The Fuelcard Company has been announced as a headline sponsor of FairFuelUK, to act for more than 200,000 people and thousands of businesses in the campaign for fairer fuel prices.

Joining the Road Haulage Association, RAC and Freight Transport Association, The Fuelcard Company will support the FairFuelUK fight to champion fairer fuel prices for all UK road users. 

In the run-up to the Spring Budget on 21 March, FairFuelUK will keep pressure on the Government to cut fuel duty further to stimulate the economy and introduce reforms to ensure taxation of petrol and diesel is kept fair. 

The campaign is set to continue its success of 2011 with the first ever National FairFuel Day scheduled for Wednesday 7 March 2012. FairFuelUK supporters are invited to attend a mass lobby at Westminster which will allow them to exercise their rights to enter Parliament and ask to see their local MP to support cutting fuel duty. 

On 25 January, FairFuelUK and its ‘Big Four’ took the fuel price fight to the House of Commons and the first meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fair Fuel for Motorists and Hauliers. The group confirmed campaign aims for 2012: to cut fuel duty to stimulate the economy and reform the way in which fuel duty is charged.

The campaign has already led to Chancellor George Osborne scrapping the planned 3p fuel duty rise this month and a reduction in August’s planned fuel duty rise from 5p to 3p – to date the FairFuelUK campaign has saved motorists 9p per litre in duty (nearly 11p per litre including VAT). However, FairFuelUK has warned more must be done to protect families and businesses struggling with the high cost of petrol and diesel.

Jakes de Kock, Sales and Marketing Director at The Fuelcard Company, said: “I am very pleased to renew our commitment to supporting the FairFuelUK campaign. The plea for a fairer tax system for UK companies reliant on fuel to keep their businesses moving, is a worthy and necessary cause and impacts every consumer in the UK. The price of fuel affects UK competitiveness and raises the price of everything we buy in the shops.”

In other motoring news, one in five drivers would stop using their cars altogether if fuel prices pass the £2 per litre mark, according to new research.

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The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has announced that firms participating in its voluntary Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) are on course to meet their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. 

The FTA’s scheme, which received the endorsement of Logistics Minister MP Mike Penning in 2011, is the only sector-based initiative which records, reports and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the logistics sector. Membership has increased to 59 companies, operating over 56,000 commercial vehicles, since the scheme began in 2009.

The second annual report on the scheme shows LCRS members managed between them to cut the quantity of fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions per vehicle-kilometre by 2.6 percent during 2010 and are on track to reach their overall target of an 8 percent reduction by 2015. 

James Hookham, Managing Director of Policy and Communications at the FTA, said: “Pressures on businesses during the current tough trading times have not deterred Scheme participants from continuing their investment of time and money into a wide range of carbon saving techniques.

“The Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme is showing the benefits of investments and efforts that are continually being made in transport operations to make them more efficient. These have always been going on but now we can quantify the effects and take credit for the progress being made. Scheme participants can be proud of their achievement so far and the Government satisfied with the vote of confidence it gave the Scheme last April.”

The Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme is managed by FTA but is open to all commercial vehicle operators to join. The FTA, along with The Fuelcard Company and the Road Haulage Association (RHA), are key supporters of the FairFuelUK (FFUK) campaign to reduce fuel duty. To show your support and sign the petition, please visit www.fairfueluk.com 

In other motoring news, new research by insurance broker Hastings Direct has revealed that one in five drivers would stop using their cars altogether if fuel prices pass the £2 per litre mark.

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A poll by insurance broker Hastings Direct revealed that 78 percent of motorists have changed how often they drive due to rising fuel prices.

It was found that nearly half of drivers have reduced their weekly journeys by at least 25 miles, with the biggest cut-backs made to social and non-essential driving.

While 20 percent of motorists would hang up their keys altogether if prices rise to £2 per litre, 12 percent also said they would consider switching to a hybrid or electric car at this stage.

Tobias van der Meer, Managing Director of Hastings Direct, said: “Our survey clearly shows the pressure motorists are feeling regarding their finances.

“Taking the right actions - reducing mileage and driving safely - can help motorists cut the cost of their insurance and their fuel bills, but ultimately motorists cannot and will not keep be able to keep on paying higher and higher petrol prices.”

In other news, The AA has called for the Treasury to consider “the adverse effects high fuel prices are having” and “extend the freeze on fuel duty until the economy recovers”.

The Fuelcard Company supports the FairFuelUK campaign, the national fight for fairer fuel prices. To sign the petition, visit: www.fairfueluk.com

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Under new European regulations, operators will be required to use diesel particulate filters which clog easily under city operating conditions, leading to expensive repairs and replacement parts. 

John Watts, of used van pricing experts, CAP, warns this could spark caution and lower residual values in the used market. 

"Many diesel particulate filters require specific drive cycles in order to remain working efficiently. These filters need to reach a certain operating temperature before effectively reducing particulate emissions, but if this is not achieved they can become prone to clogging,” he said. 

