Almost 90 per cent of motorists have changed the way they drive in response to increasing fuel costs, according to new research from Nationwide Autocentres.

Drivers in the 35- to 44-year-old age bracket have been the most affected by the increases in fuel costs, while younger drivers aged 17 to 24 are least concerned.

Some 86 per cent of drivers claim to be more concerned by fuel prices, which have risen 30 per cent in 12 months, than they were a year ago, and 85 per cent of drivers says they have taken a course of action to reduce their fuel bill.

In all, 62 per cent of motorists are driving slower and more efficiently; 55 per cent are shopping around for cheaper fuel; 50 per cent have reduced their number of journeys; 17 per cent changed their car and three per cent have tried alternative fuels in order to reduce costs.