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The Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Outrage as millions of drivers hit by £15 EXTRA fee to fill up at petrol stations across UK – check routes to avoid
DRIVERS are being warned they face paying an additional £15 fee to top-up their car at certain fuel stations. The AA says anyone planning a journey across Britain this summer should consider their options. 1 Analysis by the motoring organisation shows major discrepancies within the network. For example, motorway petrol averages 155.7p a litre, while A-road averages 140.1p a litre. The UK average is just 134.6p a litre. Edmund King, President at the AA, stressed owners were being hit with an 'outrageous' bill to fill up at motorway service stations. On average, the AA has revealed that motorway bays were charging between 20p and 30p per litre more than ordinary fuel stations, a major blow to road users. Charging 20p to 30p a litre above the UK average pump price or £10 to £15 a tank more to fill up on a motorway is frankly outrageous Edmund King, President of the AA According to the latest figures, the average price of petrol is 134.6p per litre, with diesel at 141.9p per litre. Despite this, motorway averages stand at 155.7p a litre for petrol and 164.4p for diesel, a serious hike. The AA refused to accept the higher costs even when taking into account the extra cost associated with running service stations. Edmund said: 'Even with the extra costs of providing a 24-hour service, free parking and facilities and staffing, charging 20p to 30p a litre above the UK average pump price or £10 to £15 a tank more to fill up on a motorway is frankly outrageous. "No wonder holiday drivers baulk at buying fuel at a service area.' According to analysis, West Country routes between London and Exeter saw the highest difference in fees. M6 closed as two children among eight injured in horror crash with drivers facing two-hour delays On the motorway, road users are paying around 155.2p per litre to top-up with petrol and 163.1pence to fill up with diesel. This compares to a local A-road average of 139p per litre for petrol vehicles and 146.9 pence for diesel machines. Across the M1 and M6, petrol was priced at a whopping 158.8p per litre on motorways compared to 145.8 pence elsewhere. Diesel was also a lot higher with motorway fees recorded at 167.1p per litre compared to 154.6 pence off the main routes. The AA stressed that motorists keen on cutting back on costs should shop around for the best fuel deals even if it means leaving their route. Edmund stressed that mobile services allow users to locate previously hidden fuel stations that may be lying just off the exit of some junctions. He added: 'Savings on A-road holiday routes stand out in particular. "However, there is the likelihood of slower traffic at peak times and many cheaper fuel stations will not operate late at night. "It's a gamble but it may well pay off if a vacation trip cannot be done in one hop.'
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
New rule change set to hit every home in UK without a driveway
A new £63 million initiative has been announced by the Labour government to supercharge the UK's electric vehicle revolution, which is set to slash household electricity costs for EV owners. A new rule change is set to impact every household across the UK without a driveway. It comes as the government has revealed a £63 million investment into Britain's electric vehicle transformation, forming part of its Plan for Change. The labour government has unveiled a fresh £63 million programme designed to accelerate the UK's EV transformation. The initiative is set to to reduce household electricity bills for EV owners, with the government indicating potential annual savings reaching £1,500. This is when contrasted with the costs of operating a petrol or diesel motor, as reported by Birmingham Live. This development is anticipated to transform the charging practices of thousands of families without private driveways. A groundbreaking answer to pavement congestion, the rollout of pioneering cross-pavement technology will allow cables to be subtly installed underneath pavements. This will establish a direct connection between houses and parked cars, enabling more households to take advantage of reduced domestic electricity rates, which could drop to as little as 2p per mile, regardless of whether they have their own driveway. AA president Edmund King commented: "There are more public chargers than people realise, but they are often hidden in plain sight. "Increasing signs for the public network is vital to help the EV transition as it will create confidence for drivers both now and in the future. "It is great to see more support for those without off-street parking so that they can also benefit from the EV revolution." Matas Buzelis, a motoring specialist at vehicle history platform carVertical, commented: "The EV is without a doubt the future so this move by the Government makes sense and should be applauded. "Many people living in urban environments, especially in big cities, don't have driveways and their dream of buying an EV often ends right there. "If this initiative overcomes the practical hurdles of EV ownership and boosts the charging infrastructure, it's a win for consumers and a win for the environment." Samuel Mather-Holgate from Mather and Murray Financial noted: "Until charging is quicker and easier, consumers won't switch in the numbers needed to make a difference, which will incentivise manufacturers."
