Motorists are more dependent on their cars than ever before, according to a new report from the RAC looking at changes in motoring over the past 25 years.
It reports that 89% of motorists are more reliant on their cars today than they were 25 years ago and 78% of all drivers agree they would find it very difficult to adjust to a car-free lifestyle.
However, the biggest perceived change in the last 25 years is the increased cost of motoring. Sixty one per cent of motorists say this is the most noticeable change over the past quarter of a century.
Cost is the primary concern for nearly half ( 46% ) with the cost of fuel a particular worry for those living in rural and suburban areas. Even more drivers this year are being forced to curtail their social lives due to the rising cost of motoring - 14% this year, compared to 9% in 2012.
In its conclusion to the report the RAC highlights the cost of motoring and says that while the Government’s freeze on fuel duty until at least 2014 is welcome, it is not enough.
It cites the recent study by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research funded by the FairFuelUK campaign which established a link between the cost of fuel, economic growth and employment. It urges the Government to take immediate action to cut fuel duty so as to reduce ‘fuel poverty’ and stimulate economic growth, create jobs and reduce inflationary pressures.
The RAC also calls on Government to create greater transparency in the price motorists pay at the pump by requiring all receipts issued by filling stations to itemise the cost of the fuel, fuel duty and VAT separately.
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