UK motorists forced to leave the car at home as fuel costs continue to rocket | Industry - Car News Mar 2012

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10:28 Monday 05 Mar 2012

British drivers are increasingly cutting down on journeys as the cost of fuel gets higher and higher.

Motorpoint, the UK's leading car supermarket, have suggested that rising fuel costs are forcing as many as 80% of drivers off UK roads.

With fuel at a record high of 150.9p a litre for diesel, many UK drivers are increasingly feeling that they have little choice but to find alternatives to driving.

Economic repercussions

The high percentage of people choosing to reduce the journeys in their vehicle is a huge concern for both the UK automotive industry and the wider economy.

According to figures from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), the UK automotive industry contributes a typical net value of over £8.5bn and employs over 700,000 people.

Managing Director at Motorpoint, David Shelton, said, "Our poll shows that rising fuel costs are seriously affecting today's UK motorists and should be a warning to the Government that action is needed on fuel duty."

"We want people to enjoy owning a car again, without the burden of heavy taxes, which will in turn stimulate the economy. This is why we consistently offer the best savings on our cars, providing a viable way for cash strapped Brits to buy a car without breaking the bank."

In addition to the recent revelation that the UK currently pays the highest fuel tax in Europe, it all points to tough times for UK drivers. Customers are increasingly searching for the highest savings and vehicles that will cost as little as possible to run. The 'Green Cars' section on Motorpoint's website is one of the most popular pages on the site, attracting around 12,000 visitors each day. This could be a key indicator of the future which awaits all UK drivers.

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