REVEALED: A FIFTH of motorists drive faulty cars because they cannot afford repairs
ALMOST one in five UK motorists admit to driving their car despite knowing it needs repairs because they cannot afford the bill, according to new research.
A study found that nearly one fifth of Britons are willing to drive a car in need of repairs
The claim comes at a time when the Government is considering extending the start of MoT testing - which checks the road legality of every vehicle - from three-year-old cars to vehicles aged four years.
According to motoreasy, which manages car maintenance and repairs on behalf of the motorist, nearly 25 per cent of under 55s admit to ignoring necessary repair work on their vehicles.
In comparison, that figure falls to just 8.5 per cent from over 55s.
Self-driving cars of tomorrow
This is a risk to all road users, not just the faulty vehicle and its occupants
The findings come as annual inflation, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index, reached 1.8 per cent in January - its highest level since 2014.
They consisted of responses from 2,000 motorists.
Men are more inclined to dodge necessary car repairs than women, with 19.5 per cent and 17.3 per cent respectively claiming to have driven cars carrying faults like worn brake pads and discs or broken suspension springs and shock absorbers.
The research comes as the government consider extending initial MoT testing by a year
Warning lights - especially when intermittent - are frequently ignored, leading to costly repairs.
Drivers in the North West (14.8 per cent) and East Midlands (15 per cent) are least likely to skip repairs, where as those surveyed in Scotland (22.8 per cent) were most prone to avoiding repairs because of the cost.
When questioned, London (18 per cent) motorists reflected the national average of 18.8 per cent.
Duncan McClure Fisher of motoreasy said: "Drivers are clearly prioritising other commitments if faults occur between annual MoT tests.
"Naturally, that comes with a risk - especially if it relates to safety-critical items like brakes, steering, power and visibility.
"That is a risk to all road users, not just the faulty vehicle and its occupants."
Men are 2% more likely to avoid getting repairs than women
MOTORISTS WHO HAVE CONTINUED TO DRIVE CARS IN NEED OF REPAIR
East Anglia
Yes 21 per cent
No 79 per cent
East Midlands
Yes 15 per cent
No 85 per cent
London
Yes 18 per cent
No 82 per cent
North East
Yes 24 per cent
No 76 per cent
North West
Yes 15 per cent
No 85 per cent
South East
Yes 21 per cent
No 79 per cent
According to the survey, people from the North East and Scotland are most likely to skip repairs
South West
Yes 19 per cent
No 81 per cent
West Midlands
Yes 19 per cent
No 81 per cent
Yorkshire and the Humber
Yes 17 per cent
No 83 per cent
Wales
Yes 16 per cent
No 84 per cent
Scotland
Yes 23 per cent
No 77 per cent