Drivers say large SUVs ‘unnecessary’ in towns and cities

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February 13, 2025

More than half (59 percent) of UK car owners believe that SUVs are ‘not necessary’ for driving in towns and cities, according to a new survey.

The YouGov study, commissioned by the Clean Cities organisation, found that drivers were worried about the phenomenon of ‘carspreading’ in urban environments.

Carspreading is said to occur when modern SUVs are too large to fit inside parking bays designed for regular cars. This leads to the SUV ‘spreading’ beyond the space.

Almost three quarters (71 percent) of survey respondents agreed that SUVs make parking more difficult, with only 15 percent disagreeing.

SUVs for the concrete jungle

During 2024, sales of SUVs accounted for close to two thirds (62 percent) of new cars registered in the UK, up from 47 percent in 2020.

Clean Cities notes that previous research found that 75 percent of SUVs are sold to those living in urban areas.

Some 60 percent of those surveyed agreed with the statement that SUVs “are bought more as status symbols than for practical use”.

Last year, residents of Paris voted to triple the cost of parking for the heaviest SUVs entering the French capital. Even fully electric models are included in the tariffs, which took effect in October 2024.

Time for politicians to act?

Clean Cities now wants politicians in the UK to take similar measures, such as those suggested by the SUV Alliance campaign group. These include:

Changes to Vehicle Excise Duty to tax SUVs and the heaviest and most polluting vehicles more when they are sold
Setting a maximum size for new car sales from 2030 so that carmakers cannot sell vehicles too big for parking spaces
Following the lead of Edinburgh City Council to introduce a tobacco-style ban on SUV advertising
Mandate that carmakers must publish an ‘ecoscore’ for all new electric vehicles
Allowing local authorities to introduce higher parking charges on SUVs and other heavier, more polluting vehicles

Oliver Lord, UK Head of Clean Cities, said: “Our cities face a double whammy of more cars and bigger cars. Carspreading doesn’t just affect parking, these supersized cars increase danger, congestion and pollution on our streets.

“City leaders must act now and stop carspreading before it’s too late. Even car owners want to see change.”

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‘Five-minute rule’ for new parking guidelines

By

John Redfern

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February 12, 2025

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New parking guidance is being introduced to protect drivers from being unfairly penalised if they have difficulties when paying to park their car.

It follows several high-profile cases highlighted in the media, where a poor phone signal has led to drivers accruing penalty charges due to not paying for parking immediately.

The newly formed Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel (PPSAP) announced last month that one of its first actions would be to discuss a ‘five-minute rule’ grace period.

Now, the PPSAP has confirmed that the parking Code of Practice will be changed from 17 February 2025, giving greater protection to UK drivers.

‘Trust and transparency’

The change to the parking Code of Practice guidance will only apply to privately run car parks, where enforcement is undertaken by fixed ANPR or CCTV camera technology.

As such, the guidance will not apply to public car parks operated by local authorities, or private car parks without ANPR or CCTV camera monitoring.

The PPSAP still says that drivers will still have to ‘read signage carefully’, and ‘follow the rules’ of their chosen car park. Parking penalty charges incurred before 17 February 2025 will not be covered.

The changes represent the first major action taken by the PPSAP, which aims to work with the International Parking Community (IPC) and British Parking Association (BPA) to build ‘trust and transparency’ in private parking.

Making parking fairer

The PPSAP wants to show it can keep pace with changes in the technology affecting parking. The updated ‘five-minute rule’ guidance has therefore been fast-tracked.

Andrew Pester, chief executive of the British Parking Association said: “It is a real testament to the PPSAP that this change has been implemented so efficiently. The parking sector is always striving to ensure it operates in the interest of compliant motorists and to ensure that parking is fairly managed for all. This change is another important step in achieving this.”

Will Hurley, CEO of the International Parking Community said: “It is crucial that there is a mechanism to identify and resolve issues quickly. I am pleased that the panel has acted swiftly to introduce safeguards for motorists. It is important drivers play their part by reading and following instructions on signage when parking their vehicle.”

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Young Driver scheme could see nine-year-olds behind the wheel

By

John Redfern

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February 12, 2025

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The UK’s largest driver-training organisation for under 17s has taken delivery of a fleet of Suzuki Swift superminis – and children aged from nine years old will be permitted to drive them.

