Petrol prices concern Britons much more than the economy

The country might be sliding towards its first recession since the early 1990s, but Britons are more concerned by the cost of petrol than by the faltering economy, according to a poll yesterday.

The Tickbox poll of 1,134 British motorists, found 66 per cent are most worried about petrol prices compared to the economy (64 per cent), knife crime (49 per cent), terrorism (37 per cent) and the housing market (26 per cent). Over one in 10 would even consider emigrating to escape the UK's relatively high fuel costs, which are the fourth highest in the EU.

"This study highlights a very real concern for millions of British drivers," said group consumer editor of What Car? magazine Peter Lawton. "Britons are getting a very raw deal compared to the rest of Europe, so current reductions in fuel prices need to continue."

The average British petrol price fell over last weekend below £1 a litre for the first time in almost a year, the AA said.

Average petrol prices soared to the record high of almost £1.20 a litre in mid-July, when Brent crude oil touched an all-time high of $147.50 a barrel.

In the search for cheaper petrol, over half the population would drive up to 10 minutes out of their way to top up their tank, while 39 per cent are prepared to drive for up to 20 minutes if it means they can find a better price.