Motorists already going green

As Alistair Darling announced a hike in taxes for high- emission cars in today's Budget, previously unreleased research from esure car insurance shows how UK drivers are steadily changing their attitude towards greener motoring.

According to esure's poll of over 1000 motorists, nearly half (42 per cent) said that they would buy an environmentally-friendly car when they next changed their vehicle. The research also revealed that one in ten (9 per cent) Brits were putting off buying a new car this year due to global
warming issues.

Now that the green light has been given to increase taxation on some types of car groups, motorists are even more likely to consider the monthly cost of running a vehicle as part of their purchasing decision - looking beyond the forecourt price tag. Of those surveyed, 71 per cent said that they
would take the time to research the overall cost of buying a new car - including a car's mpg, servicing intervals/costs and the annual road tax.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure car insurance, said: "As the Government continues to incentivise the nation to opt for clean, green vehicles and shun uneconomical 4x4s and gas guzzling cars by introducing a substantial 'showroom tax', attitudes amongst drivers are changing. British drivers appear to have seen the 'green' light and are shifting their car buying habits and aspirations to fit with the current, more eco-friendly society."