Young Driver has ordered a total of 170 examples of the mild-hybrid Swift to replace its previous fleet of Vauxhall Corsas.

Some 160 of the new Suzuki Swifts will be equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, while a further 10 will have the optional CVT automatic transmission. Reassuringly, all will feature He-Man Dual Controls.

The new Suzukis will allow Young Driver to offer up to 150,000 lessons each year, at locations across the UK.

Lower costs, greater reliability

Young Driver’s switch to the Swift was for a number of reasons, as explained by managing director Ian Mulingani.

“After reviewing all our options, the Suzuki Swift was the clear winner,” said Mulingani. “Our decision was based around three priorities: product quality and durability, low CO2 emissions and fuel economy, and – of course – driveability and ease of operation for our novice drivers.

“The Swift stood head and shoulders above other rivals, particularly the outgoing Corsa, which trailed it at every level.

“What finally tipped the balance for us, though, was product durability. Compared with the previous-generation models we ran, the current Corsa is clearly built down to a price – and it’s a price that we’ve paid dearly for over the last couple of years.”

Training even younger drivers

The Suzuki Swift fleet is currently being rolled out to the 70 Young Driver centres across the country.

Moving to the Swift brings an added benefit for young learners. Greater seat height adjustability will allow children as young as nine to get behind the wheel, provided they are over 1.4 metres tall. The previous Vauxhall Corsa was limited to those aged 10 and older.

A Young Driver exclusive programme also allows sessions in a Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz SL 500 and even a Caterham Seven.

For those aged between four and 10 years old, Young Driver has its bespoke Firefly Sport EV available for lessons.

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Volvo gives EX30 electric SUV the Cross Country treatment

By

John Redfern

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February 12, 2025

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The Volvo EX30 electric SUV has been transformed into a true off-roader, thanks to a Cross Country makeover.

Previously reserved for rough-road-ready versions of Volvo estate cars, the EX30 is both the first SUV and first EV to wear the Cross Country badge.

Along with improved all-terrain ability, Volvo will also offer a ‘Cross Country Experience’ for its compact SUV. This brings together a host of optional accessories, allowing owners to personalise their EX30.

The first Volvo Cross Country SUV

“We launched our first Cross Country car more than 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand,” said Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars.

“In Sweden, we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers.”

At launch, the electric Cross Country will be based on the Volvo EX30 in Twin Motor Performance Ultra trim. This means a total of 422hp coming from a 69kWh battery pack, with 0-62mph taking 3.7 seconds.

Volvo says the EX30 can cover up to 265 miles when fully charged. It can also be replenished from 10 to 80 percent battery capacity in 26 minutes.

Adventuring in silence

No Cross Country makeover would be complete without a raised ride height, so the EX30 sits 19mm higher off the ground.

A set of 19-inch wheels with road-biased tyres are fitted as standard, but 18-inch rims with chunkier rubber can be found on the options list.

Chunky front and rear skid plates provide extra body protection, while the wheelarches are trimmed in black plastic. The front grille is also finished in black, and features a topographical artwork showing the Kebnekaise mountain range – home to Sweden’s tallest mountain.

The tailgate is also finished in black, and the C-pillars have Cross Country badges for good measure.

Join the Cross Country ecosystem

On the inside, Volvo leaves the EX30 unchanged in Cross Country spec, meaning a familiar level of Scandinavian minimalism.

The Cross Country Experience will offer customers a discounted package of accessories, including a roof rack and carrier basket, plus mud flaps and off-road tyres.

“We know that more and more people are seeking ways to get closer to nature,” explains Jim Rowan. “This is why with our new Cross Country Experience, we aim to create an entire ecosystem around those models, supporting our customers as they embrace adventure.”

Orders for the Volvo EX30 Cross Country are open now, with the first deliveries expected later this spring.

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Expand 20mph zones for road safety, say fleet experts

By

John Redfern

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February 11, 2025

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Automotive fleets across the UK should consider backing calls to widen the use of 20mph speed limits.

That is the view of fleet management specialist FleetCheck, following publication of the latest data on road casualties by the Welsh government.

It reveals that for the first full year that Wales had a default 20mph urban speed limit, 100 fewer people were injured on the roads affected.

