Most motorists are keener on saving the pound in their pocket than saving the planet, according to an RAC survey out today.

As many as 77% of drivers have changed their motoring habits due to the increased cost of fuel.

But only 6% have altered driving behaviour out of concern for the environment, the poll of 1,040 motorists found.

The survey also showed:

  • 22% of motorists have still not made any changes to the way they drive;
  • 21% admit to not knowing how to be a “greener” driver;
  • More than three in four would buy a more environmentally friendly car if tax incentives were better; :: 27% think petrol has no, or very little, impact on the environment, while 36% have the same view about diesel.

RAC motoring strategist Adrian Tink said: “It’s clear there is a willingness from motorists to be more eco-friendly, but times are tough and, despite fuel prices decreasing in recent weeks, looking after the family budget is still their first priority.

”Many motorists also don’t know how to be greener. It’s a complex issue that even the experts sometimes can’t agree on.

”For now, what motorists can be sure of, is if they concentrate on saving fuel, they’ll not only be saving their hard-earned money - they’ll be doing their bit by cutting emissions too.”

The RAC said it wanted to see:

  • Fuel efficiency calculators to be built in as standard on all new cars and ratings to be placed on MOT certificates and vehicle excise duty (VED) road tax discs;
  • Current plans to backdate the VED charges on vehicles registered post-March 2001 to be scrapped;
  • Increased parking provision at railway stations and further incentivising take-up of park and ride schemes, which show the car can be seen as part of the integrated package;
  • Courses to help drivers “to be green” and incentive payments to get drivers to scrap the most-polluting cars.