Fuel cost rise 'forcing change in driver habits'

Date: 6/10/2011

Increasing motor fuel costs are prompting many Britons to amend their driving habits.

New data published by British Car Auctions (BCA) shows that when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle, efficiency will be the top consideration for consumers.

Indeed, according to the British Market Research Bureau study, 27 per cent of respondents claimed they would be on the lookout for a model with a positive fuel consumption level, while 17 per cent were hoping to purchase a vehicle with a lower rate of road tax attached to it.

The BCA claims that this appears to echo findings from recent surveys by AA and Tesco, among others, which have suggested that today's motorists are covering fewer miles in their car as a result of higher petrol and diesel prices.

Furthermore, the group notes that in 2011, five per cent fewer UK families have at least one car compared to last year.

Tony Gannon, Communications Director at the BCA, says: "What this data suggests is that households have been making some hard decisions about what vehicles they need to stay mobile."

In July, Norman Baker, the Transport Minister, urged Britons to adopt smart driving techniques in order to keep their fuel consumption down.

Posted by Mary Treen