Latest Fuel News

Worrying news today hits the UK haulage industry. The number of UK haulage firms has lowered below levels recorded in 1999 and the road haulage industry is continuing to decline on last year- with the amount of goods being carried falling significantly.

This decline derives from the difficult economic climate the UK has experienced during the past two years. The downturn has caused a large decrease in HGV activity across the UK and is thought to link with the lowered output also suffered by the manufacturing and construction industries.

Reports state that during 2009 there were less UK hauliers travelling to Europe, while the number of foreign vehicles on UK roads increased drastically.

Recently published statistics show that over the past ten years there has been a nineteen percent lose to foreign road transport businesses, and the lowest number of UK registered HGVs were recorded last year since 1992, this has caused concern for the future of the UK road transport industry.

If you are concerned about the economic conditions and want to gain control over your fleet expenses, let us help you. A business fuel card will enable you to manage your fuel expenditure and provide you with data to identify any inefficiency in your fleet.

With our vast portfolio of fuel cards we are confident that we will be able to supply you with a fuel card that will not only benefit you, but will meet your individual requirements.

If you want to find out more about our fuel cards or would like some advice about fuel card options, why not give us a call?

0845 450 5755

If you want to know a bit more about choosing the correct fuel card for your business, download our free MP3 audio file on choosing the right fuel card for your business, or read our free report at:

http://www.forecourtfuelcards.co.uk/pdf-download.html

Speed cameras have been at the heart of our news stories for a number of weeks now; it seems the speed camera has become the centre of much speculation and heated debate. After last week’s headlines regarding the ‘turning off’ of many UK cameras, headlines suggest this may not be the case anymore.

News articles published today signal that many speed cameras may not be axed, and instead selected cameras could be outsourced to private companies.

It is thought outsourcing the issuing of tickets and gathering of fines, could minimise the administration procedures for both the magistrate court and police force.

Fears are sparked from the suggestion that the entire speed camera network could be privately outsourced.

It seems the key concern is that speed cameras are emplace to protect road users, where as private companies’ trade to generate money. By combining the two, campaigners feel that speed cameras will turn into a money making scheme for private companies, rather than protecting the road users.

Some experts suggest that the easiest way to avoid this is to reduce the number of speed cameras within a certain radius; this would reduce the administration process and therefore could remain in-house.

Are you interested in our fuel cards? Would you like more news about the fuel and fleet indursties? Or do you just enjoy reading our news blog? 

We are really excited to tell you that we have joined facebook and twitter, so we can keep you up-to-date with all our headlines!

If you would like our headlines to feed into your facebook home page,  become a fan of our facebook page by clicking the link below, and click ‘Like’:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Forecourt-Fuels-Fuel-Cards/112599675456108?ref=sgm

To follow us on twitter click this link, and click ‘Follow’
 http://twitter.com/Fuelcard

It’s as easy as that!

When the new coalition government came into power and the emergency budget announced, it was made clear from day one there would be budget cuts across the board. One cut which has already been put into action across the country and is expected to flow throughout the UK is to axe speed cameras.

With the majority of original speed cameras nearing the end of their life and the lack of spare parts on the market, the only option is to buy new cameras. The problem derives from the end of all government funding on the purchase of new speed cameras, and therefore local councils cannot meet the expense of the new digital cameras.

The central concern of axing the speed cameras is that this could lead to an increase in speed and thus road accidents. Recent reports reveal that in areas where speed cameras have already been given the chop, the number of motorists breaking the speed limit has already risen by over 85%.

Grave concerns from the police and road safety groups stem from these elevated figures, suggesting that people may see the switch off as an ‘Ok’ to break the road laws, ultimately costing lives.

Opposition groups believe that speed cameras have never been a deterrent, but are a way for authorities to make money from motorists. A central argument in this case put forward by the anti-speed camera groups, is that speed cameras are a cause of some road accidents. The presence of the speed camera can cause an erratic style of driving; whereby excessive breaking on approaching the camera is followed by quick acceleration after passing.

 Many regions who are yet to have their cameras turned off are calling for measures to be taken to increase traffic patrols in a hope to increase road safety once the cameras are gone.

Do you have a bright idea to help fight climate change?

Shell has announced its search for their ‘ecopreneurs’. Shell is searching far and wide for small businesses that have innovative ideas in the battle to cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change.