In fact, the number of casualties on Welsh urban roads between July and September 2024 represented the lowest for any three-month period since 1979.

Safest roads since the 1970s

The Welsh government switched the urban speed limit to 20mph across the country in September 2023. It was one of the first places in the world to introduce this lower limit at a national level.

Following trials in eight areas, Wales adopted a 20mph speed limit on all restricted roads where a 30mph limit would previously have been applied.

The aim was to reduce the number of serious injuries from traffic collisions, with the added benefit of lowering the impact on NHS resources.

The move has not been without controversy, though. Almost 470,000 people signed a petition opposing the decision, while 10,500 have given feedback on roads where they believe the speed limit should be reassessed.

Is twenty plenty?

Peter Golding, managing director of FleetCheck, said: “These are apparently the lowest Q3 figures for road accidents involving injury ever seen in Wales – about a fifth less than the previous year.

“While it is fair to suggest more experience is needed to find out whether this pattern is sustained, results of this type suggest that lower limits are having a dramatic effect on casualties.

“Organisations such as Brake and Cycling UK are backing the call for wider use of 20mph zones and the question is whether the fleet sector should do the same. It’s arguable that there is not just a moral imperative to do so but that it is very much in the spirit of the driving at work risk management culture.”

Acknowledging that the changes are not without debate, Golding noted: “There remains the potential for hundreds or even thousands of fewer road casualties every year if we adopted similar measures in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. That’s something very difficult for fleets to ignore, in our opinion.”

Scotland aims to implement a similar blanket 20mph urban limit by the end of this year, while London has already restricted all roads within the Congestion Charging Zone to 20mph.

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New Ford tech saves delivery drivers vital seconds with every drop-off

New Ford tech saves delivery drivers vital seconds every drop-off

By

Richard Aucock

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February 10, 2025

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New technology developed by Ford Pro van engineers promises to save delivery drivers seconds on every drop-off.

Delivery Assist can automate important tasks before and after every delivery, rather than drivers needing to do them manually.

These include turning off the engine, closing the windows, locking the doors and switching on the hazard warning lights. Drivers can program which tasks they want automated.

To activate, drivers simply need to press ‘P’ on the gearshifter of 2025 Ford E-Transit and EcoBlue diesel automatic models. The tech is also coming to the 2025 Ford E-Transit Custom and Ford Transit Custom automatics.

Drivers Assist promises greater peace of mind for drivers and fleet managers, by guaranteeing the vehicle will be secure during every delivery.

It also reduces the number of tasks that busy van drivers need to remember, so they can concentrate instead on their drop-offs and surroundings.

Watch: Ford Pro Delivery Assist video

The technology doesn’t just make pre-delivery tasks simpler, either. When the driver returns to the vehicle, it is unlocked using the keyless entry system.

Then, once inside, simply pressing the brake pedal will restart the engine, restore the windows to their previous positions and turn off the hazard warning lights.

“It’s good for both our customers and their customers,” said Ford Pro general manager Hans Schep. “By taking away lots of tiny tasks, we are helping to make a big difference – and help them deliver more parcels, faster.”

The Delivery Assist technology goes into production soon, with customer availability expected in summer 2025.

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Heathrow to tackle rogue meet-and-greet parking operators

By

John Redfern

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February 10, 2025

0

Heathrow Airport has become the first location to sign-up to the British Parking Association’s new approved meet-and-greet parking operator scheme (or ‘AM-GO’ for short).

‘Meet-and-greet’ parking has become an increasingly popular option for those driving to an airport, thanks to the convenience of being able to leave a car at the terminal.

However, some drivers have been caught out by unscrupulous outfits who advertise low prices, then don’t take sufficient care of the vehicle. In some cases, cars have even been used for illegal activities.

The British Parking Association’s AM-GO scheme aims to recruit meet-and-greet operators who adhere to a high set of standards. The aim is to deliver a safe and hassle-free parking experience.

Parking that can be relied on

The BPA’s AM-GO scheme is the first to be supported by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI). This makes it the only police-endorsed parking scheme of its kind.

When choosing a meet-and-greet operator, the BPA says drivers should now look for those wearing an AM-GO logo.

