Suggestion drivers should pre-pay for fuel - RAC comment

Reacting to reports that have suggested drivers could be asked for pay up-front for fuel in order to tackle fuel thefts, RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams: 

"While a blanket approach of compelling every forecourt to introduce pre-payment, pay-at-pump technology could solve the problem of bilking, it could also have some unintended consequences.

"Firstly, there would be an immediate financial impact on forcing fuel retailers to upgrade their pumps - this might be a cost easily swallowed by larger fuel retailers, but for the thousands of independent forecourts who already make a small margin on selling fuel, it could be a different matter altogether, possibly threatening the viability of some smaller operations. Arguably, some retailers may believe they have no choice but to charge more for fuel to cover their costs.

"Some independent forecourts also rely on drivers spending money in their on-site stores in order to make ends meet - something that could disappear if every driver paid at the pump. It could also mean people no longer having the option of paying for fuel using cash.

"It would certainly make sense however for those retailers who suffer regular fuel thefts to consider investing in pre-payment systems, or demand drivers pay in person before they top up."

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Pump prices creep back up despite no change in the cost of oil
September sees August price reduction reverse as petrol and diesel rise by a penny
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Margins on fuel remain historically high - RAC reaction
Following the publication of the latest road fuel update report from the Competition and Markets Authority, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
RAC reacts to latest road casualty data for Great Britain
On average, four people killed and 76 seriously injured on the roads every day
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to 15 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

media.rac.co.uk