the increasing need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure at the airport, including the growing number of our passengers who own electric vehicles and need fast, convenient and effective charging facilities.

“The new charging infrastructure will also benefit people right across our community, including thousands of staff who live locally, businesses looking to introduce electric vehicle fleets – even those operating buses and trucks – and also local residents who may be considering buying an electric-powered car but were undecided due to the lack of charging facilities.”

The Norwich Electric Forecourt, which is nearing the end of its construction, and scheduled to open in April 2022, will mirror the set up at Gatwick.

David Hall, VP Power Systems UK and Ireland for Schneider Electric, says the announcement from Gridserve will help “unleash” the potential of EVs by reducing fears of range anxiety.

“To support the growth of adoption in electric mobility, which is crucial to achieving ambitious targets to reduce global CO2 emissions, we need readily available infrastructure to support EVs and to ensure the electric revolution is renewable, plentiful, and affordable,” said Hall. “It is also a significant opportunity to rebuild the UK economy with climate action at its core.

“The UK already has more EV charging points than petrol stations, and one in ten new vehicles sold is an EV.  Businesses and transport companies are increasingly playing their part by switching to low carbon, net zero fleets for cars, trucks, and buses, which will be essential for cutting their carbon footprints. We hope that this announcement will encourage those who were holding back to make the switch and come along for the ride.

“As the popularity of electric vehicles increases, we need to ensure that electric or hybrid vehicles are low-emission, the energy grid needs to be powered by a much higher percentage of renewables. This transition will bring additional consumer demand, effectively bringing the concept of net zero transportation to life.”

Gridserve’s latest sites:

Electric Hubs

• Currently in construction: Swansea (Moto), Heston West (Moto), Severn View (Moto), Wetherby (Moto), Burton in Kendall (Moto), Exeter (Moto), Woolley Edge North (Moto), Woolley Edge South (Moto), Thurrock (Moto), Leigh Delamere Westbound (Moto), Reading West (Moto).

• Entering construction early next year: Reading East (Moto), Grantham North (Moto), Scotch Corner (Moto), Washington North (Moto), Washington South (Moto), Cornwall Services, Annandale (Roadchef), Magor (Roadchef), Rownhams North (Roadchef), Durham (Roadchef), Watford Gap North (Roadchef), Watford Gap South (Roadchef), Northampton North (Roadchef), Northampton South (Roadchef), Strensham North (Roadchef), Strensham South (Roadchef)

Electric Forecourts

• Currently in construction: Norwich Electric Forecourt (opening April 2022), Gatwick Electric Forecourt (opening Autumn 2022).
• Planning permission secured: Uckfield, Gateshead, Plymouth, Bromborough.

By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Drivers are being warned of major changes to the Highway Code, which take effect from Saturday (January 29). Extra warnings were issued to fleet drivers who cover higher mileages

The new rules are aimed at improving road safety for vulnerable road users – pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

The Highway Code sets out information, advice, guides and mandatory rules for road users in the United Kingdom. Its objective is to promote road safety.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell says that many of the rules in the code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence.

“You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving,” explained Peter Lorence, a serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell.

“In the most serious cases you may be sent to prison.”

Although failure to comply with the other rules of the code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted.

The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts to establish liability. This includes rules which use advisory wording.”

What’s changing in the Highway Code?

The changes to The Highway Code are extensive, says Lorence.

Previously the Highway Code had guided for all road users to be considerate towards each other, applying this principle to pedestrians and drivers equally.

“If you are looking to turn into a road and a pedestrian is waiting to cross, you are expected to give way,” Peter Lorence, Irwin Mitchell

The new hierarchy of road users places those who can do the greatest harm with the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others.

“This is designed to protect the most vulnerable people on our roads,” explained Lorence.

The new rules place emphasis on this hierarchy applying most strongly to drivers of heavy goods vehicles and passenger vehicles, vans, minibuses, cars and motorcycles.

Likewise, cyclists, horse riders and drivers of a horse drawn vehicle have a greater responsibility to reduce dangers posed to pedestrians.

Lorence continued: “One change that should be highlighted in particular is pedestrian priorities at junctions.

“Currently, road users should only give way to pedestrians who have started to cross the road into which they are turning.”

The new Rule H2 of the revised code provides for priority to be given to pedestrians who are waiting to cross the road as well.