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Inside UK's huge £25m EV boost for Brits who don't have a drive
The UK Government has announced a massive £63m investment package to help make owning an EV easier and more cost-effective, allowing Brits to save up to £1,500 a year Brit electric vehicle (EV) owners are set to benefit from a huge new round of government funding that will improve access to home chargers for everyone — regardless of whether they have a driveway or not. A new £63 million investment is set to accelerate Britain's EV revolution, taking a significant step in the switchover from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric. One of the central features of the initiative is a £25 million scheme for local authorities focused on improving access to at-home charging for households without off-street parking. Through cross-pavement charging technology, cables will be routed safely beneath pavements to connect parked EVs to home electricity supplies. This tech enables families to tap into cheaper domestic electricity rates at around two pence per mile, potentially saving up to £1,500 a year compared to running an ICE vehicle. The new initiative will build on the UK's ever-growing charging network, which has already reached 82,000 public charge points, with an additional 100,000 expected by 2030 through the government's Local EV Infrastructure Fund, as well as £6 billion of private investment. The NHS will also benefit from an £8 million fund aimed at upgrading over 200 medical sites to electric fleets. Health Minister Karin Smyth branded the move a 'win-win' that will result in 'cheaper travel for the NHS and cleaner air for our communities'. More than 1,200 charging sockets are being rolled out with the aim of reducing emissions and generating long-term savings for the health service, in turn allowing these funds to be reinvested in patient care. Hospitals are expected to save millions on fuel and maintenance costs. The government will also provide grants to help businesses nationwide install chargepoints at their depots. This move supports the transition of heavy goods vehicles, vans and coaches to zero-emission alternatives. Another £400 million, as announced in the spending review, will be used to boost EV charging along strategic road networks to ensure the infrastructure keeps pace with demand, particularly for longer journeys. To help drivers locate charging points more easily, signage will also be improved on major A-roads, directing motorists to nearby EV hubs — these hubs have more than doubled since 2023. Support from industry voices has been strong, with Edmund King of the AA saying: "There are more public chargers than people realise, but they are often hidden in plain sight. Increasing signs for the public network is vital to help the EV transition." This investment is part of the government's Plan for Change, designed to accelerate the move to net zero, back British manufacturing and create greener jobs across the UK, all the while lowering transport costs for families.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Fury after motorists paid more than £20billion in VAT last year just to buy and run cars
MOTORISTS paid more than £20billion in VAT last year just to buy and run cars — making it one of the biggest taxes on driving. Figures show consumer spending on vehicles hit £137billion in 2024, the third highest on record. Advertisement That generated £22.8billion in VAT for the Treasury, almost matching the £24.6billion raised from fuel duty. But £14.9billion of that fuel duty came from diesel, which is mainly used by haulage firms — not everyday drivers. Meanwhile, tax receipts from Vehicle Excise Duty are around £8billion a year. AA president Edmund King said: 'There's a threat of increased motoring taxation as the Chancellor seeks to balance the books. Advertisement "But the latest Office for National Statistics consumer spending statistics reveal the hidden tax take from private motorists.' He added: 'The danger of ramping up motoring costs is that it affects individuals and businesses — and ultimately fuels inflation.' His warning came as fears mounted that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering a fuel duty hike in her next Budget to cover the cost of reversing welfare cuts. The Sun's Keep It Down campaign has helped freeze fuel duty since 2011 — saving drivers thousands. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive Reform UK's Richard Tice said: 'These figures show drivers are being clobbered with a stealth tax bill worth billions. 'With VAT raking in more than fuel duty, the idea of hiking it further is a disgrace. Labour must commit to freezing fuel duty — anything else would be a kick in the teeth for working people.' Drivers forced to pay new 'Doomsday' fee every day under July plan - it's already in effect depending on where you park_1 A Treasury spokesman said: 'We extended the fuel duty cut this year, saving drivers £3billion, and we're investing £1.6billion to fix up to seven million extra potholes.' Treasury Minister James Murray refused to comment on Labour's tax plans yesterday. Advertisement He told Sky News: 'There's lots of speculation about lots of different tax measures, and I'm not going to get into that.' 1 Motorists paid more than £20billion in VAT last year just to buy and run cars
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Fury after motorists paid more than £20billion in VAT last year just to buy and run cars
It comes as fears mount Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering a fuel duty hike in her next Budget STEALS ON WHEELS Fury after motorists paid more than £20billion in VAT last year just to buy and run cars Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MOTORISTS paid more than £20billion in VAT last year just to buy and run cars — making it one of the biggest taxes on driving. Figures show consumer spending on vehicles hit £137billion in 2024, the third highest on record. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up That generated £22.8billion in VAT for the Treasury, almost matching the £24.6billion raised from fuel duty. But £14.9billion of that fuel duty came from diesel, which is mainly used by haulage firms — not everyday drivers. Meanwhile, tax receipts from Vehicle Excise Duty are around £8billion a year. AA president Edmund King said: 'There's a threat of increased motoring taxation as the Chancellor seeks to balance the books. "But the latest Office for National Statistics consumer spending statistics reveal the hidden tax take from private motorists.' He added: 'The danger of ramping up motoring costs is that it affects individuals and businesses — and ultimately fuels inflation.' His warning came as fears mounted that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering a fuel duty hike in her next Budget to cover the cost of reversing welfare cuts. The Sun's Keep It Down campaign has helped freeze fuel duty since 2011 — saving drivers thousands. Reform UK's Richard Tice said: 'These figures show drivers are being clobbered with a stealth tax bill worth billions. 'With VAT raking in more than fuel duty, the idea of hiking it further is a disgrace. Labour must commit to freezing fuel duty — anything else would be a kick in the teeth for working people.' Drivers forced to pay new 'Doomsday' fee every day under July plan - it's already in effect depending on where you park_1 A Treasury spokesman said: 'We extended the fuel duty cut this year, saving drivers £3billion, and we're investing £1.6billion to fix up to seven million extra potholes.' Treasury Minister James Murray refused to comment on Labour's tax plans yesterday. He told Sky News: 'There's lots of speculation about lots of different tax measures, and I'm not going to get into that.'
