More than half of motorists (58%) want to see a cut in fuel duty in next week’s Budget, new research shows.

58% of people want to see lower tax on petrol and diesel and 48% a cut in road tax

Also, 48% say that road tax on cars should be reduced, according to March’s Startline Used Car Tracker, which questioned 305 people.

Providing support for buying cars would also be a popular move, with 30% saying the Chancellor should introduce incentives to trade in your existing model for a new one.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “There’s a clear message here that motorists want to see support from the Government when it comes to the costs of using and buying cars. The cost-of-living crisis continues to have a massive impact on many people, and a substantial number of them need a car to work and live their lives.

“Whether this help materialises is, of course, another matter. The Chancellor has done little to indicate that the Budget will do anything other than bring more pain when it comes to household finances, with his priority being to get government spending back on an even keel.

“However, with current assistance over household fuel costs being removed for most people next month, now would certainly be a moment when many motorists would appreciate some form of support when it comes to running their car.

The RAC has urged the Treasury both to cancel the annual fuel duty rise and to retain the current 5p duty cut. It says that raising prices by 5p would prove punishing to households and businesses struggling to make ends meet, and may have “a detrimental effect” on both inflation and the wider economy.

Startline’s research also showed that drivers would like to see more government backing for electric vehicles, with 30% saying there should be incentives to buy EVs while 29% want lower cost public charging.

“This very much fits in with what we are hearing anecdotally across the market. Many people are interested in buying an EV and doing their bit for the environment but, even though used prices for these cars have fallen in recent months, they remain too high for most people. There is clearly also concern over the cost of charging in a time of high fuel prices.”

Finally, the Startline research shows support for moves in the Budget to reduce the price of public transport with 20% wanting to see lower-cost buses and trains.

“Again, people need transport to get to work, take their kids to school and visit family – all essentials – and the prices of using buses and trains are generally rising. It’s an area where they would really like to see the Chancellor take some positive action.”