Can petrol price hikes fuel motorists to hang up car keys?

Despite ongoing concerns for the environment, almost a quarter of UK motorists (24 per cent) would never consider substituting their cars for public transport - no matter how costly fuel becomes, according to research.

Despite the fact that the average litre of petrol now costs £1.07, the research, commissioned by esure car insurance, reveals that nearly one in five (17 per cent) motorists polled would be willing to surpass a budget-busting £2 per litre of petrol rather than give up their cars.

However, when it comes to rising fuel costs, the research shows that not all motorists are in agreement. Whilst nearly two-fifths (39 per cent) of those polled said that future petrol price increases would not make them consider driving less, nearly one in three (30 per cent) believe that enough is enough, claiming that further rises would definitely have an affect on how much they use their cars.

One in 10 motorists questioned even go as far as to say that another three pence on the average litre of petrol (taking the price to £1.10), would make them ditch their cars for public transport.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure car insurance, said: "Whilst motorists have become accustomed to steadily rising petrol prices over the years, the increases are threatening to drive many people off the road as we feel the pinch of recession.

"esure reminds all motorists that there are many ways to save money on fuel by conserving as much petrol as possible. Small changes to the way you drive, such as avoiding sharp accelerating and braking, can help prevent your car from guzzling up the pounds, and reducing the amount of fuel your car consumes also has a positive impact on the environment."