The 2021 Forecourt Report has highlighted the vital role that the UK’s 7,395 forecourt shops play in their local communities. The latest figures show that these retail sites provide over 88,000 secure local jobs, provide access to essential services and take time out of the business to support local projects. Other key findings from the report include: > More than one in three independent forecourt operators (37%) took no days off over the last year > There are around 305,000 PHEVs and 298,190 fully electric vehicles registered in the UK > There are around 536 charging points at 405 forecourt locations (excluding service stations) in the UK, part of a wider network of over 16,000 charging locations > Around one in four independent forecourts are open 24 hours Speaking on the launch of the report, ACS chief executive James Lowman said, “UK forecourts have demonstrated how essential they are to their communities throughout the pandemic, and especially in the last few months during the fuel supply chain issues. 'As we look ahead, we must ensure that the essential services that forecourts provide are recognised, and that they are incentivised to invest in new technology, alternative power options for vehicles, and improving their shop offer for customers.” (source: ACS, image: EG Group)