Petrol and diesel drivers are facing a huge £2,500 fine when trying to save fuel this week. Millions of drivers are risking serious fines and dramatic consequences for their motoring habits while driving during the half-term break.
Driving Habits and Misconceptions
Many drivers are planning or considering family road trips (45 per cent), preparing for longer journeys (23 per cent), and shorter trips (27 per cent). However, only 26 per cent admitted that they are more likely to accidentally speed when they have children in their cars. Alarmingly, almost one in five drivers said they have tried to go over the speed limit in hopes of reducing their fuel consumption.
Official estimates from the Department for Transport show that cars use around 10 per cent less fuel when driven at 50mph rather than 62mph. Reducing speed from 68mph to 50mph can slash fuel consumption by 20 per cent, while the optimal speed for HGVs is below 50mph.
Penalties for Speeding
The minimum fine for speeding is £100 and three penalty points on a licence. However, fines of up to £2,500 or disqualification can be handed out if drivers are found guilty of speeding at court.
Rising Fuel Prices
With data showing petrol prices are rising, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “In bad news for drivers ahead of the bank holiday, the average price of petrol has reached a new Iran war high with a litre now costing 158.52p. The price last peaked on 15 April at 158.31p, falling by more than a penny until the start of May when it began rising again.”
“But RAC analysis of wholesale fuel data unfortunately indicates that unleaded is now likely to increase to at least 160p a litre in the coming weeks, unless there's a dramatic and sustained drop in the price of oil which has been above $100 a barrel since late April.”
“It's a more positive outlook for diesel as the wholesale price has reduced significantly since it peaked in early April. While the price of diesel at the pump has fallen nearly 6p to 185.92p - its lowest price since the start of last month - it should really be much lower than it is. We urge retailers to reflect the savings they're benefitting from when buying new supply on the forecourt.”
