THIRD OF BRITS TO DITCH DRIVING IF FUEL PRICES GO UP DURING THE BUDGET

• 31 per cent of Brits will drive less than they do currently if fuel prices rise 
• One in 20 Brits (four per cent) will stop driving all together
• A fifth of Brits will turn to public transport (18 per cent), change their driving style to save petrol (17 per cent) and let their fuel run down lower than they usually would (17 per cent)
• One in 20 Brits (four per cent) will change their job
• A sixth of Brits (15 per cent) will switch to electric cars
   

Falling fuel prices across the UK could soon come to an end, as oil prices mount and questions over fuel excise duty rises loom ahead of this week's budget announcement. According to recent research by national breakdown cover provider Green Flag, a rise in fuel will dramatically affect British drivers.

The research reveals that 37 per cent of drivers state that rising fuel prices are a continual concern for them, with 27 per cent saying that they can't afford a rise at all and 21 per cent saying that, if fuel prices rise, they'll need to make dramatic changes to their household budget.

Green Flag's research also reveals that, if these price rises do come into effect, almost one in five people will change their driving style in order to save petrol, and 21 per cent will have to make dramatic changes to their household budgets in order to afford the increase. 18 per cent will consider using public transport and four per cent respectively will consider stopping driving altogether or even change their job.

According to the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS), the Chancellor could have to fill a £3billion hole in the country’s finances by the end of the parliament with an increase in fuel duty. The IFS reports that fuel duty for petrol and diesel should be raised by 41 per cent and 31 per cent respectively. Estimates suggest this would generate up to £9billion a year for the Treasury.

In light of this, Green Flag's head of rescue Nick Reid said, "Rising fuel prices will affect countless drivers across the country. For many, driving is a vital part of everyday life and any rise in fuel costs will have a huge impact on people's household budgets. Our research found that 37 per cent of drivers haven’t visited friends or family due to the fuel costs involved, which is a great shame as there are plenty of ways to drive to increase fuel efficiency."

Green Flag‘s tips to increase fuel efficiency:

1: Drive with the right speed

This is a key factor in fuel economy; you need to know what the 'cruising speed' of your car is. In general this means driving in the highest gear, but maintaining between 3,000-4,000 revs. It may take a little longer to get to your destination (when travelling outside the city) This occurs because the car's friction with the air that surrounds it grows exponentially when driving faster. In short, you need more fuel to 'move' your car through increasingly dense air.

Save up to 1.6mph per litre of petrol

 2: Drive calmly and smoothly

This means that you have to avoid sudden acceleration and braking, and generally nervous driving. Apart from fuel, you save both yourself and other drivers from stress and possible accidents. When driving, try to maintain a consistent speed throughout the duration on a straight road. By using this technique, not only do you achieve fuel economy, but also you learn to keep the right distance from the vehicle in front you, as well as taking care of all the parts of your car such as the tires and brakes.  

Save up to 1.6m per litre of petrol

 3: Reduce drag

Cars in general, especially your beloved SUV, are most often a 'wall' of aerodynamics. More than 40 per cent of the engine power, and therefore the respective fuel is required to 'win' the drag (air resistance) and move forward. Be careful not to have things on a roof-rack when unnecessary and instead fit it in the rear seat or in the boot. It may sound like a pain, but you have to remove even the roof-rack when you do not intend to put something on it.

Saving: not measurable (but still important).

 4: Say no to the 'special' petrol

Unless there is a special reason, you don't need to use high-octane petrol, just because ads claim that it can improve performance and make your car's engine live longer. In reality, nobody can understand the difference. The regular unleaded 95 octane is the recommended fuel for 99 per cent of car manufacturers. Don't forget that even supercars move and perform just fine with normal petrol! 

Save: Up to £0.23 per litre

 5: Never drive with the engine cold

All engines require a quick warm-up in order to yield maximum horsepower at the appropriate speed. A cold engine can consume 10 -15 per cent more fuel to reach its full potential. Always try to 'warm up' the car's engine for two or three minutes, whilst being on the go but with low speed. Remember to do this even if it's just a short journey in the city. By doing this, you not only save money on petrol, but also protect the environment as cars consumer more fuel when are cold.

Save: Up to 1.24m per litre of petrol

 6: Always check your tyres are properly inflated

You can lose a total of nine miles travel per full tank, when the pressure of your tyres is 0.6 to 1 bar less than the guidelines. Besides greater fuel economy, properly inflated tyres also brake better, behave better and do not heat up as much as the deflated ones; therefore they last for longer. So check your tyre pressure at least once a month, and always when they're cold! 

Save: Up to 0.3 miles per litre of petrol

 7: Use low consumption tyres

Tyre resistance can contribute significantly to a car's fuel consumption. Tyre manufacturers have been trying in the last five years to design new tyres with very low friction. They usually have the same price point as the simple ones, but these tyres last much longer, meaning a saving of up to £70.

Save: Up to 0.5 miles per litre of petrol

 8: Don't idle for a long time

When you are not moving, but the engine is running, you still consume fuel. For example, an SUV with a 3V engine which is not moving for 10 minutes but its engine is still on, consumes about half a litre of fuel for absolutely no reason. Therefore, a simple rule is to turn off the car engine if you believe that you will stay still for more than half a minute.

Save: Up to half a litre of fuel per 10 minutes.

Green Flag offers hints and tips for drivers, visit: www.greenflag.com

                                                  ENDS

Green Flag conducted a survey of 1,000 people with a driving license and who drive once a week 09.03.16 – 10.03.16, with Censuswide.

Other sources:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/consumer-news/93906/uk-diesel-and-petrol-prices-is-a-fuel-price-rise-on-the-horizon

For further information please contact the Green Flag press office at Frank PR:
0207 693 6999/ greenflag@frankpr.it
 
 
Notes to Editors:
 
With over 40 years experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).

Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com 

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