Bells Motor Group is a family-run business operating Kia and Volvo dealerships in Northampton and Bedford. With over 55 years of experience in the automotive industry, the group excels in a customer-first approach. 

Bells has worked with Bumper since January 2023, using PayLater through Bumper’s Keyloop integration to split the cost of customers’ repair and service work into interest-free monthly payments. 

A recent feature update to the Keyloop integration added automatic payment reconciliation. Payments taken through Bumper are automatically reconciled in the Keyloop DMS, negating the need for advisors to double-key payments. 

Automatic payment reconciliation has resulted in tangible results for Bells. Less time spent double-keying customers’ details has resulted in an average saving of 

Considering operational costs, it’s estimated this time saving equates to 

Clive Bell said, ‘Bumper’s new automatic payment reconciliation for Keyloop has massively improved our group’s efficiency. Previously, advisors had to double-key customers' payments; once on the Bumper system and then again on Keyloop. 

‘The process was heavily error-prone and time-consuming for advisors. This new feature automatically updates both systems meaning time can be allocated to other tasks. We’ve found this new feature has saved 4.5 hours per day across our business.’ 

Bumper’s digital payment solutions are built specifically for the automotive market. Register your interest to speak to one of our payment experts now.

Bells Motor Group Case Study: Improving workshop efficiency by harnessing digital tools

We’re celebrating our latest Dealership of the Month – Citygate Kia Slough. 

The Slough-based site had an impressive Month using Bumper’s PayLater to split the cost of customers’ repair bills into monthly payments. 

Doubling the number of transactions year-on-year, the team saw a 21% increase in conversion and an 86% increase in redwork value. 

The team use the Bumper RTC integration to further streamline the process. 

PayLater allowed the service team at Kia Slough to deliver on their commitment to outstanding customer service. 

Charlotte Miller (Kia Slough service team) said: “Whenever one of my customers comes in for a service, I explain we have two payment options – in full or monthly. This really gives drivers peace of mind as they aren’t always aware that option exists for car repairs. 

“Quite often the repair bill is unexpected, so it just eases people’s minds when they find out they need extra work. 

“It’s great for the customer because they drive away happy and it’s great for us as we get that work over the line we otherwise might not have secured.” 

Customers praised the site for being helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. On Trustpilot, Alma wrote: “Very helpful and friendly team”. Kristof said: “I’ve got my service bill sorted with Bumper. They offered me a payment plan in just a couple of minutes. It’s really simple.” 

Congratulations to Katherine, Charlotte, Natalia, Charlie and the whole team at Citygate Kia Slough! 

Citygate Kia Slough crowned Dealer of the Month

Most people will answer with cash or a bank card, but you might want to explore a third option: 

Fuel cards are another helpful way to pay for 

 This article will cover how a fuel card works, what you can use it for, who’s eligible for one, and other key FAQs.

Fuel cards are like credit cards for fuel (petrol and diesel).

You go to the petrol station, fill your car’s tank, and then pay for the fuel with the card. The assistant will swipe it or insert it into the card machine like a normal credit or debit card. 

Allstar and UK Fuels are popular fuel card companies. You can also use petrol-station-specific cards, such as BP fuel cards. However, these limit your options, as you can’t use them with competitor brands.

 or diesel. Like a physical credit or debit card, you give it to the assistant when it’s time to pay.

However, unlike your personal card, payment is sent to your employer as a bill. You won’t need to settle the charge. 

 when you pay with your card. You may also be asked to give the 

 The assistant will enter this information into the till after swiping your card to verify your registration matches the vehicle registered with the card. 

These checks might seem unnecessary, but they’re in play to ensure you’re using the fuel card appropriately to your employer. No filling up friends' and family's tanks here!

Fuel cards are typically used by employees who drive for work, with companies covering costs and verifying usage for the correct vehicles.

Examples include delivery drivers, contractors, and emergency service personnel like police or ambulance drivers. 

Employees with company cars may also use fuel cards, but this ultimately depends on company policy.

Fuel cards are worth it as they make expense claims much easier and faster for company accountants. 

Rather than sorting through loose receipts and one-off charges, fuel cards provide streamlined bills and reduce the 

as they’re only eligible for the company car. 

