9.15am BST

Sky-high fuel prices push drivers to consider public transport

Almost two-thirds of Britons say they are considering using public transport to save on personal fuel costs, according to a survey from YouGov.

The survey, commissioned by National Express, shows that 61% of people who drive or use a car are definitely or probably considering using public transport following the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, against 33% who say they are not.

The same proportion (61%) admit that the surge in fuel prices has affected how much they are using their cars, while only 21% claim it has had no effect.

National Express chief executive Richard Bowker said the industry was now seeing clear evidence that, due to the rapid increase in petrol prices, people are changing the way they travel in Britain.

"No one at National Express is pleased with the recent increase in fuel prices, which has put so much pressure on family budgets. Our industry has a unique opportunity to rise to the challenge and show people they can dump the pump," he said.

National Express today reported a near 14% increase in first-half profits to £90m and said it expected full-year results in line with expectations. Its interim dividend is raised by 10% to 12.72p.

"Trading in the UK is encouraging and we anticipate that, with fuel prices at historically high levels, we will see an increased use of public transport and we remain confident that we can recover the effects of increasing fuel prices through a combination of revenue and yield management and improved operational efficiencies," the group said.

Today's best video

Today in pictures