Low Cost Vans

Many motor industry responses have come in regarding the Chancellor’s Budget yesterday, especially surrounding the fuel duty freeze and the pledge of £200million for pothole repair. Not surprising is the mixed feelings in hearing of a freeze for September’s planned 1.6p per litre rise in fuel duty. It means that there will be no rise in fuel duty prior to the 2015 general election. A relief for us motorists, but for some it comes as a resounding disappointment that there are no plans to go a step further and reduce it. James Hookham, FTA Managing Director of Policy and Communications said: “ The Chancellor has kept his promise to freeze fuel duty and industry will be £187 million a year better off for that, but he missed the opportunity to stimulate the economy further by reducing fuel duty and putting around £690 million into the pockets of families and British business. This could have given a further stimulus to the economy and locked in the positive growth already achieved. ” To r...

Even more distressing news on the fuel front is coming to us from the AA this week. At a time when many households, sole traders, and businesses with large van fleets can ill afford another rise in fuel and other increased bills, petrol prices are once again set to rise according to the latest AA fuel report . We could see an increase of up to 5p more per litre. The recent results mean the UK has the 11th highest petrol price in Europe and the fourth highest diesel price. (The AA Fuel price data is supplied by Experian Catalist in cooperation with Arval UK Ltd) The reasons for further fuel increases, per the AA, are three-fold and include Oil - market speculation on oil prices, Product - increased wholesale costs, and Pound - a weaker fallen value of the pound. The only good news, if you can call it that, is that the cost of diesel is also rising, but not as fast. Just when we thought this summer was going to be the best one yet with the stunning weather making way for drives to the be...

In a recent press release, the FTA is once again campaigning for fleets and motorists in regards to easing fuel duty. Thankfully, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) continues to hammer home the message to the Chancellor that he should reduce road fuel duty by 3 pence per litre to help ease the pressure on domestic freight operators in his 2013 Budget. Like all motorists, the price of fuel is a sore subject and is now, more than ever, crippling our finances. I recently posted on how high my local garage's prices have now crept up to and have had to look around to find the best deals. I can't even begin imagine how expensive fuel has become for a company running large fleets of cars, trucks, and/or vans. It's fantastic to see the FTA stand up and fight for this cause, where it's not only the big businesses that may benefit, but all motorists. The FTA is asking for George Osborne to include the reduction in his Budget plans. The FTA has said that "it is imperativ...

Having to fill up at the pumps this past week was an even more painful experience of late when I read the price of petrol had shot up another few pence at my local garage. I am now paying £1.39 per litre. After reeling from the recent fuel price rise due to the weakening value of the pound to the dollar earlier in the month, I couldn't help but to feel exasperated and totally fed up. If public transportation were more reliable in my neck of the woods, I may be even more tempted to consider packing the car in all together. Apparently I am not alone in my despair. Confused.com have posted an appropriate article titled, " UK fuel prices on the rise again " written by Daniel Machin last week. In the piece, they point out that according to official figures, the AA reported January's petrol sales in the UK fell to an all-time low. This may continue to be the case if prices remain as high and especially true when the dreaded 3p fuel duty rise occurs this coming April. I try...

The continuation of the Essential Guide to Van Specification is available now. We have already covered the first four key areas in previous guides. This week we examine two more key areas to help you gain a clear idea of the components you may need. Fuel types and Transmission are covered in the latest guide which can be viewed by clicking here . The evaluation of your requirements should cover the following key areas: • Wheelbase • Body type • Tyres/wheels • Engine • Fuel • Transmission • Cab type • Active safety systems • Security systems • Environmental performance  

The controversial 3p per litre fuel duty hike has been all over the news and on motorists mind of late due to Labour's attempt to convince MP's to delay the rise yet again. Fleet Directory has posted an article titled, " Bid to scrap fuel duty rise fails in Commons " with the latest information regarding the proposal to hold back the rise until April 2013. Are you concerned about the looming fuel duty rise? Having to pay more in the New Year will have an impact on all motorists, especially those struggling to cope now. It's good to know that there is support like the FTA's FairFuelUK  campaign and others looking out for motorists. To read the article which provides details on the voting results, please click here .

Just a few days ago, it was reported that the unfavourable 3p fuel duty rise had been postponed. The announced U-turn will see the much talked about August rise to be frozen until January 2013. Chancellor George Osborne has said, "We are on the side of working families and businesses and this will fuel our recovery at this very difficult economic time for the world." Is this enough to help struggling businesses and families who have been feeling the strain at the pumps for some time now? I’m not sure. The duty rise has been delayed not abolished completely, so it's still going to be looming over us come 2013. With the price of fuel fluctuating as it does, this announcement is very welcomed news.