Drivers face pain at the pumps as average cost of filling up a family car nears £110

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Motorists speeding on the A113 in Stanford Rivers, near Ongar, are added to a 'Wall of Shame'.

The average price of diesel has reached 199.18p a litre, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 as the Iran conflict continues to push up global oil and fuel costs

Millions of drivers could be at risk of a repair crisis, as new data shows that one in four drivers has no money set aside for vehicle emergencies. Research has found that one in four motorists do not have any money set aside for vehicle emergencies. ### A further four in 10 drivers could not absorb a repair bill above £249 without cutting back elsewhere, borrowing, using a credit card or delaying another bill. This has become all too common for drivers across the UK as millions continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Experts have suggested that it could even become more common as diesel hits an all-time price peak at a staggering 199.19p per litre. Someone driving an average family car with a 55-litre tank can expect to pay almost £110 for a full refuel, based on current prices. The average car repair can cost up to £600, meaning drivers could be left scrambling if they are involved in an accident or something goes wrong with their vehicle. Almost one in seven admitted that they cannot afford to save regularly for vehicle repair costs, while a similar proportion admitted that they had not thought about it. ### ### ### If a repair bill were to become reality, drivers are most likely to turn to savings (29 per cent) or a credit card (19 per cent). Tamsin Powell, consumer finance expert at Creditspring, said: "An unexpected repair bill is rarely just about the car. "It can mean worrying about whether there is enough left for food, energy, rent or the bills that are already due. "For households already balancing a tight budget, a fault can leave people feeling they have to choose between keeping the car on the road and protecting everything else." ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * M25 traffic: Drivers face TWO HOURS of delays near Dartford Crossing after huge lorry fire * Sadiq Khan confirms when cars will be banned from Oxford Street amid pedestrianisation plans * Labour hints at using 'levers' to lower fuel prices for millions after diesel hit all-time record high ### ### ### The research also found that drivers tend to focus on other motoring costs, including car insurance (46 per cent), MOT (42 per cent) and vehicle tax (42 per cent). However, motorists do not plan for unpredictable costs, such as unexpected repairs, breakdowns and parking. MOT tests could also present an issue, with 17 per cent of people fearing that a routine check could uncover a repair bill they cannot afford. Previous data revealed that some drivers are skipping MOT tests to save money, despite the enormous costs that come along with having an unroadworthy car. ### ### ### Survey respondents stated that a £500 increase in energy bills was more unsettling than a £500 car repair, suggesting that Britons are more conscious of household bills. Ms Powell emphasised that a "relatively modest repair bill can feel so disruptive", adding that drivers cannot plan for a breakdown. "But you can make the shock more manageable by knowing the costs that are coming, putting aside what you can, and getting clear information before making a decision under pressure," she said. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Motorists could be forced to pay more to get around following the introduction of new driving laws in recent weeks, including new costs for popular traffic routes and HMRC rates. September saw several crucial motoring rules introduced, as well as the launch of self-driving vehicles in London and new number plate identifiers. ### GB News has rounded up the most important driving law changes introduced over the last month that you may have missed. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### ### Number plates The start of the month saw dealerships across the country celebrate "new reg plate day" with the introduction of the "76" registration. This is the second number plate identifier launched this year following the "26" rollout in March, with experts expecting a huge boost in vehicle sales in September. At the time, March saw the best-ever month for new electric car registrations, with more than 86,000 new sales of EVs. ### ### ### ### Motability Drivers in Scotland lost some entitlements in September under rules outlined by former Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the 2025 Autumn Budget to save £1billion over five years. Mileage rates fell from 60,000 miles to 30,000 miles for a three-year lease, and from 100,000 miles to 50,000 miles for a five-year Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) lease. Motorists now also face a 25p excess mileage fee, up from 5p, and a £22 VE103 admin fee to take a vehicle abroad to the European Union. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * Tesla issues safety warning amid fears battery system 'presents a risk of fire' * M25 traffic: Drivers face TWO HOURS of delays near Dartford Crossing after huge lorry fire * Sadiq Khan confirms when cars will be banned from Oxford Street amid pedestrianisation plans ### ### ### Self-driving Uber announced in early September that Londoners requesting an Uber X, Uber Electric or Uber Comfort could be matched with a Wayve ride. The ride-hailing company has partnered with British company Wayve to deploy all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E models across the capital. While it marks a significant step forward for autonomous mobility in the UK, the rides will be supervised by a trained and TfL-licensed private hire driver. ### ### ### Advisory fuel rates New advisory fuel rates were introduced in September for reimbursing employees for business travel in their company cars, or when employees need to repay the cost of fuel for private travel. The third update of the year saw minor changes to larger petrol cars, with prices rising from 26p per mile to 27p per mile for engines over 2,000cc. Price reductions were introduced for two diesel engine categories, while rates for electric vehicles remained the same, regardless of whether a driver mainly charges at home or in public. ### ### ### ### Silvertown Tunnel Motorists travelling across the River Thames between Silvertown in east London and the Greenwich Peninsula now have to pay more to use the Silvertown Tunnel. The price rises were announced to keep pace with inflation, cover the cost of building the tunnel and cover any additional maintenance. #### New Silvertown Tunnel charges from September 21, 2026 * Motorcycles, mopeds, motor tricycles - £1.55 (off-peak), £2.60 (peak and online charges) * Cars and small vans - £1.55 (off-peak), £4.20 (peak and online charges) * Large vans - £2.60 (off-peak), £6.80 (peak and online charges) * Heavy goods vehicles - £5.25 (off-peak), £10.50 (peak and online charges) ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Diesel prices have reached a record high in the UK, and it's bad news for motorists who are looking to save money on their fuel bills. Martin Lewis said removing a key item from cars could help

UK motorists who bought a car between 2006 and 2015 from 37 brands may be owed part of £56m set aside for compensation

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