The results of a major study to look at ways to reduce the cost of decommissioning will be unveiled in Aberdeen on 27th May. The study, which is being conducted by ABB Consulting on behalf of Decom North Sea and Zero Waste Scotland, aims to improve the efficiency of future decommissioning activity and to identify decommissioning solutions which encompass re-use and thereby contribute to the circular economy approach for maximising the useful life of assets. The  study is engaging with operators on the benefits of different techniques available such single lift, piece small, salvage and load transfer.  ABB Consulting, which has more than 30 years’ experience in demolition and decommissioning services, will seek to identify the barriers and uncertainties in using these methods and establish who in the industry is offering solutions using such techniques. Jonathan Turner, senior project manager at ABB Consulting, said:  This type of research will provide a much-needed authoritative overview of what’s happening in the sector and operator concerns in relation to decommissioning.  As an industry we need to take steps to understand the challenges, overcome the barriers and establish cost-saving solutions. ABB Consulting has been gathering extensive information on innovative methods and technologies being used to minimise preparation for lift, optimise module separation and offer faster deck to deck jacket cutting technology.” www.decomnorthsea.com

Texaco retailers have been benefiting from reduced Merchant Service Charges (MSC) after Valero, restructured their agreement with their acquirer. The reduction, which came into effect in January 2015, has been possible after Visa introduced lower Cross Border rates between European countries, pre-empting proposed EU legislation changes that come into effect this autumn. “This is a great saving for our retailers, some of which could save as much as £3,000 per year,” said Andrew Cox, director of sales and marketing at Valero. “When we renegotiated our rates, our retailers were able to benefit immediately, and, I believe, we have been able to do this ahead of our competitors.” “We have one of the best retailer offerings on the market and if we can negotiate a better rate on something like MSC’s to save our retailers money then we will,” Cox added. Valero also offers its customers secure and reliable fuel supply, next day fuel deliveries seven days a week, Texaco quality fuels with Supreme grades, and the opportunity to drive volume with Valero’s high earning Star Rewards loyalty scheme.

Celebrating on the OAMPS Petrochemical stand at FPS EXPO are Duncan Grant, the newly appointed FPS president with the winning Flynn Fuels’ tanker driver Ciaran Quinn and runner up Raymond Geary from Barton Petroleum. The Driver of the Year awards were presented by Ian Peach (far right) Ciaran Quinn from County Westmeath distributor Flynn Fuels was presented with the 2015 FPS Driver of the Year Award at an evening event on the first day of last week’s FPS EXPO. Ciaran, who fought off tough competition from a record number of entries to win this year’s competition, made it to the finals together with Raymond Geary of Barton Petroleum and Terry Chapman of Tincknell Fuels. Samantha Keegan, fuel manager at Flynn Fuels who entered Ciaran for the award said: “He is one of the finest drivers that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. “It’s the little things that Ciaran does, minding the stock at all times, not running out of product here at our depot, teaching new staff about computer systems within the fuel department, teaching himself all about the loading systems and computers to be an expert in all areas of fuel and never refusing to do a job whatever its extremity.” Sponsors of the Driver of the Year award, OAMPS Petrochemical’s Andy Dix said “This award recognises the high standards being set by drivers in the UK and Republic of Ireland and we hope the awards will continue to encourage oil distributors to promote an ethos of safe driving, cleaner deliveries and outstanding customer care to create more drivers capable of winning this award.” “This award recognises the extra efforts that our member drivers show, day in day out,” added Dawn Shakespeare, marketing & events manager. “Each year this award provides the FPS with an opportunity to recognise those that are continuing to drive quality in this exciting industry.”

