Author:
ROBIN ROBERTS
They may regard themselves as high flyers but economic reality has brought many down to earth with a bump as the “vapour trailers” run out of fuel.
Green Flag assistance has seen a noticeable rise of so called “vapour trailers” who risk running out of fuel by regularly driving with the fuel warning light flashing.
The findings also reveal that in the last year 1.4 million motorists have run out of petrol entirely and millions more are suffering from “petrol panic” on the roads as their low fuel warning light glows and they scan the road for a filling station.
Green Flag’s research reveals the average Brit spends £1414.40 a year on fuel and with prices having rocketed by 27% since the financial crisis struck in 2008, the breakdown service wants to highlight that managing consumption is vital to road users safety.
The North East of England tops the Green Flag Vapour Trailer Table, with 18% of motorists admitting to have run on empty in the last three months. In comparison, their North Westerly neighbours seem to be more economical with fuel, with only 8% admitting it had happened to them.
Younger drivers aged 18-34 find themselves “running on empty” the most with 25 per cent having done so in the last three months alone.
Millions of drivers a month are suffering from petrol panic, living in fear of running out of petrol, with more than 13 per cent saying that they have set out on a journey feeling nervous about running out of fuel.
For many this fear is well founded as 17 per cent of men have run out of fuel while driving, compared to 11 per cent of women.
The research discovered that Brits spend an average of £27.20 a week on fuel, the equivalent of £1414.40 a year. However, with the cost of petrol having risen by 27 per centsince the financial crisis struck in 2008, UK’s motorists are getting less value and mileage for their money in the toughest of times.
Drivers in Wales and the North East top the leader board with 18 per cent admitting to ‘vapour trailing’ by driving on fumes due to spiralling petrol prices.
Table showing the percentage of drivers who have been “running on empty” in the last three months and their average weekly spend on fuel
| Region | % of drivers running on empty | Weekly Fuel Expenditure |
| North East | 18% | £27.22 |
| Wales | 18% | £24.89 |
| East Midlands | 16% | £25.07 |
| West Midlands | 16% | £25.91 |
| Yorkshire & Humberside | 14% | £24.56 |
| South East | 14% | £29.29 |
| N. Ireland | 13% | £32.78 |
| Scotland | 11% | £28.74 |
| London | 10% | £25.74 |
| South West | 9% | £27.13 |
| East of England | 9% | £30.10 |
| North West | 8% | £26.00 |
Source: Green Flag
Miranda Schunke, spokesperson for Green Flag breakdown service, said, “Vapour trailers pose a serious threat to themselves and other motorists. “Running out of fuel on a busy road increases the risk of being hit by other motorists and those who have run dry awaiting assistance by the side of the road are also leaving themselves unnecessarily vulnerable. “Rising fuel prices and the general costs of living are contributing to motorists understandably changing their driving habits but we urge everyone to think about their petrol consumption for their own safety and other road users.”
If you want to minimise the chances of running out of fuel, check our guide to pence per mile running costs and look up our business car driving advice to stretch every litre as far as possible.
