Most British drivers are aware that petrol prices are steep, traffic snarls are expensive, and maintaining a vehicle is not economical.
However, what numerous motorists fail to grasp is that the weekday you select for driving can significantly impact your expenses.
Fresh research reveals that Fridays are persistently the most costly day to navigate Britain’s highways, with elevated fuel charges, squandered money in gridlock, and heightened crash risks driving up expenditure.
According to automotive specialists, the scheduling of trips has a greater effect on purses than most people anticipate.
Specialists at Plates Express said: “Drivers often overlook how much day-to-day conditions affect costs. Friday is the classic ‘getaway day’ – more traffic, longer queues, and higher demand at the pumps all combine to make it the priciest time to be on the road.”
Why Fridays cost drivers more
Fridays mark when millions of workers conclude their employment week and numerous households take to the streets for weekend excursions. The consequence? A spike in vehicles that results in:
Gridlock: Transport statistics demonstrate that Friday evening between 4pm and 7pm represents the most hectic period on the M25, M1, and other principal carriageways. Idling in queues wastes needless petrol.
Fuel demand: Filling stations frequently witness price increases before the weekend. Even a 2–3p per litre variation accumulates when refuelling a family vehicle.
Collisions: Research indicates that Friday experiences one of the highest crash frequencies of the week, raising the probability of hold-ups and elevated insurance expenses over time.
The motoring experts share: “It’s not just about spending more on petrol – Friday driving often means more time idling, more stop-start traffic, and more risk. All of these factors combine to make it the most expensive day of the week to be behind the wheel.”
Most motorists consider fuel prices or parking charges when calculating car costs. However, the straightforward fact of driving on a Friday could be quietly siphoning hundreds of pounds annually from UK drivers.
What it truly costs
Motoring data reveals that drivers can squander up to £7 weekly in additional fuel simply through idling in traffic. Throughout a year, this totals more than £350 lost – with Friday congestion representing a substantial portion of this sum.
Insurance figures also suggest that claims regularly spike on Fridays, when dense traffic and evening rush periods result in more accidents.
Even if you bear no responsibility, being trapped in these circumstances raises the likelihood of steeper premiums when your policy comes up for renewal.
The specialists recommend: “Being smart about when you drive can save as much as how you drive. If you can avoid the peak Friday surge, you’ll not only save money but also reduce stress and lower your risk on the road.”
The concealed expenses beyond fuel
Whilst petrol and diesel prices represent the most apparent outlay, there are additional ways Friday driving inflates the bill:
Wear and tear: Stop-start traffic is tougher on clutches, brakes, and gearboxes.
Wasted time: Lengthier commutes or delayed journeys can result in higher parking costs or late arrival to paid commitments.
Stress and fatigue: Regular driving on Fridays amidst heavy traffic can escalate stress levels, leading to diminished concentration and an increased risk of accidents.
Tips to reduce costs if you must drive on Fridays
Not everyone has the luxury of avoiding the roads on a Friday, but the motoring experts suggest a few straightforward adjustments to alleviate the pressure on your pocket:
- Travel earlier or later — If feasible, steer clear of the 4–7pm “escape window” when roads are at their busiest.
- Utilise fuel price apps — Prices tend to surge as the weekend approaches. Opt for a midweek fill-up instead.
- Plan your routes meticulously — Even minor detours around known congestion areas can save both fuel and time.
- Car share or amalgamate errands — Minimising your total trips reduces costs and prevents unnecessary Friday travels.