It has not been a great start to the New Year for household budgets; the cost of living is increasing whilst salaries remain static and unemployment is on the rise. Car owners are feeling the pinch with four in ten motorists saying they will use their car less in 2012 if the costs associated with driving continue to rise. According to AXA's motoring census of 2011 almost half (44%) of drivers now enjoy driving less than they used to and this is largely because of the cost (68%).
It’s no wonder drivers are feeling this way with petrol prices seeping up and up. The latest AA fuel price report found that the average cost of petrol in the UK has been above 130p a litre since last March and diesel above 140p since last July. If petrol prices continue to rise to £1.50-£1.60, one in eight of those polled in the AXA census said they would have to seriously consider driving less or even stop altogether.
What’s more one of the other big costs associated with driving, insurance, is also creeping up. Insurance has risen by around £130 in the last year; research by the AA says this figure is based on a typical 'shoparound' price for annual comprehensive cover. Young female drivers should be most worried because the cost of their insurance is likely to rise even more when the EU gender ruling comes into force in December 2012.
An e-petition for affordable car insurance, created by David Ward MP, is currently at almost 3,000 signatures: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/354 it needs to reach 100,000 signatures to qualify for debate in the House of Commons. Another e-petition for cheaper petrol and diesel, created by Robert Halfon MP, has already reached more than 100,000 signatures and so a debate on this topic will take place. You can still sign this petition and follow its progress: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/347
To reduce your fuel costs careful driving is a must, gentle acceleration and gentle braking will use less fuel, as well planning well ahead so you are always in the correct gear. You can also shop around for the cheapest fuel in your area by using http://www.petrolprices.com/.
What is your experience of the cost of driving? Will you be signing the petitions? What other actions can drivers take? By Anna Livesey
