CASH-STRAPPED motorists have resolved to change their driving habits and make fewer journeys in 2012 as fuel prices continue to take their toll on already stretched family fin-ances.

The AA has revealed how petrol sales slumped in the first nine months of last year with nearly 40 per cent of members planning to either drive more economically or less often.

A survey showed that drivers in south west England were the most resolved to cut back on car use and their sentiments were shared by motorists who pulled up at the Texaco garage at Lilliput in Poole to fill up their tanks.

After spending £115 on fuel for his Land Rover Discovery, recently retired businessman Alan Addis, 64, from Sandbanks said: “I don’t whizz around as much as a did when I owned an aerospace business in West London as I have to pay for fuel now.

“But I still have my Aston Martin, Mercedes and Audi.

“When I go to London about once a month I travel in the most economical vehicle and at a slower speed.

“I use the Land Rover Discovery off-road.

“During my working life my mileage was huge.

“I’m more conscious now of the journeys I make.

“I don’t know how low-income families cope with such high fuel prices – it’s ridiculous.”

Mum-of-two Mary Cotterill, 39, from Poole, said her family still has two cars but journeys were kept to a minimum. The part-time teacher added: “We are more aware of how much we travel by car now.

“My husband drives more economically and I tend to spend about £80 on petrol about once a month. We only make car journeys that are absolutely necessary.”

Father-of-three Rob Atkins from Poole, who owns a catering supplies business, said: “As a family, we have cut back on our car journeys and think twice about how we will travel to destinations, considering public transport options.

“I work in Poole and don’t travel far. Fuel prices have also had an impact on business. We have a dozen vans and, because our fuel bill has risen so dramatically in recent years, it has slowed our growth. Both our family cars are run on diesel, which used to be a much cheaper option.

“I don’t put my foot down now to help cut our fuel bill and don’t drive anywhere unless I have to.”

Mobile hairdresser Sammy Orchard, a mum-of-two from Poole, said fuel prices had affected the prices she charges her customers.

She added: “I don’t do school runs anymore, we walk there now and cycle more. We have definitely changed our driving habits and don’t drive anywhere unless it is a necessity.”

l Dorset County Council, working in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole councils, has teamed up with liftshare to set up carsharedorset.com, a website aimed at reducing the number of cars on the road, cutting pollution, saving money and protecting the environment.

A county council spokeswoman said 3,249 members had registered, including 276 county council employees.