Andy Burnham issued £174.95 reality check as struggling UK families get rid of cars

Andy Burnham issued £174.95 reality check as struggling UK families get rid of cars Andy Burnham has been warned that running a car is becoming so expensive that many families are deciding owning more than one car is no longer affordable. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Luke Chillingsworth , Cars Reporter 04:01, Sat, Oct 31, 2026 Updated: 06:51, Sat, Oct 31, 2026 Andy Burnham has been told drivers are ditching their cars (Image: Getty) Andy Burnham has been told families with multiple cars are increasingly getting rid of at least one of their vehicles as running costs rise.

According to analysis from Tempcover, motorists are splashing out hundreds of pounds on vehicle running costs, leaving many to question whether they should keep hold of their motors. Recent data from the group, pulled from a survey of 2,000 UK adults, found that as many as 40% of UK drivers have already cut down the number of vehicles on their driveways. Meanwhile, one third (32%) said they no longer drive enough to justify owning more than one vehicle, with ownership costs taking a toll.

John Healey’s Autumn Budget cut planned January petrol and diesel fuel duty rises but the Chancellor didn’t deal with issues already facing drivers on the road. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The Chancellor didn’t cut fuel duty further , reduce VAT rates at the pumps, or introduce VAT savings for public charging fees. Speaking exclusively to the Express, Jake Lambert, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, says: “Keeping fuel duty frozen is a welcome relief for motorists at a time when running costs remain high.

“Our research shows the average car owner spends £174.95 a month just to own and run their vehicle, and four in 10 have already reduced the number of cars they own due to affordability. Any predictability at the pumps helps households plan ahead.” Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family .

Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . According to a Motorpoint poll of 2,066 motorists, 53% of drivers are travelling less to save on fuel costs. Meanwhile, 30% said they were finding it more difficult to afford to fill up, with 18% needing to cut back on household spending to account for higher petrol and diesel prices at the pump.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT However, Michael Golson, motoring expert at Cazoo, stressed the new freeze on fuel duty could give motorists more confidence to stay behind the wheel. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT John Healey confirms new 35p per mile change for UK drivers | Express.co.uk New fuel duty rates for petrol and diesel confirmed in Budget Analysis shows vehicle running costs are up at around £174 per month (Image: Getty) Speaking exclusively to the Express, Michael said: “The Chancellor has removed an immediate layer of financial friction for millions of motoring households”.

Mr Golson added: “Consumers can browse the used vehicle market with genuine confidence. Knowing that day-to-day running costs remain steady allows buyers to plan their budgets accurately, whether they’re looking to replace an aging runaround or upgrade to their next family car.” Mr Healey confirmed fuel duty fees would be frozen in his Autumn Budget statement in the House of Commons on Thursday. The Chancellor said: “With the war in the Middle East still driving high fuel prices, I’m extending these tax cuts to motorists through the winter and spring to July, supporting households, hauliers and farmers.”

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