Pete George – looking forward to working alongside the Geos Group to ‘capture the many growth opportunities it offers’ A new strategic marine fuel distribution alliance between Phillips 66 and the Geos Group has been formed at the Port of Blyth. The UK’s largest independent marine gas oil supplier, the Geos Group owns the recently opened fuel storage facility in Blyth and has joined forces with Phillips 66 which will be operating all ex-rack road loading services from the site. From Blyth, the Phillips 66 and Geos Group partnership will supply fuel by road to vessels in ports throughout the north east of the UK, including Grangemouth, Tyne & Wear and Tees. The new alliance will also service ports in the north west, including Liverpool, Birkenhead and Barrow-in-Furness. The new £6million+ marine gas oil supply facility on the Blyth Estuary was built at the port’s Bates Terminal during 2014, and operations began in February 2015. The tank farm has a total capacity of 15 million litres of fuel, and is expected to supply a wide range of vessels operating in the North Sea energy sector. Pete George, managing director of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland Marketing comments: “With more than 130 years of experience behind us, this new venture is helping Phillips 66 to shape the changing energy landscape. This alliance with a strong, strategic partner opens up opportunities for Phillips 66, and strengthens our supply position in this region. We are delighted to be at the forefront of this exciting endeavour, and we look forward to working alongside the Geos Group to capture the many growth opportunities it offers.” Geos Group’s managing director, Barry Newton, adds: “Launching Blyth as a major fuelling point for ship operators in the north east has been a great step forward for the Geos Group. I am delighted that we have formed a mutually beneficial road distribution relationship with Phillips 66, with whom we have been doing business for many years.”www.geosgroup.comwww.phillips66.co.uk

Esso is rolling out a new site image at select Esso-branded service stations ExxonMobil is rolling out a new site image along with new product names at select Esso-branded service stations. “We’re always looking for ways to better serve our consumers and these changes are being considered to enhance the overall buying experience at our service stations, said a spokesperson. “Synergy is the new name for the fuel products being used at the converted sites. “The quality of our fuel remains unchanged and consumers can expect to buy the same high quality fuel at Esso-branded service stations.”www.esso.co.ukwww.exxonmobil.co.uk

Gulf Aviation fuel tankers provided refuelling services at last month’s Cheltenham Festival In partnership with Helicopter & Aviation Services, Gulf Aviation added another prestigious event to its portfolio when it offered refuelling facilities to visitors at last month’s Cheltenham Festival. Good weather and the prospect of seeing the retiring champion jockey Tony McCoy brought royalty and the rich and famous. Normally there are up to 650 helicopter landings at the course during the meeting making it the busiest temporary airfield anywhere in the country – including the British Grand Prix. Gulf Aviation has been supplying the UK aviation market for six years and is headed up by Alex Murphy. Within the last year the company has supplied refuelling facilities to other high profile customers: a major international sporting event and Cardiff Heliport; the base for the emergency services watching over the NATO summit. Commenting on the company’s latest contract win, Alex said: “Since Gulf Aviation’s inception in 2009, the company has been going from strength to strength, servicing smaller private and business airfields, flying clubs as well as regional airports and supplying direct to airlines. “This latest contract with Helicopter & Aviation Services to provide fuel for such a prestigious event allows us to showcase the benefits of working with a supplier with extensive experience of the aviation industry. “We appreciate that fuel uplifts can be unpredictable and affected by weather conditions, which is why we carry out thorough risk assessments on-site and strive to be on hand at all times, supplying additional fuel to Helicopter & Aviation Services when they needed it.” The now famous Cheltenham Gold Cup was created in 1924, since when it has continued to gain prominence within the racing calendar and is now widely recognised as one of the UK’s premier sporting events, alongside Wimbledon, the British Open and the British Grand Prix.http://aviation.gulfoil.co.uk/

“The importance of an energy efficient, well insulated and heated home cannot be underestimated – which is why we’re giving this strategy our full support,” says Mark Askew, FPS chief executive The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers and OFTEC have joined forces to support the government’s newly unveiled fuel poverty plan, the first for 14 years. “We greatly welcome this plan,” said Mark Askew, FPS chief executive. “Especially as it will not only help those living in fuel poverty in gas-heated homes but those who can’t afford to properly heat their off-grid homes too. “The combination of low income together with the highest energy bills means many are struggling to keep their homes warm and are living in fuel poverty. Currently, there are at least 320,000 fuel poor houses in England that are rated below Band E for energy efficiency, which means it costs a lot more to keep these homes warm. “The government’s fuel poverty target is to ensure as many houses as possible achieve a minimum energy efficiency rating of Band C by 2030. At this level, it is far more affordable to maintain a warm and comfortable home, which is hugely important for health and wellbeing. “The importance of an energy efficient, well insulated and heated home cannot be underestimated – which is why we’re giving this strategy our full support.”Making the most of a £25 million fund Part of this new initiative is a £25 million fund to support low income off-grid households, which was announced by the Government in the Autumn Statement 2014. The so-called Central Heating Fund has been created to help pay for the installation of a first time central heating system, which would significantly boost the energy efficiency levels of a home. The fund aims to improve the heating efficiency of up to 8,000 off-grid fuel poor homes. “This is good news for those using oil heating systems in their homes, as funding will soon be available if any individuals are finding it difficult to pay their fuel bills,” says Jeremy Hawksley, OFTEC director general. “It is especially good news if there are measures that can be taken, namely installing a first time central heating system or insulating the home, to greatly enhance energy efficiency levels and lower bills in the process.” The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) will soon launch a Local Authority competition to decide on how best the funding should be spent and hopes to receive bids that make the most of this initiative in terms of all it can bring to non-gas households. “In addition to this new fund, there is even more good news for those individuals who live in houses that use oil heating but are struggling to pay their bills, as the cost of oil heating is at an all-time low,” adds Mark Askew.www.oilsave.org.uk

