Two-thirds of UK drivers have seen their motoring costs increase over the past 12 months and factors like car tax changes and motor insurance could be forcing them off the road.
New research has found that 63 per cent of motorists across the UK have experienced a hike in the amount they pay to stay behind the wheel.
One in six drivers has admitted to skipping a service in between MOTs to avoid extra costs, which could make the whole transport network a far more dangerous place.
For some, not having a valid MOT could also impact their car insurance prices, and even invalidate their cover, potentially leaving them with fines if they need to claim.
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The cost of motoring could be forcing drivers off roads with price hikes in April
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As a result of the rising costs, 18 per cent of drivers have considered selling their car over the past year, with one in three of those saying they needed something cheaper to run to stay on the road.
Upcoming car tax changes are also having a huge impact on motorists with the latest Government data showing how Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) receipts reached a total of £7.1billion in 2021/22.
During the Autumn Statement last year, the Government confirmed that the rate of VED would increase in line with the rate of inflation from the new tax year in April.
While this will millions of drivers pay more to keep their vehicles on the road, owners of the most polluting diesel vehicles will see the largest rises, potentially by hundreds of pounds.
Louise Thomas, motor expert at Confused.com car insurance, which commissioned the research, said: “With driving costs at an all-time high, millions of drivers could risk being priced off the road.
“That’s as our latest research found that more than half (63 per cent) of drivers have seen their motoring costs increase in the past year.
“Driving is a necessity and lifeline for many, and while there are alternatives, such as using public transport, it’s not always an option. Especially if you live near unreliable transport links or far from day-to-day amenities.”
The latest data from Confused.com’s latest car insurance price index also found that drivers were paying an average of £995 per year, with younger drivers being quoted as much as £3,000.
Insurers are being forced to pay larger amounts for car repairs in the event of a claim, with newer vehicles coming equipped with more technology, which can often be harder to fix or require the work of an expert technician.
MOT costs have also jumped by 19 per cent in recent years with the price of a full service and MOT rising from £184 to £219 on average between 2018 and 2023.
Wildly fluctuating fuel price hikes have also had a negative impact on drivers, as seen during the summer of 2022 when they reached record-breaking levels.
While prices have since dropped, they are still expensive. RAC Fuel Watch data shows that unleaded petrol costs an average of 145.2p per litre while drivers are being forced to pay an average of 153.25p per litre.
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The total price of an MOT test and full service has increased dramatically in recent years
PA
Louise Thomas added: “With new driving laws set for 2024, drivers could be paying for more fines, on top of their current driving expenses.
“But doing your research and being savvy could help to keep costs down. And that means any money you save could go towards other financial commitments.”
