More than half of UK motorists want fuel duty frozen or reduced in the Autumn Budget as the cost of keeping a vehicle on the road continues to put pressure on household finances.
Research commissioned by Close Brothers Motor Finance found 52% of drivers wanted the Chancellor to maintain or cut the rate of duty charged on petrol and diesel.
A further 34% called for more funding to be given to local councils to tackle potholes and improve the condition of local roads.
The findings come ahead of the Autumn Budget on October 28 and underline the extent to which vehicle running costs remain a concern for motorists and prospective car buyers.
Running costs concern motorists
Nearly three in 10 drivers, 29%, wanted other vehicle-related taxes and charges to be frozen or reduced, while 28% called for a cut in Insurance Premium Tax.
The survey also found 17% wanted VAT on public electric vehicle charging reduced to match the rate applied to domestic charging.
The same proportion wanted the zero-emission vehicle mandate delayed or scrapped, highlighting continuing concern among some motorists about the transition to electric vehicles.
Close Brothers Motor Finance said 31% of those questioned expected the current Government to be less supportive of drivers than its predecessor.
By comparison, 23% expected motorists to receive greater support while 39% believed the approach would remain broadly unchanged.
Motorists seek Budget relief
John Cassidy, managing director at Close Brothers Motor Finance, commented: “Motorists across the UK are looking for decisive action and much-needed relief. Vehicle running costs continue to squeeze drivers at a time when household budgets are already tight, driven by a wider cost of living crisis.
“Combined with persistent frustration over damaged roads and concerns about the important transition to EVs, many drivers are not feeling confident that the new government will deliver for them. For millions of Brits, a car is a cornerstone of everyday life and it is crucial that this budget helps make motoring more accessible and affordable, whilst also providing councils with the resources needed to restore Britain’s roads.”
The research was conducted by Censuswide among 2,001 UK drivers aged 18 and over between October 21 and October 26, 2026.
Close Brothers Motor Finance works with more than 5,000 motor dealers, providing finance for new and used cars, motorcycles and light commercial vehicles.
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