UK motorists compile 2012 motoring wishlist

A survey commissioned by Be Wiser Insurance has seen UK drivers compile a motoring wishlist for 2012:

1. Lower petrol prices
2. Disappearance of all pot holes
3. Free servicing
4. Scrapping of speed cameras
5. Free MOT (plus any costs as a result of the test)
6. Electronic parking sensors/aids
7. Heated seats
8. Night vision for your car
9. Speed camera detector
10. Continuation of Government scrappage scheme
11. Personalised registration plates

Unsurprisingly, 25% of respondents put a drop in fuel prices at the top of their wishlist. But it looks as though their wishful thinking will remain unfulfilled after one of Britain’s biggest refineries, Coryton in Essex, went bust last month. As well as motorists facing a serious risk to forecourt supplies, retailers say it could see petrol prices soaring to record highs.

In second place came the disappearance of potholes, which has been granted following a dramatic drop in damaged roads throughout the country since last year, thanks in part to the mild winter.

The third most wished for change was having the sting taken out of those annual motoring costs. A close third, fourth and fifth were free servicing, the scrapping of speed cameras and free MOT tests respectively.

Maybe surprisingly, only 4% of respondents desired a resurrection of the government's scrappage scheme that saw the sales of new cars bolstered in its time.

Mark Bower-Dyke, Chairman of Be Wiser Insurance, comments: "With high oil prices and inflation the cost at the pump has become painful for many motorists - road users are really feeling a pinch directly in their pockets. Previously motorists wanted solutions to the cause of their problems; now most just want to simply avoid further damage to their wallets.’

‘In total, nearly a fifth desired an advanced motoring technology such as heated seats, electronic parking sensors and speed camera detectors and some even wanted nightvision for their car – wishful thinking maybe! However, all of these technological items on the wishlist show not only a desire for new toys, but more importantly ways in which minor accidents can be avoided. While these bumps may be minor the cost of repairs can be unfortunately high. This isn't something any of us want at the best of times, let alone when we're all being squeezed.’

‘The costs of visits to the garage can become more daunting when money is tight, especially as these can be expensive single lump payments. Equally, many repairs are required because of excessive wear and tear from poorly maintained roads. With better road surfaces many would have cheaper garage bills. Sadly, having someone else pay for your car´s MOT, repairs or servicing really is one for the wishlist!"