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Rising cost of motoring forces drivers to change habits
January 31, 2012
A survey of drivers has revealed that many would have to give up their cars if petrol hit £2 per litre.
Drivers are being forced to alter their habits as a result of the rising cost of motoring.
Research by Hastings Direct suggests that 78 per cent of drivers have started using their cars less in order to save money.
One in three respondents to the insurer's poll said they had cut back by at least 50 miles per week, while one per cent had given up their cars altogether.
The survey, which was conducted by research firm SurveyShack among 1,220 drivers in January 2012, also revealed that one in five people plan to give up their vehicles if petrol hits £2 per litre.
Meanwhile, a further 12 per cent intend to buy a hybrid or electric car if petrol prices soar to this extent.
Tobias van der Meer, managing director of Hastings Direct, said: "Our survey clearly shows the pressure motorists are feeling on their finances.
"Taking the right actions - reducing mileage and driving safely - can help motorists cut the cost of their insurance and their fuel bills, but ultimately motorists cannot and will not be able to keep on paying higher and higher petrol prices."
Recent research by Skipton Building Society found that the average Briton racked up almost £5,000 worth of credit card debt purchasing petrol and food in 2011.
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