Shite Petrol Prices

[Guest]

With respect to pay deals, there's a big wage dispute over at the council with a possible strike looming. Despite being on one of the lower pay scales, I hope we don't strike to be honest. I don't want to lose two days pay to attempt to get a pay rise that I know for a fact we won't get, on account of some union I'm not even part of (in protest of them calling for strikes I don't want and once doing the opposite of what its members actually voted for).I'm not saying there isn't people struggling, but the bulk of people at my work who are moaning about their pay are the same ones who somehow manage to pay their mortgage and go on holiday abroad twice a year. Did they not know that council pay has never been that good or something?Still, if there is a strike I suppose I can watch Quantum Leap. That must count for something.

[Marty]

Did they not know that council pay has never been that good or something?

Same with Nursing, If I had wanted to earn mega bucks and drive a nice car i would have got off my arse and made more of an effort with my engineering study, then maybe I would have been working for AMD designing microprocessors like my mate John. I dont want to strike, I think the pay deal is OK and like I said - you can live on what you earn.

[r.welfare]

I'm not saying there isn't people struggling, but the bulk of people at my work who are moaning about their pay are the same ones who somehow manage to pay their mortgage and go on holiday abroad twice a year. Did they not know that council pay has never been that good or something?

Think you've hit the nail on the head. My brother works for Reading Borough Council doing IT, and while his base pay ain't great he gets plenty of other perks like a defined benefit, non-contributory pension, subsidised canteen and parking, and plenty of overtime as they arse up (again) the implementation of another computer system.

[CortinaDave]

Fuel Protests in London today... and the prices are hitting headlines all over the place. Looks like the general moaning is turning into anger. If we continue to get the rubber ear from number ten (which we will) things could well get nasty....About time too"Welsh protest leader Mike Greene told the BBC that hauliers would give the prime minister seven days to cut fuel duty by between 20 and 25p per litre, or they would blockade refineries and ports. "from:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7420792.stm

[Father Ted]

"Welsh protest leader Mike Greene told the BBC that hauliers would give the prime minister seven days to cut fuel duty by between 20 and 25p per litre, or they would blockade refineries and ports. "

Ahh blolocking flaptw@'sI lose out if that happens, If I cant get to work I dont get paid. So great stuff, hit the little guy again. Time maybe to start stockpiling the unleaded?

[pogweasel]

"Welsh protest leader Mike Greene told the BBC that hauliers would give the prime minister seven days to cut fuel duty by between 20 and 25p per litre, or they would blockade refineries and ports. "

Ahh blolocking flaptw@'s

 

I lose out if that happens, If I cant get to work I dont get paid. So great stuff, hit the little guy again. Time maybe to start stockpiling the unleaded?

But as the "little guy" how long do you let the price continue to spiral anyway?

 

This is the mentality that has got us into this mess. A little more solidarity would go a long way to pissing on Gordon's chips. The french have got protesting off to a tee, we should salute them, not whinge when we get stuck coming back from a calais booze run.

 

I too represent the 'little guy' these days. In my line of work we really do have to travel (unless a way has been developed of bringing large chunks of the countryside to us for surveying). But I am dependent upon the profit we make for a large chunk of my income - the more we make between us, the more goes in my pocket. If the fuel costs continue to rise, it is hard to keep passing on the cost with regular bump-ups, especially for long-standing clients. Far better I see for us to all take a fortnight off while the lorry men do their thang and go hell for leather once Gordon has been kicked in the nuts.

 

By moaning and panic-buying it just makes everything worse.

 

The peasants are revolting...

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Fuel "Welsh protest leader Mike Greene told the BBC that hauliers would give the prime minister seven days to cut fuel duty by between 20 and 25p per litre, or they would blockade refineries and ports. "from:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7420792.stm

TBH if I was gordon brown i'd tell this guy to f**k right off. The oil price is at an all time high, thats why his diesel is costing so much. Its like complaining to the govt that theres too many fuggin starts in the sky at night. OK they could conceivably drop the duty temporarily to maintian a steady pump price, bt if he responds to this kind of blatant blackmail he's gonna end up with one right up there.