“Therefore, if you are looking to turn into a road and a pedestrian is waiting to cross, you are expected to give way,” added Lorence.

“We’re concerned that this significant change poses risks to pedestrians who may assert their rights under the new rules, yet drivers may not be aware of this change.

“It is therefore important for all road users to be aware of the new rules, to ensure everyone’s safety and understanding.”

Rules for drivers and motorcyclists at junctions

Lorence says that there are too many deaths and life-changing injuries as a result of vehicles turning across the paths of cyclists at junctions.

“Drivers may fail to check for the presence of cyclists before committing to their manoeuvre, even when cyclists have been alongside them when doing so,” he said.

The new Rule H3 is designed to protect cyclists from this happening. “It sets out that when turning into or out of a junction, drivers should not cut across the path of any other road user,” he added.

“The guidance now stipulates not to cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles. This includes where there is cycle lane at the nearside.

“Road users are expected to stop and wait for a safe gap before beginning their manoeuvre. Drivers are tasked with not turning at junctions if it would cause someone going straight ahead to stop or swerve.”

Safe Passing Distances

Close passing represents a serious danger to the most vulnerable road users. “We’ve seen cases of people on bicycles being clipped by fast moving traffic, resulting in catastrophic injuries,” continued Lorence.

“We’ve also seen those cycling in our city centres be dragged under the wheels of vehicles that have attempted to pass them, but done so too closely.

“In addition, we have seen cases of horse riders and horses being hit by fast moving traffic, resulting in deaths and serious injury.

“Due to horses being flight animals that can move incredibly quickly if startled, close passing at speed can also pose dangers to riders and horses, even without an actual collision.”

Rule 163 now prescribes safe passing distances for when overtaking cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles.

This includes guiding on at least a 1.5 metre space when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph. More space is expected when overtaking at speeds in excess of 30mph.

If when passing a pedestrian who is walking in the road, drivers are expected to allow at least two metres of space and to maintain a low speed. Extra care should be taken in poor weather.

The guidance also sets out that drivers should not overtake if it is unsafe or not possible to meet the clearances set out.

In addition to setting out safe passing distances, the new Rule 72 establishes the right for cyclists to ride in the centre of their lane, to ensure that they remain visible.

Lorence explained: “Cyclists are only expected to move to the left to allow faster vehicles to overtake when it is safe to do so.

“At junctions or on narrow roads, cyclists can maintain their central position where it would be unsafe for a driver to overtake.”

Rule 213 has also been changed to confirm that on narrow sections of roads, horse riders may ride in the centre of the lane and drivers should allow them to do so for their own safety, to ensure they can see and be seen.

Safely passing parked vehicles and the ‘Dutch Reach’

When cycling by parked vehicles, the risk of doors being opened into a cyclist’s path is a real danger and a common cause of collision.

Previously, the Highway Code had warned only for cyclists to watch out for doors being opened. Rule 67 has now been revised to provide guidance on the safe distance to pass parked vehicles; it now suggests leaving a door’s width or one metre when doing so.

For those opening the doors of parked vehicles, Rule 239 has also been updated to include what is often known as the ‘Dutch Reach’.

“When you are able to do so, you should open your vehicle door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening,” said Lorence.

“For example, if you are in the right-hand seat, you would use your left hand to open the door. In doing so, this forces you to turn your body and your head, better enabling you to check over your shoulder and your blind spot.

“This better enables those in vehicles to check whether it is safe to open their door, reducing the chance of opening their door into someone’s path.”

He continued: “These changes are largely very welcome, and we were proud to take part in the Government’s consultation.

“In preparing our consultation response, however, we reflected on our clients’ stories and how the life-changing incidents they suffered could have been easily avoided had these changes been made sooner.

“Nevertheless, we celebrate these changes which represent an important step towards eliminating deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”

Welcoming the changes to the Highway Code, Brake says that the introduction of a road user hierarchy is important for road safety.

Jason Wakeford, head of campaigns at Brake, explained: “It means it is clear that road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the risk they pose to more vulnerable users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.”

The focus on better protecting vulnerable road users in the new Highway Code follows the Government’s July 2021 announcement of £338m for building segregated cycle lanes and walking schemes.

As part of the hierarchy approach, Wakeford says it is crucial that funds continue to be released for safe space for walking and cycling, with 20mph speed limits in areas where people live and work.

He added: “It’s vital that Government works hard to promote the Highway Code changes, to help all road users understand the new rules and our shared responsibility to reduce deaths and serious injuries.

