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A new motoring rule change introduced earlier this year and backed by Keir Starmer could see road users charged more and even fined, according to new analysis. The Government introduced its fuel finder scheme back in February, with retailers now obliged to declare their petrol and diesel fuel costs and update prices in real time.

The new tool was seen as a massive win for drivers, with motorists able to check which pumps are cheaper in their local area to save on refuelling costs. The scheme was even backed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who encouraged motorists to use the system as fuel prices soared amid disruption in the Middle East.

However, breakdown experts at StartRescue have now warned that following the advice could backfire, with road users blindly driving to their cheapest fuel station at risk of actually spending more.

Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue explained: "Driving several miles out of your way or making a dedicated trip to fill up could mean paying more overall and possibly running out of fuel altogether, especially as more drivers run their cars to near empty due to high costs.

"We are all feeling the pinch of increased fuel prices. However, driving further to save a small amount could be expensive if your vehicle breaks down due to fuel starvation and you don't have breakdown cover which includes running out of fuel. We advise monitoring local fuel forecourts and, as you are passing by, to fill up with petrol or diesel when the fuel gauge shows roughly a quarter tank."

A previous study by Money Supermarket found that driving just two miles further for a 1p per litre saving is a waste of time. The benefit of saving 2p per litre at the pumps is cancelled out by the fuel burned in diverting journeys by more than four miles.

It doesn't end there, with road users also at risk of being fined if it emerges that road users knowingly continued to drive their car low on fuel.

The Highway Code states motorists must 'have sufficient fuel or charge for your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving'.

It means that running out of fuel on the motorway could result in motorists being slapped with a £100 fine and up to three penalty points on their driving licence for careless driving.