Motoring experts have stressed reversing out of a bay before heading home will "use up more fuel" than the other way around. Reversing uses up more engine power which is better to do when the components are warmed up than from a cold start.

Reversing typically uses a higher gear ratio and higher RPMs compared to any of the forward gears. This will require more fuel to overcome the resistance and get the tyres moving in the right direction. Cold engines after they have just been started are generally less efficient and consume more and but this could be exacerbated when reversing.

A spokesperson for motoring specialists at said: "If you're heading out to a car park, take the time to reverse into the space instead of simply cruising in with front bay parking.

"That's because reversing out of a space will use up more fuel, and it's better to do this manoeuvre with a warm engine."

and regular stops which will leave the car idling.

Furthermore, the aerodynamics of reversing could also be an issue that road users are unaware of.

Most vehicles are designed to be travelling forward, so wind resistance , increasing drag and, in turn, fuel use.

Previous analysis has suggested that reversing to park when your engine is already warm could potentially reduce petrol use by a staggering 30%.

However, specialists have warned that the true number is likely a lot lower with road users only set to save "pennies" on their final bill.

said: "Reverse gear typically has the highest ratio among all gears, requiring more engine power-and consequently more fuel-to operate.

"By completing the reverse manoeuvre when your engine is already warm from your journey, you're ensuring the car operates at optimal efficiency rather than struggling when cold.

"But just how much could this peculiar parking protocol actually save the average motorist?

"Realistically, we're talking pennies rather than pounds on each journey. Even the most optimistic estimates suggest savings of perhaps 1-2% on overall fuel consumption, which for most drivers might amount to a few quid over an entire month of regular driving."