The deal, which sees the addition of 58 sites from the Motor Fuel Group’s purchase of Murco’s retail business, takes the total number of MFG sites supplied by JET to 68. The original ten MFG sites supplied by JET are spread from Southampton in the south to Glasgow in the north, while the additional sites are located throughout Scotland, Humberside, Yorkshire, Midlands and the South East. The bulk of these new sites will be supplied from JET’s supply points at Immingham, Kingsbury and Thames. The new 5-year supply contract commences on 1st April with all sites due to be branded by the end of May 2015. “We’ve made no secret of our plans to expand our network,” said Pete George, managing director of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland Marketing. “We’ve set a target of 400 sites by 2018 – so to win a quarter of MFG’s available sites is a real coup for everyone here at JET. This latest win takes the total number of JET sites to over 350 and with further site wins in the pipeline, it’s a very exciting time for our network. “MFG is without doubt one of the largest and fastest growing independent fuel operators in the UK and as it continues its own expansion plans, we will certainly be delighted to be part of any further growth. The way MFG operates very much complements our approach to business. We hope that this latest win demonstrates that JET is a strong supply partner and is 100% committed to the future of the UK fuel retail market.” MFG fuels director Jim Mulheran added: “Our relationship with JET stretches back to 2011 and since then we’ve established a very positive working partnership. We’ve been consistently impressed with how JET operates and, based on the success of previous contracts and a competitive supply deal, the decision to choose JET as our supplier for these additional sites was an easy one. We’re very much looking forward to working with Pete and everyone at JET over the next five years and beyond.” www.phillips66.co.uk/EN/jetbrand www.motorfuelgroup.com

Meeting the needs of a busy forecourt at Adler and Allan Next month Adler and Allan will be exhibiting at the Forecourt Show (20th- 22nd April) – the UK’s biggest trade-only event dedicated to the forecourt and fuel market – where the company’s revolutionary ethanol coalescing filter will be on show.

ASCO has been awarded a contract by BP Exploration and Production to provide a range of integrated oilfield services to support its UK North Sea operations. The comprehensive contract, which is worth in excess of £100 million, covers a variety of activities including: supply-base operations; warehouse operations; the provision of waste management and local freight forwarding services. The 5-year contract with options will bring all ASCO’s service lines together to provide a strong, cohesive delivery model focused on the provision of value and service excellence. Craig Lennox, CEO – Europe at ASCO said: ‘We are pleased to be building on a client relationship that spans more than 20 years. Maintaining this strong and successful connection with BP is a great achievement and we look forward to safely and efficiently delivering on this key contract.’ Working for many of the worlds’ leading oil and gas companies, ASCO, which is owned by its management and private equity investors, Doughty Hanson, provides provide personnel, training and advisory services in both offshore and onshore markets. www.ascoworld.com

Emco Wheaton will be among the exhibitors at next month’s FPS EXPO in Harrogate Making it simpler for clients to find a distributor of the products they need, was one of the main reasons why Emco Wheaton chose to re-design its global website. Designed to offer a more user-friendly experience, the new site also provides a better showcase for the company’s product range, which includes the TODO range of products. “At Emco Wheaton we’re always looking to grow our global presence and service offerings in line with customer demand and an ever-changing industry,” said Emma Ardley-Batt, global marketing manager. “Brand identity and being able to communicate via websites has never been more critical to a company’s long term success, so it was absolutely vital that the new website is easy to use and looks great. “Thanks to the bright new design and simple layout, all users will find the new site much easier to navigate. Regardless of what they’re searching for, from the latest industry news to careers at Emco Wheaton, visitors can be sure to find it quickly, easily and within just a few clicks of a button.www.emcowheaton.com


