Concerns are growing as new charges and increased running costs are putting pressure on drivers in the UK. A study by TransPennine Express (TPE) has revealed that half of drivers are facing a significant rise in expenses such as petrol, car insurance, and car tax. The average insurance quote has surged by £348 this year, leading to more than half of UK drivers expressing their inability to sustain car ownership. In fact, 38% of drivers are contemplating giving up driving altogether if costs continue to escalate.
The impact of these rising costs is particularly pronounced among younger drivers, with 17-24 year-olds seeing their average car insurance quotes increase by a staggering £688. As a result, more than a quarter of drivers are considering switching to train travel as a viable alternative. The trend towards opting for greener modes of transport is further highlighted by the Rail Delivery Group’s research, which indicates that train travel produces significantly lower emissions compared to petrol or diesel cars, as well as plug-in hybrid and battery electric cars.
Kathryn O’Brien, the Customer Experience and Transformation Director at TPE, commented on the findings of the research, stating that the escalating costs of running a car are pushing drivers towards alternative means of transportation. The prospect of a significant shift in travel habits is looming large, as drivers grapple with the financial burden of car ownership. With more drivers contemplating giving up their cars, the landscape of transportation in the UK may be on the brink of a major transformation.