I have inadvertently put just 15 litres of unleaded into a diesel car and having realised my error did not drive the car.

Although no damage was done to the car the cost of the rectification was £560 – plus a two hour wait for rescue. This was handled efficiently by the Recovery Firm and the Main Dealer so I have no complaint with either of them.

But it is, according to my Dealer, a fairly common occurence, borne out by the number of firms offering to deal with it. If the car had been driven the cost could have been around £3,500!

So, why aren't the oil companies and car manufacturers doing something to prevent this?