A new study has revealed that Durham motorists are the worst in the UK for avoiding carrying out vehicle repairs due to spiralling costs. In a survey, half of those asked there admitted to it, a figure that was double the national average of 25%.
Meanwhile a third (33%) of car owners in Durham also admitted to suffering from stress at least every week, if not every single day, about the cost of running their vehicle. This was again, higher than the national average of 21%.
With the cost of living in the UK continuing to rise and petrol prices becoming a particular point of concern, researchers surveyed 1,500 motorists from across the country to discover how this may be affecting the safe running of vehicles currently out on UK roads.
Read more: Mortgages set to rise with fears interest rates could top 2% to keep inflation under control
Alarmingly, with the average cost of repairing and maintaining a car in the UK almost hitting £500 per year (£479), a quarter of motorists are actively avoiding getting necessary repairs due to the cost. A further 16% admitted to running a risk with the law by delaying or outright avoiding getting their MOT, which if caught could result in a costly fine of up to £2,500 and a driving ban.
These numbers are even higher for certain age groups too, with drivers under the age of 25 being hit hardest, as just shy of half (49%) have avoided a repair, and 45% their MOT or car service, due to costs they can’t cover.
The study was carried out by Scrap Car Comparison. It discovered that if costs continue to spiral, even more motorists may be pushed to ignore repairs and the likes of their MOT, with 44% of drivers stating that they may be forced to do so in the future.
Outside of cost alone, the study’s findings also help to highlight the mental repercussions faced by motorists as a result of the UK’s current cost crisis, as more than one in five (21%) suffer from stress at least every week, if not every single day, about the cost of running their vehicle.
Dan Gick, Managing Director at Scrap Car Comparison said: "Driving a car is a necessity for so many people in this country. It’s how they get to work, take their children to school or get their food.
"To find out just how many drivers are having to avoid getting what could be an essential repair or knowingly drive without an MOT, (we) have really highlighted just how much of a crisis point the cost of living is at in this country.
"Energy bills, fuel costs and food prices are all having an impact on the reason for this, and more needs to be done to address this crisis as soon as possible, before the numbers of potentially dangerous vehicles on our roads rises even more, and becomes a serious health and safety issue, as well as one for our wallets."
Scrap Car Comparison’s study also explored how the cost of repairing a car around the country varies, by identifying the amount drivers within various locations have had to spend on repairs over the last year. For Newcastle the figure was £420, below the national average of £479. London had the highest figure at £1,319.
Read Next
NHS nurses' £1,400 pay rise described as 'a kick in the teeth' by unions
Northumberland blood scandal victim welcomes Andy Burnham's evidence over 'criminal cover-up'
Prudhoe councillor says she once had to be pulled out of same water where Crawcrook teen died
Triple threat of Covid, flu and norovirus could push NHS to the limit this winter in England
Covid saves mum's life after chest scan reveals breast cancer
