I’ve been driving for over 10 years now and when I talk about petrol it makes me feel old. I remember when (isn’t that what old people say!) I could fill up my tank for under £30. I filled it up yesterday and it was close to £60! I mean come on people! It’s funny how times have changed. Now I can pay at the pump, literally fill and go. I prefer that, especially with a baby in tow. I’ve yet to fill up my car with petrol while I’ve had Baby C. The effort of getting him in and out of the car seat just isn’t worth it!

I know that I complain about having to fill up, it seems like such an inconvenience. But during the first 25 years of motoring people had to purchase fuel in cans and store it at home. I mean this sounds convenient, but pretty dangerous if you ask me! You couldn’t drive very far knowing your petrol stash was at home! Oh how times have changed!

I’m always very wary when I go to a petrol station. I couldn’t even imagine seeing someone smoking near one. I think I would freak out. I don’t use my phone either. There are so many stories about how mobile phone mess with the prices or whatever, but I just don’t want an explosion on my hands OK? Someone like Forum Insurance Brokers has to insure forecourts and I can’t imagine how much that would cost. I do see petrol as a major danger zone. I know they’re pretty safe, but still, I follow all the precautions.

I have a few local petrol stations that I go too, mainly because they are close and I always use my loyalty card to collect points. I’d be silly not too. But if I’m on a long journey I know I’ll pass a petrol station somewhere. We drove to Nottingham over the weekend which is a 300 mile round trip. We know for a fact that we pass numerous service stations along the way and we both know we’ll be grabbing dinner too. They even have drive through Starbucks at the services now. I feel a bit sorry for the old restaurants that would have graced the car resting area. Not it’s all fast food, fast cars and fast fill ups. Not that I’m complaining, life is fast these days.

Have you seen changes to your local petrol stations? Are you a stickler for the rules? Join the conversation – #PetrolInThePast