Drivers near 'breaking point' over fuel prices

Continuing rises in the price of petrol could drive some motorists off the roads for good, according to a survey.

As many as 38  per cent of drivers said they would give up motoring entirely within a year if prices at the pumps rise at the same rate as they have for the past 12 months.

And an increase of 14-15p a litre would lead to 85 per cent of drivers changing their lifestyles, the survey by car valuation company Glass.co.uk found.

Just 2 per cent of the 2,000 motorists polled felt the current price of fuel was reasonable, with 75 per cent saying it was "out of control" or worse.

A rise of 14-15p a litre would mean 10 per cent spending less on food at supermarkets, 11 per cent socialising less and 7 per cent cutting back on spending on clothes.

The poll also revealed that 37 per cent were spending more on fuel than on utility bills, with 70 per cent spending more on fuel than on holidays.

The average amount now being spent on fuel was £102 a month.

Glass's managing editor Adrian Rushmore said: "This research demonstrates that Brits are reaching breaking point when it comes to petrol and diesel prices. Even a small rise will have a significant impact on the majority of motorists.

"We have seen in recent years that demand for high-powered, petrol engine cars is falling due to this. People simply can't afford the current fuel prices and are gravitating towards diesels and more fuel efficient models."

PA