The competition is now in its sixth year, past innovations include a system which enables car manufacturers to reduce engine size thus cutting emissions without lowering performance.

The businesses that enter the competition are fighting for the award of £40,000!

This is an excellent opportunity to help you get your ideas noticed and the wheels in motion.

If you wish to enter the deadline is not until November 5^th 2010 at 5pm, all details of the competition can be found on the Shell website.

Good Luck!

Reports suggest that the Scottish government will spend millions of pounds to tackle climate change and persuade people to drive more efficiently and reduce fuel consumption. The report claims the money will be used to encourage fuel efficient driving, lower speed limits and increase the efficiency of the transport and haulage industry.

Discussions indicate many believe the easiest way to reduce fuel consumption is to eco-manage a fleet and better educate drivers; however it is questionable if drivers with years of experience will benefit from a course of this nature.

There are various tactics which can be employed to reduce fuel consumption however, at Forecourt Fuels we believe a good long-term option is to look at the type of fuel that you fill your engine with. Shell ‘FuelSave Unleaded’ and Shell ‘FuelSave Diesel’ have been extensively tested and proven to lower wastage and improve fuel efficiency. Fleet managers can make the first easy step to reduce CO2 emissions whilst saving money at the same time, surely this is an easier first step towards a more eco-friendly fleet?

You can purchase this new innovative fuel with a Forecourt Fuels fuel card.

If you would like any additional information about Shell FuelSave or do not yet have a fuel card and would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to contact the Forecourt Fuels team on 0845 450 5755.

As of August 2^nd 2010 crude oil prices exceeded US$80 per barrel, this figure stems from the growth of global markets and positive quarterly reports from international corporations.

Expectations that the demand for oil will increase are underpinned by statistics showing the positive growth of the Asian economy and an increase in manufacturing in China.

What’s next?

Controversy for future oil production comes over the weather. Some forecasters state that oil production in the Gulf of Mexico will not be impacted by the forthcoming hurricane season whilst others disagree.

Shell has officially launched its brand new innovative fuel ‘Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell FuelSave Diesel’ and we think it is the perfect partner for your fleet. Not only is this a revolutionary fuel but it is proven by scientists to help reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions.

Why are we so confident in ‘Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell FuelSave Diesel’?

Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell FuelSave Diesel have been extensively tested in Shell laboratories with proven results- showing that it can help you save up to one litre per tank. Shell has identified how to lower fuel wastage and improve fuel efficiency by up to ten percent with no extra cost to you as the customer.

You can purchase this new innovative fuel with a Forecourt Fuels fuel card.

If you would like any additional information about Shell FuelSave or do not yet have a fuel card and would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to contact the Forecourt Fuels team on 0845 450 5755.

BP has been the focal point of world headlines since April due to the oil spill catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. It is reported that the spill occurred as a result of a well ‘blowout’ ignited by a methane leak; however it is unclear of the exact cause of the disaster.

This has been titled one of the world’s greatest environmental disasters and it is thought that it could take years for the impact to show.

In the face of this BP has pledge to bring an end to the spill and is launching operations to plug the well. BP has expressed deep regret for the disaster and is taking steps to ensure this can never occur again. BP has promised to take full responsibility for cleaning up the Gulf and has engineers who are working to seal the well permanently, extensive monitoring of the work is being carried out to ensure its success.

With environmental concerns heightening and the transport industry contributing significantly to CO2 emissions it’s no surprise that electric vehicles are a regular feature in the news. More frequently electric vehicles are becoming a central part of the transport industry news however; there are speculations as to whether the popularity of the electric vehicle will outgrow the traditional fuel engine anytime soon.

The significant difference between the two vehicles is that the fuel powered vehicle runs via a fuel tank, this supplies the fuel to the engine, the engine then turns the fuel into transmission causing the wheels to turn.

In contrast the electric vehicle runs via a number of batteries, the engine is provided by electricity which powers the electric motor. This motor then turns the power into transmission which subsequently makes the wheels turn.

Often the hybrid car is considered to strike balance between the electric and fuel powered vehicle with regards to CO2 emissions.

With fuel engines becoming more efficient through continuous innovation such as using lighter materials, experts have agreed that the fuel engine will not be made redundant anytime soon.  Due to the limited numbers of electric models and their higher cost, it is believed that the fuel powered car will remain the main player in the market for the foreseeable future.

If you would like information about fuel cards for your vehicles contacts us on 0845 450 5755.