Petrol chat is awkward

Nearly two-thirds of motorists feel awkward about asking passengers for petrol money in return for a lift, a survey has found.

A total of 63% of people feel this way – with men more likely than women to ask their passengers to stump up some cash – insurer Admiral found.

Sabine Williams, head of motor at Admiral, said: “Most of us have given or received a lift, so it’s interesting that we don’t seem to have an established set of social rules when it comes to offering or accepting petrol money.”