"This problem will mostly emerge in low speed, short distance operating cycles, typically undertaken in large conurbations. This type of operating environment could become even more of a problem for future owners since operational radius tends to reduce in the secondary market.” 

These issues could create uncertainty in the future used car market. For example, there is currently no mechanism for ensuring subsequent owners are made aware of such issues, or clarity around whether repairs will be carried out under warranty.

Watts continued: "CAP's view is that the used vehicle trade need to be aware of the potential problem and ensure that vehicle documentation is complete, especially where a filter has already been replaced. Used van buyers in turn must be aware of the need for a functioning particulate filter for Euro 5 compliance and that problems may not be routinely covered under warranty."

In other news, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the administrators handling the Coryton refinery following its owner Petroplus’ collapse earlier this week, announced it has entered into agreements which will see the site up and running again.

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Joint administrators of Petroplus Refining and Marketing Ltd (PRML), Steven Pearson and Stephen Oldfield, announced in a statement that shipments of refined oil products from the Coryton refinery would resume with immediate effect.

Fears had grown earlier in the week as the Coryton refinery, which supplies around 20 percent of London and the South East’s petrol, stopped fuel supplies on Monday as Petroplus, Europe's largest independent oil refiner, failed in its attempts to extend deadlines for loan repayments.

Joint Administrator, Steven Pearson, PwC partner, commented: "I am pleased that we are able to resume fuel supplies in the region. The team has worked collaboratively with customers to get to this stage so quickly."

In other motoring news, in an attempt to create balance between UK hauliers paying tolls abroad and foreign hauliers driving for free on British roads, a £10-a-day pay-as-you-drive road charge for lorries has been proposed.

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Similar to the checks for tax discs on vehicles, authorities will check to see that all lorry drivers are displaying the special permit on their windscreens.

The move is likely to be welcomed by UK haulage companies, as some or all of the charge will be off-set by a tax rebate, but experts warn this could be a precursor to more pay-as-you-drive road pricing. Although the Government has vowed not to bring in a such scheme for the rest of Britain’s 33 million motorists during this Parliament, they will not make the same commitment about plans for the future.

Roads Minister, Mike Penning, said: “The charge would help UK hauliers get a fairer deal, while increasing employment and promoting growth in the UK.”

Most European countries impose heavy charges on UK-registered heavy goods vehicles through charges and tolls, and so the cost of regular trips can mount up. It costs around £15 for a vehicle making a two-day return trip to the Netherlands. 

A Whitehall source said: “By law, the scheme cannot discriminate between UK-registered vehicles and vehicles from elsewhere in the EU so this charge will apply to all lorries. But, for the vast majority of UK hauliers, this will not mean an increase in costs because we propose to compensate them.”

In other motoring news, Dynamo, a scheme run by the Derbyshire Dales Community Safety Partnership, is seeking to deter thieves by dyeing the diesel in tanks which makes it identifiable when tracked by police or sold on.

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Dynamo, a scheme run by the Derbyshire Dales Community Safety Partnership, is seeking to deter thieves by dyeing the diesel in tanks which makes it identifiable when tracked by police or sold on. 

Tarmac, the Derbyshire construction materials manufacturer, was first to sign up to the scheme at its Dene Quarry site in Matlock. More companies are now following suit and installing the deterrent signs warning that their diesel has been security tagged. 

Bleaklow Industries at their Backdale Quarry at Longstone Edge, as well as road haulage companies RD Geeson Limited of Middleton by Wirksworth and K & H Bakewell Limited, have all joined the scheme. 

Jim Hollingworth, Spokesman for K & H Bakewell Limited, said: “Fuel theft is a serious issue and we can help keep people safe by warning thieves of the potential dangers of trespassing onto working sites to obtain fuel illegally.”

Working with HM Customs, the operation ensures vehicles are stopped and their tank dipped to find out if the dyed diesel is on the roads.

Sergeant Phil Hollington, of Derbyshire police, said: “Fuel theft is currently low in the Dales, but we are conscious that high prices might attract interest in storage tanks and lorry fuel tanks. That’s why we would encourage more businesses to sign up to Operation Dynamo – we will help them take on board measures which will deter thieves.”

Derbyshire Dales District Council Leader, Cllr Lewis Rose OBE, who is also chairman of the safety partnership, said: “We are proud of the Dales’ superb record as one of the lowest crime areas in the country, but we are not complacent. We are delighted more businesses are signing up to Operation Dynamo because initiatives such as this deter thieves and help us to maintain that record.”

Contact Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Crime and Disorder Reduction Officer Karen Cooper on 01629 761187 or email karen.cooper@derbyshiredales.gov.uk to sign your business up to Operation Dynamo.

In other motoring news, Coryton refinery, one of the largest in the UK, stopped fuel supplies on Monday as shares in its owner Petroplus were suspended. 

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Petroplus, Europe's largest independent oil refiner, has since said it will file for insolvency after attempted agreements with creditors to extend deadlines for loan repayments failed. The company’s credit lines were frozen by lenders in December 2011.

