The rising cost of petrol has seen an increase in the number of motorists breaking down due to a lack of fuel.
Increased petrol costs have seen more drivers running on empty and risking breakdowns and accidents, according to new research from Liverpool Victoria (LV).
The insurance firm has noted a ten per cent increase in the number of motorists needing roadside assistance after letting their tanks run dry. Some 340,000 drivers have suffered this fate in the past three months.
LV suggests that this is a result of increased petrol prices, with the average UK motorist now spending £50 a time to fill up their car. This is an increase of £11.50 on the same period last year.
Drivers are feeling the strain of increased petrol prices with 47 per cent claiming that they regularly run their cars on the minimum amount of fuel. A further 20 per cent say that they cannot afford to fill up their petrol tanks.
Single parents and young professionals are the worst hit, making up a respective 37 per cent and 26 per cent of those who cannot afford to fill up.
"Increases in fuel prices are hitting drivers hard, especially against a background of rising food and housing costs. But whilst it is now more costly to fill up at the pumps running a car on empty can damage a car's fuel pump - requiring repairs that will make a full tank of £50 petrol seem like a bargain," said spokesperson Emma Holyer.
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