== Duty hike backfires ==

 

The government is getting less tax from drivers despite fuel duty hikes, according to the AA. In the first quarter of 2009, falling retail sales of fuel produced £97.3m, or 2% less in fuel duty income than in the same period the previous year - despite a 2p or 4% duty increase last December. By the first quarter of 2010, fuel duty is expected to rise a further 7.34%. AA president Edmund King said: "What is the point of increasing fuel duty if it helps push the price of fuel to a level more and more drivers can’t afford?"

 

== BB’s takes off ==

 

BB’s Coffee & Muffins has opened its second forecourt outlet at a new Shell site at Newcastle Airport. It said the move was a joint venture with Roadside Group/Elite Fuels. The new outlet measures 30sq metres and serves a selection of hot paninis, toasties, baguettes and its signature muffins. The café will be geared to sell a high volume of hot drinks and sandwiches to airport visitors and staff.

 

== BP at Pease ==

 

Moto Hospitality’s Pease Pottage Motorway Service Area has joined BP. The site, located eight miles from Gatwick airport at junction 11 of the M23, has 16 car filling points and four HGV filling points as well as truck parking. The move will also see the introduction of BP’s premium range of Ultimate fuels to the site.

The service area also has an M&S Simply Food, Burger King and WH Smith. Previously a Shell site, it is one of 16 Moto sites that moved to the BP brand following a five year deal, taking the total number of Moto sites with BP to 40.