More and More Drivers Running on Empty

Recent high fuel prices have forced many UK and Ireland motorists to allow their cars to run close to empty.

According to a report by rescue service AA, the number of drivers who called in their services because they ran out of fuel is up by almost 17pc this year.

Petrol and diesel prices jumped to all-time record highs this summer. In August, prices per litre were up by 15pc on the start of the year.

AA Ireland spokesman Conor Faughnan says many drivers knowingly allowed their cars to run out of fuel: “A lot of drivers tell us that they took a gamble and ran the needle into red because they had found that €20 or €30 doesn’t go as far as it used to-literally.”

Many drivers also complained that they couldn’t find a garage. Some service stations disappeared out of city centres during the property boom years and this lead to “mini petrol deserts.” Car hire suppliers vary in their policies in relation to fuel. Please check individual terms and conditions carefully.