Fuel prices 'harm tourist sites'

28/07/11

By Sarah Tawton

The UK's tourist attractions are suffering as the rising cost of fuel prevents motorists from taking day trips, research has suggested.

More than two thirds of motorists said the cost of filling up their tank would stop them driving to popular tourist sites this summer.

Just 31 per cent of people said they still planned to take days out despite increased prices at the pumps, according to a poll by Motorpoint.

The soaring cost of petrol and diesel, combined with the rising cost of living, has forced many drivers to cut back on using their cars this year.

Fuel sales were reportedly down by around a billion litres this month as motorists bid to save money.

Motorpoint managing director David Shelton said: "We think it's sad to see that some people won't be visiting some of the great attractions available in the UK this year due to the rising costs of fuel preventing them from making the sometimes necessary longer journeys to get there."