Privacy Policy
Last updated: March 20, 2026
1. Introduction
Drive to Fuel / UKFuelFinder ("we", "our", or "us") operates drivetofuel.co.uk (the "Website") and the UKFuelFinder iOS app (the "App"). This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of information when you use our services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Location Data (Optional)
When You Use the "Near Me" Feature:
- What: Your device's GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude)
- When: Only when you explicitly tap the "Near Me" button
- How: Via your device's built-in location services
- Why: To find fuel stations closest to your current location
- Stored: NO - used in real-time only and immediately discarded
- Required: NO - you can use postcode search instead
Important: Your location data is transmitted securely via HTTPS to our API, used only to calculate distances to fuel stations, and is never saved to our database or shared with third parties.
2.2 Postcode Search Data
When you search by postcode:
- Postcode Data: You provide UK postcodes to search for nearby fuel stations. This data is processed temporarily to convert to GPS coordinates and is not stored.
- Postcodes are converted to coordinates using the postcodes.io API
- Your search is processed in real-time and not retained
2.3 Technical Data
We automatically collect:
- Browser type and device information
- IP address (through standard web server logs)
- Anonymous usage statistics via Google Analytics
- App crashes (iOS only, for debugging)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- To provide fuel price search functionality
- To find nearby fuel stations based on your location or postcode
- To convert postcodes to geographic coordinates
- To display nearby fuel stations and their prices
- To improve and maintain the Website and App
- To fix bugs and crashes
Location Data Usage: When you use "Near Me", your GPS coordinates are sent to our API to calculate distances to fuel stations. This happens in real-time and the coordinates are immediately discarded after the search completes. We do not track your movements or build location profiles.
4. Data Storage and Retention
4.1 What We DO NOT Store
- Your GPS location data (retention: 0 seconds)
- Your search history
- Personal postcode searches
- Any personally identifiable information
- Location tracking or movement history
4.2 What We Store
- Fuel station data (public government data)
- Anonymous analytics (via Google Analytics, retained per their policy)
Your searches are processed in real-time and not retained after the session ends.
5. Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services:
5.1 Data Processing Services
5.2 Analytics and Maps
6. Location Permission and Control
6.1 How to Control Location Access
iOS App:
- Open iOS Settings
- Tap "Privacy & Security"
- Tap "Location Services"
- Find "UKFuelFinder"
- Select "While Using the App" (to enable) or "Never" (to disable)
Website (Browser):
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Site Settings → Location
- Safari: Preferences → Websites → Location
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Permissions → Location
6.2 Using the Service Without Location
The "Near Me" feature is completely optional. You can use our service without providing location access by using the postcode search feature instead.
7. Cookies
We use Google Analytics cookies to understand site usage. These cookies are anonymous and do not identify you personally. You can block cookies via browser settings.
The iOS App does not use cookies.
8. Your Rights (UK GDPR)
Under UK and EU data protection laws, you have the following rights:
- Right to Access: Request what personal data we hold (in our case: none)
- Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate data (not applicable - we don't store personal data)
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion (not applicable - no data to delete)
- Right to Data Portability: Receive your data (not applicable - no personal data stored)
- Right to Object: Object to processing (you can revoke location permission anytime)
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Disable location access in device settings
As we do not store personal data or location history, these rights are inherently protected.
To exercise these rights, contact us via: our contact form
9. Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)
9.1 Location Data
- Legal Basis: Consent
- How Obtained: You tap "Near Me" button and approve location permission prompt
- How Withdrawn: Revoke in device Settings
- Why Lawful: Used only for the service you explicitly requested (find nearby fuel)
9.2 Analytics Data
- Legal Basis: Legitimate Interest
- Our Interest: Improve app performance and fix bugs
- Your Rights: Opt out via device analytics settings
- Why Lawful: Anonymous, no personal data, minimal privacy impact
10. Children's Privacy
Our services do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
- No account creation required
- No personal data collected from anyone (including children)
- Location data (if "Near Me" is used) is real-time only, not stored
- Parents can control location permissions in device Settings
If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us via our form.
11. Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:
- All data transmitted via HTTPS (encrypted)
- No location data stored (zero breach risk for location)
- AWS infrastructure with enterprise-grade security
- Regular security updates
- No user accounts or passwords to compromise
12. International Data Transfers
Our servers are located in the UK (AWS eu-west-2 region, London). If you use our service from outside the UK:
- Your search data is transmitted to our UK servers
- Data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR
- No location data is stored regardless of your location
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.
Major changes will be announced in the app/website. Continued use of our services after changes means you accept the updated policy.
14. Summary (Plain English)
What We Collect:
- Your GPS location (ONLY if you tap "Near Me")
- Postcodes (if you search by postcode)
- Anonymous usage statistics
What We Do With It:
- Find nearby fuel stations in real-time
- Show you the cheapest prices
- Improve the app
What We DON'T Do:
- Store your location
- Track your movements
- Share data with advertisers
- Sell your information
Your Control:
- Use postcode search instead (no location needed)
- Revoke location permission anytime in Settings
- Contact us with questions
15. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices:
Response Time: We aim to respond within 7 days.
Data Controller: Drive to Fuel / UKFuelFinder
Contact: Contact Form
Compliance: UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Apple App Store Requirements
Version: 2.0 (Updated for "Near Me" location feature)
← Back to Drive to Fuel