Australians reduce driving; looking forward to holidays

Australians reduce driving but are still looking forward to the holidays

More than half of the nation is choosing to change their driving habits during the Middle East conflict, helping to reduce strain on the family budget, according to the NRMA.

Image: NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park

The national survey of some 1,800 NRMA members found that 52 per cent of petrol and diesel vehicle drivers have cut back on driving in the past month. Forty-two per cent say they have cut back on driving by between 10 to 30 per cent.

However, bookings at NRMA’s Parks and Resorts over the Easter/Anzac holiday period have demonstrated that families remain intent on taking a break, with more than 26,000 families securing a holiday across NRMA destinations. At the NRMA-owned SIXT, there is strong demand with 13,250 Australians booking vehicles.

Concurrently there has been a four-fold increase in people accessing the My NRMA app, which gives real time fuel pricing across the nation, as Australians search for the cheapest stations near home or on the way to their destination.

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said My NRMA app and the government’s Fuel Check website provides real time information on fuel availability as the vast majority of service stations across Australia had fuel to sell.

We are seeing families naturally reduce their fuel consumption without the requirement for regulation. However, they continue to want a holiday, with a focus on affordable, low-stress holidays that enable meaningful time together

— Peter Khoury, NRMA Spokesperson

“Caravanning and camping remain among the most affordable, flexible and accessible holiday options, even amid record fuel costs and car rentals still remain strong” Mr Khoury said.

The NRMA survey also found:

31 per cent are now choosing cheaper service stations
24 per cent are combining trips
13 per cent are walking more
12 per cent are using public transport more

While Australians remain concerned about the impact of the Middle East conflict, the NRMA is urging Australians not to panic, with government measures being implemented to reduce supply constraints.

“Australians are cutting back on or adapting the way they are using the family car and prioritising their trips will go a long way to helping,” Mr Khoury said. “NRMA is also seeing that with service station shortages stabilising, the crucial message about not panic buying or hoarding fuel is getting through.”

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