Men drive less to save money, but women will not slow down

Six in ten men would drive less in order to reduce their motoring costs, but less than half of women would be prepared to do the same, according to a poll of British drivers carried out by the Environmental Transport Association (ETA).

The same survey revealed that 45 per cent of men would drive more slowly to use less fuel, but only 37 per cent of women would curb their speed to save money in this way.

Greener driving

However, women are 23 per cent more likely to combine car journeys to reduce their overall mileage; so-called ‘travel blending’ of this kind is one of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental impact of driving.

The research has been published to coincide with Green Transport Week, which runs 13th -20th June 2010.

Director at the ETA, Andrew Davis, said: “Since women do fewer miles and are far more likely to keep to the speed limit than men, arguably they are the greener drivers, but everyone can enjoy financial and environmental benefits by occasionally leaving the car at home.”

Green driving: Regional comparisons

• Drivers in the North East were least inclined to drive less to cut their motoring costs (40 per cent), but the most likely to reduce their speed

• Drivers in the South were 46 per cent more likely than those in the North to cycle in order to save money

• Drivers in the West Midlands were most inclined (61 per cent) to drive less

• Drivers in the East Midlands were least inclined to reduce their speed to reduce their motoring costs (31 per cent)

• Drivers in the East of England showed the most enthusiasm for the idea of cycling more to reduce costs

For tips on green driving, as well as cycling and using public transport more regularly see Green Transport Week