Congestion on motorways and trunk roads has seen a 31 per cent reduction in the last two years due to the credit crunch, according to a new report.
The AA and Trafficmaster said of those commuters who have lost jobs, 23 per cent have done so in the last 12 months, leading to 15 per cent less congestion in the weekday morning rush-hour.
Filed under AA, car, Cars, credit crunch, Cut car costs, Driving, Long journeys, News, Petrol, Saving money, Topics
The Government has laid out its budget for 2009. Among the changes affecting motorists are:
Will the 2009 budget have an effect on your choice of car and your driving? What’s your reaction to the budget?
Filed under Car tax, Green cars, Petrol, Topics, Uncategorized
Higher car tax, extra fuel duty and a £2,000 new car ‘scrappage’ scheme are expected to feature in the 2009 Budget when it’s announced on April 22 at 12.30pm.
What are you expecting in this year’s Budget? And what would you like to see?
Filed under Budget, car, Car tax, Cars, credit crunch, Cut car costs, Driving, Green cars, Law, Petrol, Scrappage, Topics
Our man Adrian Hearn is out in Rome test-driving the new Suzuki Alto city car.
And this is his first verdict on the Japanese model.
Suzuki Alto
There’s a lot of hype at the moment around diesel and hybrid engines with the emphasis on low emissions and high fuel economy, but three-cylinder petrol engines shouldn’t be forgotten about.
They make a great little sound, are nippy to 30mph, have low emissions, high fuel economy and, most importantly, are cheap.
I’m driving the new Suzuki Alto in Rome at the moment and it’s really impressed me. For a shade over £7,200 I’ve got air-conditioning, electric windows and side airbags – all coupled in with a cute design and room in the back for two.
The 1-litre engine will sit comfortably at 70mph, average 64.2mpg and cost £35 a year to tax courtesy of carbon dioxide emissions of just 103g/km
Yes, a diesel will probably manage more miles to the gallon but remember this – you’ll pay a lot more in the first instance and diesel is 10p-a-litre more expensive than unleaded. So you’ll really need to rack up the miles to justify the extra expense.
The Alto is cool, but I think I’d opt for it in a different colour…
You can read Adrian’s review of the Suzuki Alto tomorrow.
Filed under Blogroll, Budget, car, Cars, credit crunch, Downsizing, Green cars, Petrol
Find out how we can cut your car costs
With monthly petrol bills over £100 a month, heavy depreciation and a tax increase on its way, there’s never been a better time to cut your motoring costs.
We ran a series of features called ‘troubleshoot your commute’ where we helped one motorist save £1,374 on his annual car costs – now we want to help YOU.
Are you paying too much insurance? Do you have a long commute? Do you want us to cut YOUR car costs?
Filed under Advice, Auto Trader, Budget, car, Car tax, Cars, Congestion charge, Downsizing, Driving tips, Green cars, Petrol, Saving money
Has the credit crunch affected your driving?
As the credit crisis continues, motorists are looking for new ways to save money.
We asked our team of car enthusiasts what they’re doing to cut the cost of driving – from going green to downsizing.
Has your driving changed since the credit crunch?
Filed under Auto Trader, car, Car tax, Cars, Congestion charge, Downsizing, Driving tips, Green cars, Petrol
With petrol and diesel prices rising, motorists are looking for more ways to save money on fuel.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) – or Autogas – is an alternative fuel which costs about half the price of petrol and has lower CO2 emissions, but lower fuel economy.
We revealed if switching to LPG could save you money – but what’s it like to own an LPG-powered car? Have you converted your car to run on LPG?
Filed under car, Cars, Driving tips, Green cars, Petrol
Fuel prices are up again – with reports saying one filling station in Chelsea is charging an amazing 134p for a litre of petrol.
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