UK motorists undeterred by high octane price tag

Petrol will have to nearly double in price from today’s average 95.6p per litre for motorists to even start to consider dumping their car for alternative modes of transport.

Research out today from car insurer, esure, reveals the average price that petrol would have to reach a staggering £1.83 before many drivers would switch to public transport.

esure's “carry on pumping” poll shows there is a hard core majority of UK motorists (55%), who claim they would never get rid of their car to travel on trains, tubes and buses whatever the price tag.

One in three drivers display an amazing disregard for price they pay for fuel – they can’t be bothered to monitor the cheapest petrol prices in their local area, let alone drive the extra mile to get the best deal.

The research also reveals that:

37% of motorists will not consider replacing their car with a more fuel-efficient or environmentally friendly car in the next three years.

The majority of motorists (79%) haven’t changed their attitude to buying petrol whatsoever, despite the threat of price rises.

There are a number of fuel-saving practices that drivers can easily adopt to increase the miles per gallon their car can achieve but, although 72% of drivers do know what to do, a fifth can’t be bothered to put these into practice or monitor their car’s fuel efficiency.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure, said: “esure’s poll shows that public transport may never overtake people’s preference for their own cars, whatever the cost. Nowadays, cars are clearly seen as a necessity that people refuse to give up. For many people the absence of cheap public transport means a car is essential in their lives and virtually any price will be paid for petrol.

“There are simple ways that motorists can prevent their cars from guzzling up their pennies. Driving steadily and carefully, with no excessive braking or speeding, will not only give you more miles for your money, it could also reduce the likelihood of making a claim on your car insurance.”

esure has devised some tips on reducing fuel consumption for the 25% of motorists who don’t know how to save on fuel while driving:

Avoid heavy braking and accelerating. Watch the road ahead and anticipate when to slow down or stop well in advance

Keep your speed down. Your car's handbook will tell you what the most fuel-efficient in-town and out-of-town speed is

Close windows and sun-roofs to reduce drag

Remove excess baggage from the car as heavy loads put more strain on a car

Switch off or turn down air conditioning and heating

Change gear as soon as possible, ideally around 1,500 – 2,500 revs

Find the shortest route

Share journeys where possible and avoid all unnecessary trips