Travel

Passengers claiming compensation for delays and disruption in Great Britain will now be able to receive it in cash instead of rail vouchers, if they request it.

Five of the major car rental companies – Avis-Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, which represent two thirds of the UK and EU market – have agreed to improve the information they give to motorists following a Europe-wide review of the industry.

Motorists planning to hire a car in the UK or abroad will now have more time to get a 'check code', following criticism that the original 72 hours wasn't long enough.

'Road tax' rates are to be shaken up for new cars from 2017, while a new 'Roads Fund' is to be established so money raised in England will be spent on maintaining and upgrading roads in the country.

The financial crisis in Greece and ensuing euro worries mean the pound is currently buying €1.41 – a seven year record high. This would've been unthinkable this time last year when you'd have done well to get €1.25 and two years ago when €1.17 would've been worth whooping about.

It's hoped a deal will be reached this week to stop Greece having to leave the euro, but many in the UK are still worried about forthcoming holidays booked to the country.

Petrol prices have reached a six-month high, causing many motorists to reduce their car use, according to the AA.