Drivers in UK taking foot off pedal with rising costs

More than half of UK drivers have cut back on using their cars due to soaring fuel prices, according to a survey.

Many are also taking their foot off the pedal and sticking to the speed limits in an effort to conserve petrol, the AA motoring organisation said.

A Populus poll of 15,306 AA members found 55 per cent had reduced their car usage, an 18 per cent increase over the last four months, with 10 per cent opting to cut back on having their vehicles serviced.

With a litre of petrol now costing an average of 117.9 pence, 21 pence more than a year ago, the AA estimates the annual cost of petrol for a car travelling 14,480 kilometres has risen to over £1,200.

Higher fuel prices have also had a knock-on effect of increasing by 11 per cent the AA's rate for call-outs by people who have run out of petrol.

"People who are used to putting in £20 worth find it runs out one third earlier this year," said AA president Edmund King. "Others are shopping around for a bargain but never find one, so run out of fuel."