MOTORISTS struggling to pay their bills have devised their own ways of reducing their fuel consumption, according to the AA.

In Dorset prices have hit a high of 136.9p for unleaded fuel and 144.9p for diesel, meaning ever more ingenious ways of cutting costs are becoming crucial for many families.

Apart from using their cars less, members of the public are also taking other measures to keep the costs down.

They include driving more slowly – driving at 80mph costs about 10 per cent more than driving at 70mph – and putting more air in the tyres.

Some people are only half filling their petrol tank because it makes the vehicle lighter, others are leaving work early to avoid costly traffic jams and some are emptying the boot to save cash.

Dave Bradley from Throop told the Daily Echo: “I have to drive for work because I am in sales but I am using the car less at weekends because diesel is so expensive.”

And Sarah James from Kinson said: “I am shopping around for petrol now but I never used to think about it.”

Alan Esam, technical adviser for the AA, said: “Easing off on the gas on the motorway, along with other eco-driving techniques, can slash up to £500 a year from your fuel bills, which means a two-car family can save up to £1,000 a year.”

And Adrian Tink of the RAC said: “We’re also seeing record levels of people walking and biking – people are buying less fuel. People are doing fewer longer journeys because they are looking at alternatives like the train.”

In the tank

Prices across Dorset are changing on a daily basis with some of yesterday’s prices as follows: Sainsbury’s, Alder Road, Poole. Unleaded 126.9p and diesel 130.9p Tesco, Branksome, Poole.

Unleaded 127.9p and diesel 133.9p Texaco, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth. Unleaded 134.9p and diesel 141.9p Esso, Bath Road, Bournemouth. Unleaded 132.9p and diesel 138.9p BP, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth.

Unleaded 136.9p and diesel 144.9p Shell, Lyndhurst Road roundabout. Unleaded 131.9p and diesel 139.9p Shell, Barrack Road, Christchurch.

Unleaded 131.9p and diesel 139.9p Esso, Barrack Road, Christchurch. Unleaded 131.9p and diesel 139.9p. Tesco, Fleetsbridge – Unleaded 127.9p and diesel 133.9p. Texaco, Lilliput – Unleaded 133.9p and diesel 139.9p. BP, Longfleet Road – Unleaded 132.9p and diesel 138.9p.