“We urge all road users, particularly drivers, to look at the updated Highway Code, learn about the changes, and do their bit to put safety first.”

Changes the “right move”

Matthew Walters, head of consultancy services at LeasePlan UK, believes that putting the greatest responsibility on those who can cause the most harm in a collision is the “right one”.

However, he said: “We would have liked to have seen the Government do a wide-scale communications campaign, to ensure that all drivers and road users are aware of the new laws and guidelines.

“Without one, we run the risk of many motorists continuing on as normal, which could lead to a higher level of incident.”

For this reason, Walters says that the onus is on businesses to make sure that their drivers are aware of the changes to Highway Code and adhering to them.

He added: “Business fleet managers should be working with their drivers to improve safety across the team and reduce incidents. This includes thorough training sessions and carrying out regular driving licence checks.”

Louis Rix, COO and co-founder of car finance platform CarFinance 247, thinks we are very likely to big debates – particularly on social media – between those who prioritise motorists and those who prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.

“There’s already such a big debate surrounding motorists and cyclists,” he said. “Look at Jeremy Vine, who loudly campaigns for better treatment of cyclists using roads.

“We have cycle lanes in many areas now, but in the places where they don’t exist, drivers need to be patient and treat cyclists with the same respect as other road users.

“The argument among road users around who should be prioritised isn’t going to end any time soon; we have to learn to co-exist on the roads and motorists should lead the way in changing current attitudes.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

A fleet of Dott e-scooters have been used to identify road safety risks in cities.

The e-scooters were fitted with sensors from See.Sense, which monitored rider behaviour on the vehicles for a period of 10 weeks.

Data was collected from 1,800 rides with a total distance of more than 2,000 miles. Throughout each journey, See.Sense’s monitors were detecting changes in rider behaviour to help better understand the user’s experience on the road.

The findings reveal areas which experience particularly high levels of braking or swerving and changes in the road surface. These hot spots will be shared with the authorities to suggest improvements in road quality, helping make the streets safer for all micro-mobility users.

Braking and swerving, for example, can happen around uneven and rough road surfaces or potholes, causing a rider to react suddenly.

Maxim Romain, Co-Founder and COO, Dott, said: “Quality infrastructure is key to helping users of micro-mobility feel safe whilst on the road. The results of this new trial, in partnership with See.Sense, reveal that Dott’s vehicles can do more than provide efficient, reliable and sustainable transport for its riders – they can also deliver valuable learnings to create smart cities which are safer and more pleasant for all residents.”

Data was also collected to compare surface types, and See.Sense’s data could identify consistent patterns on road, cycle path and footpaths.

Understanding when riders are using footpaths could be another indicator of a poor quality road surface. Or it could be down to rider behaviour, allowing Dott to prompt e-learning modules, revise speed limits when the change in surface is detected, or further investigate unsafe riding.

Irene McAleese, Co-founder & CSO, See.Sense, added: “Our technology has been created to provide safety focused data on the adoption and maintenance of infrastructure. We’re excited to partner with Dott on this project to demonstrate a scalable solution that provides cities with powerful data driven insights that will help cities unlock the true potential of micro-mobility”.

Following the success of the trial, Dott is exploring implementing the solution both more widely across London, and into other European cities.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Stellantis will invest more than £25 billion in vehicle connectivity and electrification as it seeks to create a new revenue stream from software-enabled products and subscriptions.

The car maker, which owns Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, Peugeot and Vauxhall, expects to generate more than £17m in revenue from new digital services by 2030.

This transformation will move Stellantis’ vehicles from today’s dedicated electronic architectures to an open software-defined platform that “seamlessly integrates with customers’ digital lives”.

It will enable drivers to add features and services via regular over-the-air (OTA) updates, years after the vehicle has been built.

“Our electrification and software strategies will support the shift to become a sustainable mobility tech company to lead the pack, leveraging the associated business growth with over-the-air features and services, and delivering the best experience to our customers,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO.

Stellantis says its software strategy “works hand-in-hand” with its vehicle electrification plans, which targets that more than 70% of its vehicle sales in Europe will be low emission vehicles by 2030.

Stellantis has 12m monetizable connected vehicles on the road currently. By 2024, it expects the majority of its vehicles will be fully updateable over-the-air. By 2026, the business expects to have 26m connected vehicles with the potential to make more than £3bn in revenue.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Used vehicle values are unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels, despite a softening of the market this month.

