Drivers count the cost of soaring prices

Soaring motoring costs are driving down car usage, according to a poll today.

As many as 8% of car owners have given up driving altogether because of the expense, the survey by moneysupermarket.com found.

And 57% of those polled said they had reduced the amount of time spent behind the wheel.

But 30.5% of the 860 people surveyed said they were sticking to their usual driving pattern, as they could just about afford to, while 4.5% said they were not changing their habits at all.

Steve Sweeney, head of car insurance at moneysupermarket.com said: "We're all looking at ways to lower our everyday outgoings and getting behind the wheel is a real drain on finances.

"With recent fuel price hikes and increasing costs of car insurance, drivers are turning savvy and making changes to their usual habits to drive down costs."

He went on: "Cutting out driving altogether is the ultimate sacrifice to take. Shopping around for the best deal on your car insurance cover is crucial to reduce the overall costs of motoring; providers count on your apathy to reap the profits and do not reward your loyalty with a cheaper premium.

"Taking further steps like fitting an approved car alarm or immobiliser and parking in a locked garage if possible are other ways to reduce the overall cost."