More than a third of people in the South East, including Essex, believe the government is responsible for high fuel prices, a poll has shown.
According to a study carried out by ICM Research, more than 38% of drivers blame rising costs at the pumps firmly at the feet of those running the country.
So strong is the consumers discontent, the research reveals, that more than a third of people quizzed also suggested they are likely to vote for the political party that promises the lowest car and fuel taxes in the next election.
Edmund King, presidents of The Automobile Association, said of the findings: “Normally in politics when it comes to elections, health and education are right up there, and rightly so, but you don’t hear so much about transport.
“However, it seems that motoring is now becoming more and more of an issue. If there are 32 million motorists out there, that’s a substantial proportion of the electorate and they could make a real difference.”
Indeed, prime minister Gordon Brown was accused of playing politics with petrol prices earlier this month after finally confirming this autumn’s planned 2p rise in fuel duty had been scrapped.
The move followed months of pressure on ministers amid soaring oil prices, which have been reflected at the pumps.
However, high fuel prices are still having a major impact on driving habits, with 31% of drivers admitting to driving less now than three months ago.
Angela Eagle, exchequer secretary to the Treasury commented: “You have to get the balance right. We have a duty as a government to make sure we can do something about rising prices in the short-term.