Will you win an iPad mini 2 by guessing the ex-rack price onMabaLIVE for kerosene at Grays at a pre-specified time? Guess the ex-rack price on MabaLIVE for kerosene at Grays* for your chance to win an iPad mini 2. Following the success of its Guess the Price competition last year Mabanaft is planning to run a similar event at FPS EXPO 2015 – and this year the company will give away two fabulous silver iPad mini 2s. Participants simply have to guess what they think the ex-rack price will be on MabaLIVE for kerosene at Grays* at a pre-specified time (to be confirmed on the day). The person to guess the correct price (or closest to the correct price) will win. The competition runs throughout the exhibition (Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd April) and a winner will be drawn on both days. * 30 day payment term ex-rack price for kerosene at Grays. Terms and conditions apply. At FPS this year Mabanaft will be promoting its fully responsive online price information and fuel ordering service MabaLIVE for mobile. The system now works seamlessly across desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones allowing customers to view live pricing and place an order even when they are away from their office. Mabanaft’s marketing manager Martin Cook said: “Precision of pricing, plus the option to execute orders on a live basis allows clients to optimise market movements which can be highly beneficial for their business. For many customers being able to do this when away from their office is an enormous benefit”. To take part in the competition visit Mabanaft on stand B48/49 where a member of the team will take your entry and give you a FREE power bank charger as a thank you for taking part. On both days the competition will close at 2.00pm and the winner will be drawn and awarded at 3.00pm followed by a champagne toast. For information on MabaLIVE please call our marketing team on 0207 802 3300, email sales@mabanaft.co.uk or visit www.mabalive.co.uk.

“This is a fantastic win for us and reflects our strategy to substantially increase the number of Valero-supplied customers throughout the UK and Ireland,” says Eric Fisher, president – Europe Valero has reached an agreement to supply 78 forecourts which MFG purchased from Murco last year. Fuel supply begins at the end of March and all sites should be Texaco-branded by mid-July.VALERO – STILL A POSITIVE STORY – SEE THE APRIL 2015 ISSUE OF FUEL OIL NEWS Valero has gained 140 new sites in the past two years; with the addition of MFG’s 78 sites, Valero will supply over 850 Texaco-branded service stations in England and Wales. “This is a fantastic win for us and reflects our strategy to substantially increase the number of Valero-supplied customers throughout the UK and Ireland,” said Eric Fisher, president – Europe. “Once again the benefits from our improvements to our supply infrastructure mean we’re able to deliver a very competitive package for retailers.” Texaco retailers benefit from a secure and reliable fuel supply from Valero’s refinery network. Security of supply is just one of many benefits of signing up to the Texaco brand, including next day fuel deliveries seven days a week, Texaco quality fuels with Supreme grades, an award winning forecourt image, and the opportunity to drive volume with Valero’s high earning Star Rewards loyalty scheme.www.valero.com

Two men from Great Yarmouth were arrested last week after HMRC dismantled a diesel laundering plant, capable of evading over £1.3 million in duty and taxes a year. Storage tanks, equipment, 1,500 litres of suspected laundered fuel and 4,000 litres of red diesel were seized during the operation. The men aged 40 and 30 have been released on bail and investigations are continuing. In Northern Ireland a 43-year-old man was also arrested at private premises in the Ardboe area where a laundering plant capable of producing over one million litres of illicit fuel a year, evading over £700,000 in lost duty and taxes was uncovered in a shed. A transit van and nearly four tonnes of toxic waste – the by-product of the laundering process – were removed from the site. Each year £480 million is lost to fuel fraud in the UK – anyone with information about this type of activity should contact HMRC on the Customs’ Hotline on 0800 59 5000.

