Nearly a million households are spending more than a quarter of their income running a car, research has found.
The RAC Foundation has used data from ONS, the Government’s statistical service, to expose the extent of “motoring poverty”. It estimates there are 800,000 families trying to run a car with a disposable weekly income of no more than £167. According to the Foundation’s calculations £44 – equivalent to 27 per cent of the total – is being spent on motoring costs.
This includes £16 to buy fuel and £8.30 a week for insurance. Road tax accounts for £2.50 a week and maintenance £4.80, with motorists having to allow £10 for the cost of buying the car and depreciation. The calculations will intensify pressure on the Chancellor to offer motorists more respite in his budget later this month.