The forthcoming energy price cap rise could increase safety risks for grey fleets as drivers look to cut back on car maintenance costs.

The driver survey found 18% said they would put off replacing tyres and 22% would delay having their vehicle serviced under the planned rise in the energy price cap

Research from Startline Motor Finance shows that 77% of motorists believe the planned rise in gas and electricity prices – if still implemented under the new PM – would impact on whether they can afford their car.

Worryingly for grey fleets, a total of 18% said they would put off replacing tyres and 22% would delay having their vehicle serviced.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “The research shows the huge pressure that the fuel cap increase would bring to bear on personal finances, and how it is likely to affect whether people can afford to simply keep their cars safe.

“Routine maintenance and replacing worn tyres are basics when it comes to making sure your car is fit to use on a day-to-day basis – for you and other road users.”

Other measures that those questioned would adopt to cut motoring costs include shopping around for cheaper fuel (47%), using their car less (42%), swapping their car for one that is more economical to run (34%) and finding a cheaper place to have their car serviced (12%).

Additionally, 34% of those surveyed plan to swap their car for one that is cheaper to run.

Burgess added: “That suggests we could see increased activity in the used car sector in the final quarter of the year. Also, if people plan to move into more economical cars, higher demand will inevitably drive up the price for these vehicles.”

There are also some interesting findings when it comes to the fuel choices people might consider when choosing a used car. Over the last quarter, there has been a marked increase in those who trust petrol and diesel technology – from 44% to 52% – and a decrease in those saying electric cars are too expensive – from 49% to 38%.

Burgess concluded: “There are a couple of different trends here. One is that petrol and diesel potentially look like a safe haven for people who feel that their personal finances are under threat. They are tried and trusted. The other is that the increase in fuel prices that we have seen this year might have caused people to rethink the economics of electric cars. Although they are expensive to buy, charging and maintaining them can be very cost-effective.”