Drivers avoid toll roads and congestion charges amid 'unpleasant cocktail' of rising costs

The survey revealed the scale of the squeeze facing households, with nearly half of motorists stating they drive less often to save money.

A similar proportion admitted to deliberately avoiding toll roads and congestion charge zones altogether to keep costs down.

Fuel prices, insurance premiums and road taxes were all found to be taking their toll, forcing many to rethink how and when they use their vehicles.

Six in 10 drivers now pay their insurance and road tax in a single annual payment instead of spreading the cost over monthly payments, to avoid extra interest and admin fees.

Fuel costs are also changing behaviour, with almost half of those surveyed stating they are using their cars less frequently, with more people turning to public transport, cycling or walking instead.

More than a quarter of drivers said they now only put enough petrol or diesel in the tank to cover immediate journeys, rather than filling up fully.

Some drivers are even asking passengers to help cover costs, with one in five motorists saying they have asked friends or family to contribute towards fuel when giving them lifts.

For many, the solution has been to switch vehicles altogether, as one in five drivers has already downgraded to a cheaper car to cut costs.

John Cassidy, managing director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: "Of particular concern from our research are the approaches to breakdown cover, and addressing issues with vehicles identified by MOT advisories - meaning motorists are risking their own safety to save money.

"It's an unpleasant cocktail of fluctuating fuel prices, high insurance premiums, widespread congestion charges in towns and cities, as well as contentious road taxes."

Almost one in five drivers has either cancelled or reduced their breakdown cover to save money, despite the huge safety concerns.

A similar number have delayed or completely skipped scheduled car servicing, while 17 per cent admitted they had put off fixing problems highlighted during their MOT.

Mr Cassidy added: "Car dealers need to be prepared to support motorists in getting the right vehicles for their needs – and their smaller budgets."

He also stressed the importance of helping customers understand their finance options, saying education around suitable financial products will be vital as more households try to manage tight budgets.