Sunday, March 18, 2007
Speed Camera Petition
Following the anti-road pricing petition, there is a "scrap speed cameras" petition on the 10 Downing Street website. An organisation called Safe Speed are raising the issue of unreliable statistics being used to justify speed cameras. Their web site is at http://www.safespeed.org.uk/. If you've been caught speeding visit http://www.coolblue.org.uk/SpeedCameras.htm
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Contaminated Petrol
Latest news is that silicon may be the cause of the petrol contamination scare which has caused hundreds of cars in the South East to break down. It is believed that silicon which should not be in petrol - has been detected in the fuel tanks of some of the affected vehicles. Testing agencies have not yet revealed in how many cars silicon has been found, or in what amounts.
Some experts are advising motorists to consider replacing the petrol in their tanks, even if they are unaffected by the contaminated fuel scare. Ray Holloway, the director of the Petrol Retailers’ Association, said drivers should think about getting fresh fuel even if their vehicle is not suffering any problems.
Trading standards officials are investigating complaints from hundreds of drivers who claim they have been sold contaminated fuel. Many people have complained that their cars have juddered, misfired and suffered loss of power in the last week. Most complaints come from the south east of England.
The problem seems to be that oxygen sensors in car exhausts have failed in some vehicles, probably as a result of faulty petrol. As a result, engine management systems cut power to prevent further damage to the engine, allowing drivers to only "limp home".
Manufacturers are struggling to supply enough replacement parts for damaged vehicles.
Many of the drivers who have complained said they bought petrol from Tesco and Morrisons although both supermarkets said they had tested their stocks of unleaded fuel and not found anything wrong.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders advised motorists to keep all their fuel receipts. If their vehicle is affected, they should contact their car dealer for advice.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said motorists affected by contaminated petrol may be able to claim for accidental damage if they have comprehensive cover. A spokesman urged all motorists to keep any evidence that they have purchased the allegedly contaminated petrol, such as receipts or other paperwork, however it is still not clear where liability for this problem lies. Tesco said the problems all appear to be linked to forecourts in the south east of the country served by a refinery in Essex. Morrisons also get fuel from this refinery. sda, which does not get petrol from Greenergy, said it has received about 80 complaints from customers. A spokeswoman said checks have shown no problems with fuel on sale.
Some experts are advising motorists to consider replacing the petrol in their tanks, even if they are unaffected by the contaminated fuel scare. Ray Holloway, the director of the Petrol Retailers’ Association, said drivers should think about getting fresh fuel even if their vehicle is not suffering any problems.
Trading standards officials are investigating complaints from hundreds of drivers who claim they have been sold contaminated fuel. Many people have complained that their cars have juddered, misfired and suffered loss of power in the last week. Most complaints come from the south east of England.
The problem seems to be that oxygen sensors in car exhausts have failed in some vehicles, probably as a result of faulty petrol. As a result, engine management systems cut power to prevent further damage to the engine, allowing drivers to only "limp home".
Manufacturers are struggling to supply enough replacement parts for damaged vehicles.
Many of the drivers who have complained said they bought petrol from Tesco and Morrisons although both supermarkets said they had tested their stocks of unleaded fuel and not found anything wrong.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders advised motorists to keep all their fuel receipts. If their vehicle is affected, they should contact their car dealer for advice.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said motorists affected by contaminated petrol may be able to claim for accidental damage if they have comprehensive cover. A spokesman urged all motorists to keep any evidence that they have purchased the allegedly contaminated petrol, such as receipts or other paperwork, however it is still not clear where liability for this problem lies. Tesco said the problems all appear to be linked to forecourts in the south east of the country served by a refinery in Essex. Morrisons also get fuel from this refinery. sda, which does not get petrol from Greenergy, said it has received about 80 complaints from customers. A spokeswoman said checks have shown no problems with fuel on sale.
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