Not only that, but fuel cards can save money—as much as 10p per litre of petrol for certain cards.

However, there are a few disadvantages you need to consider:

Yes and no, it depends on what your company has set up on the card account. 

Some cards are restricted to fuel purchases, while others also cover

You can even find fuel cards that cover the cost of 

Yes! Self-employed people can also use fuel cards, but only if they have a VAT-registered company. 

Note that some fuel card companies require a monthly minimum spend, so it might not always be advantageous.

You can’t use a fuel card for personal use or if you’re a freelancer without a VAT-registered company. 

Securing a fuel card is simple! You can apply for a card online with companies like UK Fuels and All-Stars. 

You’ll have to enter personal information, business details, and information on how you’ll use the fuel card (e.g., how many cars you need to fuel). 

Fuel cards help businesses streamline expenses and allow employees to pay for fuel easily while on the clock.

Are fuel cards worth it? Well, that’s up to you to decide. Whether you’re looking to stay more organized or maintain professional expense management, fuel cards are an excellent option to consider.

, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers. 

How Does A Fuel Card Work?

No driver sets off wanting a speed ticket.

However, with so many speed cameras around, it’s easy to accidentally get flashed if you’re not closely watching your speed.

Knowing how average speed cameras work and what they look like can help you avoid fines and drive safely.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about speed cameras in the UK.

Average speed cameras have systems that track how long a car travels between two set points on a road.

Two cameras at each point (at least 200m apart) calculate your speed. The first camera records your 

 and the second registers how quickly you got from point A to B, which calculates your average speed.

So, at an average speed of 80 mph, it would take approximately 5.59 seconds to travel the 200 meters between the two cameras.

In other words, speeding up before the camera and then slowing down as you approach it won’t help, as your overall average speed will still exceed the limit.

Average speed cameras vs normal speed cameras

As explained above, average speed cameras monitor your speed over a set distance, 

calculating your average speed between two points. 

In contrast, normal speed cameras capture your 

Generally, average speed cameras are harder to avoid, promoting consistent speed limits and 

Average speed cameras are distinctively yellow and mounted on yellow poles. They also have the same shape as CCTV cameras.

These cameras are typically positioned at the side of the road, and are taller than normal fixed speed cameras.

Average speed cameras are used on lots of roads, including dual carriageways, motorways, urban areas, and A roads.

Temporary average speed cameras can also be

 installed at roadworks with reduced speed limits, which will always be 

Average speed camera locations are marked by signs featuring an old-fashioned camera, also used for mobile speed checks and normal cameras. 

What are the average speed camera limits?

You can technically be prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit by just one mph. However, this is very unlikely.

There are rumours about speed camera tolerances. It’s true that some cameras allow leeway for car speedometer inaccuracies.

In reality, the amount of tolerance varies depending on the police force operating the camera.

Some police forces in the UK allow a tolerance of 10% + 2mph, meaning you’re safe up to 79mph in a 70mph zone. 

Remember this is not law, so sticking to the speed limit is the safest bet.

How can I avoid getting caught by average speed cameras?

There’s only one answer to this — and it’s by 

What happens if I’m caught by an average speed camera?

The penalty for being caught by an average-speed camera is the same as normal cameras: 

a £100 fine and three points on your licence.

The fine also increased based on how much over the limit you were speeding.

In some cases, speeding can result in up to six points and possible disqualification, with fines reaching £1,000 or £2,500 for motorway offences.

If you’re caught, a speeding ticket usually arrives within 14 days, starting with a 

 to confirm the driver, followed by the official ticket detailing the punishment.

There are plenty of myths and legends about average speed cameras.

Don’t fall for fakes! Here are the facts you need to know:

Can an average speed camera catch you on your phone?

No. While police are creating cameras that catch speeding and phones, these are normal units—not average speed cameras.

No. Average speed cameras don’t flash like normal fixed cameras. This is because they use infrared light rather than a photo to record your speed.

More or less yes, average speed cameras are always turned on. The only time you’ll know one is off is if it has a sign saying ‘camera not in use.’

Do average speed cameras take photos of you?

No, average speed cameras don’t take photos of drivers. If you get caught, you instead have to fill out a form and declare who was driving at the time.

What do average speed camera signs look like?

