Expense 'does not deter drivers'

Many drivers would rather pay more to drive than use public transport

Nearly half of motorists would stick to car travel even if petrol prices rose significantly, a survey suggests.

Some 47% of drivers surveyed by insurance firm esure would not consider using public transport instead, regardless of the expense of petrol.

But three-quarters of the 1,082 drivers polled said they were now worried more than ever about rising fuel costs.

The current average cost per litre of petrol stands at 114.7p, while diesel is 127.6p.

Most drivers said the price of petrol would have to reach 175p a litre before they considered altering driving habits.

Petrol is seen as a commodity that people are just not prepared to give up Mike Pickard esure

And some 17% of those surveyed revealed that they would be prepared to pay more than £2 a litre at the pumps in order to stay on the road.

Meanwhile, younger drivers revealed that the key price for a possible change of transport plans would be 165p a litre.

However, pump prices would have to rise to 181p for drivers aged 35-54 to switch to public transport.

Mike Pickard, of esure, said: "British motorists are used to the convenience of driving their own cars and are clearly prepared to pay the price, however high, in order to stay on the road and keep their freedom.

"Petrol is seen as a commodity that people are just not prepared to give up."