01 March 2010 / by Rachael Stiles
British drivers do not demonstrate environmentally friendly behaviour to the same extent as their European counterparts, according to research from AXA car insurance.
The study – conducted by AXA insurance across Europe – shows that Brits’ attitudes to being green are not as advanced as in other European countries, driving further and more frequently.
Furthermore, British drivers are more ‘resistant’ to green initiatives for environmental reasons unless they also offer a financial saving.
Of those who responded to the survey, 84 per cent of Brits said they drive every day, compared to the European average of 78 per cent.
The proportion of British motorists who drive more than 10,000km a year amount to 54 per cent, compared to 51 per cent for the rest of Europe, and 19 per cent of drivers in Britain drive less than 5,000km a year, whereas 23 per cent of other Europeans do so.
Displaying their resistance to green measures, 30 per cent of Brits are totally against a reduction in the speed limit to reduce pollution, and 16 per cent are in favour; in other European countries, 25 per cent are against it and 19 per cent are in favour.
Some European countries are much more favourable, such as the 30 per cent of Italians who would be in favour of reducing the speed limit to cut CO2 emissions.
When the issue is higher fuel prices rather than lower emissions, Brits are much more likely to cut down on their mileage, with 76 per cent saying they would cut down on driving for this reason, compared to a European average of 64 per cent.
Tina Shortle, marketing director at AXA Insurance, questions the motives behind British reluctance to reduce the amount they drive. “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?” she asked.
As part of AXA’s commitment to reducing the effects of climate change, Ms Shortle said: “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.”
© Fair Investment Company Ltd