Many Britons believe that altering their approach to driving will have a positive impact on the environment, a new study has revealed.
Conducted by the Department for Transport (DfT), the survey found that 60 per cent of people see reducing their car usage as important for helping to combat climate change.
Of those questioned by the government, 19 per cent said they strongly agreed that they would be willing to change their behaviour if it meant lessening their carbon footprints.
Just over half (55 per cent) agreed with the premise, while 16 per cent abstained from making a decision.
A minor percentage (less than five per cent) claimed that they believed there was little point in changing their driving habits, because the consequences of doing so were still uncertain.
In many instances, the Public Attitudes towards Climate Change and the Impact of Transport report found that people believe it is the job of industry to set an example, with the government called on to force them into making changes.
Interestingly, only six per cent of those polled believed they could have little or no influence on the future of the environment.
Ten per cent revealed that their local communities would be ineffectual in helping to combat climate change.
Results from the report showed some disparity in terms of which demographics would be most willing to embrace a change in lifestyle, if it meant saving the environment.
Those in the 45 to 54 age bracket, who earn more than £26,000 a year and have degree or equivalent level qualifications, were revealed to be most in support of altering their habits.
People over the age of 75, however, are the least likely to be willing to accept changes to the way they go about their day-to-day lives.
Europcar identified in recent weeks that people in the UK may still have some way to go when it comes to making alterations to the way they drive.
Catriona Lougher, marketing director for Europcar, said: "It seems that whilst the average householder is doing their bit by recycling, changing to low-voltage light bulbs and turning down the thermostat, when it comes to the car, keeping that green message front of mind is more of a challenge."
Of those questioned by the car hire firm, just 45 per cent said they had changed the way they drive to save the environment, compared to 54 per cent of their European counterparts.
"A lot of this comes down to the fact that the car is still a status symbol and whilst we are happy to find ways to cut motoring costs, the environmental benefits of easing off the pedal or using the car less are secondary for most UK motorists," said Ms Lougher.
Results from the DfT survey showed that those who travel by car the least frequently would be most accepting of having to alter the way they drive.
Only 18 per cent of those who drive every day agreed strongly that their habits should take the environment into account, compared to 29 per cent who drive more than twice a year.
Although Britons may gradually be coming round to the idea of altering their driving, it may be some time before it is widely accepted that this is needed to change the environment.
The DfT statistics suggest some headway is being made, but there is still a way to go before green driving is at the forefront of everyone's minds.
The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are
not those of the BGL Group