New Registrations In September Fall

Market Declines For 5th Consecutive Month

The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) published a gloomy report today calling for action from the Labour government.  Only 5 manufacturers can boast higher registrations this September when compared to the same period last year - Audi (+1.38%), Hummer (+25%), Jaguar (+3.56%), MG (+800%) & Smart (+9.26%).  The entire range of manufacturers in fact saw a fall in registrations of 21.2% - that’s a massive 88,995 units for September alone!

The fall in registrations in September marks the fifth consecutive month that this has been the case - the can market is obviously troubled.

Fall in oil prices sparks price cuts

It's Time to Fill Up!

Most of the major fuel stations in Britain cut prices today in response to the fall in oil prices.  Van drivers can now expect to pay an average of 107.7p per litre of unleaded and 119.2p for diesel.  However, those of you with a good memory, or those who read the Times today, will note that this time last year, we only paid 95.22p per litre of petrol!

Cuts to Congestion in Midlands

The Highways Agency has announced plans to cut congestion around Birmingham.  Work started last week on the £150m scheme which plans to open up stretches of the hard shoulder along the M6 during periods of heavy traffic.  Other traffic management techniques will also be employed including variable speed limits.

The plans will then be rolled out across the M42 and M40 in a bid to get Birmingham’s motorways moving smoothly and cut the time millions of us spend in our van or car.

Learner Drivers to Learn Eco-Driving

Vansdirect published an article last week about the benefits of changing your driving habits (click here for article).  Revving less, driving slower and keeping your tyres inflated were just some of the ways of cutting your fuel bills.  The DTI reckon we could all save a month’s worth of fuel a year if we followed such advice!

All he was missing was his 'L' Plates!

Well now learner drivers are to be taught the benefits of thinking green!  The new subject matter will also form part of the practical test - all be it that no one will fail on this bit.  This is just part of Transport Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick’s £3m strategy to cut fuel emissions.

Roads Named & Shamed

A recent survey carried out by Lex has identified the most boring road in Britain.  The survey, which captured data from company car drivers, named the M1″the most boring road in Britain” with a 1/3 of the votes! Boredom apparently the cause of heavy traffic, the length of road and the frequency we use the road.

Boring?

The results also suggest avoiding the M4, M5, M6, M40, A1, A38 and A14, for a more interesting journey. Apparently 42% of the company car drivers polled said that they “lose their concentration when driving on boring roads” and admit driving faster.  Perhaps this is further evidence that the van driver is safer - as brought to you by Vansdirect last week (to see article click here).