Overview
- OOONO's survey, published on Thursday, May 21, found about half of UK motorists expect to spend more time driving over the May half‑term and 45% are planning or considering family road trips.
- The poll reported 19% of drivers had recently driven faster believing it would cut petrol or diesel use, despite Department for Transport estimates that slowing from typical motorway speeds to around 50mph can reduce fuel consumption by roughly 10–20%.
- More than a quarter of respondents said they are more likely to accidentally exceed speed limits when children are in the car, and 23% of electric‑vehicle owners said their quiet, quick cars make it harder to stick to limits.
- Drivers face immediate legal penalties of at least a £100 fine plus three penalty points and can receive court fines up to £2,500 or disqualification for more serious or contested offences.
- Rising pump prices and motorway forecourt mark‑ups often exceeding 20p per litre are adding financial pressure that may encourage risky driving, so specialists advise planning routes, checking fuel prices before leaving and keeping a close eye on speed.