Italy "most expensive driving destination"

Bad news for holidaymakers looking to drive through Italy this summer - soaring petrol costs have made the country officially one of the most expensive driving destinations in the Eurozone, according to Post Office Money.

Last year it was one of the cheaper places to drive, but soaring pump prices mean that Italy is now the second most expensive destination for motoring - second only to Norway.

Drivers can expect to pay 12p more a litre for diesel, which means that 1,000 miles will cost around £17.64 more than a year ago. Unleaded petrol has also risen by 9p a litre.

Overall, Belgium and France remain the favourite places to rent a car - three in five British motorists have driven in France before. However, they also remain amongst the most expensive places to fill up too.

Despite this, UK holidaymakers appear to be undeterred; Post Office research revealed that just 8 per cent of people have been put off driving in Europe by high fuel prices.

Andrew Brown, Post Office Head of Travel Money, said: “Our research shows that UK holidaymakers are not deterred by the high fuel prices they will find when driving in some countries this summer. However, it also revealed that some advance route planning with petrol prices in mind could help them cut costs.

“A good tip is to fill up before leaving the UK if travelling to France or Belgium in a petrol car, divert into Luxembourg if travelling south through eastern France or detour into Andorra en route to Spain. If you are driving a diesel car, fill up as soon as you arrive on the Continent as it is much cheaper in Europe than in the UK.”

According to Post Office Money, filling the tank costs least in Andorra, Luxembourg and Spain.  

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