IMN Content - Lifestyle and Consumer Content

'Will They, Won't They' Fuel Tax Duty Makes It Economy First for Drivers

Ahead of tomorrow’s budget announcement, it appears to be very much a case of ‘will they, won’t they’ where fuel duty is concerned.
Finance, Lifestyle - 22 March 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with David Williams| Login to Download

You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialize correctly.
  News Hooks:

As tomorrow’s budget announcement approaches, British motorists have heard contrasting reports over fuel duty. In opposition, the Conservative government made much of their intention to introduce a fuel duty stabiliser to protect hard-pressed families against rises in the price of crude oil. However, it now seems that fuel duty may still be increased by inflation plus a penny, which could see as much as 5p per litre added to pump prices.

With the cost of filling a typical 50-litre fuel tank having increased by £8.15 for petrol and £9.49 for diesel compared to a year ago, it’s no surprise that a survey has found that over a third of drivers (36%) have resolved to drive more economically – citing the high cost of fuel and the environment as important concerns.

A recent international study has found that Brits are the most fuel-efficient drivers in Europe. With a figure of 62% in possible fuel efficiency, British motorists beat drivers in Italy, Germany, Spain and France. Drivers from the UK were found to have “exceptionally smooth and thoughtful handling of gears”.

. Introduction:

With uncertainty surrounding a potential fuel tax duty in tomorrow’s budget announcement, the spotlight has been placed firmly on our fuel consumption. Prices at the pump are at their most expensive ever – reaching a staggering 140p per litre in some areas – and this new hike could see a further 5p added per litre. In these times of belt tightening, new findings that us Brits are some of the most economical drivers in Europe should come as no surprise.

So, just how can we get the maximum mileage for our money?

Joining us in the studio to discuss this further is David Williams, a motoring expert from GEM Motoring Assist.

. Suggested Questions:

What can you tell us about fuel prices in our area?

Why is it important that people are fuel efficient?

What can we do to be more economical on the road?

Why do you think us Brits are more efficient drivers than the rest of Europe?

What impact could the government’s fuel tax duty announcement have on the price of filling up our tanks?

Where can our listeners find out more information?