David Fairchild, managing director of WP Group, with commercial director, Darren Borras, outside the company’s headquarters at Fawley WP Group has been ranked by ExxonMobil, operator of Britain’s largest oil refinery, as a top Mobil lubricants distributor across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Each year ExxonMobil awards top performing distributors from around the world with ‘Elite Club’ status. Presented ‘gold’ just two years prior, WP’s repeat performance in 2014 recognises another “outstanding performance” in their field. Business excellence criteria for the top spot included sales growth, workforce development, operational excellence and marketing programme implementation. With a history that dates back more than 50 years, Southampton-based WP has a longstanding relationship with ExxonMobil and is one of three authorised distributors of Mobil lubricants in the UK. WP Group’s managing director, David Fairchild, commented: “The Elite Club Gold Award is testament to the continued investment the company is making into its lubricants business and the Mobil brand. To be recognised by as a leading distributor for ExxonMobil is a fantastic achievement and one that everyone at WP Group should take pride in.” Darren Borras, WP’s commercial director, added: “As recognition of our hard work and commitment, it is with great honour that we accept this esteemed award. With a focused leadership team and ongoing investment in talent, the board is committed to continuing the development of WP Group into an engineering led and solutions-focused, sustainable business.” Headquartered at ExxonMobil’s Fawley refinery, WP employs more than 100 people and has annual group revenues exceeding £200M. The family-run business is listed as one of southern England’s largest privately owned companies.www.thewp-group.co.uk

The Downstream Oil Industry Distribution Forum (DODF) has announced that more than 5,800 Petroleum Driver Passports have now been issued by the scheme manager, Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Once all drivers have completed their current training, it is estimated that at least 6,500 drivers will hold the qualification. PDP has been developed by the DODF to cover those elements of knowledge and skill required by a petroleum tanker driver that are not covered by the current ADR scope. It includes an assessment of practical ability and has been designed to sit alongside existing ADR and CPC requirements with employers having the flexibility to run the training either concurrently or separately. Implemented in 2014, PDP was designed to have an annual refresher element so that drivers are not just trained and assessed once every five years. To maintain the validity of their PDP, drivers must undergo annual classroom training and pass a practical assessment, both of which are then registered with the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The DODF chair, Peter Oakford, commented: “Achieving this milestone is a testament not only to the focus on safety by the professional drivers and transportation companies within the UK, but to the benefits it bring to our industry in ensuring consistent high standards that are understood and accepted by all.” Ian Carruthers, Wincanton’s business unit director for fuels, commented: “Wincanton has around 450 tanker drivers, responsible for delivering over four billion litres of fuel across the UK, and the health and safety of our drivers, customers and the general public is of paramount importance. “The significant milestone of over 5,800 petroleum driver passports issued should be celebrated since it provides evidence and assurance that Wincanton’s commitment to safety is now shared across the industry with the PDP ensuring a common core of tested knowledge and competence in the loading, driving and delivery of petroleum fuels.”

Geos Group managing director Barry Newton, and project leader Liz Winship with Port of Blyth director Alan Todd, alongside The Shannon Fisher at the new terminal February saw the arrival of the first tanker at the newly opened marine fuel terminal at Port of Blyth. The tanker, Shannon Fisher, delivered the first cargo of just under 1,500 tonnes of marine gas oil which was transferred to the 15 million litre capacity tank farm recently completed at the port’s Bates Terminal. The facility, operated by the Geos Group, is expected to prove particularly attractive to vessels operating in the North Sea offshore energy sector, but is also available for servicing a wide range of other traffic. The Geos Group’s managing director, Barry Newton, said: “We are delighted to have completed the build and receive the first vessel at our new fuel terminal. The facility is a strategically important new asset and will enhance our bunkering services to existing and new customers alike.” Port of Blyth chief executive, Martin Lawlor, added: “This is another important step forward in the port’s growth plans and re-affirms our position as a growing offshore energy hub. I am confident that the terminal and partnership with the Geos Group will go from strength to strength, with future expansion of the facility a shared objective.” The £6+ million development at the Blyth Estuary has been supported by Northumberland development company, Arch, which has provided assistance through its business growth programme. The Geos Group is a marine fuel supplier with a £200+ million turnover, providing storage, supply and logistics solutions.www.geosgroup.com

HMRC officers uncovered a diesel laundering plant the shores of Lough Ross in Co. Armagh A suspected diesel laundering plant, discovered on a farm overlooking the shores of Lough Ross in Co Armagh, has been dismantled by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Officers from HMRC, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, searched the farm in the Crossmaglen area, where the laundering plant was uncovered in an agricultural shed. Officers also found more than 4.5 tonnes of toxic waste at the site. The plant is estimated to be capable of producing over 7.5 million litres of illicit fuel a year, potentially evading around £4.3 million in taxes and duty. Mike Parkinson, assistant director, criminal investigation, HMRC, said: “Every illegal laundering operation typically generates tonnes of toxic waste, leading to significant safety and environmental issues. The location of this laundering plant, on a farm overlooking Lough Ross, raises concerns around the potential pollution risks involved. “As taxpayers and local ratepayers, not only are we missing out on the stolen tax that ends up the pockets of the criminals, we are also paying the substantial clean-up and disposal costs.” Storage tanks, pumps and other equipment used in the fuel laundering process, along with three vehicles, have been seized from the site. A 52-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the investigation and has been released on bail. Investigations are on-going.

