Drivers across the country can save almost £100 a month by implementing one simple hack, new data has found.
As costs continue to soar, commuters are being encouraged to share lifts with friends to save money on fuel.
New research from Liftshare Group found a fifth of workers still commute to work five times a week, travelling an average of 17.5 miles each way.
This costs solo drivers around £51 a week in petrol or diesel.
By splitting the cost of their journey with another driver, or with someone in their household, commuters could save up to £97 a month on their fuel bills.
This £1,167 yearly saving is almost the same as receiving a 4% pay rise based on the UK’s average salary of £29,000 which equates to £1,167.
Lift sharing even makes financial sense for those who only commute one or two days a week.
Recent reports found that the UK’s office workers only spend an average of 1.5 days in the office each week.
This still costs around £565 on fuel a year, compared to £284 if you car share with another motorist.
It comes as the average cost of filling up a car increased by 35%.
Ali Clabburn, founder of Liftshare Group, said: “Sharing the commute is one of the simplest and best ways to save a lot of money. First and foremost, car sharing alleviates the financial burden imposed by the rise in living costs.“
He added: “Travel costs aren’t only comprised of fuel but also potentially toll and parking fees. These costs can add up, especially if you’re making the same journey every day.
“With National Liftshare Week coming up, an initiative to help those who can’t walk or bike to work keep the costs of their travel down, people could save at least 50% on their weekly fuel costs.
“We are urging people to evaluate their outgoings so that they can make simple savings during one of the toughest financial crises.
“Now is the perfect time to explore your options and sign up to liftshare.com during Liftshare Week to start making immediate and valuable savings.”
Heathrow Airport Service Technicians Daniel McDermott and Tom Scott have been sharing the journey to work together for a number of years, each saving £140 a month in travel costs.
Daniel McDermott, said: “I would always recommend car sharing. It’s a no-brainer when you can save that amount of money! And, it’s great to have someone to chat with.
“Sharing a lift has made travelling to work considerably more affordable and convenient. Having someone to speak to throughout also makes the journey go quicker”.
The pair’s financial impact has been huge, amounting to roughly £3,500 a year.
It also means Daniel and Tom save an average of 3 tonnes of CO2e every year, which is equivalent to a return flight from London to Perth, Australia.
