THE SCOTSMAN: Shell Plans Unmanned Petrol Stations (ShellNews.net) 8 March 05

By Graham Hiscott, PA Consumer Affairs Correspondent

Oil giant Shell is considering having unmanned petrol stations in the UK, it emerged today.

Motorists would pull up and insert their credit or debit card into the petrol pump.

The details would then be read and authorised before any petrol could be dispensed.

Shell has already launched a number of unmanned petrol stations in the Netherlands.

It has now taken the first step to launching the idea in the UK by trademarking the name Shell Express.

A spokeswoman said: “The whole idea is to make it quick and convenient for customers.

“It would mean there wouldn’t be any interaction with a cashier at all although there would be anti-theft precautions.”

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