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Motorists need incentives to go green, not punishment

Wednesday, 30 Apr 2008 14:54
Tesco: Motorists need greater incentives to go green
Two million motorists claim to drive an environmentally friendly car.

However, 21 million would consider converting to a low-emission vehicle if the price was more competitive and the government offered incentives for doing so, new research by Tescocompare.com, the company's car insurance comparison site, reveals.

According to the site's Green Gauger index, eight per cent of the over 55s own a green car, compared to four per cent of under 34s.

The take up of green vehicles is highest in Wales and the south-west, where 12 per cent of the population has chosen an eco-friendly car. Londoners lag behind considerably, with only four per cent following suit.

Only a minority of British drivers claim to not worried about the environment, with six per cent ruling out purchasing a green car. For those who would do so, the triggers are all financial. 62 per cent would be persuaded if road tax was reduced, whereas only 20 per cent would be persuaded by the chancellor's Budget announcements on higher taxes for inefficient cars.

Paul Baxter of Tescocompare.com said: “The message that the British driver is sending to the government is empathetic – they are happy to embrace green driving but want to be rewarded for doing so. Penalising them for not being green is much less of an incentive."

"Whilst it is heartening that many have recently bought an environmentally friendly car – and many many more will consider purchasing a green car in the future, motorists can do their bit for the environment without changing cars.

"They can cut carbon emissions as well as their insurance costs by reducing annual mileage. In addition, regularly servicing their car, ensuring the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and limiting the amount of time spent idling, will increase fuel efficiency, saving them money and of course lowering carbon emissions."

"They could also consider a couple of specialist car insurers who offset the carbon from their policyholder's annual mileage."

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