Motorists drive to the moon and back (again and again and again)

The total number of miles driven by UK motorists each year would take them to the moon and back over half a million times according to new research.

Car insurance specialist Admiral looked at the average mileage driven by two million motorists and discovered that if all the motorists in the UK drove the average of 7,755 miles a year then it would total over 267 billion miles.

Since 2000, the average mileage has increased by 4.5%, even though people are being encouraged to use their cars less.

Admiral managing director, Sue Longthorn, said, "When you see the total mileage we drive it's staggering, especially when you consider there are only around 246,000 miles of road in the country. It's no wonder our roads seem so congested!

"Most motorists don't realise just how far they drive each year as you don't tend to stop and think about it. Indeed many motorists underestimate their mileage. However, with the price of petrol at an all time high, I'm sure the cost of all these miles would certainly make them stop and think."

All insurance companies ask their customers to calculate the average mileage they drive each year. This is one of the factors they use to calculate the premium they charge. Too high and there is a higher risk they will be involved in an accident; too low and there is a risk that the motorist lacks experience.