FUEL CRISIS: Motorists think it's now more acceptable asking for fuel money when giving a lift

As fuel prices surge to an all-time high, more and more UK motorists think it is socially acceptable to ask passengers to contribute to the cost of filling up their tank in exchange for a lift.

Research commissioned by the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has discovered that nearly two thirds of the 1,000 drivers surveyed believe it is becoming more socially acceptable for designated drivers to ask passengers to stump up money at the pumps.

These findings come as the cost-of-living crisis deepens for households across the country, with average petrol prices rising by 12.6p per litre between February and March, the largest monthly rise since records began in 1990.

Unsurprisingly, young drivers are more likely to ask passengers to help foot fuel bills, with eight in ten of drivers between the age of 18-24 believing it is more acceptable. This compares to over half of over 65s, who are the least likely age group to split fuel costs.

The survey also revealed a difference in opinion according to country, with over eight in ten of Welsh motorists considering it to be acceptable to ask for passengers to contribute to petrol costs, the highest percentage answer. Meanwhile, just over half of Scottish and Northern Irish motorists felt it is becoming more socially acceptable to ask passengers to chip in for fuel costs, making them the least likely to do so.

In England, East Midlanders were most likely to ask for fuel contributions, with seven in ten sharing the belief that passengers should fork out for fuel, while residents of the East of England were feeling less generous, with under six in ten motorists from this region thinking it is socially acceptable to ask for fuel contributions.

Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “With the soaring cost of fuel, as well as so many other factors contributing to the cost-of-living squeeze, perhaps it comes as little surprise that so many drivers are open to asking passengers to contribute towards their petrol and diesel bills.”

Greig also offered a word of advice on how changing driving behaviours can help motorists feeling the financial squeeze: “A few small changes in the way we prepare our vehicles and plan journeys can make a substantial difference to our fuel consumption. Gentle acceleration, using the highest safe gear, keeping tyres well maintained and turning off the air-conditioning can all help keep fuel costs down while also improving road safety. These simple changes mean you will not only be saving money, but also potentially saving lives.”