Latest news with #TheMotorOmbudsman
Daily Mail
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Drivers are risking fines costing THOUSANDS when they drive in Europe this summer
As thousands of British motorists prepare to drive across mainland Europe this summer, experts have warned of three common mistakes that could result in costly fines. It comes after a national survey by The Motor Ombudsman revealed over 70 per cent of UK drivers are unaware of some mandatory road requirements when driving to Spain and France. The research shows over two thirds of motorists aged 17 to 28 will be driving on the right side of the road for the first time - and almost one in three admit they don't feel confident doing so. Ranking as the least self-assured region is Scotland, with over half of first-time drivers confessing they don't feel ready to drive on the right-hand side, while a whopping 79 per cent of Londoners maintain a more positive stance. The data highlighted some costly gaps in knowledge, as 59 per cent of drivers admitted they did not know it's mandatory in many European countries to carry emergency equipment, such as high-vis jackets and warning triangles, while driving. In France, drivers who cannot produce these items on request can incur a fine of up to €750. Additionally, 30 per cent of respondents said they were unaware of sat-navs, speed camera detectors and similar apps are illegal in some European countries. In Spain, drivers risk a fine of up to €6,000 if they're caught with such apps installed on their devices, and in France, their vehicles could potentially get confiscated. Meanwhile, 70 per cent of survey participants admitted being either unsure or uninformed of environment rules regarding pre-purchased windscreen stickers for low-emission zones. In Germany, this can result in a fine of up to €80, and in France, a fine of up to €135. One Leeds-based driver, Will, found out the hard way after driving abroad with a pre-purchased sticker while driving abroad. He said: 'The signage was a bit unfamiliar, and I didn't know the routes well. On one occasion, I forgot to display the correct low-emission zone sticker on the windscreen when driving through a city. 'Not long after, I received a fine for that oversight - a mistake that could have been avoided with a bit more preparation. Will admitted that had he taken a 'few minutes' to familiarise himself with some of the routes he would be travelling on, he would have avoided the fine. To help Brits stay one step ahead and avoid unnecessary fines on European roads this summer, The Motor Ombudsman, which recently launched an online hub packed with advice, has issued some essential tips. They urge British drivers to pack their UK identifier sticker, as GB stickers are no longer accepted in Europe. Many European cities also require motorists to display an official low-emission sticker, so it's best to order these well in advance. Finally, motorists are advised to double-check tyre pressure units as most air machines on the continent use BAR instead of PSI - a car's manual or door frame should always show recommended levels. Will Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman, said: 'Driving in Europe offers real freedom and flexibility, but it's clear from the research that some drivers are setting off unprepared.' Will added: 'From speed limits to mandatory equipment and emission zone rules, there's a lot to consider - and ignoring the details can quickly turn a relaxing break into an expensive headache.'
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Heading to Eden Festival this weekend? Here's 10 top tips to arrive safe and sound
As the 2025 festival season continues, The Motor Ombudsman is encouraging Eden Festival-goers to plan ahead and take simple steps to avoid motoring mishaps on the road to Scotland's most eclectic and colourful festival. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Tucked away in the rolling hills of Raehills Meadows, Eden Festival promises four days of music, creativity, and community – but getting there can be a journey in itself. Remote country roads, unpredictable weather, and limited mobile signal can all create challenges, especially for those driving from afar or unfamiliar with the area. Each year, festival car parks see a rise in common issues like flat batteries, fuel problems, lost keys and cars getting stuck in the mud. And when hundreds of vehicles are arriving and leaving around the same time, even small problems can turn into big delays. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That's why The Motor Ombudsman has released the Second Edition of its #SafeandSound guide – offering practical, festival-ready advice to help motorists arrive ready for the weekend and get home again without a hitch. Festivalgoers enjoying a packed summer music event. Research from The Motor Ombudsman found that 68% of Brits don't have an emergency fund for car repairs, and over a third have faced repair bills of up to £500 in the past year – a costly surprise after a weekend of festival spending. Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: 'Festivals should be memorable for the music, not for motoring misery, and a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to safety. That's why we're sharing top tips to help drivers hit the road with confidence and stay safe, as everyone has a part to play in keeping the roads safe. After all, what starts as a missed oil-top up or an underinflated tyre can quickly spiral into a costly breakdown – and unexpected bills would be even more unwelcome after a weekend of festival spending.' Festivalgoers bringing larger setups – like campervans, trailers or roof boxes – should also be aware of added safety responsibilities, from weight limits to proper packing. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jessica Williams, Head of Vocational Policy at the DVSA, added: 'Festivalgoers who are planning to tow a trailer, or caravan to a festival this summer need to make sure their vehicle and towing equipment are safe and legal. Always check that the towing weight is within the vehicle's limit, the tow bar is securely fitted, lights and brakes are working correctly, and tyres are in good condition, especially if the trailer has been sat for any length of time." The Motor Ombudsman's Top 10 Tips for Eden Festival Travel
South Wales Argus
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
One in three Welsh drivers don't track how much car costs
The study by The Motor Ombudsman showed that the average Welsh driver spends £1,873.53 per year on owning and maintaining a vehicle. Repair bills between £500 and £1,000 were faced by almost one in four motorists last year, but only 26 per cent of the Welsh population has an emergency fund put aside. The largest spending outlay on average is fuel or charging costs at £794.02 per year, followed by insurance at £385.25. The research includes a broad cross-section of vehicle types, including petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric cars. Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: "Understanding the true cost of car ownership helps Welsh motorists make smarter decisions and ultimately save money in the long run, and tracking these costs is essential to staying within budget."
