Britons ditch cars as soaring petrol and diesel costs cause thousands to consider giving up driving

Hemma Visavadia
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:04:01 +0000

Rising fuel costs have forced young people to rethink how they travel, with many cutting back on driving or ditching their cars altogether.

A new study has found that four out of five motorists have already changed their habits as petrol prices continue to climb.

The research revealed that 86 per cent of 2,000 18 to 25-year-olds have altered how they commute because of the cost of fuel.

Nearly two-thirds of those asked said rising costs have made them question whether owning a car is worth it at all.

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More than three-quarters admitted they are driving less often, while a third said they are using public transport more frequently, with buses being the most popular alternative.

Over a quarter of young people said they are spending less on takeaways, while a similar number have cut back on buying new clothes, and some have dipped into their savings.

Social lives are being affected, too, with around one in five people saying they are going out less with friends due to the rising costs.

Many are now relying on family support to stay on the road, with almost one in five saying parents or grandparents are helping with fuel costs.

Meanwhile, 17 per cent have started asking passengers to contribute towards petrol when giving lifts, something that was once uncommon.

Debra Goodwin, CCO at Stagecoach, said: "Being young right now is expensive. Between managing everyday bills and trying to save for the future, the rising cost of fuel has become a major roadblock for many 18 to 25-year-olds.

"Getting behind the wheel used to be the ultimate symbol of coming of age, but staggering petrol prices are changing the narrative."

Ms Goodwin said attitudes towards car ownership are shifting quickly, especially as it has previously been about freedom for young people.

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As the cost of driving spirals, she said the freedom has started to feel like a "financial pothole", as many young people turn to buses as an alternative.

The study found that 84 per cent believe public transport helps them stay independent, allowing them to get to work, see friends and travel without the high costs of driving.

More than two-thirds said they are likely to take the bus in the next month, specifically because of fuel prices, while half said they would give up driving completely if costs continue to rise.

Views on bus travel have also improved, with nearly 40 per cent now seeing it as a financially reliable option, while a third recognise its environmental benefits.

Almost as many drivers said they would use that money for major goals, such as buying a home, while others said they would prefer to enjoy their youth instead of spending heavily on running a vehicle.

Ms Goodwin said young people are adapting quickly: "They're taking control of their finances and making smart choices rather than waiting for fuel prices to fall."