Older motorists unfazed by rising driving costs

Motorists aged over 50 are not letting the increased cost of driving deter them from taking to the road.

New research commissioned by the insurance company RIAS, has found that despite the rising cost of fuel, car insurance and road tax, drivers aged over 50 are determined to keep their cars on the road.

Although the percentage drops with age, 76 per cent of the over 50s surveyed stated that they refused to keep their car in the garage for good because of financial reasons.

The main reason for not driving is because of loss of independence according to 42 per cent of the study, while 15 per cent believed that shopping would become difficult without the use of a car.

Janet Connor, managing director of RIAS, said: "The price of petrol might be shooting up, but it's been extremely enlightening to find out how determined drivers over 50 are to carry on driving almost regardless of cost."

Older drivers worried about losing their independence could consider car sharing as a way of cutting costs, with the RAC Foundation stating that car sharing could reduce the cost of journeys by up to three quarters.