According to the study, more than four million drivers say that the 20% fall in the price of fuel since January 20142 has resulted in them driving an average of 79 more miles each month, or 950 miles per year. A total of 280,000 motorists say the increase in their monthly mileage is more than 200 miles.

Kwik Fit also found that when compared with their fuel costs two years ago, drivers are saving a total of £6.1bn a year. The average monthly saving is £16.05, though almost half a million drivers (497,000) are each saving more than £60 per month.

Lower fuel prices have also given people greater freedom and flexibility. A total of 10% of drivers say that they have been able to make journeys they might otherwise have avoided, while 8% (2.8 million) motorists, have been able to go on days out or driving holidays they would not have done at higher prices. And 5% say they can make longer journeys than was previously the case.

However, 5% of drivers (2.3 million) say they are less concerned about driving in an economical manner, with 2% openly admitting that they drive faster.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “The lower fuel prices have obviously led to huge savings for many motorists, and also enabled them to use their car more often.

“Just because fuel prices are lower than two years ago, we would encourage all drivers to try to drive as efficiently as possible – driving faster will clearly negate any savings made by increasing fuel consumption.”