- 57% concerned about damage their motoring to environment
- 58% would consider buying an eco-friendly car
- More motorists now car sharing
- 40% say congestion charging would make them drive less
In a week where global warning is at the top of the agenda, there is some good news from an extensive new survey that reveals more people than ever are ready to take a greener approach to motoring.
According to Admiral’s Annual Motoring Survey, nearly three in five motorists are concerned about the damage their car does to the environment, and two in five are even influenced by the environmental impact when deciding what car they buy. The biggest shift of all is the number who say they would consider buying a hybrid or electric car. 58% said they would now consider this, compared with 40% in 2005.
Admiral questioned over 1,000 motorists on a wide range of topics as part of its annual survey, released in full later this month. Another result from the survey that points to UK motorists becoming greener is that a quarter of them now car share on their commute into work compared with 19% last year.
However only 54% of motorists have used public transport at some time over the last year, a similar figure to 2004 and 2005. Inconvenience and cost are cited as the two main reasons for not using public transport, but 26% of motorists who don’t use public transport had no particular reason for not doing so.
Motorists are ready to criticise other road users for their impact on the environment. Only a quarter believe people living in big towns and cities are justified in owning 4x4 vehicles and 70% think parents should be discouraged from driving their children to school.
Admiral managing director, Sue Longthorn, commenting on the results said: “We are all more aware than ever of the impact car emissions are having on the planet. The government is trying its hardest to get motorists to take some responsibility for reducing carbon emissions. They should take heart from some of our results.
“However two thirds of motorists still drive themselves into work every day. There will have to be a huge change in attitude to get motorists out of their cars and into trains and buses and that will not happen until public transport is perceived as reliable, convenient and value for money.”
Another sign that maybe motorists are not willing to spend more to tackle climate change is that only 26% think other UK towns and cities should introduce London-style congestion charging. Although 40% did say that congestion charging would make them use their car less often.
And more concerning still for the green lobby is that 87% think we pay too much for fuel and 15% think the number of miles they drive is likely to increase in 2008.
Issue date: 02-11-06
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