Editorial Policy

Our commitment to accuracy, independence, and transparency in fuel price data and automotive journalism.

Last Updated
February 4, 2026
Contents

Our Mission

Check Fuel Prices is backed by Motorscan, the UK's trusted vehicle history checking service established in 2018. With a track record of serving millions of motorists with accurate automotive data, we've expanded our mission to tackle another pain point: unfair fuel pricing.

Our interest is simple and unwavering: empowering motorists and helping them save money. We believe every driver deserves access to transparent, real-time fuel prices without the frustration of driving around comparing forecourts or being misled by outdated prices.

We believe in transparency, open data, and fair competition in the fuel retail market. There are no retailer partnerships influencing our rankings, no "featured" stations paying for preferential placement, and no commercial interests clouding our judgment.

Our editorial policy ensures that every piece of content—from price data to market analysis—meets the highest standards of accuracy and independence. With Motorscan's proven expertise in automotive intelligence and data integrity, Check Fuel Prices stands as a trusted ally for UK drivers.

Core Editorial Principles

Accuracy First

Every price is sourced directly from official UK government feeds via the Temporary Road Fuel Price Transparency Scheme. We never accept user-submitted prices to prevent inaccuracy.

Editorial Independence

Our editorial content is never influenced by fuel retailers, advertisers, or commercial partnerships. Analysis and recommendations are based solely on data and driver benefit.

Transparency

We clearly disclose our data sources, update frequencies, and any limitations. Our methodology is open and verifiable against official government data.

Consumer Focus

Every decision we make prioritizes the driver's interest: saving money, saving time, and accessing trustworthy information without bias or hidden agendas.

Data Integrity Standards

Source Verification
  • All fuel prices are sourced from the UK Government's official fuel price API
  • Data is collected every 30 minutes to ensure real-time accuracy
  • We display the exact timestamp of each price update
  • Prices older than 24 hours are flagged as potentially outdated
Data Processing
  • Raw data undergoes automated validation checks for anomalies
  • Suspected errors (e.g., prices 50%+ different from regional average) are flagged
  • Historical data is preserved to enable trend analysis and price history features
  • Location data is verified against official station records
Limitations & Disclaimers

We are transparent about what we can and cannot guarantee:

  • Price accuracy: Prices are accurate at the time of API update but may change at the forecourt before our next update cycle
  • Station participation: Only retailers participating in the government scheme are displayed
  • Data delays: While we aim for 30-minute updates, technical issues or API downtime may cause delays

Content Creation Guidelines

Editorial Content

Our guides, analysis, and market reports follow strict editorial standards:

  • Expert authorship: All analysis is written or reviewed by automotive and data industry professionals
  • Fact-checking: Claims about fuel economy, driving tips, and market trends are verified against reputable sources
  • Citations: External data sources and research are properly attributed
  • Updates: Content is reviewed quarterly and updated when information becomes outdated
Market Analysis

Our weekly market outlooks and price forecasts:

  • Are based on wholesale fuel price data, currency exchange rates, and historical patterns
  • Clearly distinguish between confirmed price changes and predictions
  • Include appropriate caveats about market volatility
  • Are written by analysts with verifiable expertise in energy markets

Corrections & Updates Policy

Reporting Errors

If you spot an error in our content or notice price data that appears incorrect, please contact us immediately at [email protected]

Our Correction Process
  • Minor errors (typos, formatting) are corrected immediately without notice
  • Factual errors are corrected within 24 hours with a visible "Updated" notice
  • Significant errors affecting analysis or recommendations receive a prominent correction notice at the top of the article
  • Original text is preserved in strikethrough when context is important
Example Correction Notice:

Correction (Jan 20, 2026): An earlier version of this article stated that Shell V-Power contains 5% ethanol. It contains up to 5% ethanol but is typically ethanol-free. We regret the error.

Advertising & Commercial Disclosure

Editorial Independence

There is a strict firewall between our editorial team and any commercial relationships:

  • Advertisers have no influence over fuel price display, rankings, or editorial content
  • We do not accept payment to promote specific fuel stations or brands
  • Sponsored content (if ever implemented) will be clearly labeled and visually distinct
  • Affiliate links (if used) are disclosed at the point of use
What We Don't Do
Paid rankings or "featured" stations
Hidden sponsored articles
Manipulated price displays
Pay-for-review schemes

Editorial Team & Expertise

Our content is created and reviewed by professionals with demonstrable expertise in automotive, energy markets, and data journalism:

Jonathan Mathews
Jonathan Mathews
Automotive Expert

10+ years in automotive journalism and motor trade analysis. Contributor to industry publications.

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Zoe Harper
Zoe Harper
Senior Data Analyst

Specialist in fuel market trends and consumer pricing analysis. Background in energy economics.

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Contributor Guidelines

All contributors must disclose potential conflicts of interest, including employment by fuel retailers, automotive manufacturers, or industry lobby groups. Guest articles are clearly labeled as such.

Contact Our Editorial Team

We welcome feedback, correction requests, and questions about our editorial process:

Editorial Inquiries
[email protected]
Report Data Issues
[email protected]
Response Time Commitment

We aim to acknowledge all editorial inquiries within 48 hours and resolve correction requests within 24 hours.

Questions About Our Standards?

We're committed to transparency. If you have questions about our editorial process, data sources, or content standards, we're here to help.

Contact Editorial Team About Check Fuel Prices