Average speed camera signs have the standard camera picture, but they’ll also say ‘average speed check’ on the bottom.

Average speed cameras might seem like a nuisance, but it’s critical to remember that they're there for your road safety. Stick to the speed limit, and you’ll be just fine!

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.

How Do Average Speed Cameras Work?

The cost of living crisis has prompted nearly half of consumers to reconsider the way they approach vehicle maintenance and servicing.

Forty-eight per cent of the 4,269 car owners polled for the forthcoming Bumper Automotive Aftersales Report 2024/25 said they have adjusted their habits due to increased financial pressures.

The majority (90%) plan to keep their cars longer, reflecting a shift towards more cost-conscious decision-making.

Over half (51%) said they were exploring independent garages for more affordable servicing, while more than a third (38%) are choosing not to authorise advisory repairs, prioritising essential over non-urgent work. 

A significant minority (15%) reported skipping vehicle servicing because of costs. 

“The findings reveal a largely proactive approach to vehicle maintenance. However, the cost of living crisis has prompted shifts in consumer behaviour, with a significant portion of car owners looking for more affordable options, delaying non-essential repairs and using financial assistance to spread their servicing costs,” said James Jackson, Co-Founder and CEO of Bumper.

“Trust, cost and quality remain central to consumer decision-making, benefitting dealers nimble enough to adapt their aftersales propositions to the changing needs of their customers,” said Jackson.

The full Bumper UK Automotive Aftersales Report 2024/25 will be published shortly.

Cost of living crisis prompts nearly half of consumers to reconsider how they get their cars serviced

Drivers have been warned against using a new car accessory made famous by social media.

The device, which became popular on the video-sharing site TikTok, could see motorists hit with a big fine of up to £1,000.

Shaped like a hand, the device can be changed to make gestures to other road users through the rear window – and can even give other motorists the middle finger!

Experts have now stressed how the lights could obstruct the rearview mirror and therefore breach the Highway Code.

They warned the tool could be distracting for other drivers, prompting road rage and increasing the risk of a collision.

Failing to comply with the rules could see motorists slapped with a hefty £1,000 fine and three points on their licence. Those driving larger passenger and goods vehicles could be forced to pay a higher fine of £2,500.

The new sign, which can be picked up for as little as £2 on TikTok, isn't the only LED-lighting mistake facing road users. 

Common LED car strip lights are also likely to breach The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (1989), which banned lights displaying a red glow at the front or back of a vehicle.

Popular "social media" accessory that could land drivers a £1,000 fine

Speed cameras. Love them or loath them, they're there for one purpose – to keep our roads safe.

But is there a point where speed cameras go too far; when these speedy defenders become downright nosy parkers?

That's the debate around a new trial of speed cameras powered by artificial intelligence currently in operation across the UK.

These new AI cameras are designed to enhance road safety beyond just speeding. They look for drivers committing offences such as driving without seatbelts or using mobile phones, a new approach that aims to penalise distracted drivers and reduce road accidents.

So, how do they work? The system uses a multi-cam setup to capture different views of the driver and passengers. Artificial intelligence then analyses the footage to see if an offence has been committed.

But don't worry, it's not all down to AI. Identified offences are checked and verified by police officers.

Early results from the trial were promising. The cameras detected 590 instances of drivers not wearing seatbelts and 40 cases of mobile phone use within just a few weeks.

Following the trial's success the programme was expanded in 2024 to include 10 police forces across the country – Durham, Greater Manchester, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley, and Sussex.

With so many drivers caught not wearing their belts and on their phones, the results speak for themselves – the more drivers fined for these simple errors, the fewer accidents we'll see, making our roads a safer place for everyone.

What do you think of the new AI cameras? Would you be happy to have one in your home town?

This new speed camera can see MORE than just your speed

Supermarkets put a lot of effort into trying to get customers through their doors. Memorable Christmas adverts, friendly mascots, and price-slashing loyalty cards; they're full of creative ideas that will get you to do your big shop in their store.

But we've had an even better idea. What if supermarkets made cars? 

What would they look like? How would they handle? And, most importantly, would they give you a discount for filling up at one of their pumps?

To find out, we've asked AI to create what cars would look like if they were created by our favourite big grocery shoppers.

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer