Fill her up – and check the tyres

Shell UK has announced plans to bring back forecourt attendants at more than 300 of its petrol stations by the end of the summer, rising to 600 locations by mid-2013. As well as dispensing fuel, the AA-trained staff will also offer basic car maintenance, such as checking tyres.

With survey after survey showing that most UK motorists hardly ever check their tyres, it is not surprising that Shell’s initiative has been welcomed by motoring groups. AA president Edmund King called the move “a welcome development” and is quoted as saying: “A fair proportion of drivers do not know how to check tyre pressures and fluid levels. For that category of driver, an attendant on duty will be extremely helpful.”

Shell, which has around 1,000 petrol stations in the UK, says that there will be no charge for the new service and the company hopes that having a human presence on the forecourt will encourage customer loyalty in a fiercely competitive market. Melanie Lane, Shell’s retail general manager, said that the staff will be easily recognisable, with a bright red uniform and high-visibility stripes. She added: “There will be a sign outside to say that there’s an attendant on duty – there will always be one attendant on hand during six to eight daylight hours, seven days a week.”