Cookies Policy

 

1. Introduction

This website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies. This policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, the legal basis for their use, and how you can manage your preferences.

Data Controller: The Electric Car Scheme
Contact: info@electriccarscheme.com
Address: Old Vinyl Factory, Shipping Building, Hayes UB3 1HA

2. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your actions and preferences, and enable certain functionality. Some cookies are essential for the site to work, while others help us understand how you use our site or deliver advertising.

3. Categories of cookies we use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

Legal basis: These cookies are exempt from consent requirements as they are essential for the website to function.

What they do:

  • Enable core website functionality

  • Remember your quote and form submissions during your session

  • Maintain security and prevent fraud

  • Remember your cookie consent choices

Examples: Session cookies, security cookies, cookie consent preferences

You cannot opt out of these cookies as they are necessary for the site to work.

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies (Set by default)

Legal basis: Legitimate interest - we have a legitimate interest in understanding how our website is used to improve our services and user experience.

What they do: We use Google Analytics 4 to collect anonymous statistics about:

  • Which pages you visit and how long you spend on them

  • How you arrived at our site

  • General location (country/city level only)

  • Device type and browser used

  • Navigation patterns and user journeys

Data collected: These cookies collect data in aggregate form and do not identify you personally. However, we use cookieless measurement where possible through URL passthrough technology.

Your right to object: You have the right to object to analytics cookies at any time by:

Third party: Google LLC (Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy)

Data transfers: Analytics data may be transferred to the USA. Google participates in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework.

Retention: Analytics data is retained for 26 months.

3.3 Advertising and Marketing Cookies (Require your explicit consent)

Legal basis: Your explicit consent via our cookie banner.

What they do:

  • Google AdSense: Serves relevant advertisements based on your browsing behaviour

  • Affiliate tracking: Tracks if you arrived via a partner site so we can credit them

  • Conversion tracking: Measures whether advertisements lead to purchases

  • Remarketing: Shows you relevant ads on other websites you visit

Data collected: These cookies may track your browsing activity across multiple websites and create a profile for advertising purposes.

Your control: These cookies are ONLY set if you click "Accept all cookies" on our banner. You can withdraw consent at any time.

Third parties:

Data transfers: Advertising data may be transferred to the USA and other countries.

Retention: Varies by cookie, typically 30 days to 2 years.

4. How we obtain your consent

When you first visit

You will see a cookie banner with two options:

  • "Accept all cookies" - Sets analytics AND advertising cookies

  • "Reject non-essential" - Sets only strictly necessary cookies and analytics (based on legitimate interest)

What happens if you don't interact with the banner

If you continue browsing without making a choice:

  • Strictly necessary cookies are set

  • Analytics cookies are set based on our legitimate interest

  • Advertising cookies are NOT set

5. Your rights and choices

5.1 Withdraw consent

You can withdraw consent for advertising cookies at any time by:

  • Clearing your browser cookies

  • [Revisiting our cookie settings - if you have a preference center]

  • Contacting us: info@electriccarscheme.com

5.2 Object to analytics

You can object to analytics cookies by:

5.3 Browser settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

  • Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies

  • Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security

  • Safari: Preferences > Privacy

  • Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions

Note: Blocking all cookies may affect website functionality.

5.4 Your GDPR rights

Under UK GDPR and EU GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Rectify inaccurate data

  • Erase your data ("right to be forgotten")

  • Restrict processing

  • Data portability

  • Object to processing (including profiling)

  • Withdraw consent

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@electriccarscheme.com

6. Third-party cookies

We use the following third-party services that set cookies:

Google Analytics 4

Google AdSense (Consent required)

We do not control third-party cookies. Please review their privacy policies for more information.

7. International data transfers

Some of our third-party providers (particularly Google) are based in the USA. Data transfers to the USA are conducted under:

  • EU-US Data Privacy Framework

  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)

  • Other appropriate safeguards as required by UK and EU law

8. Updates to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top indicates when changes were last made. Significant changes will be communicated via a notice on our website.

10. Contact us and complaint

Questions about cookies?
 Email: info@electriccarscheme.com

Data protection concerns?
 You have the right to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority:

UK: Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Website: https://ico.org.uk
 Helpline: 0303 123 1113

EU: Your local Data Protection Authority
Find yours: https://edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/board/members_en

01. Legitimate interest assessment (Analytics cookies)

We rely on legitimate interest for analytics cookies based on the following assessment:

Purpose: Understanding website usage to improve user experience and content
Necessity: Essential for business improvement and optimization
Balancing test: Our interest in website improvement is balanced against minimal privacy impact (anonymous, aggregate data)
Safeguards: Anonymization, retention limits, easy opt-out, no profiling or automated decision-making

Your interests and rights always take precedence. You can object at any time (see section 5.2).