Motorists are making key changes to their driving habits in response to rising concerns over the environmental impact.

Over half of all drivers say they are now more aware of the impact that their driving has on the environment than they were a year ago

Half (50%) of all motorists surveyed by The Green Insurer claim they have cut down on their monthly mileage in the last year, with one in five (22%) saying they have “substantially” reduced this. Just 8% say their average monthly mileage has increased.

Other changes in the last year include driving more slowly on average to preserve fuel (24%); making more use of cruise control function on their vehicle to save fuel (12%); accepting lifts from other drivers or colleagues to use their car less (9%); using a speed limiter on their vehicle to save fuel (7%) and switching over to a hybrid car (6%).

Motorists are also becoming more selective about the types of journeys they make in their cars with 12% saying they are much less likely to drive into their nearest town or city rather than use public transport and 19% saying they are slightly less likely to use their car to make such a journey.

Over half (53%) of all drivers say they are now more aware of the impact that their driving has on the environment than they were a year ago.

Table of changes to driving habits cited by drivers over past 12 months

These changes are being propelled by concerns about the environment, which alongside the increased cost of living (76%), was cited as a major reason behind people adapting their behaviour. Three in five motorists (61%) state they had made changes to their driving habits in order to help the environment; 50% saw the change as part of a general switch to becoming more environmentally friendly and 48% wanted to reduce carbon emissions and pollution. Other reasons given included walking or cycling more to improve fitness (40%) and being pressured into being more environmentally friendly by their children (7%).

The research suggests that the adoption of new, more environmentally friendly practices by motorists are here to stay, as three in four people (76%) describe the changes in their driving habits as being long-lasting. Only 8% said any adjustments they had made in the last 12 months were temporary measures.

Paul Baxter, CEO, The Green Insurer, said: “In response to escalating concerns about environmental sustainability, people’s driving habits are undergoing a transformative shift.  These adjustments not only reflect a desire by people to reduce their individual environmental impact but also signify a broader cultural change as people look to prioritise eco-friendly practices into their lifestyle and purchasing choices.”

One in four drivers to switch to hybrid as their next vehicle purchase

Separate research reveals more than half of drivers (51%) will look to purchase a vehicle this year, of which one in four (28%) will opt for a hybrid.

Just under a third (31%) of drivers will choose a petrol vehicle, and one in 10 (11%) will pick a diesel, according to the study by Close Brothers Motor Finance.

Following the Government delaying the 2030 new petrol and diesel car ban to 2035, just 12% expect to buy an electric vehicle – slightly down from 14% last year. However, almost half (47%) say the delay will give them more time to purchase an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV).

The research found there’s plenty of confusion over which vehicle fuel type to buy, leading to 14% not being sure which to purchase. Two in five (42%) cite being more confused than ever before, and almost the same number (41%) say they’re concerned that they won’t make the right choice.

When it comes to the actual vehicle, one in five (20%) plans on buying a brand-new car, whilst almost the same number (18%) will opt for a used/second-hand car with six in ten (58%) drivers stating they believe there is a good choice of high-quality used cars on the market.

Lisa Watson, director of sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “There’s certainly a desire to switch to electric, but with the current economic climate and financial pressures faced by many UK households, it’s likely that costs are prohibiting more widespread EV adoption in the UK. Coupled with concerns about infrastructure many are opting for hybrid – a segway from leaping from fully petrol to fully electric.

“Although the UK recently hit a milestone of the one-millionth EV being registered, the statistics remain skewed by fleet sales, and demand is not where it needs to be if the 2035 ban is to be realistic. More will need to be done to encourage drivers to make the switch.

“And it’s not just drivers who remain cautious, currently just one in five (21%) dealers believe the ban will actually go ahead.”