[bigstraight6]

Direct action is now whats needed, bungler Brown has built a house of straw and now a storm is brewing. The Government should have acted and reduced fuel duty as the price started rising, rather than laughing all the way to the Bank. The French certainly have my admiration of how they can bring their Country to a standstill when protesting, look at the current Trawler blockades.I just hope that our Road haulage industry can stand firm, and make something happen, and if it inconveniences me so be it.

[pogweasel]

But with the goverment adding their chunkand then wanting VAT on the whole lot, it is no wonder that the populous is getting somewhat peeved. The government filling it's boots as a by-product of high fuel prices ought to be a good thing, as it's more money to spend on hopitals and rubbish like that. But when at the same time there is massive fuore over serious hikes in RFL, the ongoing rumbles over pay-as-you-drive (with no suggestion of being a substitute for fuel duty AND rfl, which it should be), increasingly shat public transport, and inflation running at a real level of about 10% (which no-one will admit to, cos it's all done on the wanky RPI based on Yogurts and chinese DVD playaz), it's fairly clear that Joe Public feels like he's being knobbed in the arse by three burly dutchmen. All at once.

[Father Ted]

But as the "little guy" how long do you let the price continue to spiral anyway?

Far better I see for us to all take a fortnight off while the lorry men do their thang and go hell for leather once Gordon has been kicked in the nuts.

 

By moaning and panic-buying it just makes everything worse.

 

The peasants are revolting...

As a revolting butt ugly peasant I hear what you are saying, last time though I physically could not get any go-go juice for about 10 days and that hit me hard in the wallet - I'm totally self employed so its a pain in the arse if I am stranded without transport. Far better to nip round to Gordon's house with some Super Glue, curry powder, Tyre valve core remover and dog shit. You know the drill....

 

Super Glue in the door locks

Curry Powder down the air vent intake

Removal of all 4 tyre valve cores

Dog shit under the door handles.

[r.welfare]

In the meantime make the fuel go further by driving more economically - 60 on the motorways means you've got a comfy slot on the inside lane with the HGVs and you don't have to worry about nobs in Audi A4 2.0TDIs tearing up your arse. Seriously, I did pretty much the length of the M1 like this a couple of weeks back (from the M25 to the M62) and I lost maybe half an hour to when I used to tear up it like a rep. And the 405 got 56mpg out of that tankful...Avoid using the brakes wherever possible, plan ahead on traffic lights, and coast down hills (I know what your driving instructor probably said about that, but bollocks!). I'd probably get even more if I took the roof bars off but I think they're rusted on now...

[Volksy]

Super Glue in the door locksCurry Powder down the air vent intakeRemoval of all 4 tyre valve coresDog shit under the door handles.

Sadly this will only affect his poor chauffeur. And he's just go and get 'the other Jag'....

[pogweasel]

In the meantime make the fuel go further by driving more economically - 60 on the motorways means you've got a comfy slot on the inside lane with the HGVs and you don't have to worry about nobs in Audi A4 2.0TDIs tearing up your arse. Seriously, I did pretty much the length of the M1 like this a couple of weeks back (from the M25 to the M62) and I lost maybe half an hour to when I used to tear up it like a rep. And the 405 got 56mpg out of that tankful...Avoid using the brakes wherever possible, plan ahead on traffic lights, and coast down hills (I know what your driving instructor probably said about that, but bollocks!). I'd probably get even more if I took the roof bars off but I think they're rusted on now...

Good call, W.Relfare!My driving is becoming increasingly pedestrian. It is making a noticable difference, especially in the van which is a bit more "buzzy". Focus seems to be economical whatever the speed (exept 'Er Indoors "late for work" blezz, which irritates me greatly.

[r.welfare]

Constant steady speed driving is best for economy - so motorways/dual carriageways are ideal really, but mainly by coasting/not boshing it up hills so there's clouds of soot from the turbo/not braking for bends so adopting 2CV roll angles on my current route from Newbury to Trowbridge - which takes in the A34 & A303 (at 70), Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain and single-track stuff (at 60 apart from the latter) - I still got 410 miles out of 38 litres, which I make 48mpg.Still going to check out the price of veg on the next visit to CostCo though.

