Laura welcomes Government announcement on new Pumpwatch scheme, under which fuel retailers will be forced to share price changes within 30 minutes.
Under the scheme, drivers will be able to get the latest petrol station prices via navigation apps, in-car devices and comparison websites.
The public consultation was launched today (16 January) and consumers, retailers, and other organisations are being asked for their views on the best way implement the open data scheme. Laura said:
“I have been raising concerns for almost two years about high fuel prices in the Newbury area, in particular the fact that many neighbouring retailers are cheaper. It is vital that drivers have real-time price information to find the best deal at the pump. This is particularly important in West Berkshire given the issue of price differentials in surrounding areas, which I am continuing to report to the Competition & Market Authority (CMA).
I remain concerned that providers are taking advantage of Newbury’s relatively rural location and the high level of car use, although we have seen significant improvements in the last three months. I am pleased that the Government is taking tough action on unfair fuel prices by increasing transparency for motorists, and I encourage constituents to respond to the consultation.”
The Government’s Pumpwatch scheme follows the CMA’s year-long market study into the road fuel sector which recommended the development a statutory fuel finder scheme.