Petroplus Chief Executive, Jean-Paul Vettier, said “We have worked hard to avoid this outcome, but were ultimately not able to come to an agreement with our lenders to resolve these issues given the very tight and difficult European credit and refining markets. We are fully aware of the impact that this will have on our workforce, their families and the communities where we have operated our businesses.”

Employing about 500 staff and 350 contractors, Coryton refinery sits on the Thames Estuary in Essex and supplies around 20 percent of London and the South East’s petrol. Analysts advise, however, that imported products and deliveries from the Esso Fawley refinery in Southampton and Total’s Lindsey plant in North Lincolnshire will make up the shortfall.

BP Plc, who sold Coryton to Petroplus in 2007, said there are no “immediate supply issues” across their retail network. Sheila Williams, a BP spokeswoman in London, said “We are seeking clarification and are monitoring the situation very closely”.

East of England MEP Richard Howitt has joined with other European parliamentarians to consider if jobs can be saved at Petoplus which has facilities in France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and the UK.
In other motoring news, the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) is inviting all fleet operators, including non-members of ACFO, to complete an online survey to find out how popular company car salary sacrifice schemes are.

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Company car sacrifice schemes allow payments for cars to be deducted from employees’ salaries before tax and national insurance is calculated resulting in huge savings on the cost of new cars.

ACFO chairman, Julie Jenner, said: “There has been a great deal of talk and media coverage of salary sacrifice schemes as a major development in the UK fleet market. Most fleet management service providers now offer some forms of these schemes, which rely on the differential tax and National Insurance contribution treatments of ‘cash’ and ‘benefits’.

“What is much less clear is the actual impact these schemes have had - or are likely to have - on the shape and size of the UK market. There are as yet no clear definitions for market analysis or tax base, so there is no picture of just how far these schemes have changed the market. ACFO, therefore, is seeking to measure these aspects.”

To have your views considered, visit www.acfo.org. Results will be reviewed by the ACFO board and will influence the organisation’s submission ahead of the upcoming 2012 budget.

In other motoring news, the AA is warning motorists are facing record prices at the pump with a 2p per litre fuel price hike set to take effect, adding £4.25 per month to the average family’s budget.

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The AA is warning motorists are facing record prices at the pump with a 2p per litre fuel price hike set to take effect, adding £4.25 per month to the average family’s budget.

Retailers are advising that serious problems could begin to affect deliveries to forecourts, sending fuel prices soaring even higher. 

Retail Motor Industry Petrol (RMI Petrol) Chairman, Brian Madderson, said: “I told Mr Alexander the Government needed to be aware that the refinery was in a critical state. It’s amber alert. I asked him what were the contingency plans.”

Mr Madderson added that instability in Iran coupled with the strong dollar is setting fuel prices on an unstable course for the future, warning that reserves are at an all time low and that the country could ‘grind to a halt’. 

Edmund King, AA President, said: “The big question for 2012 may be not how high the price of fuel will go, but to what extent the consumer can afford it. The Treasury needs to consider the adverse effects high fuel prices are having and should think about extending the freeze on fuel duty until the economy recovers.”

Statistics show that the average pump price for petrol is 133.66p compared to 128.14p during the same time last year while diesel has reached 142.07p compared to 132.53p at the same time in 2011. 

In other motoring news, industry experts are warning of the high numbers of young drivers involved in accidents, and suggest the figure could be as high as 20 percent. 

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With some of these accidents leading to claims of up to £20 million, Chairman of the Association of British Insurers, Nick Starling, told the House of Commons Transport Committee how this contributes to increases in car insurance prices.

Mr Starling suggested that the Government is not doing enough to tackle this issue. He said: "This is a nettle which the Government has failed to grasp. They see the young driver merely as a voter. It's not unusual to have three or four people injured in a car crash who will need care for life."

The committee, which is currently investigating the hikes in car insurance costs, also heard from Neil Greg of the Institute of Advanced Motorists who said cuts being made by councils on road safety exceed spending cuts in other areas.

In other motoring new: Cambuslang operator WC Drainage Services (Scotland) has been refused an O-license by Traffic Commissioner for Scotland due to the company’s links to the liquidated WC Drainage Services which ceased trading in February 2011.

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In the written decision which followed a public enquiry in December, Ms Aitken stated: “There appeared to have been a seamless transition from WC Drainage Services to WC Drainage Services (Scotland) leaving behind a substantial amount of unpaid Crown and trade debt."

Since February 2011, VOSA had encountered vehicles on five occasions that were specified on the liquidated firm’s license without authorisation. However, Ann Clift, who had been the sole director of WC Drainage Services, had told the inquiry that it was in fact her estranged husband William Croft who had continued to run the trucks.

The inquiry also heard how neither the liquidator nor the finance companies had been able to recover the trucks.

The Transport Commissioner said another public inquiry would be held if either William Clift or Ann Clift made any further applications.

In other motoring news: Instead of investing money in owning their own fleet, companies are turning to hiring vehicles for periods of up to 12 months, paying monthly instalments to a leasing company.

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