Displaying of pump fuel prices

DaveJFT

Hi folks,

What is the interpretation law governing how filling stations should display fuel prices on their forecourts?

I understand that the roadside signs do not (currently) need to display prices for fuels other than standard "premium" petrol and diesel (i.e. not for "advanced" fuels) as this sign is classed as an "invitation to treat" but do all prices have to be displayed on the pump for all fuels dispensed by that pump?

The law states that the price must be clearly visible to the motorist prior to the commencement of refueling. Does this mean that nothing has to be shown to the motorist until he/she lifts the nozzle or must the price for all fuels dispensed be shown clearly on the outside of the pump?

I drove into a filling station last night that had no prices anywhere for their "advanced" fuels and I wasn't notified of the price until I lifted the nozzle off the pump. I'm wondering whether this is allowed.

Thanks,

Dave

nidO

Don't see why it wouldn't be, once you lift the nozzle if you don't like the price you can just put it back down again and leave.

dannyrst

nidO wrote: »

Don't see why it wouldn't be, once you lift the nozzle if you don't like the price you can just put it back down again and leave.

Does that work for pay at the pump?

Situation:

You drive up with no prices showing on any signs. You put your card in, it is accepeted and says lift nozzle to begin fueling. You lift nozzle, at which point see price is £1.XX.

Assuming there is a minimum fuel delivery, can you just put it back with it at 0 and it works?

I've never tried but always assumed once the pump is active you have to hit the minimum fuel delivery.

[Deleted User]

There is a cancel option on pay at pumps. Once your pin has been accepted the transaction can be cancelled at any time before fueling.

Buzby

it's allowed - the requirement to have the price ON the pump used to mean sticky numbers near the petrol grade sign but this changed a good few years ago. As long a the price per litre is shown once you select the grade, this is now deemed compliant.

tykesi

Spam reported (this'll look silly when they get deleted).

(look even sillier if it doesn't)

dannyrst

lol. if you don't like the price of petrol, buy a bike or an electric car.

societys_child

dannyrst wrote: »

Does that work for pay at the pump?

I've never tried but always assumed once the pump is active you have to hit the minimum fuel delivery.

If you don't take any fuel the pump will reset after a very short time . . you have to enter your card and pin again if you actually wanted some fuel but messed around too long.:o

Tilt

Might be covered here;

http://www.lawdonut.co.uk/law/sales-and-marketing/consumer-protection/unfair-trading-trade-descriptions-and-pricing-faqs

Joe_Horner

dannyrst wrote: »

Assuming there is a minimum fuel delivery, can you just put it back with it at 0 and it works?

I've never tried but always assumed once the pump is active you have to hit the minimum fuel delivery.

The minimum delivery on fuel pumps doesn't actually mean that they'll refuse to sell you less than that amount (although they may not be thrilled). It's there because below that amount the metering may not fall within the required accuracy (a maximum error of -0.5% volume).

Say the pump measures in increments of 10ml, so the actual delivery could be up to that much out. 10ml is 0.5% of 2 litres (the usual minimum delivery) so, if you only pump 1 litre, the delivery could be up to a full 1% below what the meter says.

They'll still sell you the one litre measured by the pump (although might look at you a bit odd) but, if it turns out that only 990ml came out of the nozzle, then that's your bad luck.