Fuel prices forcing drivers off the road
More than half of motorists have changed their driving habits as a result of escalating fuel prices.
Petrol prices have gone up 24% in the last two years, according to official government data analysed by global car rental comparison and booking site DiscoverCars, while diesel prices have surged by 36% in the same period.
A DiscoverCars survey of its customers found that 77% said they had been impacted by these higher prices, with 51% changing their driving habits as a result.
For example, 39% were avoiding unnecessary trips while 30% said they used other means of transport more often with walking (18%), public transport (14%) and bicycle (12%) the most common alternatives.
Aleksandrs Buraks, head of growth at DiscoverCars, said: “As our research into government data shows, the cost of fuel has increased very noticeably over the past two years, with the increase in diesel prices particularly dramatic.
“As a global car rental comparison site, we were able to survey 1,100 of our customers to gain a unique insight into their experience of this, including whether soaring fuel prices are affecting their travel habits.
“We found that just over half of our survey respondents had made some kind of change in the way they travel, at 51%. About four in 10 told us they’ve cut down on trips in the car they don’t think are necessary – and if fuel costs continue increasing, we predict even more may join them.”
