Highway Code rule can cut £150 off fuel bill as petrol prices soar – and it’s very straight forward

A SIMPLE trick could cut your fuel bill by a much-needed £150 as petrol prices soar.

Turning your engine off - not just the ignition - when stationary not only saves you money, but it also advised by the Highway Code.

Rule 123 states motorists must not leave their engines running unnecessarily while stationary on public roads.

This means switching off cars likely to be still for several minutes - but it does not apply if the vehicle is stuck in traffic or for diagnosing faults.

Removing the key from the ignition not only reduces emissions and noise pollution, it could also help you claw back some cash.

Experts reckon even very brief periods of idling could add up to an extra £166 a year.

Duncan McClure Fisher, founder and CEO at car management firm MotorEasy, told : "One thing many people do that is entirely unnecessary is to leave their engine idling.

"This can be done first thing in the morning to ‘warm it up’ or when stuck in traffic.

"Even dropping off something at a friend’s house can see people leave the motor running instead of turning off the ignition.

"While this might seem very innocent, research has shown an idling engine can burn through 3p to 4p of fuel a minute.

"If you are doing 10 minutes of warming up, five days a week, and spending another 30 minutes per week stuck in traffic – that adds up to a very handy £166 a year that’s being wasted."

As well as it knocking some money off your petrol bill, idling can see drivers fined up to £80.

It comes at a time when saving whatever you can on fuel costs is vital.

The price of filling up an average family car this week smashed the £90 barrier for the first time.

Average fuel prices across the UK topped £1.63 for petrol and £1.73 for diesel, according to the RAC - and they are predicted to shoot up even further.

Uncertainty over oil supplies amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine has increased demand and costs.

Thankfully, consumer experts at Which? have come up with some top tips to help motorists make the most of every mile.

This includes filling up at the supermarket, avoiding premium unleaded petrol, driving smoothly and using a SAT-NAV.