The cost of motoring has fallen 5% (£123) in 2009 to £2,219, according to RAC’s annual Cost of Motoring Index.

However, despite this small reduction, an RAC poll revealed that 80% of motorists still believe that the cost of running their car has risen.

In response, nearly half of those surveyed (45%) have made changes to their motoring lifestyle over the last year, such as reducing their car ownership and moving towards a one-car household.

The drop in the cost of motoring has been driven primarily by the price of fuel.

While the price of petrol and diesel has fluctuated over the last twelve months, costs have fallen overall by 10% to £1,184 per year.

Diesel in particular has become much cheaper, with prices falling 14%.

However, prices are now on the way up again.
The Cost of Motoring (CoM) Index focuses on the day to day running costs that have a tangible impact on motorists’ pockets.

This includes road tax, fuel, insurance, maintenance and breakdown cover.

For the first time the 2009 Index also calculates the annual running costs for used cars, which is £2,744, 24% (£525) higher than for new vehicles.

"It's been a tough year for motorists, and while it's good news that the costs of running a car have slightly dropped in the past 12 months, it probably won't feel like it,” said RAC motoring strategist Adrian Tink.

"We're seeing motorists really question how they use their cars.

"The trend towards the one-car family shows how people are prepared to make fundamental lifestyle changes for the benefit of themselves, their families and their pockets.

"But such change for a lot of drivers is still merely an aspiration, with practical difficulties caused by work and family needs or a lack of alternatives, such as inadequate public transport, stopping them in their tyre tracks."