Warning to anyone getting petrol or diesel this weekend

Before you head to the pump, make sure you have seen this advice

Motorists are being warned to avoid picking up viruses lurking on petrol station fuel pumps as the UK cold and flu season is almost in full swing.

October sees the start of five months of nasty bugs that will leave many people feeling under the weather at best, and see thousands admitted to hospital. So car experts are highlighting a little-known object that could be the source of infections as it harbours a host of germs.

Graham Conway, from leading UK leasing firm Select Car Leasing, revealed there is scientific evidence that singles out fuel pumps as potent virus carriers. He said: “Many people are aware of how viruses spread and understand the importance of washing your hands regularly while also avoiding touching your face, eyes and mouth during the autumn and winter months.

“There are certain household objects that can be particularly prone to carrying bugs - such as mobile phones and TV remote controls. But there are a host of other regularly-touched items that fly under the radar when it comes to virus transmission, and one of them is the petrol station fuel pump handle.

“Not many people bother to wear the protective, disposable gloves available on forecourts when filling up. And it’s not uncommon for drivers to nip into the shop to buy a packet of crisps or a sandwich after filling up their tank.

“But habits like these can leave us vulnerable to becoming unwell when lots of viruses are in circulation. “

According to the NHS website: "Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours."

Select Car Leasing ’s Mr Conway added: “That gives these germs ample opportunity to multiply and thrive on greasy, dirt-attracting substances like fuel pumps. I would urge motorists to keep a pack of disinfectant wipes in the car so they can clean their hands - and any surfaces they might have touched - immediately after they fill up.

“Or at the very least, be sure to wash their hands thoroughly when your journey is finished.”

It’s not the first time petrol station fuel pumps have been singled-out for their pathogen-spreading properties. In 2011, US brand Kimberly-Clark Corp swabbed hundreds of public surfaces across six major American cities.

Fuel pumps topped the list of most infectious objects, behind escalator rails, cash machine buttons and vending machines. A separate study was undertaken in 2016 by US travel website Busbud. It found that, on average, petrol pumps boasted more than 11,000 times more germs than a household toilet.