Latest news with #BillFennell
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Heading to Eden Festival this weekend? Here's 10 top tips to arrive safe and sound
As the 2025 festival season continues, The Motor Ombudsman is encouraging Eden Festival-goers to plan ahead and take simple steps to avoid motoring mishaps on the road to Scotland's most eclectic and colourful festival. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Tucked away in the rolling hills of Raehills Meadows, Eden Festival promises four days of music, creativity, and community – but getting there can be a journey in itself. Remote country roads, unpredictable weather, and limited mobile signal can all create challenges, especially for those driving from afar or unfamiliar with the area. Each year, festival car parks see a rise in common issues like flat batteries, fuel problems, lost keys and cars getting stuck in the mud. And when hundreds of vehicles are arriving and leaving around the same time, even small problems can turn into big delays. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That's why The Motor Ombudsman has released the Second Edition of its #SafeandSound guide – offering practical, festival-ready advice to help motorists arrive ready for the weekend and get home again without a hitch. Festivalgoers enjoying a packed summer music event. Research from The Motor Ombudsman found that 68% of Brits don't have an emergency fund for car repairs, and over a third have faced repair bills of up to £500 in the past year – a costly surprise after a weekend of festival spending. Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: 'Festivals should be memorable for the music, not for motoring misery, and a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to safety. That's why we're sharing top tips to help drivers hit the road with confidence and stay safe, as everyone has a part to play in keeping the roads safe. After all, what starts as a missed oil-top up or an underinflated tyre can quickly spiral into a costly breakdown – and unexpected bills would be even more unwelcome after a weekend of festival spending.' Festivalgoers bringing larger setups – like campervans, trailers or roof boxes – should also be aware of added safety responsibilities, from weight limits to proper packing. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jessica Williams, Head of Vocational Policy at the DVSA, added: 'Festivalgoers who are planning to tow a trailer, or caravan to a festival this summer need to make sure their vehicle and towing equipment are safe and legal. Always check that the towing weight is within the vehicle's limit, the tow bar is securely fitted, lights and brakes are working correctly, and tyres are in good condition, especially if the trailer has been sat for any length of time." The Motor Ombudsman's Top 10 Tips for Eden Festival Travel
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Motor Ombudsman updates Codes of Practice
The Motor Ombudsman has revised its four Motor Industry Codes of Practice to align with recent changes in the UK automotive landscape, including the growing role of electric vehicles (EVs), self-driving technology and new retail models. The updates take immediate effect. Code of Practice The changes follow a consultation with Motor Ombudsman-accredited businesses and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The revised Codes reflect developments in legislation, consumer expectations and the increasing complexity of vehicles and vehicle ownership. The Motor Ombudsman said the refresh addresses the 'changing face of the UK's automotive landscape' and ensures the Codes remain a 'key driving force in the self-regulation' of the industry. Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director, noted the changes will help ensure that guidance 'keeps pace with technological advancements and innovation' as the industry moves away from the internal combustion engine. The new provisions include clauses covering: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and self-driving features; Roadside assistance and service plans; Paint, perforation and manufacturer base warranties; The sale of insurance products such as alloy wheel and Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance; Training requirements for technicians working on alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs); Vehicle sales under manufacturer agency models. According to a statement, more than 7,500 UK vehicle retailers and repairers, 46 manufacturers and 21 warranty providers are currently signed up to the Codes. These participants have received online training and tailored resources to support the implementation of the updated requirements. "Motor Ombudsman updates Codes of Practice" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
South Wales Argus
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
One in three Welsh drivers don't track how much car costs
The study by The Motor Ombudsman showed that the average Welsh driver spends £1,873.53 per year on owning and maintaining a vehicle. Repair bills between £500 and £1,000 were faced by almost one in four motorists last year, but only 26 per cent of the Welsh population has an emergency fund put aside. The largest spending outlay on average is fuel or charging costs at £794.02 per year, followed by insurance at £385.25. The research includes a broad cross-section of vehicle types, including petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric cars. Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: "Understanding the true cost of car ownership helps Welsh motorists make smarter decisions and ultimately save money in the long run, and tracking these costs is essential to staying within budget."
