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Brits save £267m on fuel in lockdown

Emma Lunn
Written By:
Emma Lunn
Posted:
Updated:
26/05/2020

Lockdown restrictions have cancelled the daily commute for millions of workers.

Millions of people working from home over the past two months, combined with plummeting petrol and diesel prices, means Brits are spending much less on fuel, according to GoCompare.

With most cars staying stationary, less petrol is being purchased across the UK. That saving has severely impacted the cost of fuel at the pumps, with prices for both petrol and diesel falling since the coronavirus outbreak, leading to petrol pricing wars between Tesco, Asda and Morrisons.

Time saving

The GoCompare research also found that, on average, Brits spend 58 minutes a day commuting for work by car, covering 3.4 miles each way.

Over the course of a year that adds up to more than 200 hours, or about eight-and-a-half days.

More than two-thirds (68%) of the UK population usually drive to work every day, leaving roads eerily quiet as the majority of the UK self-isolate.

Unsurprisingly, it’s London that takes the top spot for the busiest rush hour route, with a journey from Chiswick Roundabout to the A40 taking drivers an average of 56 hours a year.

Leeds commuters also suffer delays, with drivers travelling from Harrogate Road to Victoria Street losing an average of 40 hours a year. In Manchester, commuters going from the A56 to Northumberland Street spend about 36 hours a year in congestion.

Driving less

According to GoCompare, driving in the UK is down 62% compared to the start of 2020. This is significantly more than other countries, with the USA’s driving only reduced by 30%.

Matt Oliver, motoring expert from GoCompare, says: “Understandably, as cars are used less, we are starting to see an impact on insurance and pricing. There are a few things you can do to reduce costs while your car isn’t in use. If you have a finance agreement for your vehicle, talk to your provider as they should be able to offer you a payment break.

“You can also speak to your insurer to see if there is anything they can do to help such as reducing or deferring premiums. You could look to lower your standard mileage or your cover level to reduce your premium. If your renewal date is due shortly, shop around to see if you can get the cover you need for a much cheaper price.

“It will be interesting to see how fuel usage changes once lockdown has lifted. With companies announcing remote working will continue, this will affect the daily commute for thousands of drivers.”

Churchill announced last week that it was offering partial refund to car insurance policyholders driving less than usual. Other insurers offering drivers refunds include LV= and Admiral.