Simple change to your route that could cut £100 off a monthly fuel bill

A motoring expert has opened up about an often overlooked way of saving serious sterling when driving in the UK — the type of roads you choose for your everyday excursions.

According to the latest figures from the RAC, unleaded petrol now averages 134.64p per litre — an increase of more than 2p from the start of June. This means filling a typical 55-litre family car now costs £74.05, a sharp price hike of £1.33.

So with petrol prices remaining high across the UK, drivers are increasingly searching for practical ways to reduce costs. While driving style and keeping your vehicle regularly maintained are often noted as ways to boost fuel efficiency, experts advise that avoiding motorways during peak times and using quieter A-roads could help people who drive regularly save as much as £100 a month on fuel.

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Plates Express advised: "Motorways are designed for speed, but when traffic is heavy or stop–start, engines burn more fuel than many realise. A-roads, especially when driven at steady speeds, often let drivers travel more efficiently and avoid the costly idling that eats into fuel economy."

While motorways appear efficient on paper due to their direct routes and higher average speeds, the reality is different for many Brit motorists. Congestion, roadworks, bottlenecks and heavy goods traffic create long stretches of stop–start driving.

Each time your vehicle slows dramatically and then accelerates back to speed, the engine consumes more fuel, while long periods of idling wastes even more — around 0.1–0.2 litres every minute. Government data shows that fuel consumption on busy or urban motorway sections can be 20 to 25 per cent higher than during free-flowing travel.

For someone clocking around 12,000 miles a year, this difference could add up to several hundred pounds annually, with high-mileage commuters potentially saving £80–£100 monthly by simply avoiding the worst motorway stretches.

The financial impact of heavy motorway traffic goes beyond fuel. Stop–start journeys put extra wear on a vehicle. Brakes, clutches and tyres are all subject to faster deterioration, while engines — especially turbocharged ones — work harder with constant acceleration.

As Plates Express explained: "Many motorists assume motorway driving is always the cheapest option because you can travel faster. But if you're stuck crawling in traffic or repeatedly accelerating out of jams, it can quickly become one of the most expensive ways to travel."

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So while motorways are the best option for longer, uninterrupted journeys, A-roads can work out to be the smarter financial choice for commuting during rush hour, or traveling between nearby towns connected by dual carriageways.

When there is little-to-no time pressure, cruising steadily along A-roads at 40–50 mph — the speed range where engines are generally at their most efficient, known as the 'sweet spot' — can help ensure you get the best return on each litre of fuel.

To help maximise these savings, satnavs and mapping apps show live traffic conditions and suggest alternative routes. It is also a good idea, where possible, to avoid the busiest periods, such as rush hour and the school runs. Gentle acceleration, avoiding harsh braking and regularly checking tyre pressures can also enhance fuel efficiency.

Plates Express concluded: "Drivers often focus on fuel prices at the pump, but forget that route choice makes a big difference. Smarter planning can reduce costs, cut stress, and save hundreds of pounds a year."

So by simply rethinking your route you can reduce your monthly spending by up to £100, while also lowering stress, cutting down on unnecessary wear and tear and extending the lifespan of your vehicle.

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