Many people would consider switching to greener forms of transport if fuel prices were to continue rising significantly, a study reveals.

Motor insurer More Than found that pricey petrol has led to a third (11.5 million) of British motorists cutting back on road journeys over the past year, while continued price hikes would see one in three dumping their motor in favour of public transport.

A further one in six – or 16 per cent – would consider replacing their car with an eco-friendly and fuel efficient electric or hybrid vehicle, following in the footsteps of celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and London mayor Ken Livingstone.

Improvements in the quality of public transport and a reduction in its cost would also lead more than half of the poll's 1,526 respondents to leave their car at home.

Fuel prices have increased by 11 per cent over the last 12 months, peaking at 94.8p per litre in some places. The study found that some 42 per cent of motorists would change their driving habits if the price rose to 150p per litre.

More Than's head of car insurance, David Pitt, said: "Rising fuel prices are having a real impact on motorists' behaviour. Given the growing concern over global warming, it's encouraging that so many motorists are considering changing their driving habits."

"An increase in the use of public transport will help cut down congestion and improve overall road safety."


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