**38% of Drivers Could be Forced Off the Road by New Charges**
A recent study by TransPennine Express (TPE) has revealed that the escalating costs of running a car are pushing many UK drivers to the brink. With the average insurance quote soaring by £348 this year alone, more than half of drivers are struggling to afford basic car expenses such as petrol, insurance, and car tax. Additionally, over a third (38%) of drivers have expressed concerns that if these costs continue to rise, they may be compelled to give up driving altogether.
Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Experience and Transformation Director at TPE, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “We could be on the precipice of a huge transformation in the way we travel according to our latest research.” Shockingly, 5% of drivers have already been forced to abandon driving this year due to financial constraints.
The impact of these rising costs is particularly severe for younger drivers aged 17-24, with the average car insurance quote spiking by £688 for this age group. In response to the financial strain, more than a quarter of drivers are considering switching from driving to travelling by train. The research also indicates that 13% of drivers will permanently cease driving if costs do not abate.
In light of the environmental implications, the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) conducted a comparison of per-passenger emission data between rail and car travel. The findings revealed that trains are nearly nine times greener than petrol or diesel cars, over four times greener than plug-in hybrid electric cars, and almost two-and-a-half times greener than battery electric cars.
As drivers face mounting financial pressures, the prospect of a significant shift in transportation habits looms large. With costs continuing to escalate, many individuals may soon find themselves without the means to keep their vehicles on the road.
This article first appeared on Wales Online.