Soaring Costs 'Forcing Drivers Off Road'

Some 1.3 million people have been driven off the UK's roads this year as a result of rising motoring costs, according to new research.

The staggering figure, released by Sainsbury's Car Insurance, suggests one in 30 drivers have given up their cars over the past 12 months.

The report found the average car owner is now spending around £1,720 annually to fuel their vehicle - a rise of almost 23% year-on-year.

It says three quarters of motorists have changed their driving habits in the last 12 months to accomodate the rise in bills, including 30% increases in insurance premiums.

Sainsbury's puts the average cost of running a car annually at over £3,000 - a rise of 21% on a year ago.

The UK has 31 million registered licence holders with 27 million cars, according to the AA .

The motoring organisation believes the claim that there are now 1.3 million fewer cars on the roads is "unlikely" but it agrees with the findings that the vast majority of drivers have cut their costs.

AA President Edmund King said: "Although the AA figures broadly support the level of fuel-price hardship illustrated by this new survey, it is unlikely that one in 30 drivers no longer get behind the wheel.

"That in itself would be a growing disaster for retailers who rely on their customers to go to out-of-town superstores."

In the study, 26% admitted not filling their petrol tanks while 45% were driving less often.

10% - that is 3.5 million people - had downgraded their car for one that is cheaper to run.

The squeeze on consumers - a result of rising inflation - is mainly down to higher oil prices feeding into the wider economy at a time of slower wage growth.

The average cost of petrol has fallen back from record highs earlier this year but the latest figures from Experian Catalist suggest unleaded currently stands at 133.68p a litre while diesel costs 137.59p.

Mr King said: "Clearly, petrol costing more than 130p a litre is more than a significant number of drivers can afford, but modern society depends on a high level of mobility.

"With alternative transport either being cut back or becoming more expensive, the AA thinks most drivers will hold on to their cars."

He continued: "They may leave the more thirsty car in the garage or at the top of the drive, but families cling on to the hope that somehow things will get better."