Nine in ten motorists in the UK would like to switch to a more environmentally-friendly car, according to research by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Four-fifths of drivers would also be tempted by a vehicle with superior fuel economy or lower carbon dioxide emissions, but many are unsure where and how to start looking, or believe there is inadequate incentive to do so.

A government grant would convince a third of people to invest in a greener car, though one in four respondents to the survey claimed that their environmental concerns were sufficient sway.

"Buyers may be full of good intentions, but when times are tough, they need support to move into greener motoring," commented SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan.

Last week, the European Commission approved the proposed Low Carbon Car Fund scheme, which offers grants and savings to drivers of vehicles with low emissions.

"We need [the fund] in operation quickly," Mr Macgowan insisted, adding: "Buyers need incentives to drive the market for cleaner cars."

The new Low Carbon Car Fund is set to offer drivers between £300 and £1,000 if their car emits less than 115 grams per kilogram of carbon dioxide.

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