IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Reducing fuel duty is a welcome break for hard-pressed motorists and businesses, but eco-driving is the only guaranteed way to reduce motoring costs. It's no longer an ethical choice, it's a money-saving essential - especially in rural areas where driving is a necessity. The best fuel-saver is a light right foot and anticipating the road ahead.”

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “The extra investment in roads is welcome but it is not enough to cure Britain’s pothole pandemic. We need to ensure that roads are properly looked after so we don’t store up bigger maintenance bills for future.”