With petrol costs at an all-time high and prices due to rise even further, Gloucestershire County Council is encouraging people to think about car sharing.

Across Gloucestershire, petrol prices were ranging from around 122.9p up to 131.9p per litre and another 3.5 pence has been added to the cost this week.

Fuel costs have never been so high in the UK and many people are already considering other forms of transport to get around.

Gloucestershire County Council runs a care share website www.carsharegloucestershire.com which is used by thousands of people across the county.

Carshare Gloucestershire is a free service which allows people to find others going their way, so that they can share the trip and save money at the same time.

Either taking turns with the driving, or giving someone a lift in exchange for a contribution to the fuel costs.

Sarah Avery, Gloucestershire County Council’s Transport Planner, said: “Petrol prices are over 14% up on this time last year.

“However, the typical commuter who car-shares every day saves around £800 a year, while those who manage to fill all their spare seats can save in excess of £2,000.

Cllr Stan Waddington, cabinet member for environment and transport, added: “Car-sharing can make a huge difference to your wallet, but there are still many drivers who are unaware of how easy it is to find people to share with.

“Carshare Gloucestershire is completely free to use, and it only takes five minutes to sign up and search for suitable matches - you could be sharing by tomorrow.”

To register for free, go to www.carsharegloucestershire.com or find out about public transport in Gloucestershire at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/travel