Drivers limiting fuel spending

30/08/11

Chris Gibbings

High fuel prices are prompting more than 25 per cent of drivers to rein in their spending when filling up, according to a survey.

The AA/Populus study, which surveyed 15,860 AA members, revealed that women are more cautious on fuel spending than men and budgets are being tightened the most in Northern Ireland, north-west England and Wales.

Of those surveyed, 14 per cent paid a set amount on their credit card for fuel and 14 per cent set a limit when paying cash.

The proportion of unskilled workers, long-term unemployed and pensioners setting limits on payment rose to 44 per cent, but the corresponding figures was just 21 per cent for the top socio-economic group.

The study showed that 23 per cent of those budgeting a set amount have had to raise their limit, 13 per cent have had to cut back on spending, and 29 per cent use their cars less.

AA president Edmund King said the survey was "a stunning indication" of the impact of fuel prices, adding: "It is little wonder when you consider that £30 spent even at peak prices in 2008 (119.7p a litre) bought 25.1 litres of petrol. A year ago, the same amount bought 25.9 litres and now it buys 22.3 litres."