26th February 2010
British drivers are among the least environmentally friendly
motorists in Europe, according to research by AXA.
A consumer study by the insurance giants has revealed that the
British drive more frequently and cover more miles than many
European counterparts. On top of which they are more resistant to
'green' initiatives and are only really likely to make a change if
it hits their pockets.
- 84% of Brits drive every day compared with the European average
of 78%.
- 54% of motorists in Britain drive more than 10,000km a year
compared with 51% in the rest of Europe.
- Only 19% of Brits drive less than 5,000km a year compared with
an average of 23% elsewhere in Europe.
- 30% of Brits are totally against a reduction of the speed limit
to reduce CO2 emissions and pollution. In other European countries
the average is 25%.
- Only 16% of British motorists would be very favourable towards
a speed reduction to reduce emissions and pollution, against a
European average of 19%. 30% of Italian drivers are very favourable
towards the proposal.
- However, when it hits our pockets, Brits are the most likely to
drive less. 76% cite fuel increases as a reason for reducing
mileage, against a European average of 64%.
- But once fuel becomes more affordable the British are among
those most likely to slip back into old habits.
Tina Shortle, marketing director at AXA Insurance says: "It is
clear that environmental matters are less of a concern for British
drivers but is that because we don't care as much or because our
public transport system cannot always give us an equivalent
alternative? AXA is committed to reducing the effects of climate
change and establishing how we, as one of the world's largest
companies, can make a difference in the markets in which we
operate.
"We recently launched a new direct car insurance product and, as
you would expect, offer discounts for driving less. But we will be
looking carefully at how we might further incentivise British
motorists to reduce their CO2 emissions.
"Our study also looked at other features of driving behaviour
and interestingly, the 'green' results are stark contrast to the
other areas around safe driving and keeping within the law, where
British drivers largely outperformed other European nations."
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