Motorists change driving habits to combat fuel costs

Rising fuel prices are making motorists find new ways to reduce their fuel consumption.

According to the survey by Nationwide Autocentres, nine out of 10 drivers are taking steps to ensure their fuel lasts as long as possible.

The survey found that 62 per cent of motorists are driving more slowly and efficiently, 55 per cent are now shopping around for fuel and half of the 571 participants said they were actively trying to reduce the number of journeys made in their car.

Seventeen per cent of motorists claimed to have traded in their car for a more efficient model and three per cent admitted trying alternative fuels such as chip fat.

Whilst figures indicate that families are worst hit by the increase in fuel costs, youngsters aged between 17 and 24 have made the least changes to their driving habits.

Nationwide Autocentres owner Halfords have said that a 30 per cent rise in fuel prices, has left the average car owner spending more than £300 more on fuel this year than they have in the past.

With the budget recently announcing an increase on VAT and the fuel duty increases scheduled for October and January, there is a chance some motorists will be tempted to sell a car for cash.

Halfords have said that by the new year, motorists could be spending as much as an additional £170 million a month on fuel.

Duncan Wilkes, chief executive at Nationwide Autocentres told the Daily Telegraph: "These are challenging times for motorists and higher pump prices are clearly having an impact. The good news is that drivers can do a lot to reduce their fuel bills."

John Child, West Yorkshire, Caterham 7

Debbie Rumbold, Newdigate, Audi A4 S Line