Petrol and diesel prices putting people off from driving

Rising living costs have impacted the affordability of driving for people across the UK, with many thinking carefully about their method of transport. New research has found that almost half (48 percent) of motorists are avoiding unnecessary journeys due to rising fuel costs.A further 23 percent have reduced their mileage in order to cut maintenance costs, Lloyds Bank research found.The data found that three in 10 drivers have considered delaying the purchase or lease of a new or used vehicle by an average of two years. However, used cars remain a popular option, with almost half (45 percent) of drivers surveyed opting for a secondhand car for their next vehicle purchase to make savings wherever possible.  The latest data from RAC Fuel Watch could see motorists struggling for a while longer.READ MORE: Electric car owners warned about towing trailers and caravans Petrol and diesel prices putting people off from driving despite ‘appetite’ for EVs. (Image: Getty) It costs 10p per mile to use a standard EV home charger, compared to 19p for petrol. (Image: Getty)Both petrol and diesel prices have risen somewhat dramatically since the start of October, with unleaded petrol up to 165.61p per litre.Diesel prices are still significantly higher than petrol, with average costs being around 190p per litre.Nick Williams, Transport Managing Director, said that drivers were being faced with tough motoring decisions as the cost of living crisis rages on.He added: ‘Households across the UK are continuing to feel the cost-of-living bite, especially when it comes to their method of transport. DON’T MISSDrivers face huge £1,000 fine for little-known parking law [WARNING]Drivers urged to use specific kind of petrol instead of E10 [SHOCKING]Petrol and diesel cars should be ‘upcycled’ instead of scrapped [INSIGHT] Petrol and diesel prices over the past five years. (Image: Express)This can be compared to £325 per year for electric variants of the same car model.Electric car drivers are also exempt from any emissions-based charging areas, like Clean Air Zones, Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone and London’s ULEZ.According to the RAC, it costs 10p per mile to use a standard EV home charger, compared to 19p for petrol and 21p per mile for diesel.The most intensive ultra-rapid chargers cost 18p per mile, although very few drivers will exclusively use these to charge their car.