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The previous UK Government’s plan to establish a ₤30 million vehicle-charging network might be in doubt, after the new coalition government announced plans to postpone or even cancel the project. Although the network is already being rolled-out in the Northeast of the UK, the scheme is behind schedule and reports suggest that the targetted number of 2,500 charging stations to be implemented by March 2011 will not be reached. One leading UK newspaper reported that the number of completed station installations was 10% behind the planned work schedule, with many of the companies installing the stations unable to confirm the future number or the time frame for completion.
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In a recent public announcement, the Transport Secretary, Mr Peter Hammond, stated that details of a government investigation into a fuel duty stabiliser might not be available until after the summer season.

However, while attending a recent meeting in London, the Chairman of the UK Warehousing Association, Mr Derrick Potter, mentioned that while he welcomed the investigation into the Fair Fuel Stabiliser plan, he was also disappointed that the findings would not be available until quite some time. He pointed out that members within his industry required definite time frames in order for businesses to make proper cost estimates and plan for the future. Many within the UK transport industry have disagreed with the planned fuel price increases, which were announced as part of the government’s recent budget. Members within the UK transport industry pointed out that when the increase in the price of fuel occurs, currently scheduled for October 2010 and January 2011, coupled with an increase in VAT, it could place too much strain on transport companies to run a profitable business.
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There has been an outcry among Scottish motorists amidst reports that the Scottish Future’s Trust plans to introduce a mileage charge for all motorists driving on local and national roads.

This proposal followed on from another recent suggestion by the RAC Foundation in London that the UK Government should introduce a pay-as-you-drive levy on all drivers. The Association of British Drivers and some contract hire firms condemned both proposals, suggesting that it was another example of government revenue-gathering and an attempt to squeeze vehicle drivers out of more money, pointing out that motorists are already paying too much on road and fuel taxes.
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Recent newspaper articles concerning the Birmingham Automotive Component Trade Event have reported the show as a great success, and many companies that attended have announced new future business ventures as a result of it. The event was organised by the Automotive Council, and although many casual discussions amongst attendees took place, almost 100 one-on-one meetings were held between UK component companies and vehicle manufacturers. The purpose of the event was to promote and encourage the sourcing and supply of various vehicle components from among local UK-based suppliers, and for vehicle manufacturers, contract hire and other associated industries to build up stronger supply networks in the UK.
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The Automobile Association (AA) recently announced changes to European traffic laws, and gave a clear warning to all UK vehicle drivers intending to drive on European roads to be fully aware of the road rules applicable to the country before they arrive in it.

The AA highlighted a selection of traffic penalties that would be enforced on the unwary driver, which included a 24 Euro (₤20) fine for not having the necessary cash on hand for paying an on-the-spot-fine for certain traffic infringements, and a 384 Euro (₤320) charge to reclaim an impounded vehicle. The European traffic authorities will apply the laws equally to everyone, including private car drivers, contract hire or leased vehicles.
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In conjunction with its plans to reduce public spending, the UK Government recently announced that it would be reducing, by approximately ₤38 million per year, the amount of Road Safety Funds currently being provided to Local Councils.

In most cases, councils throughout the UK used most of their funding for the installation and servicing of fixed speed cameras throughout the various districts. However, with councils now facing a reduction in the amount of funds they will receive, councils have begun to consider what road projects will need to be axed, with many indicating that they will be installing less speed cameras. Others have suggested that they will be switching them off altogether to save servicing costs.
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The UK Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has recently issued new guidelines for vehicle dealers in an effort to assist them in complying with consumer protection legislation. The OFT has concentrated on two specific areas of the legislation: the protection of consumers from unfair trading and the Sale of Goods Act of 1979.

A number of contract hire and car leasing companies have come out in support of the new OFT guidelines, especially new guidelines that will assist in simplifying legislation to improve sales and warranty procedures, and provide a greater understanding of consumer rights. Although most of the new OFT measures have been introduced to target certain areas of the used car industry, they will also protect consumers who opt to purchase a new car that might be encumbered under car finance agreements or from third party interests.
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A recent newspaper report has revealed that European car producers have been experiencing strong growth within the industry, but the Greek financial crises is still a cause for concern among business leaders, leading to fears that it might still cause a negative impact on results. However, the latest UK vehicle-finance industry figures appear to be unaffected by any financial downturn and continued to grow in conjunction with strong UK car manufacturing results. The performance data showed that vehicle production increased by 65% year-on-year over the recent months of 2010, with a total of 414,357 vehicles being produced.
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The European Commission recently announced that all new vehicles produced in Europe will incorporate Electronic Stability Controls (ESC) as of 2012. In support of the EC’s safety initiative plans, the UK Department of Transport issued a statistical report concluding that vehicles equipped with ESC were 25% less likely to be involved in a fatal accident, translating to a reduction of 380 less fatalities and 7,800 less injuries on UK roads.
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The UK Culture Minister, Mr Ed Vaizey, recently announced that the UK Government intends to turn off FM and Medium Wave radio transmission and change over to Digital within the next five years. There have since been reports from various community sectors complaining that the government’s actions would force people to pay for the changeover, forcing individuals and businesses to buy new digital radio equipment for their vehicles. Car manufacturers have already started to gear up their production plans so they can incorporate the digital systems into their new vehicles, with some contract hire and car leasing companies suggesting that increased vehicle costs will be incurred because of the new system.
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