At the point of dropping their car off, drivers should go to the signposted meet-and-greet area to drop off their keys. This is also where to collect their car when they return.

The new AM-GO scheme guarantees that accredited operators will deliver the standards listed below:

Motorists will be signposted to a single, reliable data source for AM-GO members. They can be confident of leaving their vehicle with an approved meet-and-greet operator
Airports have designated, clearly marked and signposted meet-and-greet drop-off and pick-up zones
Meet-and-greet staff, including drivers, will be qualified, professionally fully insured, and will carry ID cards and wear uniforms at all times
Vehicles will be safely stored in a Park Mark-accredited facility. Cars won’t be driven any further than stated on the booking confirmation
Both airports and AM-GO members will be regularly assessed and monitored by BPA qualified auditors

Book parking with confidence

Heathrow is the first airport to become part of the scheme, and is now in the process of recruiting dependable meet-and-greet staff.

Sara Fisher, BPA head of operations and business development, said: “We are delighted that Heathrow has become the first UK airport to sign up to AM-GO. We have been working with the police for over 20 years raising safety and standards in parking. This scheme will enable passengers to book their parking with confidence”.

Tom Prowse, Heathrow’s head of surface access, added: “Heathrow is committed to making every journey better from the moment passengers arrive. While we recommend passengers use official on-airport parking, we also want to ensure they have the information and confidence to enable them to make informed decisions about the services they might wish to use around the airport.

As the first signatory of the British Parking Association’s approved meet and greet parking operator scheme, we’re helping raise industry standards. AM-GO ensures clear, professional and reliable meet-and-greet services, with accredited operators, qualified staff and secure parking. It gives travellers confidence in their choices around the airport.”

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Secondhand car sales grow, with record demand for used EVs

By

Richard Aucock

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February 10, 2025

0

More than 7.6 million used cars were sold in the UK last year, as the secondhand car sector marked two full years of growth.

This compares with 1.9 million new car sales, showing the importance of the used car market across the country.

With eight quarters of growth, some 400,000 more secondhand cars changed hands last year than in 2023.

Demand for used electric cars was particularly high, with transactions increasing 57.4 percent to 188,382 vehicles.

This gave EVs a record 2.5 percent share of the entire used car market last year, up from 2023’s 1.7 percent – and a hefty 13 times larger than in 2019.

Sales of hybrids and plug-in hybrids also grew, up 39.3 percent and 32.2 percent respectively. Petrol remained the most popular used car fuel of all, however, with 4.36 million transactions.

Diesel was second, on 2.67 million. This means that petrol and diesel together accounted for 92.1 percent of all used car sales, down slightly from 94.3 percent in 2023.

What were the most popular used cars in 2024?

Superminis were the most popular type of used car sold last year. These small hatchbacks accounted for one in three used vehicle sales.

The Ford Fiesta was the best-selling used car, with the Vauxhall Corsa in second place. But that gap is set to narrow with the demise of the new Ford Fiesta in 2023.

Family hatchbacks were the second most popular type of car, with a 27.1 percent market share. And SUVs were third, on 15.9 percent.

In contrast, luxury saloons represented just 0.5 percent of used car sales. Black was the most popular used car colour, followed by grey and blue.

Ever-cleaner cars

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the used car sector’s 25-month growth streak “is good news for fleet renewal and for consumers benefiting from the greater choice filtering through from the new market.

“Record sales of secondhand EVs also demonstrate a strong appetite for these cutting-edge cars at lower price points.”

Figures from the SMMT show that electrified used cars – including hybrids and PHEVs – now account for 7.7 percent of sales. They have grown more than 43 percent in one year alone.

Used EVs are the fourth most popular used car fuel type in the UK, ahead of PHEVs and closing in on hybrids in third.

Auto Trader confirmed rocketing interest in EVs, after a 51% increase in demand during 2024. EVs were also the fastest-selling used cars last year – outpacing even petrol cars.

“With a growing number of used electric models aged around 3-5 years old at price parity with petrol equivalents, affordability is clearly the tipping point for car buyers,” said commercial Director Ian Plummer.

“Combined with more choice and greater availability, the case for switching has never been more compelling.”

