Motoring costs are less than twenty years ago

RAC report claims car ownership is cheaper than 1988

The cost of motoring has fallen by 18 per cent in real terms over the past 20 years, according to the RAC.

Despite fuel prices soaring by 210 per cent during that period, and taking inflation into account, the motoring group said cars were now cheaper to own and run than in 1988.

The findings contrast public opinion as 60 per cent of motorists said they thought the biggest change in motoring was higher costs.

The majority of drivers – 92 per cent – said they believed Britain was a car-dependent society, with more than seven out of 10 drivers saying they would find it very difficult to cope without a car.

Three-quarters of British households own a car and seven out of ten Britons hold a driving license.

The RAC’s report also said drivers have become more aggressive since 1988.

Half of the drivers polled admitted to swearing, gesturing rudely and shouting at other drivers.

Nearly a third said they had been victims of road rage which made them feel physically threatened