Motorists' love affairs with their cars

Faithful motorists will not desert their vehicles – no matter how high petrol prices rise.

A survey found that fuel prices would have to top £1.83 before consumers would consider alternative forms of transport, and 55 per cent said that they would never stop using their own vehicle.

One in three respondents also said that they were not planning to seek environmentally-efficient models if they changed their cars within the next three years.

Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure, notes: "Nowadays cars are clearly seen as a necessity that people refuse to give up.

"For many people the absence of cheap public transport means that a car is essential in their lives and virtually any price will be paid for petrol."

Mr Pickard also offers fuel saving tips. He advises: "Driving steadily and carefully, with no excessive braking or speeding."

The cost of fuel is especially relevant to caravan owners, who burn more it pulling their mobile holiday homes and also take long trips on a regular basis.

Petrol price comparison sites, such as www.petrolprices.com , can help motorists find cheaper pump prices, wherever they travel in the UK.

05/11/2007 10:47:53