Cutbacks at pump.

MORE than half of drivers have begun to cut back on their motoring and other spending as average petrol prices rise above pounds 1 a litre again, an AA/Populus poll revealed today The pounds 1 mark was reached on Monday and prices at the pumps have risen 4p a litre in a month, the AA said.

The poll of 15,000 drivers conducted last month found that 26 per cent are using their car less, 12 per cent have reduced spending elsewhere and 17 per cent are motoring and spending less. The main area for cutbacks was eating out, film, theatre and entertainment.

The poll showed high petrol prices were particularly hitting those in the skilled service and manual workers in the C2 socio-economic group..