Barnsley Drivers: What the MoneySupermarket Driveability Report Means for Your Next Car Purchase

New research from MoneySupermarket reveals important trends about UK road safety and insurance costs — and Barnsley drivers should take note before buying their next used car.

The UK Driveability Report: Key Findings

MoneySupermarket's latest UK Driveability Report shines a spotlight on road safety, incident rates, and the factors that affect car insurance premiums across the country. While vehicle traffic increased by just 1.4% between 2015 and 2025, some areas continue to record high numbers of road incidents — with certain regions logging over 1,250 road incidents in 2024 alone.

For drivers in Barnsley and South Yorkshire, this data matters. The car you choose, the safety features it has, and how you protect it can all directly impact your insurance costs and your safety on the road.

What This Means for Barnsley Drivers

1. Car Safety Features Matter More Than Ever

The Driveability Report highlights that road incidents remain a significant issue across the UK. For Barnsley drivers — whether you're commuting on the M1, navigating the A61, or driving locally around Worsbrough and Stairfoot — choosing a used car with modern safety features is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

Look for these safety features when buying your next used car:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) — can reduce rear-end collisions by up to 38%

• Lane Departure Warning — especially useful on motorways and dual carriageways

• Rear Parking Sensors / Camera — essential for tight parking in Barnsley town centre

• ISOFIX Points — if you're transporting family, proper child seat anchorage is non-negotiable

• Thatcham-Approved Alarm / Immobiliser — can lower your insurance premium

At Any Colour Car, every vehicle in our showroom is prepared to the highest standard, and we can talk you through the safety features on any model you're considering.

2. Security Affects Your Insurance Premium

MoneySupermarket's research consistently shows that improving your car's security can reduce your car insurance premiums. A Thatcham-approved security device will lower the cost of your insurance, and parking off-road or in a locked garage overnight further reduces risk.

Practical tips for Barnsley drivers:

• Park in a garage or driveway if possible — street parking increases theft risk

• Consider a steering lock for older vehicles without factory immobilisers

• Fit a dash cam — not only does it provide evidence if you're involved in an incident, but some insurers offer discounts

• Keep valuables out of sight — especially when parked near Barnsley town centre or retail parks

3. Choose Your Car Wisely for Lower Insurance Costs

Cars are sorted into 50 insurance groups, with lower groups generally resulting in lower premiums. If you're a younger driver in Barnsley or looking to keep running costs down, the Driveability Report reminds us that vehicle choice has a direct impact on your wallet.

Popular low-insurance-group used cars we regularly stock:

• Volkswagen Polo and Golf

• Ford Fiesta and Focus

• MINI Hatch (varies by engine size)

• Vauxhall Corsa

• Nissan Micra

Not sure which insurance group a car falls into? Ask us when you visit our Genn Lane showroom — we'll help you find a vehicle that balances your budget, safety needs, and insurance costs.

South Yorkshire Roads: Staying Safe Locally

While the MoneySupermarket report looks at national trends, South Yorkshire has its own road safety challenges. The A61, A635, and M1 corridors around Barnsley see heavy commuter and HGV traffic, while rural roads in the surrounding areas can be hazardous — particularly in winter conditions.

Local driving tips:

• Stairfoot Roundabout and A635 — busy junctions where extra caution pays off

• Rural roads towards Penistone and Silkstone — narrow lanes with blind bends; reduce speed and expect oncoming traffic

• M1 Junction 36-37 — keep a safe following distance, especially in wet weather

• Winter driving — Barnsley hills can become treacherous; ensure your used car has adequate tyre tread depth (minimum 1.6mm, ideally 3mm+)

Finance and Insurance: Protecting Your Investment

At Any Colour Car, we're authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number: 946186) to arrange car finance. We work with a number of carefully selected credit providers who may be able to offer you finance for your purchase.

But buying the car is only part of the journey. We always recommend:

• Shopping around for insurance quotes before committing to a vehicle

• Considering GAP insurance if you're financing your car

• Factoring in servicing and maintenance costs — which is why we offer servicing and MOTs at our Stairfoot Business Park service centre

Ready to Find Your Next Car?

The MoneySupermarket Driveability Report is a timely reminder that the car you choose affects more than just your monthly payment — it affects your safety, your insurance costs, and your peace of mind on Barnsley's roads.

At Any Colour Car, we've built our reputation on trust, transparency, and customer service. With a 5-star Trustpilot rating and Auto Trader Highly Rated dealer status, we're here to help you find the right car — not just any car.

Visit us at:
The Old Garage, Genn Lane, Worsbrough, Barnsley, S70 6TF

Or browse our latest stock online at: anycolourcar.com