Adler & Allan’s mobile fuel polishing services Last week Adler and Allan exhibited at Data Centre World. This two-day event brought together data centre experts and service providers from across the globe. Adler and Allan advised on how to ensure data centres could keep running through fuel polishing and general tank services, as well as flood mitigation. Alan Scrafton, Group Marketing Manager, at Adler and Allan, explained: “With most data centres holding large amounts of fuel to feed generators as back-up power, it is vital that the quality and cleanliness of fuel within storage tanks is maintained to minimise the risk of blockage, contamination or fuel system wear. “In addition, flooding poses an ever-increasing threat to data centres. Businesses need to protect their assets, actioning risk assessments and implementing flood mitigation steps to minimise the damage flooding can cause. It is far better for businesses to be proactive, rather than reactive; think long-term and calculate the risk in order to protect these often essential facilities.” Adler and Allan can provide regular maintenance programmes to ensure fuel quality, helping to reduce downtime and maintenance costs. Its mobile tank cleaning service can treat from 3,000 to 100,000 litres of fuel per hour. The company also carries out flood risk assessments to establish a flood plan and then put in place the appropriate flood defences, ranging from lightweight demountable systems to its newest product, JBAR, a modular flood defence system which can also provide spill containment.www.adlerandallan.co.uk

Warrington-based Certas Energy has entered into a primary authority partnership with Warrington Borough Council. Introduced by the government in 2009, a primary authority partnership enables a local authority to work with a company to assist with compliance issues, provide advice and act as a point of contact for other authorities who enquire about the company. “Certas Energy aims to lead the way in its compliance and governance regime and in the way that we interface with regulatory authorities and with our customers,” commented corporate affairs director, Brian Worrall. “Joining Warrington Borough Council in this national partnership with Trading Standards ensures we have regular dialogue on any issues that arise, and this enables us to improve and refine our business practices for the benefit of all our stakeholders.” Cllr David Keane, board member for environment and public protection, explained further: “Through primary authority partnerships the council is able to give more consistent regulatory advice and enforcement for areas such as trading standards. The advice that we can give under the scheme also gives a business a level of legal protection and we can support on regulatory matters that protects those businesses in the event of any future regulatory disputes and assists them in making sure that any policies that they implement do not breach the law. “Since its launch, Primary Authority has had a great amount of support and figures from October revealed over 1900 businesses are in partnerships with nearly 140 local authorities across the country. “When a business chooses to enter a partnership it demonstrates a commitment to working with regulators. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/better-regulation-delivery-office

At the beginning of March the drug driving law changed to make it easier for the police to catch and convict drug drivers. It is now an offence to drive with certain drugs above a specified level in your blood – just as it is with drink driving. Sixteen legal and illegal drugs are covered by the law, including cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine. The limits for all illegal drugs are extremely low – taking even a very small amount of an illegal drug could put you over the limit. The new offence will work alongside the existing offence of driving whilst impaired through drink or drugs. The penalties for drug driving are the same as for drink driving. If convicted you will receive a minimum 12-month driving ban; a criminal record; and a fine of up to £5000 or up to six months in prison or both. Through its THINK! Campaign, the Department for Transport stresses that the consequences of a drug drive conviction are far reaching and can include: job loss; loss of independence; the shame of having a criminal record; increase in vehicle insurance costs; and problems getting in to countries such as the USA. “Driving under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous and can affect driving skills in a number of ways,” says the campaign. “Drug drivers can suffer from slower reaction times, erratic and aggressive behaviour, and inability to concentrate properly, nausea, hallucinations, panic attacks, paranoia, tremors, dizziness and fatigue. Driving in any of these conditions is a bad idea – not just for the driver but for their passengers and other road users.” think.direct.gov.uk/drug-driving.html

National road safety charity Brake is calling on drivers to slow down and watch out for children on foot or bike.