According to Philip Nothard, insight and strategy director at Cox Automotive, wholesale vehicle values will show signs of stabilisation throughout mid-2022 as the market attempts to get back to some form of normality.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has rapidly accelerated the online and digital marketplace to what existed two years ago. As a result, it’s also entirely possible that a new benchmark for used vehicle values has been reached that may never dip to pre-pandemic levels.

Nothard warns that there is no “tsunami of used stock” on the horizon, and an increased focus on the detail will be required as the shape of the market evolves.

It also can’t be ignored that around 1.4 million new vehicles have been lost from the market, which will never enter the used vehicle parc. Although the impact in the sub-12-month market has been felt already, it will without a doubt have a bearing on the sector for years to come, according to Nothard.

November saw a slight easing month-on-month in the sector, with marginal falls observed by Cox Automotive, continuing a trend first observed in October’s results.

Last month’s average first-time conversion decreased by 6% to 82.9% month-on-month. Similarly, CAP Clean experienced a marginal month-on-month fall of 2%, to 97.3%. This easing resulted in a lowering of both the average age and mileage of vehicles observed through the Manheim lanes. 

The average age of cars sold also slightly decreased by 5.6% to 97 months, and the average mileage of cars sold, decreased by 4.3% and down by 2,987 miles to 66,343 miles.

Despite four key indicators experiencing month-on-month falls, used car values continued to rise, with the average sale price experiencing one of the largest month-on-month increases of 16.8% or £1,129, to £8,553.

Nothard said: “While prices have now increased for eight consecutive months, recent signs point towards a potential softening in the market. And while it remains the case that prices overall have continued to rise, the situation is becoming increasingly complex, with some models starting to see significant price decreases.

Moreover, some figures we’ve observed are misleading, as it doesn’t represent live market data where many models that saw an increase at the start of the month, which dropped off by the end.

“We expect current market conditions to continue throughout Q1 2022, and it’s entirely possible that we are seeing a revised benchmark for the used vehicle parc.”

Used car values reached the second highest on record at BCA in October with the average car selling for £3,000 more than a year ago.

October used car values averaged £11,295 at BCA, maintaining the pattern of consistently high average used car values this year. Year-on-year, average monthly values are up 38.6%. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Pressure group Transport & Environment (T&E) claims that synthetic e-fuels are no cleaner than ordinary petrol or diesel.

The organisation commissioned a series of laboratory tests to compare the emissions from a car running on E10 petrol with three synthetic fuels.

No difference in NOx emissions were observed for any of the e-fuels tested either in the lab or on road tests compared to today’s petrol fuel.

T&E says the use of e-petrol in cars will have “little impact” on NOx emissions, which are “at the heart of toxic NO2 pollution” across Europe’s cities.

Carbon monoxide emissions from e-fuels were found to be much higher in the tests. Emissions were up to three times higher in the lab test and 1.2-1.5 times higher on the RDE test compared to fossil fuel. The largest increase in emissions occurred when the engine was first switched on, according to the test.

Julia Poliscanova, senior director for vehicles and e-mobility at T&E, said: “No amount of spin can overcome the science of burning hydrocarbons. As long as fuel is combusted in engines, toxic air will persist in our cities. Lawmakers who leave loopholes for e-fuels in emissions targets are condemning the public to decades more of avoidable air pollution.”

A substantial decrease in particle emissions was observed on all e-fuel tests, however. The number of particle emissions (PN) larger than 10nm decreased by 97% in the lab test, and by 81-86% on the RDE test cycle – a significant improvement compared to the fossil fuel tested.

Hydrocarbon emissions from e-fuels decreased by 23-40% in the lab test too, but no difference was observed on the RDE test due to low emissions for all fuels.

Emissions of dangerous but not yet regulated aldehydes – acetaldehyde and formaldehyde – decreased with the use of e-fuels when the engine was first switched on, but no significant difference was seen on the test overall.

Ammonia emissions of two e-petrol blends roughly doubled on the RDE test, with emissions particularly increasing after the engine was first switched on. These results, according to T&E, indicate that some e-petrol blends may cause an increase in ammonia emissions, which is a precursor to PM2.5 pollution.

The testing was carried out by French research organisation IFP Energies Nouvelles. It used a Euro 6d-temp Mercedes A 180, on WLTC and RDE drive cycles performed on a chassis dyno.

