School run parents still going solo

Parents may have high eco-standards in the home but are putting convenience before conscience when it comes to the school run, according to motor insurer, Zurich.

The new research reveals that despite good intentions in the home, when it comes to motoring, two thirds (68 per cent) of parents who drive their kids to school admit they never share lifts with other parents – with only one in 20 (five per cent) doing so on a regular basis. Yet the vast majority (91 per cent) of Britons think it’s important to be environmentally friendly, and nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of those who make efforts to be green feel a duty to do.

Over a third (34 per cent) of busy parents who don’t lift share on the school run say it’s quicker and easier to get their own children to and from school. One in five (21 per cent) claim sharing would cause them hassle, one in seven (14 per cent) say they haven’t got time, and four per cent say they simply can’t be bothered.

In the home, however, it appears that being environmentally savvy is important to a significant number of us. Most (82 per cent) of those questioned recycle household waste, over two thirds (69 per cent) use energy-saving light bulbs, and one in five (22 per cent) buy recycled paper, toilet paper or kitchen roll. Only just one in twenty (five per cent) drive an energy-efficient or hybrid car.

And it’s a similar story when it comes to the work commute – more than half (59 per cent) drive themselves to work, with nearly two thirds (64 per cent) never sharing lifts with colleagues. Just five per cent say they often car share.

Roy Seeds, Head of Motor Underwriting at Zurich Insurance, said, “The research shows that although people are making sterling efforts to help the environment in their own home, they need to start thinking about making that extra step when it comes to travel. Lift sharing on the school or work run makes sense; it saves petrol, reduces congestion and is more environmentally friendly, but it can also save you money. By keeping your own mileage levels down, you can save money on your insurance. The New Year provides a perfect opportunity to make car sharing your eco-friendly resolution.”