Diesel prices are hitting Rotherham drivers hard, survey reveals
Diesel cars could be adding £25.3 million to annual fuel bills in borough
The drivers of Rotherham’s 50,000 diesel cars could be adding £25.3 million to annual fuel bills because of rising pump prices.
New research from used car retailer Motorpoint has ranked Rotherham as Britain’s third most diesel-dependent major city or town, with local diesel drivers potentially facing an extra £511 in annual fuel costs.
With 49,643 privately registered diesel cars in Rotherham, higher fuel costs could collectively add around £25.3 million to local fuel spending over the next year, compared with February’s prices, if prices remain at current levels.
The findings come as average UK diesel prices sit at 199.80p per litre, after reaching 200.01p earlier this month.
The study says that Rotherham ranks third nationally for diesel dependency, behind only Doncaster and Peterborough.
Together, Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley account for 156,838 privately registered diesel cars, potentially facing a combined £80 million in additional annual fuel costs.
Tim Rodie, car expert at Motorpoint, said: “Diesel prices might have dipped back below £2 a litre, but drivers are still feeling the pressure at the pump and might be considering whether their car still makes financial sense.
“While some motorists with a diesel car would undoubtedly benefit from selling and swapping to a different fuel type, those covering long distances towing heavy items could benefit from the fuel efficiency diesel offers on long journeys, even with the current prices at the pump.
“The best way to decide is to compare what your car costs you now with the realistic cost of changing. Look at your annual fuel and running costs, then find out what your current car is worth. Once you have those figures, you can see whether moving into a petrol, hybrid or electric car would actually leave you better off.”
Drivers considering whether it’s time to change can get a free valuation through Motorpoint’s Sell Your Car service at https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/sell-my-car.