Fuel desert fears over fill-up crisis

Parts of the UK are at risk of becoming fuel deserts with nowhere for motorists to fill up their cars after it emerged that the number of filling stations has fallen to its lowest level since 1913. Then there were around 10,100 places for motorists to fill up. Today, however,…

Profits halve at Pendragon as competition hits margins

Profits at Britain’s largest car dealership group, Pendragon, halved for the 12 months to December 31, 2007 as the market became ever-more competitive putting pressure on margins. The company reported pre-tax profits before exceptionals of £34.8 million (2006: £69.4m) on static revenue of £5.1 billion. Chief executive Trevor Finn said:…

Graphic warnings of road dangers displayed on new signs

Drivers on the M42 in the West Midlands will be the first in the country to be warned about traffic conditions and dangers ahead of them via digital picture messages on overhead signs. They will be introduced this week on an 11-mile stretch of the motorway by the Highways Agency…