Story by James Rodger
Drivers are being told to check their tyres as UK petrol prices skyrocket. Motorists and road users are being warned over underinflated tyres amid the UK petrol and diesel price crisis.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at Carwow warned: “Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which will make your motor work harder to perform as it should. It’s a bit like trying to pedal a bike with nearly flat tyres – it’s one hell of a workout.
“Check your tyre pressure with a proper gauge and, if necessary, pump them up as per the car manufacturer’s handbook. However, don’t overinflate them, as that can also impact your fuel efficiency and reduce the car’s grip on the road.”
William Yarwood, media campaign manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, told The Independent: “British drivers are being used as a cash cow for the Treasury at a time when they can least afford it.
“While our European neighbours are stepping in to shield their citizens from soaring pump prices, the British government is preparing to hike fuel duty for the first time in 15 years.
“The chancellor must extend the fuel duty freeze and commit to disapplying VAT from fuel duty entirely.”
Howard Cox, founder of the FairFuelUK campaign, also called on the government to intervene.
He said: “Dozens of countries worldwide, like France, India and Italy, are recognising the financial sense in supporting drivers as pump prices soar uncontrollably.”
He accused the government of remaining “determined to uphold the 5p increase in the autumn Budget”.
He added: “The chancellor and any sensible economist in this Treasury must promise to keep fuel duty frozen for the duration of this Parliament.
“But – even more beneficial to the economy and small businesses – she must cut fuel duty now, remove the immorally levied VAT on fuel, and ensure that pump pricing is fair, honest and transparent through a PumpWatch regulatory price monitoring body with legislative teeth.”