Harlow’s Robert Halfon MP has welcomed an announcement from the Government launching Pumpwatch, a new regulator that will drive down fuel prices at the pumps, saving Harlow drivers hundreds of pounds.
Since elected to Parliament in 2010, Mr Halfon has been a vocal campaigner to cut the cost of living and drive down fuel prices for Harlow residents. From slashing tax, like last week’s National Insurance cut, to freezing fuel duty for over a decade, Robert has championed the cost of living in Parliament, lobbying successive Governments to ensure hardworking Harlow people keep more of the money they earn.
The new Pumpwatch scheme, confirmed by Energy Secretary Claire Couthino yesterday, will monitor the price of petrol and diesel in real time, publishing information within thirty minutes of any change in price. This allows drivers to shop around and find the cheapest fuel in their local area. Robert has raised the need for Pumpwatch to protect Harlow drivers in Parliament - in 2022 he secured cross-party support for the scheme and wrote to the then Transport Secretary about the urgency of creating a fuel prices monitor.
Real time monitoring is predicted to save drivers up to three pence per litre every time they fill up. Together with the Government’s five pence per litre cut to fuel duty, which Robert successfully campaigned for in 2022, Harlow drivers will save hundreds of pounds every year.
Welcoming Pumpwatch, Robert commented, “Since being elected as Harlow’s MP, I have worked tirelessly to cut the cost of living and have been recognised by previous Chancellors for my work to cut the cost of fuel duty to help hardworking Harlow residents.
“The new Pumpwatch scheme announced by the Government yesterday will ensure that drivers in Harlow and across the country can find real time fuel prices and choose their cheapest local filling station. Driving up competition between suppliers means retailers will pass on savings from the falling price of fuel to consumers straight away, saving drivers every time they fill up at the pump.
Commenting on the new scheme, Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said, “Our work on competition and transparency is working. Drivers are now paying the lowest average price at the pump for 2 years.
“We are forcing retailers to share live information on their prices within 30 minutes of any change in price, helping drivers to find the best deal at the pump.
“This will put motorists back in the driving seat and bring much-needed competition back to the forecourts.”
