RAC Foundation: Fuel should not be priced as a luxury

The RAC Foundation has today criticised the apparent necessity for high fuel prices in the UK, arguing spending on fuel is swiftly becoming as important to a household budget as mortgage and rent payments.

The 2007 Family Spending survey, published today, questions whether it is fair for motorists to bear the tax burden ahead of other areas. For example, the study shows road users are the only people currently having to pay the full cost of their carbon emissions.

The RAC Foundation's report goes on to suggest the average household spends £62 per week on transport, £18.20 of which is spent on fuel. People living in rural areas will spend 20 per cent more on average than their urban counterparts.

"UK households are under increased financial pressure as energy and other household bills are at an all time high," commented Sheila Rainger, acting director of the RAC Foundation.

"Fuel should not be priced as a luxury or be considered an undesirable purchase, as car travel is essential and, in many instances, the only way for people to get to employment, education and health services."

The cost of transport and its impact on UK residents: An analysis of the ONS (2008) Family Spending Report 2007 is available to download from the RAC Foundation's website from today.