Abstract:

This paper describes how motorists in the United Kingdom reacted to a series of events following the Arabs-Israeli war of 1973. These events include petrol shortages, both threatened and actual, appeals to save fuel in the national interest, both voluntary and statutory speed restrictions, and a series of unprecedented increases in the price of petrol. By combining behavioural data from a diary panel with Public Opinion and depths research it has been possible to gain an understanding of motorists attitudes and reactions for predictive purposes. It is concluded, inter-alia, that the classical economic price elasticity would not apply to this situation, at least in the short runs. A tentative model relating information and experience to attitudes and behaviour is suggested.