Cookie and tracking policy.
The essential storage the site needs, the optional tracking we ask before using, and how to change your choice.
Last updated: 8 September 2026.
Your choice
Before you accept optional tracking, we limit browser storage to what is needed to operate the website securely and remember your privacy choice. Optional analytics, individual journey tracking and chat are not loaded until you accept them.
Essential storage
| Name / type | Purpose | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| PHP session cookie | Security, session continuity and CSRF protection. This is necessary for requested website functions such as forms and admin authentication. | Session |
zero_cookie_preferences | Remembers whether this browser accepted or rejected optional tracking so the site can respect that choice. | Up to 180 days |
Optional tracking after acceptance
| Technology | What it does | Why it is optional |
|---|---|---|
| First-party journey tracking | Creates a random visitor ID in local storage and a session ID in session storage, then records consented page views, interactions, heartbeats and navigation destinations in our journey database. | This is visitor-level journey monitoring, so we do not treat it as exempt aggregate statistics. |
| Google Analytics 4 | Measures website usage and referral information where our GA4 ID is configured. Google may set or access its own identifiers. | It is loaded only after optional tracking is accepted. |
| Tawk.to chat | Provides website chat and may use browser storage or collect technical information needed to provide the chat service. | It is a third-party feature and is loaded only after optional tracking is accepted. |
Why we do not use “legitimate interests” as a cookie shortcut
Legitimate interests is a UK GDPR lawful basis for some processing of personal information, but it does not by itself remove PECR requirements for storing or accessing information on a visitor’s device. Where optional tracking needs consent under the storage/access rules, we ask for that consent first. For associated first-party analysis after consent, we may rely on legitimate interests where the use is proportionate, expected and supported by a balancing assessment.
Statistical measurement exception
Current UK rules can allow narrowly defined statistical measurement without consent where the sole purpose is aggregate service-improvement statistics, the resulting information is not used to identify or make decisions about people, and users receive clear information plus a simple free way to object. The live journey feature on this website is more detailed than that: it retains visitor-level paths and therefore remains behind optional consent.
Changing or withdrawing your choice
Use “Cookie settings” in the footer at any time. Rejecting optional tracking prevents new optional tracking from being started by this website on that browser. You can also clear cookies and local storage in your browser. Clearing storage may cause the banner to appear again because the site can no longer remember your preference.
For more information about how personal information is handled, see our privacy policy.