[Guest]

When I'm on the motorway I like to find the slowest lorry possible and sit myself behind it, cruising at 55mph with MW radio on. If I'm on the motorway I'm probably not in a hurry, so I just stretch out the day and make the most of it, stop at the services every so often to lean against the bonnet and look cool, etc. Makes for nearly totally stress-free driving - better fuel consumption is just a bonus to me!

[Raffles]

I too have recently dicovered the financial rewards of driving like my mum. The SRi recently gave me nigh-on 45mpg on a 300 mile run and that was mostly at 70-75mph. I often come off the gas very early when approaching red lights and roll up to them as well.... Econo-drive, it's great.Anyway... I read in this morning's snoozepaper that the Government want to introduce emissions based tax on cars purchased pre-2001.I am concerned for my Granada... at this rate it'll never get back on the road.More here: CLICKYCLICKY

[Mr_Bo11ox]

I think thats a mistake, its post-2001, currently there is not even a plan to wang the tax up on pre-2001 stuff. Not a publicised one anyway.

[Raffles]

I think thats a mistake, its post-2001, currently there is not even a plan to wang the tax up on pre-2001 stuff. Not a publicised one anyway.

If it is...it's a pretty big clanger for a newspaper to drop. I thought the engine size affected VED post-2001 and everything pre-2001 was at one rate?

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Thats right. Its cars from 2001-2008 which are in the middle of the recent 'brouhaha'.

[seth]

In the meantime make the fuel go further by driving more economically - 60 on the motorways means you've got a comfy slot on the inside lane with the HGVs and you don't have to worry about nobs in Audi A4 2.0TDIs tearing up your arse.

Driving like this is a way of life when you have stuff that doesn't really go much faster On the rare occasions I drive up the fast lane I find it a much more stressful experience. There's always someone who wants to go quicker than you plus in fast moving "heavy" traffic I find myself constantly expecting to have someone pull out in front. Not good on '60's brakes! (I leave big gaps obviously)

 

Slow to middle and back again driving at a little over lorry speed gets you where you want to go, keeps you alert and is much more relaxing. We did 48mpg in the 1200 Herald estate we had on a run to Manchester once...

[Raffles]

'brouhaha' ... That's mildy reassuring. although [rant] I wouldn't be surprised if they did try and screw the rest of us via the back door by moving the goalposts on this one[/rant]

[Guest]

Something to bear in mind is that for MOT purposes, they only hold emissions data from cars newer than July 1994 or something like that. I don't think it would be feasible for the government to gain emissions data on things prior to that. Imagine them trying to get it for the Tredia Turbo or something!

[Richard]

Anyway... I read in this morning's snoozepaper that the Government want to introduce emmisions based tax on cars purchased pre-2001.I am concerned for my Granada... at this rate it'll never get back on the road.More here: CLICKYCLICKY

It was on the radio news last night. They were wrong too. All concerned should be thoroughly ashamed. I can't help wondering if it's a deliberate attempt to inflame the situation even further.

[retrogeezer]

My dad taught me how to 'read the road' when I first started driving, coasting up to lights, timing roundabouts so you don't have to stop etc etc...My driving has become less frantic since my daughter came along too but I still get peeed off with people hesitating when the roads is clear for miles!

