Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Mike Waters' Blog: 24 November 2009 - Nothing Scrooge-like about reducing fuel costs
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Mike Waters' Blog: 24 November 2009 - Nothing Scrooge-like about reducing fuel costs

Date: 24 November 2009

Mike Waters is head of market analysis at Arval

The period between now and the end of the year certainly isn't a cheap one with the festive season moving into full swing. With this in mind, the last thing that anyone needs is more expense, but for drivers it certainly doesn't look as if fuel prices will provide much respite.

With petrol prices now at a year high drivers and businesses are being hit in the wallet. The current price of fuel means that filling up an average family car with unleaded costs more than £60, an increase of at least ten pounds on this time last year.

Without wanting to be the bearer of bad news, the UK's drivers must also prepare themselves for a planned 2.5 per cent increase in VAT on 1st January and fuel duty rise on April 1st which will further increase the cost of a full tank. Dismal news indeed, but for many drivers while there is nothing that can be done about the fuel price, there are alternatives to using fuel.

UK political parties seem united in their desire for a European style high-speed rail network to connect our largest cities. We currently only have 68 miles of high-speed track so the new fast network could dramatically reduce journey times, carbon emissions and give the economy a much needed boost. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is that while they're greener, the trains probably aren't a cheaper option.

For example, a recent investigation showed that commuters on a route between Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands would have to pay more than £1,000 per ticket! Trains can provide great value if you are travelling off peak and can plan the journey well in advance but this often isn't the case.

Hybrid cars are becoming more common and there are a host of electric trials kicking off around the country but again, these aren't always the cheapest option with initial costs often proving to be high. Plus if you want an electric vehicle that can rival your current car you have some time to wait, apart from the G-Wiz, most of them aren't currently on general sale.

So this year, in the run up to Christmas, you have only one real option to ease the burden of fuel costs - make fuel go further. Use it sparingly by reducing the speed that you drive, drive defensively and don't leave unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Check tyre pressures and most importantly, cut out unnecessary journeys, leaving the car at home whenever you can in favour of walking, especially if you are off to a party where alcohol is on the menu.



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