Petrol prices at UK pumps have reached their highest-ever levels.

a A litre of unleaded petrol now costs 85.6p.

The previous record was 85.3p in 2000, when drivers blockaded roads to protest at the soaring costs and Government plans to raise taxes on fuel.

RAC spokesman, Philip Hale, said: "This will be a psychological blow to motorists, who already pay over £1,000 a year to fill up the average car.

"The UK has the cheapest pre-tax fuel in the EU, but the highest pump prices. Some of the recent rises can be attributed to global oil prices, but 75 per cent of the pump price we pay is VAT and fuel duty. This hits hardest those who can least afford it. We need to see the freeze on fuel duty continue and, longer term, a complete review of the motoring taxation system."