News

Local MP in Bid to Reduce Car Fuel Prices

Published

12 years ago

September 21, 2013

Preselli and Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb, is aiming to help relieve the burden of high fuel prices in Pembrokeshire by including our County in the Government’s rural fuel scheme, which aims to significantly reduce pump prices for our County’s drivers.

The pilot scheme currently applies to the Scottish Islands and Isles of Scilly and offers five pence per litre discount on retail prices. In their Autumn statement of 2012, the Coalition Government announced that it was considering whether to seek European Union approval for an extension to the scheme, which would apply to other remote parts of the UK. The Government recognise that fuel prices in remote areas are higher than the UK average, due to the cost of transportation and distribution. Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander MP, announced the start of a ‘Call for Information’ in order to help the Government identify fuel costs in these more remote rural areas. He has invited fuel retailers in the areas the Treasury have listed, and whose prices are at, or above, the certain levels given, to fill out a detailed spreadsheet that will be used in order for the Government to assess whether or not they meet the scheme’s criteria.

Stephen Crabb has called upon the Chief Secretary to consider Pembrokeshire in any final expansion of the scheme. Mr Crabb commented, saying,

“Fuel prices, particularly in rural areas like Pembrokeshire, are a heavy burden for families and businesses. I have always pressed the need for action to be taken to help with the increasing cost of fuel and it has been beneficial that the UK Government has frozen fuel duty for three and a half years. Whilst prices are still high, they would be thirteen pence per litre more expensive if this action had not been taken. Many residents live in small villages dispersed around the County and rely on cars to access employment opportunities, as well as many goods and services. There is no doubt that rural communities in Pembrokeshire would benefit greatly from being able to access cheaper fuel.”

He finished by stating,

“This is why I asked business owners to help by providing the evidence that the Government needs to make a decision on which rural areas will be supported. I want to make as strong a case as possible for our county to benefit by this scheme.”

Crime

Pensioner admits causing serious injury in collision

Published

46 seconds ago

February 4, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Sentencing adjourned for further victim impact statement

A PENSIONER has been given an interim driving ban after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.

Hedley Williams, 80, was driving on the A477 in July 2025 when his Honda collided with a vehicle driven by Peter Watson.

“As a result of the collision, Mr Watson sustained serious injuries and spent a month in hospital,” the court heard.

Williams, of Maesteg Road, Cwmfelin, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Sentencing was adjourned until February 24 to allow an updated victim impact statement to be obtained. Williams was released on unconditional bail.

Crime

Disqualified fisherman caught driving BMW

Published

2 minutes ago

February 4, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Court hears driver had ‘made dreadful decision’

A PEMBROKESHIRE fisherman has appeared before magistrates after being caught driving while disqualified.

David Morgan, 42, was stopped by police on December 29 while driving a BMW on the A413 at Penally.

Officers established that Morgan was uninsured and already serving a 16-month driving ban following a drug-driving conviction.

His solicitor Mike Kelleher told the court that Morgan had driven after receiving distressing news about a close family member.

“He went out to clear his head and made a dreadful decision,” he said.

Mr Kelleher added that Morgan’s son is confined to a wheelchair and his wife does not drive, meaning a further ban would cause hardship.

Magistrates chose not to impose a further disqualification. Morgan was fined £500 and ordered to pay a £200 surcharge and £85 costs. His licence was endorsed with six penalty points.

Crime

Provisional licence holder admits drink-driving through town centre

Published

3 minutes ago

February 4, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Motorist was uninsured and driving alone

A PROVISIONAL licence holder has admitted drink-driving through Haverfordwest town centre while uninsured and driving alone.

Kian Kelly, 20, was stopped by police in the early hours of January 11 as he drove a Nissan Juke along Clay Lane.

Checks showed Kelly was driving without insurance and without a supervising driver. A breath test later revealed he had 43 micrograms of alcohol in his breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35.

Kelly, of Hill Street, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to drink-driving, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

His solicitor Alaw Harries said there were no aggravating factors and that Kelly “deeply regrets his actions”.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 14 months. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.