Why?

[Monty Python]

Just come across this article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24633528

...and it makes me wonder why? Clearly any driver with more than a dozen brain cells knows that petrol on the motorway is more expensive, and that there are websites and apps that will tell you where the cheapest petrol is, so why do we need to waste money putting signs up?

IMHO if you're too lazy to find cheaper petrol then that's your fault.

[Ved]

It doesn't mean it's right though.

[stevesingo]

What it will do is shame the motorway service stations. Sign on M6 2 miles short of the services states average UK retail price of UL is 138.9, fuel at next stop is 144.9. The threat of drivers continuing past the services may encouage service station operators to reduce their prices.

[stevesingo]

RE Whiplash symptoms;

Caused by sudden movement of the head which damages the ligaments and tendons in the neck
Symptoms often take six to 12 hours to develop
Common symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, tenderness over the neck muscles and headaches
Usually diagnosed from a verbal description of symptoms
Tests and scans are not usually required
Whiplash usually gets better without the need for treatment, other than taking painkillers
One study found the average recovery time was 32 days.
In most cases trying to keep the neck mobile will help speed recovery
In around one in 10 cases, the pain can last for six months or longer

I wonder if the statistics are skewing the clinical facts, i.e onset of symptoms 12hrs after the event. Is this because those making bogus claims are presenting later after they have had time to speak to the ambulance chasing lawyers?

Average recovery 32days? Why is 32days discomfort worth thousends of pounds?
In most cases trying to keep the neck mobile aids recovery? Why do we see so many with collers on, to bump up the legitimacy of their claim perhaps?

[Monty Python]

I wish the BBC would stop reusing links - first it was about fuel prices, now it's about whiplash...

Anyway, the original topic:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2472311/Fu...

I still don't think it'll do anything - there are still too many drivers who are too lazy to bother. The only thing that'll get service stations to drop prices is if nobody uses them.

[thismonkeyhere]

I always assumed motorway service station fuel is just for those not paying for the fuel from their own pocket (ie business users etc) and those caught out and putting in just enough to keep going until able to get fuel at a realistic price (ie me, once a year or so)?

[kambites]

stevesingo said:

What it will do is shame the motorway service stations. Sign on M6 2 miles short of the services states average UK retail price of UL is 138.9, fuel at next stop is 144.9. The threat of drivers continuing past the services may encouage service station operators to reduce their prices.

That would probably drive the motorway service stations out of business - the rents on those places are apparently obscene, they aren't hugely profitable.

[kambites]

stevesingo said:

Average recovery 32days? Why is 32days discomfort worth thousends of pounds?

The problem is, in its worst cases it can be completely debilitating and can last a long time... and it's almost impossible to prove whether this is the case in any one given circumstance.

Clearly something needs to be done about all the bogus claims, but preferably not at the expense of the few people who are genuinely seriously injured.

[750turbo]

thismonkeyhere said:

I always assumed motorway service station fuel is just for those not paying for the fuel from their own pocket (ie business users etc) and those caught out and putting in just enough to keep going until able to get fuel at a realistic price (ie me, once a year or so)?

My company actively monitors the fuel card purchases, and emails the line managers and end users accordingly.

Of course they all have time to chase cheaper fuel...

(I opted out of Co Car and Fuel Card yonks ago)

[thismonkeyhere]

Maybe some people don't care to monitor fuel prices? With my annual mileage (15,000) in the commutermobile, I would spend approximately an extra £140-£150 in a year if I only filled up at motorway service stations.

Perhaps about £50/year if we consider how many times I would actually find myself with a motorway service station as the nearest/best/only option.

Look after the pennies, and all that, but I'm starting to wonder if it's worth the effort...


Goes away to check arithmetic and ponder life...