Top 10 best selling used cars in 2024

Ford Fiesta: 306,207 cars
Vauxhall Corsa: 252,761
Volkswagen Golf: 231,440
Ford Focus: 228,220
Mini: 160,516
Vauxhall Astra: 159,495
BMW 3 Series: 158,574
Volkswagen Polo: 151,786
Nissan Qashqai: 138,810
BMW 1 Series: 125,440

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Abarth slashes price of new 600e to beat electric car road tax

By

John Redfern

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February 10, 2025

0

The most powerful road-going Abarth to date has just received a hefty discount. Following the start of sales in late 2024, Abarth has slashed £2,100 from the list price of a limited-edition 600e Scorpionissima.

Originally priced at £41,975, the reduction means the fully electric compact SUV now weighs in at £39,875.

Along with saving customers money on purchasing a 600e Scorpionissima, the move also brings an extra benefit when it comes to vehicle excise duty (VED) – better known as road tax.

Taxing times ahead

From 1 April 2025, VED will be applicable to electric vehicles, with most existing EV owners required to pay the standard rate of £195 per year.

More significantly, newly registered electric cars will also fall within the reach of VED. This means vehicles costing more than £40,000 are liable for the additional ‘expensive car supplement’.

This supplement could cost owners an extra £425 on top of the standard £195, meaning a total annual VED bill of £620. This would be due for the first five years of ownership, starting from the second year.

As a result, Abarth’s cost-cutting tactics for the 600e Scorpionissima see it dip below the £40,000 barrier, potentially saving owners up to £2,125 in tax.

Dipping below the threshold

Giuseppe Cava, UK managing director for Fiat and Abarth, said: “Recognising that our top-of-the-range Abarth 600e Scorpionissima would have attracted the expensive car supplement coming in April, we’ve made the decision to reduce the price of the car and protect our customers from this tax rise.”

Sold in a choice of Acid Green or the exclusive Hypnotic Purple paint colour (both shown above), the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima offers a motor output of 280hp.

This Abarth record-setting level of horsepower allows it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds. A limited-slip differential, uprated Alcon brakes and performance EV tyres are all part of the package.

Abarth also sells the 600e in standard form with 240hp. Prices for this entry-level model start at £36,975.

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2009 Brawn GP F1 car owned by Jenson Button heads to auction

By

John Redfern

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February 7, 2025

0

The very first Brawn GP Formula One car will be up for auction in Miami, Florida later this year.

It represents the first time that one of the three Brawn GP ‘BGP 001’ cars constructed has been offered for public sale. For collectors, it’s a chance to own a genuine piece of motorsport history.

As a major part of Brawn GP’s underdog victory in the 2009 Formula One World Championship, this car is undoubtedly one of the most significant F1 machines of recent times.

Driven by Rubens Barrichello, and later owned by Jenson Button, the car will be sold at a special auction hosted by Bonhams during the Miami Grand Prix.

Against all odds

Initially designed by Honda before it decided to withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2008 season, the BGP 001 boasted aerodynamic elements that pushed the limits of the regulations.

Following the £1 buyout of the team’s assets by Ross Brawn and Nick Fry, a last-minute engine deal with Mercedes-Benz ensured the renamed Brawn GP could compete in the 2009 Formula One World Championship.

Setting the BGP 001 apart from its rivals was a unique ‘double diffuser’, which boosted the car’s aerodynamic performance. It led to Rubens Barrichello setting the fastest time in pre-season testing.

The rest is history, with Brawn GP claiming eight wins and 15 podiums during the 2009 season, securing both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ F1 World Championships.

A special piece of history

At the end of the 2009 season, the Brawn GP team and all its assets were purchased by Mercedes-Benz, as the German marque became an F1 constructor.

Jenson Button’s title-winning Brawn GP chassis 002 was given to team owner Ross Brawn, while Mercedes-Benz retained chassis 003.

A clause in Jenson Button’s contract entitled him to one of the team’s cars, should he win the Driver’s World Championship. Mercedes-Benz initially tried to offer Button a replica car, before finally relenting to give him chassis 001.

Ironically, chassis 001 was never actually driven by Button – only by Rubens Barrichello at the beginning of the 2009 season.

Owned by Button until 2024, Brawn GP chassis 001 will cross the Bonhams auction block on 3 May 2025.

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