The desk

Privacy policy

What we collect, why we collect it, and how to opt out. Written to be read, not to be scrolled past.

Last updated: 24 October 2026

Information we collect

We collect the minimum needed to run a publication. If you email us, we receive your email address and whatever you put in the message. If you subscribe to the newsletter, we store your email address and the date you subscribed. If you use the contact form, your email app sends the message; the site itself does not store the form contents.

Cookies and analytics

This site is built as static pages. It does not set advertising cookies or sell audience data. We may use a privacy-respecting analytics service to count page views and understand which articles are useful. Where analytics are used, IP addresses are truncated or anonymized and no cross-site profiles are built.

The newsletter is optional. We use the email address you provide only to send the newsletter you asked for. Every issue includes an unsubscribe link. We do not add subscribers to other lists or share the list with advertisers.

Third-party links

Articles may link to manufacturers, regulators, workshops or other publications. Once you leave this site, their privacy policies apply. We are not responsible for the data practices of external sites.

Advertising

If the site carries advertising in future, it will be clearly labeled. We do not accept advertising that requires us to hand over reader data, and sponsored content is marked as such.

Data retention

Editorial correspondence is kept for as long as needed to handle the request and maintain a record of corrections. Newsletter data is kept until you unsubscribe. Server logs, where they exist, are rotated regularly.

Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct or delete personal data we hold about you, or to object to certain processing. Email [email protected] and we will respond within a reasonable period.

Children

The site is intended for a general automotive audience and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes

If this policy changes materially, we will update the date at the top and, where appropriate, note the change on the homepage.

Contact

Questions about privacy: [email protected].

The road notes you actually need.

One email a week: what we tested, what broke, what it cost and which new cars are worth a second look. No sponsored reviews.

Thanks. Look out for the next issue on Friday.