More share cars 'due to fuel costs'
Updated on 22 September 2008
High fuel costs are driving more motorists towards car sharing, it has been disclosed.
Almost half (47%) of drivers are now considering car sharing, with the cost of petrol the main reason for doing so, a survey by AA Insurance found.
Of the 11% of drivers who currently car share, 60% said their primary reason was to save money on petrol, with only 34% sharing in order to reduce emissions.
The most common reasons for sharing were social occasion trips such as going to the pub.
About a third of car-share journeys were to and from work, while sharing was also popular when long journeys were involved.
The biggest bar to car sharing appeared to be punctuality, with 72% of those polled saying that they would be put off car sharing if the person they were picking up was always late.
Other annoying habits which could dissuade people from car sharing were criticising the driving of a fellow sharer, putting feet on the dashboard or seats, loud telephone conversations and eating in the car.
AA president Edmund King said: "Car sharing is something that we really believe in. Not only is it a good way to reduce emissions and congestion on the road, but can also save on motoring costs.
"There is huge scope to become more of a car-sharing nation and our research suggests that we could see a big increase, especially if Government proposals for high-occupancy vehicle or car-sharing lanes on some busy commuter routes go ahead.
"However to make sure that car sharing is a safe and pleasant experience, drivers should check their insurance policy as well as be mindful of the social etiquette around sharing - especially if they do not know the other sharer very well."
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