Due to a lack of commercial production, IFP Energies Nouvelles had to blend three e-fuel blends representative of potential future fuels that are compatible with petrol cars. Two different 100% e-petrol blends and one blending 2nd generation ethanol (10%) and e-fuel were made.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Drivers are failing to have regular eye tests to ensure they are not a risk on the road, a survey by Venson Automotive Solutions suggests.

It found that 40% of respondents have not had an eye test within the past two years – the maximum recommended period between tests.

If a driver is stopped by police and found to be unable to meet the ‘standards of vision for driving’, they could receive a £1,000 fine or points on their licence, but most are likely to have their licence removed.

While it is not a legal requirement for drivers to update the DVLA if they have been prescribed corrective glasses or contact lenses since they passed their driving test, the Venson survey showed that one in three responsible drivers had taken it upon themselves to do so.

Other conditions affecting vision may need to be reported including anxiety, high blood pressure, depression and diabetes* and could mean they cannot legally drive certain types of vehicles, particularly lorries and buses.

“Leaving more than two years between eye tests puts drivers at risk of being unsafe on the road because eyesight can deteriorate rapidly within that time,” said Alison Bell, marketing director for Venson Automotive Solutions.

“Anyone can be stopped by the police and be asked to take a roadside sight test, regardless of whether the DVLA is aware of a health condition that affects your eyesight.

“Failing that test can have serious consequences and may leave someone without a licence and unable to drive. For someone who needs to drive for work, the consequences are extensive.”

Bell says that fleet operators have a duty of care to ensure their drivers are safe on the road, and that includes meeting the required standards of vision for driving.

“If a fleet driver is found to be unable to meet the required standards of vision the company could be liable as well as the driver, and the driver may not be able to continue driving,” she added

“Therefore, it is in the best interests of the fleet operator as well as the driver to ensure eye tests are carried out at least every two years and that drivers always wear any corrective glasses or contact lenses they require.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

June to September 2021 saw the RAC deal with the largest proportion of pothole-related callouts in any third quarter since 2006.

RAC patrols attended 1,810 breakdowns for broken suspension springs, distorted wheels and damaged shock absorbers which represented 1.2% of all its callouts over the three-month period.

The RAC said June to September, along with October to December, are normally the quietest quarters for pothole-related breakdowns, both in terms of pure numbers and the proportion they represent of all RAC breakdowns.

Nicholas Lyes, head of roads policy at the RAC, said: “With Government data showing weekday car traffic is still not quite back to pre-pandemic levels, it’s very worrying that our patrols are still attending a higher proportion of pothole-related call-outs in relation to all the breakdowns they go out to.

“While it’s welcome that the sheer number of pothole breakdowns is not as high as we’ve seen in previous years, we see worrying signs in our data that implies little progress has been made in the last 12 months in improving road surfaces for drivers.

“Traditionally, the spring and summer months give authorities a chance to repair and improve roads, but unfortunately it seems many roads remain in a perilous state. We fear we’re only a bad winter away from seeing a plague of potholes which authorities will struggle to repair.

“When it comes to potholes, prevention is always better than cure. Relying on just patching potholes is a fruitless task which simply pours good money after bad as it only acts as a sticking plaster. This will anger drivers incredibly as they already feel not enough of their motoring taxes are invested in keeping roads up to a respectable standard.”

When looking at the proportion of pothole callouts as a rolling average of the last four quarters, there is a ‘worrying increase’ in the share of these breakdowns, the RAC said, as they represent 1.5% of all RAC call-outs – the highest such figure seen in the RAC’s Pothole Index data since the four quarters to the end of September 2018 (1.5%).

The RAC Pothole Index is a long-term measure of the condition of roads which is adjusted for weather and seasonal effects. As of Q3 2021 it stands at 1.48, down from 1.51 in Q2.

The RAC said that drivers are nearly one-and-a-half times more likely to breakdown after hitting a pothole than they were when the RAC first started collecting the data back in 2006.

RAC Report on Motoring 2021

Drivers surveyed for the RAC Report on Motoring 2021 named the poor condition and lack of maintenance of local roads their top concern.

This year, 46% of drivers say that the state of local roads is one of their four biggest motoring-related concerns, up from 38% 12 months ago.

More than half (58%) of drivers believe local road conditions where they live have deteriorated over the past year, a rise on the 52% recorded in 2020 and 49% in 2019.