[Volksy]

I drive as smoothly as possible, but the vast proliferation of Gatsos on every route I take and the noobs who insist on driving through these areas at presisely 7mph under the speedlimit mean that my car (which is pretty high geared) seems to be in a fuel burning 3rd gear most of the time

[The Main]

Hello all,At last I've got round to posting a reply on this excellent forum. Yes indeed, 18% and 30% increases in the prices of unleaded and diesel respectively in less than a year is absurd. Especially if (like me) you're trying to keep a collection of shiters on the road. But if old Golden Brown capitulates and knocks 25p off a litre of diesel at the pump, then surely the fuel retailers are going to think ''well so far we've got away with fleecing Joe Motorist for £1.30 a litre because fuel sales haven't dropped, so why don't we just push the forecourt price back up straight after the govt have given back their slice?'' The government coffers will lose a load of tax revenue from fuel duty, and we'll still be at the mercy of OPEC and the fuel retailers in this country, largely because we've already proved that people will pay the going rate. So we'll still end up paying the same amount on the forecourt, but the money that would have gone to the government will go to the bloody oil companies instead. It's a simple supply and demand model in a capitalist society - the precedent has been set. BP, Shell etc are never going to say ''gosh steady on, we're making quite enough profit, we mustn't be greedy. Let's not push prices back up to where they were before the cut in duty'' are they?And if those people who are proposing this cut in fuel duty would like to tell us which public services they think can take the hit from the loss of tax revenue I'd be interested to hear their suggestions. Schools? The NHS? Roads? It's all very well slating Brown for not cutting fuel duty but the explosion in fuel prices is not down to taxation, it's blown in from abroad. Does anyone seriously believe a Tory government would behave any differently? I seem to recall that fuel duty on a litre of petrol was proportionately higher during the last Conservative years and the Labour increases in fuel duty have been roughly in line with inflation of late....

[retrogeezer]

Schools? The NHS? Roads?

It would be nice if it was actually spent on those things in the first place wouldnt it!

[Volksy]

Welcome to the forum Mr Main.I do agree with most of your comments, however, as the VAT on fuel rises with each increase in price wether implemented by OPEC or the suppliers or the government, there is no incentive for the government to reduce, or lobby for the reduction of any of it.Car use in the uk has become excessive, however, this has been put into place by in the majority reduction of public/local services and promoting road use. It is now at a point where we are facing major problems.. We, and our elected government(s) have known about these issues (congestion, pollution, oil becoming more expensive) for a long time, and no alternative has been offered. And still, even at the prices/situation we see now, still nothing is in the pipeline. So the government plan to increase taxation, on both fuel duty and car ownership. And if you hang on to your car or buy second hand, you will soon be unable to avoid paying the heavy taxation people pay on a new car, as it will be chargable on a yearly rate as well. They are playing the green card on this one too, surely keeping hold of a vehicle for a few more years will cost the planet less, than changing it every three years, given that the majority of plastics and energy used in production are not recycled?So what do we do, most people (as discussed in this or another thread) cannot instantly change there lifestyle so they dont need their cars anymore. The infrastructure is just not there to allow this. But it will come to the stage, sooner rather than later, where people will have NO choice. So where does that leave us?Sadly, between a rock and a hard place. Any transitional state will lead to turmoil, as humans are inherantly slow at adapting in any way that makes them have to make more effort. No government is going to change the state of play, so i can see us going through a few in the next few years, as to reduce the cost of motoring would be effectivley financial suicide.

[bigstraight6]

Fuel theft seems to be on the increase as a result of the current situation, some fuel station operators have actually installed 'stinger' devices to stop the growing numbers of 'non-payers'! Down here in the Westcountry there have been numerous reports on local news programs of late of folk finding thier vehicle with an empty fuel tank, drained via a hole drilled in the bottom of it, its all a bit 'Mad Max' Isn't it....

[CortinaDave]

The argument of "schools and hospitals will have to suffer if we demand a fuel duty cut" doesn't hold true.The spiralling oil prices have left slug Brown and co with a £1.1 billion VAT windfall that they hadn't budgeted for when they announced the rises.In fact they could afford to ditch the rise and cut fuel duty by 12p a litre and still be on target for what they had planned thanks to all the extra VAT readies landing on their doorstep, with no horror cuts in services.Its laughable (and political suicide) that in the face of ludicrous inflation thanks in a big part to the fuel prices they are waffling on about it all being OPECs fault and pocketing the money. Do they think we button up the back?To get out of the situation they are now in they should have capped the vat amount at a certain level when prices started to soar, then they would have avoided the anger there is now.