RAC in the news and in brief
The Financial Conduct Authority has had parts of its £9.1bn motor‑finance compensation scheme suspended after legal challenges from Volkswagen Financial Services, Mercedes‑Benz Financial Services, Crédit Agricole Auto Finance and consumer group Consumer Voice. The Upper Tribunal has set hearings for December or February; lenders will not need to calculate or pay redress while legal proceedings continue, delaying mass payouts until at least 2027 if the scheme survives.
Major automakers have pulled several electric models and cancelled projects after federal tax credits ended in 2025, while Q2 2026 US EV sales have recovered sequentially to about 247,226 units. Higher fuel prices, state rebates and low‑cost entrants such as Slate, Fiat Topolino and Chinese brands in Europe are reshaping supply, pricing and consumer demand.
The Competition and Markets Authority has launched a probe into private parking operator Euro Car Parks, examining whether drivers are treated fairly at petrol forecourts and during appeals. The inquiry follows a recent £473,000 fine for information requests failures; officials warn of broader concerns as nearly 48,000 tickets are issued daily in Britain.
A motorway incident on the M5 near Taunton has caused a long traffic delay, overheating concerns for a child in a car, and advisories from Avon and Somerset Police and National Highways on safe actions during such emergencies. RAC forecasts imply further delays this weekend as families plan summer getaways.
Gatwick Airport has launched Stanley Robotics’ robotic parking system at its South Terminal, allowing drivers to drop off cars in a private cabin where robots lift and park them. The service, which supports most standard cars, aims to cut drop-off times and free up terminal space, with first passengers using it this August.
Fuel prices have surged amid Middle East conflict and shifting wholesale costs. RAC expects petrol at 160p per litre and diesel near 180p, with volatility likely to continue as geopolitics influence oil markets.
Forecourt Eye reports a 20% rise in fuel thefts and a 48% jump in the value of stolen fuel across 550 UK forecourts in the five months since the February conflict began. Average petrol and diesel prices have reached multi-year highs, with forecourt crime expanding to include abuse and intimidation. Retailers partner with Facewatch to improve reporting.
Unite has expanded a series of heat-related strikes by Arriva North London drivers. With cabs exceeding 40C in heatwaves, drivers call for full air conditioning. TfL warns routes will face disruption while management says improvements are underway.
News analysis tracks the new prime minister’s approach, reflecting Compass proposals for the first 100 days and comments from senior Labour figures on leadership style and policy delivery.
The bank holiday weekend is marked by widespread rail disruption due to a Birmingham power outage affecting CrossCountry’s control centre. Plans for a near-normal service on Monday are in flux as rail routes face cancellations, rail replacement buses are in place, and tickets remain valid across operators amid disruption.
Suffolk residents from across ages report nervousness about cashless car parks after a spate of fines and app issues. BBC figures show millions of private charges, while incidents include a 89-year-old fined under a five-minute grace policy and a scam linked to QR codes.