Getting 'responsible' drivers back on the road

A 24-HOUR breakdown service aimed at 'responsible' motorists is being launched by Haywards Heath-based Europ Assistance, writes Neasa MacErlean.

The new service, Select, costs pounds 35 a year per car. It is designed to provide 'a rapid response to all mechanical breakdowns away from home'. Call-outs will still be made as the result of 'careless motoring habits', but will be charged at cost.

The AA provides its basic breakdown package for a price of pounds 36 per person per year but the AA package is aimed at all drivers. Several of the most common causes of call-out for the AA are excluded - as the result of the car-owner's laziness or error - by Europ Assistance. These include lost keys, lack of fuel and all breakdowns within one mile of home.

There are, however, some difficult areas. A flat tyre is excluded but, interestingly, a puncture is included. 'It's a grey area,' a spokesman said. 'But if there's any dispute at all we'll find in favour of the motorist.'