A new smartphone app called Caura has been launched that puts all the costs, charges and fines relative to a particular car in one place. The idea behind it is to prevent drivers losing track of their motoring costs and racking up yet more fines.
After downloading the app car owners are asked to input their car registration. Hooking into the central DVLA database, the app then collates the MOT, tax and insurance data so that you can see exactly when each is due to renew. It can also be used to pay parking, congestion zone and toll charges by linking to Apple Pay. It’s approved by the Financial Conduct Authority.
There’s no version for Android users yet, but Caura is working on that and will release it before the end of the year.
According to Caura, “last year, UK motorists paid nearly £500m in parking fines alone on top of £1.5bn in revenue. Caura addresses this by cutting out the confusion and allowing your phone to take care of everything. Gone are the days of remembering different logins and a folder full of apps for your car. With Caura enter your details once and you’re free to drive with confidence that you’ll always make the right payments at the right times.”
DVLA data shows that around a quarter of all UK MOT tests are performed after their due date, which extrapolated means that at any one time there could be eight million defective cars on the road; the MOT test covers basic safety functions like tyres, brakes and lights.
Sai Lakshmi, founder and CEO of Caura, said: “The billions of pounds in penalty fees UK consumers incur from mistakes or late payments for parking, congestion charges, road tax, tolls, MOT and insurance are totally avoidable. The incumbent system – fragmented, confusing and outdated – isn't only costly but [also] a massive source of anxiety. By eliminating the need for dozens of apps and services, we're removing hassle, confusion and unnecessary expenses of car ownership.”
Download Caura on the app store now. It's actually very good. We weren't paid to say that.
Keyword: Love racking up parking fines? There’s an app for that.