Government bid to cut driving costs

Plans designed to reduce petrol prices at motorway service stations and a freeze on the cost of the MoT test have been announced by the government.

A crackdown on whiplash injury fraud is also part of the driver-friendly package to be introduced from next year.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said t he statutory maximum price of the MoT test for a car will be frozen at £54.85 until 2015 - potentially saving up to £50 million for drivers every year.

He said new comparison road signs will be trialled which will show prices at different service stations along a route, making it easier for drivers to get the cheapest deal and encouraging competition on prices.

Mr Grayling said whiplash cheats, whose bogus compensation claims have helped to force up average motor insurance premiums, will be targeted by new independent medical panels which will ensure only evidence from accredited professionals can be considered.

"We are turning the tide on the compensation culture and helping hard-working people by tackling high insurance premiums and other motoring costs," he said.

"It's not right that people who cheat the insurance system get away with it while forcing up the price for everyone else - so we are now going after whiplash fraudsters and will keep on driving premiums down."

Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said: "The costs of owning and running a car are felt by millions of households and businesses across the nation. The Government is determined to help keep those costs down. That is why we are freezing the price for an MoT test and looking again at the costs associated with getting a driving licence.

"We also want to make it easier for people to get a better deal on fuel at motorway service stations ."

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