Research by insurance.co.uk has revealed one in six Brits are considering looking for work closer to home because it is not economical to make the journey by car.

The average commuter has seen fuel bills rise by 21% over the last 12 months and this figure is widely expected to increase over the coming weeks.

In a variety of other cost-cutting measures, one in four drivers have decided to leave the car at home and try their luck on public transport while 19% are actively seeking car shares.

Two in five are consciously cutting back on day trips, over a third are reducing car journeys to shops and supermarkets, nearly one in three plan to reduce the amount of car trips they make to visit friends and family and more than one in 10 are going to stop driving their children to school.

Worryingly, over half the population plan to cut their spend on MOTs, servicing and car parts, with potentially disastrous consequences for car and road safety. Over a third of drivers are thinking about buying a more fuel-efficient car while one in six are thinking about downgrading. One in 10 are thinking about scrapping their vehicle altogether.

Steve Grainger, head of insurance.co.uk, said: “The rising cost of fuel is taking its toll on British drivers in more ways than one. Our research highlights the enormous pressure being put on commuters and the wider economic consequences that may lie just around the corner.

“In the current climate, it’s more important than ever that motorists take stock of their finances and realise the savings that could be made by shopping around for insurance cover.”