Drivers cutting back at the pumps

More than a quarter of motorists are restricting the amount they spend filling up their car due to exorbitant fuel costs, according to a survey released today.

The high prices at the pumps are hitting the less well-off hardest, according to the report, with more than four in ten of those at the bottom of the economic ladder setting a maximum spending limit.

The AA/Populus survey also highlighted a worrying spike in the number of breakdowns due to cars that had run out of fuel, with the motoring organisation warning that such drivers were “putting lives at risk”.

However, it found that while belt-tightening on fuel expenditure was most common among people in Northern Ireland (34 per cent), north-west England (32 per cent) and Wales (also 32 per cent), Scots were less concerned, with 27 per cent of those questioned putting in a set amount of fuel to their vehicles.

The trend comes at a time when the average price of petrol in the UK stands at 134.37 pence a litre, with diesel at 138.57 pence.

In early May, however, they hit an all-time record of 137.43 and 143.04 pence respectively. Only 12 months ago, the average cost of petrol was 115.62 pence a litre and 118.18 pence for diesel.

The survey of some 15,860 AA members, which took place in late July, shows that on average across the UK, 28 per cent of drivers said they set a limit on their fuel spending, with half paying a set amount on their credit card and half doing the same, but paying with cash.

Among unskilled workers, the long-term unemployed, and people on state pensions, 44 per cent pay a set amount when they buy fuel for their car. Even in the skilled service and manual worker group, 40 per cent set a limit.

The better off, unsurprisingly, said they were less inclined to keep an eye on what they pay at the pumps, with a limit set by just 21 per cent of people in the top socio-economic group.

The report also found there were 15 per cent more “out of fuel” breakdowns last week compared to the same period last year.

AA president Edmund King said: “This research is a stunning indication of just how badly fuel prices are affecting so many drivers across the UK.

Some are putting their lives and those of others at risk of grinding to a halt by running on fumes.”

A motorist spending £30 a week on petrol, Mr King pointed out, was getting 34.6 fewer miles – equivalent to almost two days’ commuting by car – compared to a year ago.

Peter Spinney, Scottish co-ordinator of the Association of British Drivers, said: “I think most people have cut their journeys by anything up to 25 per cent.

“There are a lot of people who have had to take drastic steps. I’ve heard that some commuters who make a journey of 30 to 40 miles to work are having to use buses or trains. Unfortunately it’s not something drivers can do much about. Unless someone can persuade the Chancellor to cut VAT, there’s nothing you can do.”

The survey also found 40 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds took a prudent approach and set a maximum amount, with the proportion dropping to 33 per cent among 35 to 44 year-olds. The figure stood at just 24 per cent for AA members aged 65 or over.

There was also a difference between the sexes, with 31 per cent of women restricting spending compared to 26 per cent of men.