Drivers would like to see at least some of the revenues raised from the likes of vehicle excise duty (VED) and fuel duty ring-fenced for spending on local road maintenance. This year, 81% of drivers support this idea, an almost identical proportion to 2020 (82%).

At present, revenues from VED in England are used to fund maintenance spending but only on the motorway and high-speed road network.

Three-quarters (74%) take the view that the motoring taxes they already pay are not sufficiently reinvested into local roads.

Drivers are overall are happier with the state of the UK’s motorways and major A-roads – only 11% cite the state of motorways and high-speed roads as a main concern, although 28% still say that the condition of these roads has deteriorated over the past 12 months. 

Lyes said: “We have long campaigned for national government to recognise the significance of local roads and ring-fence funds over a five-year period to enable councils to plan and deliver longer-term road maintenance.

“If the coming winter proves to be colder than normal as some are predicting we could sadly see our roads crumbling yet further, costing drivers hundreds of thousands of pounds in repairs.

“We’re sounding the alarm now so that this doesn’t happen, but we badly need the transport secretary and the treasury to take a fresh look at how local roads are funded.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The leasing industry has grown in the past five years, with private ownership falling in Europe from 53% of total market in 2013, down to 42% in 2021, according to research by Jato Dynamics.

The report, ‘An industry in flux: Leasing in the automated age’, showed that leasing has gained popularity – it is estimated that five million vehicles were leased in the UK, last year – with 1.9 million of those being individual or personal contracts.

Separate research from Fleet News recently showed that, after two consecutive years of decline, the FN50 – the UK’s top 50 leasing companies by risk fleet size – had stabilised over the past 12 months with a slight rise in the number of funded cars and vans to 1,663,421 (up by 1,101 units).

Jato said the rise in demand for leasing can be explained by evolving priorities for consumers – where individuals previously thought it was important to own a car, perceptions have shifted where the focus is now on the usage of a vehicle.

David Krajicek, chief executive officer at Jato Dynamics, said: “The leasing sector has evolved significantly in recent years.

“Impacted by many factors – such as technological advances, digitalisation, and changing consumer priorities – OEMs and leasing companies must now ensure they shift away from manual processes and adapt to changing customers’ wants and expectations.

“Those that fail to respond to this evolution risk damaging business relationships, sales prospects, and their chances to succeed in the increasingly competitive market.”

Leasing rather than ownerships poses benefits including lower maintenance costs, greater flexibility and the ability to upgrade to new models and technology – which is important as consumers now expect to consistently access new products and services, according to Jato.

Research from Salesforce found that three quarters (75%) of consumers’ site search queries are new each month. The growing desire for new products and features can be linked to the rise in popularity for leasing subscriptions, rather than committing to one, single vehicle for several years, said Jato.

In 2020, 72% of customers expected to be able to apply for a leasing contract entirely online, according to reserach by Capgemini. Jato said the research highlights that automation has a role to play in the automotive sales processes.

With the leasing marketing growing, creating a seamless customer experience through digitalisation and automation will be the ‘vital’ next step for OEMs and leasing service providers to accelerate their sales and profit margins, Jato said.

By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Geotab has formed a partnership with Camera Telematics to help tackle vehicle insurance fraud with the Street Angel Solution on the Geotab Marketplace.

Street Angel offers the tracking functionality with on-board vehicle camera solutions available. It has multiple functions available in one device, including track and trace, 4G data transfer and 1080p high-quality recording.

Geotab said Street Angel provides a scalable link to up to five cameras, and with a monitor, can provide blind-spot and reversing assistance.

It can also provide first notice of loss (FNOL) reports direct to insurance companies and when a roadside incident or accident occurs, Street Angel provides visual evidence to help protect Geotab from insurance fraud and accident management assistance.

David Savage, vice president UK and Ireland at Geotab, said: “As a company dedicated to improving driver safety, Geotab is committed to offering the most advanced solutions on the Geotab Marketplace.

“We are excited to collaborate with Camera Telematics to provide our customers with more customisation options and so that they can benefit from advanced camera technology that can help them better manage roadside incidents and accidents.”

The Geotab Marketplace provides customers with an ecosystem of business-focused applications and add-ons.

Mark Stamper, managing director at Camera Telematics, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership and working with Geotab raises our profile throughout the countries in which they operate, to further expand our customer base whilst delivering enhanced services into the Geotab ecosystem.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News