Cookie Policy
Last updated: April 16, 2026
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Motors365 Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit or interact with the Motors365 website at motors365.co.uk and all related services (the “Service”).
This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data. By continuing to use the Service after being presented with our cookie consent banner, you agree to the use of cookies as described in this policy.
We comply with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) in our use of cookies and similar technologies.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, to provide a better user experience, and to supply information to the owners of the site.
Cookies can be “first-party” (set by the website you are visiting) or “third-party” (set by a different website, such as an analytics or payment provider). They can also be “session” cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or “persistent” cookies (remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them).
3. Similar Technologies
In addition to cookies, we use similar technologies including:
- Local storage: A browser feature that allows us to store data locally on your device. We use local storage to remember your cookie consent preference and certain user interface settings. Unlike cookies, local storage data is not sent to the server with every request.
- Session storage: Similar to local storage but cleared when you close your browser tab. We may use session storage to maintain state during your current browsing session.
- Server-side sessions: We use PHP sessions to securely manage your authenticated state. A session identifier cookie is placed on your device to link your browser to your server-side session data.
References to “cookies” in this policy include these similar technologies unless the context indicates otherwise.
4. Categories of Cookies We Use
We categorise the cookies and similar technologies used on the Service as follows:
4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the Service to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as logging in, setting your privacy preferences, or filling in forms. Without these cookies, the Service cannot operate properly.
| Cookie / Technology | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
PHPSESSID |
Maintains your authenticated session and links your browser to your server-side session data. Required for login, account management, and accessing premium features. | Session (deleted when browser is closed) | First-party, session cookie |
cookieConsent (local storage) |
Stores your cookie consent preference so that we do not show the consent banner repeatedly. | Persistent (until cleared) | First-party, local storage |
| CSRF / security tokens | Protect against cross-site request forgery and other security threats when you submit forms or perform sensitive actions. | Session | First-party, session cookie |
Lawful basis: These cookies are exempt from the consent requirement under PECR Regulation 6(4) because they are strictly necessary for the provision of the Service you have requested.
4.2 Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have integrated into the Service. If you disable these cookies, some or all of these features may not function properly.
| Cookie / Technology | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theme / UI preferences (local storage) | Remembers your display preferences such as dark mode, sidebar state, and dashboard layout choices. | Persistent (until cleared) | First-party, local storage |
| Recent searches (local storage) | Stores your recent vehicle registration searches locally on your device for quick re-access. | Persistent (until cleared) | First-party, local storage |
Lawful basis: Consent (Article 6(1)(a) UK GDPR). These cookies are set only after you accept cookies through our consent banner.
4.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so that we can measure and improve the performance of the Service. They help us understand which pages are the most and least popular, how visitors move around the site, and where errors occur. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous.
| Cookie / Technology | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga |
Distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated number as a client identifier. Used to calculate visitor, session, and campaign data for analytics reports. | 2 years | Google Analytics |
_ga_* |
Used by Google Analytics to persist session state. | 2 years | Google Analytics |
_gid |
Distinguishes unique users for analytics purposes. | 24 hours | Google Analytics |
_gat |
Throttles the request rate to Google Analytics. | 1 minute | Google Analytics |
Lawful basis: Consent (Article 6(1)(a) UK GDPR). Analytics cookies are only set if you accept cookies through our consent banner. If you decline, no analytics cookies will be placed on your device.
Google Analytics processes data in accordance with Google’s privacy policy, available at policies.google.com/privacy. We have configured Google Analytics to anonymise IP addresses.
4.4 Third-Party / Payment Cookies
When you make a payment or manage your subscription, you interact with our payment processor, Stripe. Stripe may set its own cookies to process your payment securely, detect fraud, and comply with regulatory requirements.
| Cookie / Technology | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
__stripe_mid |
Fraud prevention – identifies the device used to access the payment page. | 1 year | Stripe |
__stripe_sid |
Fraud prevention – identifies the browsing session during payment. | 30 minutes | Stripe |
Stripe’s cookies are necessary for the secure processing of payments and are set when you visit pages that include the Stripe payment form. For more information, see Stripe’s cookie policy at stripe.com/gb/cookie-settings and their privacy policy at stripe.com/gb/privacy.
5. Cookie Consent
When you first visit the Service, you will see a cookie consent banner at the bottom of the screen. You can choose to:
- Accept: All categories of cookies described in this policy will be set on your device.
- Decline: Only strictly necessary cookies will be set. Analytics, functional, and non-essential third-party cookies will not be placed on your device.
Your choice is stored in your browser’s local storage and will be remembered for future visits. You can change your preference at any time (see Section 6 below).
Strictly necessary cookies do not require your consent under PECR and will be set regardless of your choice, as they are essential for the Service to function.
6. Managing and Deleting Cookies
You have several options for managing cookies:
6.1 Through Our Service
You can change your cookie consent preference at any time by clearing your browser’s local storage for motors365.co.uk, which will cause the consent banner to reappear on your next visit.
6.2 Through Your Browser
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:
- View what cookies are stored on your device.
- Delete individual cookies or all cookies.
- Block cookies from specific or all websites.
- Block third-party cookies.
- Set your browser to notify you when a cookie is set.
Instructions for managing cookies in common browsers:
- Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Apple Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies and site data
Please note that if you block or delete essential cookies, parts of the Service may not function correctly. For example, you will not be able to remain logged in if session cookies are blocked.
6.3 Opting Out of Analytics
In addition to declining cookies through our consent banner or browser settings, you can opt out of Google Analytics across all websites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
7. Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) signal. There is currently no industry-wide standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. At present, the Service does not respond to DNT signals, but we respect your cookie consent choice as described in this policy.
8. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, changes in technology, or changes in applicable law. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, notify you through the Service or by email.
We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
9. Further Information
To learn more about cookies and how they work, you can visit these independent resources:
- aboutcookies.org – comprehensive information about cookies and how to manage them.
- allaboutcookies.org – further guidance on cookies and online privacy.
- ICO guidance on cookies – the Information Commissioner’s Office guidance for the public.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us:
- Email: privacy@motors365.co.uk
- Website: motors365.co.uk/contact