Motorists from Reading could be among the most likely in the UK to claim on their car insurance due to vehicle crime, a new study suggests.
A survey by car insurance provider Virgin Money found the Berkshire town to be the least car-friendly place in the country, based on a number of criteria, including vehicle crime.
It also took into account factors such as the cost of petrol and parking charges.
Reading came bottom of the 65-town list, replacing last year's loser London.
Other towns to perform badly included Oxford, Cardiff, Nottingham and Slough, which filled places 64 to 61 respectively.
Top of the list for the second year running was the Merseyside town of St Helens, reports the Press Association.
Grant Bather of Virgin Money said: "The cost of petrol has risen by almost 20 per cent over the past year due to VAT and fuel duty increases.
"Combined with the constant issue of parking problems, speeding tickets and vehicle crime, UK drivers can be forgiven for feeling as though they need to steer clear of urban areas."
Meanwhile, according to a survey by motoring website honestjohn.co.uk, car insurance was identified as the most pressing matter on drivers' minds during the fourth quarter of last year.




